Our Verdict
The WaterRower and Concept2 aren't really competitors — they serve different priorities. The WaterRower wins on noise level, aesthetics and feel. The Concept2 wins on performance data. Both deliver excellent fitness results. Choose based on your priorities.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Water resistance is the most natural rowing feel available — self-regulates with effort
- Significantly quieter than air resistance — suitable for shared living
- Handcrafted ash wood is genuinely beautiful — furniture quality
- Stores vertically in 56cm x 56cm footprint
- Self-regulating resistance — no settings to adjust
✗ Cons
- Performance data less precise than Concept2 PM5 monitor
- Handcrafted wood requires periodic maintenance
- Higher price than Concept2 for equivalent fitness benefit
Key Specifications
| Resistance | Water |
|---|---|
| Construction | Handcrafted ash wood |
| Footprint | 208 x 57cm |
| Stored | 56 x 56cm vertical |
| Weight Limit | 272kg |
| Warranty | 5yr frame, 3yr parts |
Performance
The WaterRower and Concept2 aren't really competitors — they serve different priorities. The WaterRower wins on noise level, aesthetics and feel. The Concept2 wins on performance data. Both deliver excellent fitness results. Choose based on your priorities. Headline specifications include resistance of Water, construction of Handcrafted ash wood and footprint of 208 x 57cm. Water resistance is the most natural rowing feel available — self-regulates with effort A 4.7★ rating across 4,800 Amazon reviews reflects consistently high customer satisfaction.
Build Quality & Design
WaterRower pitches the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine as the value leader, and the build quality supports that positioning without obvious shortcuts. Handcrafted ash wood is genuinely beautiful — furniture quality. Stores vertically in 56cm x 56cm footprint. The warranty terms reflect the brand's confidence in long-term reliability.
Value for Money
The luxury price point is justified by what's delivered. The key trade-off: Performance data less precise than Concept2 PM5 monitor. Best suited to: Those prioritising noise level, aesthetics and natural feel — apartments, open-plan living rooms, or anyone who wants gym equipment that doubles as furniture. Those with different priorities should check the alternatives section below.
Final Verdict
The WaterRower and Concept2 aren't really competitors — they serve different priorities. The WaterRower wins on noise level, aesthetics and feel. The Concept2 wins on performance data. Both deliver excellent fitness results. Choose based on your priorities.
FAQ
Is the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine worth the money?
The WaterRower and Concept2 aren't really competitors — they serve different priorities. The WaterRower wins on noise level, aesthetics and feel. The Concept2 wins on performance data. Both deliver excellent fitness results. Choose based on your priorities. Those prioritising noise level, aesthetics and natural feel — apartments, open-plan living rooms, or anyone who wants gym equipment that doubles as furniture.
Who should NOT buy the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine?
Performance-focused athletes who need standardised metrics — Concept2 PM5 data is the gold standard.
Is the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
