I’m disappointed with all the negative comments about the price of the Hydrow. Mine is on order and I seriously can’t wait to receive it. I purchased the Hydrow because I love all of the features and I was looking for a new workout experience. I worked out in a public gym for years but I now enjoy the experience of working out at home. A piece of equipment is worth it if you will use it.
I guess you could always return it if your disappointed in it. Other than the concept2(designed more raw for athletes) the Nordictrack rw900 has a 22 inch touch screen with all the interactive training modules etc as the hydro and you get it from a long known name brand company with all the bells and whistles if that's what you'd like.
I bought a hydrow 1 month ago and I have to say it’s an awesome rower. I have used concept rowers at my local CrossFit gym but the hydro is far superior as far as smoothness over all feel of each pull. I read people crying about the monthly subscription however if you have multiple family members using this Machine the price is not that big of a deal. Also the tracking of workout and states is nice. On the home screen it tells when the live workouts will take place so you can join and be apart of the experience. I find myself enjoying rowing now that I am not just staring at the time (concept), I find myself enjoying the view which helps with knocking out a long workout. Overall it’s a great machine and I look forward to get on it everyday. Just my 2 cents👍
Thanks for sharing, I've heard tons of good things from people who have bought them in the past year. I looked at the Ergatta but think looking at data would not be as engaging as instructors and nice scenery.
Am I the only person that just wants a rowing machine with a giant screen that lets you row in different places...by your damn self? A big immersive screen with the sound of the water, the nature, maybe music you can pump in yourself if you want. No need to subscribe, maybe just purchase the "areas" you want. I feel like I must be alone in this because it seems easy to build, but no one has.
Seriously. Built like a tank, even when thrashed seven days a week at the rowing club they last indefinitely. Add to that decades of experience of C2 dealing with the needs of actual rowers, and an installed base of many thousands.
@@stevieb.5836 I love the Dynamic, but otherwise the Model E with PM 5. The E was designed with larger rowers in mind - I'm 6'4" - sp if this is used by a woman or a less-tall man, one might consider the Model D.
Great design and very promising, looks similar to the matrix rower, also magnetic resistance. I personally prefer dynamic rowers (oartec dx and rp3) over any static ones, at the end of the day the best exercise machine is the one you will actually enjoy using.
WOW! That's a lot of cash. I just park my Concept 2 in front of my big screen and row along with Dark Horse or Training Tall. Concept 2 is the rowing standard. Hydro is going to reconsider it's price point.
Dark Hoarse and the other dude are conventional. If you want world class consider Olaf Tufte Mahe Drysdale, Eric Murry and Hamish Bond. Big name rowers
Thank you for this review! It looks like a great product and there are many people who would surely buy it, but 38$ per month on subscription on top of 2400$?! That's pushing it! A lot! Consider this: Let's get a full-on rental & subscription service for 50/60$. Two years in the company offers to take back the old machine and give you the opportunity of a new (rental) one with updated prices (if required). If you are not interested, keep it the current rental and price. This would mean that the machine would have to completely replace the gym subscription (at this price or a bit higher) and also, as a rental, it would never be yours. Eventually the company will have to take it back for re-use or recycle when you no longer want it, or you upgrade. Also consider multiple profiles as an add-on subscription cost, at say 10$/p.m. for extra person with personalised training profiles. In summary, it just seems to expensive to have both a high upfront cost and such a big subscription as well. Design the machines in a way you benefit from taking them back and make your money from the subscriptions.
As someone who has yet to row on the water, the reviewer makes rowing sound like a death sentence. After listening to her, why would anyone want to try since she mentions repeatedly how much she doesn't enjoy it? I actually have come to really like it and don't find it "boring" or "lonely" at all. I find it very meditative even if I'm doing it at my local gym, the rhythm of the movement is very pleasing and I find time melts away for me.
@@superduty4556 I am a Georgia Boy living in a state that pays people higher wages to meet the higher level of expenses that come with California. It would be the same as me moving to Georgia and saving $1500. Start thinking about yours or a relatives healthcare bills. This is cheaper. Also, most people have the ability to save over a year and get it. Also, if you don’t believe in delayed gratification, you can finance it. I think it is $60 a month. Even here in CA, it was a big spend, though. Growing up poor I value money, but I also value mine and my family’s health.
@@justinthomas2880 Excellent response. Health is wealth as they say and it's a big purchase so I think looking at it as a long-term investment is smart.
@@superduty4556 Like the other commenter said, you can save for it, or finance it. It's actually cheaper per month than a gym here so is actually a better investment. And it's a little more than a basic rower due to the functionality and classes. So, I think it serves the same audience who is spending 2-4k on Peloton equipment. Yeah, we could go outside and run for free but that doesn't work for everyone.
looks good. i have the peloton bike and a concept 2 rower and this peloton rower doesn't really catch my attention to buy, when i do long workouts on the rower i use a tripod with a large tablet, set it next to my concept2 screen and watch videos on it while rowing, during quick workouts i just listen to music...
@@eeDeron81 eve the bloke at 4:05 He should close the angle between his back and thighs at the catch He should change his grip He should relax his shoulders and arms He should lift make that circular motion with his hands at the catch as well
I'm a daily Waterrower user and owner. While this is interesting, the noise level may be too high for home use. The resistance must be magnetic based on the design. I've yet to use a magnetic rower with the smooth feel of actual water. Sell an off line version. Even a dedicated home rower such as myself will scoff at that monthly subscription fee. That price is a bit too high also for an unproven machine. Get it in line with the Waterrower and Concept2
If someone wants to spend a $100 or even $5000 for a machine who freakin cares. How can you say it's a waste of money? It's only a waste of money if you don't use it. There is no price tag on being healthy and staying in shape. The Hydrow and Pelotons offers guidance that some people need to stay active while others can do their workouts with spending the bare minimum. I currently do not own the machine
Concept 2 is the gold standard in rowing machines...it's perfect end of....Just need a laptop and speaker plus...... sensibly priced online racing service ( as rowpro is horribly out of date) that syncs summaries and analysis with the logbook, Strava etc, for less than £10 per month. This does not appear to solve that gap in the market. We'll see.
The Peleton-style high capex for the kit, AND high opex monthly payment plan can only limit the market. Long-term cyclists build their own system using existing computers, bikes and industry standard protocols (ANT+ / BTLE). See the success of Zwift and the range of bike trainers which are becoming mainstream. I'd be interested in a second hand Concept 2 and a sensor/ servo upgrade to create a multi-sport system, but not doubly high costs for 'convenience'. Zwift started on bikes, expanded to running treadmills - could rowing be next?
Too Funny. $2,400 for the machine, THEN a monthly membership....There are Plenty of FREE rowing workouts on UA-cam " DARK HORSE" for one, Concept2 has many as well.
Speaking from millions of meters (really) of indoor rowing experience: the screen is too close and price is too high for this design of rower. Moving up and back, due to the rowing motion, makes a close screen really annoying because your eyes are constantly refocusing. It's not bad if there is a big-screen TV on a wall across the room, but up close, yuck. For a built-in screen, it would work if the design of the erg was that the body stays stationary and the feet push away, like on a C2 Dyno or an RP3 ergometer. But this is built in the "old" style of ergometer where the rower is moving body weight and the feet are fixed, and it's just not a state of the art design for this price point. If you are going to have this design, might as well save your money, buy the Concept 2 model D, and watch a big screen TV from across the room. Plus, the Concept 2 Model D and the Waterrower ergs both tip up on their end to move and store easily and are almost impossible to break, which this new thing would not be.
Your body does not stay stationary on any of the Concept 2 machines, just like on this machine your feet are stationary and your body pushes away. I've been working out on the Concept 2 for over 6 years.
Vin Maniace check out the Concept 2 Dynamic. I have never used one, but it is an interesting design that is advertised to better simulate the dynamics of rowing a lightweight shell. The rower's body mass stays more or less stationary. You have to get on Concept 2's waiting list for one. They advertise it as geared toward rowers that want to improve their speed on the water (not as a fitness machine) as it requires a higher stroke rate and more focus on proper technique than a model D or E.
In a rowing shell the shoes are built in. The heels lift but have a limiting cord so your feet will slip out in the event of an unplanned 'water landing'.
The real boats have shoes like track or wrestling shoes (thin soles) with the forefoot bolted to a platform that adjusts for the rower's height or reach, called a foot stretcher. They are lace up or some have velcro straps like clip in bike shoes. The shoes don't come out of the boat, they are part of the boat. It's kind of grim, actually, because they are constantly wet.
No, it is very quiet. I’ve been very impressed with mine. I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to do early morning or late night workouts in my house, without waking up the family; my concerns were unfounded!
I HAVE A CONCEPT, AND I LOVE IT. I HAVE MINE IN FRONT OF MY TV, AND MY HEADPHONES BLUEI TO MY TV, AND I CAN WATCH WHATEVER I WANT WHILE GETTING A AWESOME WORKOUT. 2400 DOLLARS ILL PASS, CONCEPT ALL THE TIME PERIOD.👍
This is aimed at the really rich kids. I also can't stand being forced to listen to music or dogs barking. This is why many gyms including YMCAs are totally a bunch of selfish, obnoxious, inconsiderate bullies always playing some crappy music and never just peace silence. I go to experience a nice relaxing workout, not for some insane pop Musik Konzerts. Thanks 🙏
This review is disappointing from Engadget. The point is that no equipment (including a car) should have integrated infotainment: it's inefficient as your existing computer or tablet is better and it is built-in obsolescence.
I can't believe there are people in the world who can actually spend $2000 on this. absolutely nonsense , no wonder scammers succeed. my top price on this is $300-$400.
Pleeeeease do not follow this woman's form shown in the video. When you pull back, pull up toward your chest, just below your clavicle, elbows pointing straight back.
This video reminds me of a cheesy 80’s video you watched in class in grade school. And I don’t believe she was captain of her row team. Those pics looked more fake than the Olivia Jade pics.
22 inches isn’t that big. An iMac has a 27” screen. The screen looks pretty dated too. UI is slow and ugly. The whole idea of a live workout seemed redundant from the beginning to myself. Just go to the gym and have live people around you.
Trash ! Will not replicate the rowing action !! The arms need to stretch sideways when you bend forward and pull back in actual rowing - this one just don’t do it .
Terrible not worth the money plus there’s too much money. I just want to good work out I don’t want a smart row machine I had to connect to it so many different ways
I’m disappointed with all the negative comments about the price of the Hydrow. Mine is on order and I seriously can’t wait to receive it. I purchased the Hydrow because I love all of the features and I was looking for a new workout experience. I worked out in a public gym for years but I now enjoy the experience of working out at home. A piece of equipment is worth it if you will use it.
I guess you could always return it if your disappointed in it. Other than the concept2(designed more raw for athletes) the Nordictrack rw900 has a 22 inch touch screen with all the interactive training modules etc as the hydro and you get it from a long known name brand company with all the bells and whistles if that's what you'd like.
I bought a hydrow 1 month ago and I have to say it’s an awesome rower. I have used concept rowers at my local CrossFit gym but the hydro is far superior as far as smoothness over all feel of each pull. I read people crying about the monthly subscription however if you have multiple family members using this Machine the price is not that big of a deal. Also the tracking of workout and states is nice. On the home screen it tells when the live workouts will take place so you can join and be apart of the experience. I find myself enjoying rowing now that I am not just staring at the time (concept), I find myself enjoying the view which helps with knocking out a long workout. Overall it’s a great machine and I look forward to get on it everyday. Just my 2 cents👍
Did they pay you?
folake712 😂
Thanks for sharing, I've heard tons of good things from people who have bought them in the past year. I looked at the Ergatta but think looking at data would not be as engaging as instructors and nice scenery.
@@folake712 Ha, they must have paid all the people in their Facebook group and IG too who are loving it.
I'll stick to concept2, please and thank you.
Horrible font in the user interface
Am I the only person that just wants a rowing machine with a giant screen that lets you row in different places...by your damn self? A big immersive screen with the sound of the water, the nature, maybe music you can pump in yourself if you want. No need to subscribe, maybe just purchase the "areas" you want. I feel like I must be alone in this because it seems easy to build, but no one has.
This is exactly what I want also!
Concept2, nuff said. Best $1k you'll ever spend.
Thomas Martinez I see a couple options/models for Concept2 rowers. Would you suggest one model over another? Thanks!
Seriously. Built like a tank, even when thrashed seven days a week at the rowing club they last indefinitely. Add to that decades of experience of C2 dealing with the needs of actual rowers, and an installed base of many thousands.
@@stevieb.5836 I love the Dynamic, but otherwise the Model E with PM 5. The E was designed with larger rowers in mind - I'm 6'4" - sp if this is used by a woman or a less-tall man, one might consider the Model D.
sure if you want to start a rock concert everytime
great if you want to annoy everyone in your apartment
Great design and very promising, looks similar to the matrix rower, also magnetic resistance. I personally prefer dynamic rowers (oartec dx and rp3) over any static ones, at the end of the day the best exercise machine is the one you will actually enjoy using.
2400 PLUS 40/mo. These people are crazy
$456 a year! That's jus insane!!!!....
Try watching TV for ten minutes when you are moving forward and backwards, that will drive you crazy.
WOW! That's a lot of cash. I just park my Concept 2 in front of my big screen and row along with Dark Horse or Training Tall. Concept 2 is the rowing standard. Hydro is going to reconsider it's price point.
Yeah just buy a concept 2 for 940
Dark Hoarse and the other dude are conventional. If you want world class consider Olaf Tufte Mahe Drysdale, Eric Murry and Hamish Bond. Big name rowers
With all due respect to the reviewer, this thing is MUCH quieter than most rowers, especially those with chains & fans!
Thank you for this review!
It looks like a great product and there are many people who would surely buy it, but 38$ per month on subscription on top of 2400$?! That's pushing it! A lot!
Consider this: Let's get a full-on rental & subscription service for 50/60$. Two years in the company offers to take back the old machine and give you the opportunity of a new (rental) one with updated prices (if required). If you are not interested, keep it the current rental and price.
This would mean that the machine would have to completely replace the gym subscription (at this price or a bit higher) and also, as a rental, it would never be yours. Eventually the company will have to take it back for re-use or recycle when you no longer want it, or you upgrade. Also consider multiple profiles as an add-on subscription cost, at say 10$/p.m. for extra person with personalised training profiles.
In summary, it just seems to expensive to have both a high upfront cost and such a big subscription as well. Design the machines in a way you benefit from taking them back and make your money from the subscriptions.
At that price point it would be nice to hear the real sound of water for a more engaging experience.
I love my water rower way cheaper and sound way better.
I like my Water Rower, but I missed the sound the Concept 2 makes so I dumped a few dozen empty beer cans on the floor between the rails. 😁
Can you tell me what kind you have?
As someone who has yet to row on the water, the reviewer makes rowing sound like a death sentence. After listening to her, why would anyone want to try since she mentions repeatedly how much she doesn't enjoy it? I actually have come to really like it and don't find it "boring" or "lonely" at all. I find it very meditative even if I'm doing it at my local gym, the rhythm of the movement is very pleasing and I find time melts away for me.
I’m on day 4 of my Hydrow; any questions?
I will start by saying that it is very quiet & could easily be used in an apartment.
What do you do for a living to have $2,500 to spend on a rowing machine?
@@superduty4556 I am a Georgia Boy living in a state that pays people higher wages to meet the higher level of expenses that come with California. It would be the same as me moving to Georgia and saving $1500. Start thinking about yours or a relatives healthcare bills. This is cheaper. Also, most people have the ability to save over a year and get it. Also, if you don’t believe in delayed gratification, you can finance it. I think it is $60 a month. Even here in CA, it was a big spend, though. Growing up poor I value money, but I also value mine and my family’s health.
@@justinthomas2880 Excellent response. Health is wealth as they say and it's a big purchase so I think looking at it as a long-term investment is smart.
@@superduty4556 Like the other commenter said, you can save for it, or finance it. It's actually cheaper per month than a gym here so is actually a better investment. And it's a little more than a basic rower due to the functionality and classes. So, I think it serves the same audience who is spending 2-4k on Peloton equipment. Yeah, we could go outside and run for free but that doesn't work for everyone.
But can you play Hulu or Netflix on it?
looks good. i have the peloton bike and a concept 2 rower and this peloton rower doesn't really catch my attention to buy, when i do long workouts on the rower i use a tripod with a large tablet, set it next to my concept2 screen and watch videos on it while rowing, during quick workouts i just listen to music...
i love how the people rowing on the machine in the video don't even know the proper technique
If you do your research, they are pro and college rowing athletes
@@eeDeron81 lol, must be dog colleges, their technique s are dread
@@eeDeron81 eve the bloke at 4:05
He should close the angle between his back and thighs at the catch
He should change his grip
He should relax his shoulders and arms
He should lift make that circular motion with his hands at the catch as well
maybe you're talking about the reviewer, but athletes Dani Hansen and Christine Cavallo are from US national team.
@@eeDeron81 doesn't that say it all😤🤣
How often does it need to be serviced?
Is maintenance difficult,or expensive?
Can I maintain this erg on my own?
This was a good video.
Thanks.
It looks like a machine for people with more money than motivation.
Oliver Allen bullshit.
My concept 2 will last far longer than the software support for the hydrow.
I think it’s good for beginners who have never rowed and who like class based exercise programmes at the gym.
I'm a daily Waterrower user and owner. While this is interesting, the noise level may be too high for home use. The resistance must be magnetic based on the design. I've yet to use a magnetic rower with the smooth feel of actual water. Sell an off line version. Even a dedicated home rower such as myself will scoff at that monthly subscription fee. That price is a bit too high also for an unproven machine. Get it in line with the Waterrower and Concept2
If someone wants to spend a $100 or even $5000 for a machine who freakin cares. How can you say it's a waste of money? It's only a waste of money if you don't use it. There is no price tag on being healthy and staying in shape. The Hydrow and Pelotons offers guidance that some people need to stay active while others can do their workouts with spending the bare minimum. I currently do not own the machine
I love it but I’ll wait for price or sale. The subscription is too pricey tho.
So? Have they fixed the things you didn't like? I'm curious about this machine, but feel it is not quite the Peloton experience yet.
Concept 2 is the gold standard in rowing machines...it's perfect end of....Just need a laptop and speaker plus...... sensibly priced online racing service ( as rowpro is horribly out of date) that syncs summaries and analysis with the logbook, Strava etc, for less than £10 per month. This does not appear to solve that gap in the market. We'll see.
How would you use laptop with it
Form gets a 3/10
The Peleton-style high capex for the kit, AND high opex monthly payment plan can only limit the market. Long-term cyclists build their own system using existing computers, bikes and industry standard protocols (ANT+ / BTLE). See the success of Zwift and the range of bike trainers which are becoming mainstream. I'd be interested in a second hand Concept 2 and a sensor/ servo upgrade to create a multi-sport system, but not doubly high costs for 'convenience'. Zwift started on bikes, expanded to running treadmills - could rowing be next?
I don’t think you know what capex and opex actually mean. Lol
what about Water Rower. Looks much better. ok, minus the tech
Is there a subscription like Peloton?
Does she work for peloton?
its missing a galley mode (perhaps ask MGM if they can use the old Ben-Hur scenes?)
I only need one mode: ramming speed!
2.5K and a subscription? Oh hell no. Water Rower works fine for me.
I need to be able to have my own ot some good music I think I'll wait on pelotons row machine to come out
Too Funny. $2,400 for the machine, THEN a monthly membership....There are Plenty of FREE rowing workouts on UA-cam " DARK HORSE" for one, Concept2 has many as well.
there are 2 rowing machine brands. Concept 2 and "other." this is other.
I would think the videos would be better if your POV was inline in a 4 or 8 man shell.
Is rowing better than running?
What about how to store it
Speaking from millions of meters (really) of indoor rowing experience: the screen is too close and price is too high for this design of rower. Moving up and back, due to the rowing motion, makes a close screen really annoying because your eyes are constantly refocusing. It's not bad if there is a big-screen TV on a wall across the room, but up close, yuck. For a built-in screen, it would work if the design of the erg was that the body stays stationary and the feet push away, like on a C2 Dyno or an RP3 ergometer. But this is built in the "old" style of ergometer where the rower is moving body weight and the feet are fixed, and it's just not a state of the art design for this price point. If you are going to have this design, might as well save your money, buy the Concept 2 model D, and watch a big screen TV from across the room. Plus, the Concept 2 Model D and the Waterrower ergs both tip up on their end to move and store easily and are almost impossible to break, which this new thing would not be.
Your body does not stay stationary on any of the Concept 2 machines, just like on this machine your feet are stationary and your body pushes away. I've been working out on the Concept 2 for over 6 years.
Vin Maniace check out the Concept 2 Dynamic. I have never used one, but it is an interesting design that is advertised to better simulate the dynamics of rowing a lightweight shell. The rower's body mass stays more or less stationary. You have to get on Concept 2's waiting list for one. They advertise it as geared toward rowers that want to improve their speed on the water (not as a fitness machine) as it requires a higher stroke rate and more focus on proper technique than a model D or E.
Excellent review for a first look. Very thorough and detailed.
In rowing, do rowers typically clip their feet into the pedals like on a bicycle? I've always had an issue with the cheap straps holding my feet in.
In a rowing shell the shoes are built in. The heels lift but have a limiting cord so your feet will slip out in the event of an unplanned 'water landing'.
The real boats have shoes like track or wrestling shoes (thin soles) with the forefoot bolted to a platform that adjusts for the rower's height or reach, called a foot stretcher. They are lace up or some have velcro straps like clip in bike shoes. The shoes don't come out of the boat, they are part of the boat. It's kind of grim, actually, because they are constantly wet.
RP3 and C2 RowErg way better. RP3 is just a couple hundred more - and it's used by row teams. No worry on needing a subscription either.
Considering how easy it seems to hack smart device, i'm thinking a lot of people will be putting tape over that camera.
Someone should make a Concept2 to USB-C portal with an app and you have everything this thing has but 4 times cheaper and can use your own iPad
It’s the Juicero of rowing machines!
Concept 2 the best
That sounded louder and much more annoying than the sound the Concept 2 makes.
No, it is very quiet. I’ve been very impressed with mine. I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to do early morning or late night workouts in my house, without waking up the family; my concerns were unfounded!
Great Share. Thank you.
I want this.
Close to the price of the high end nordic
I HAVE A CONCEPT, AND I LOVE IT. I HAVE MINE IN FRONT OF MY TV, AND MY HEADPHONES BLUEI TO MY TV, AND I CAN WATCH WHATEVER I WANT WHILE GETTING A AWESOME WORKOUT. 2400 DOLLARS ILL PASS, CONCEPT ALL THE TIME PERIOD.👍
That wasn't a fun fact, just a fact.
For this much money just go buy an RP3 or Concept2. Real athletes looking for real performance use those.
And I guess the rest of us will get this.
This is aimed at the really rich kids. I also can't stand being forced to listen to music or dogs barking. This is why many gyms including YMCAs are totally a bunch of selfish, obnoxious, inconsiderate bullies always playing some crappy music and never just peace silence. I go to experience a nice relaxing workout, not for some insane pop Musik Konzerts. Thanks 🙏
This review is disappointing from Engadget. The point is that no equipment (including a car) should have integrated infotainment: it's inefficient as your existing computer or tablet is better and it is built-in obsolescence.
No.
Too expensive, I would rather have a membership at a high end gym like Equinox
That's if they are even still open now. I did not renew back in May due to COVID and have enjoyed saving my money.
Nice one.
If is android I don’t think the camera can be private..
only ppl cannot justify the cost will spend on this.
Subscription based home workout equipment is stupid af.
I can't believe there are people in the world who can actually spend $2000 on this. absolutely nonsense , no wonder scammers succeed. my top price on this is $300-$400.
Pleeeeease do not follow this woman's form shown in the video. When you pull back, pull up toward your chest, just below your clavicle, elbows pointing straight back.
UCT rowing club at it again
$2400 + $40 per month..??? Hhhhmmmm,,,
This video reminds me of a cheesy 80’s video you watched in class in grade school. And I don’t believe she was captain of her row team. Those pics looked more fake than the Olivia Jade pics.
22 inches isn’t that big. An iMac has a 27” screen. The screen looks pretty dated too. UI is slow and ugly. The whole idea of a live workout seemed redundant from the beginning to myself. Just go to the gym and have live people around you.
And then COVID, and now everything has a 2-4 month wait because people want to do live workouts at home.
Howard Stern brought me here to see hot girls
VR
Trash ! Will not replicate the rowing action !! The arms need to stretch sideways when you bend forward and pull back in actual rowing - this one just don’t do it .
👍
Terrible not worth the money plus there’s too much money. I just want to good work out I don’t want a smart row machine I had to connect to it so many different ways