At the gym, I always made a beeline for the magnetic resistance machine.
I’m a die-hard believer that there’s no better fat-burning, strength-training workout than a heavy rowing session.
Of course, that was before I was introduced to a water rower.
Using the resistance created by paddles in the water, water rowers are super extensible machines that mimic the sensation of actual rowing.
Below, I’m going to touch on one of the most customer-loved, widely recognized water rowers on the market: the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W water rower.
So, is it a worthwhile machine? Just what does it offer over other similarly-priced water rowers?
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Water Rower
Providing the smoothest resistance possible, water rowers operate in stark contrast to traditional air or magnetic-based resistance rowing machines.
Water rowers feature a large water tank propped at the front of the machine perpendicular to the long slide rail.
As the rower moves, paddles suspended inside the tank of water are pinned by the pull-up external rowing bar.
When the paddles spin, they create resistance – or drag – that requires more force by the user.
Just like regular rowing, the resistance grows the faster the pace gets. This makes water rowers ideal for professional athletes that want to mimic the sensation of rowing out on the water.
In contrast with traditional machines, the amount of resistance is virtually infinite and only determined by how fast you move.
This is why water rowing is often dubbed “resistance variable” rowing.
Users can even adjust the water level in the tank, which will change how each stroke feels.
The tank’s water level will simulate the weight of the boat and rider, which means a high water level provides a ‘heavier’ strength-training stroke.
Essential Questions to Ask
Before you buy a water rower, make sure to factor in these key considerations:
- Can I fit a water rower in my home?
- What budget am I willing to set aside for a new water rower?
- Am I looking for resistance-based strength-training that adjusts as I move or a more static resistance experience?
- What software features can I not live without?
All in all, the quality of the water rower scales proportionally to how much you’re willing to spend.
Water rowers can be either really good or surprisingly bad. Make sure to reference customer reviews before making a purchase decision.
The XTERRA Fitness ERG650W Water Rower
Reader, look no further than the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W water rower.
Built with fifteen engaging, pre-customized workouts, the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W is meant for athletes that want to squeeze the most benefit out of their exercise.
The rower provides a full-body workout that engages all key muscle groups in less time than comparable machines.
Accelerate your fitness progress through six water-based resistance levels, a multi-impeller water tank for a realistic feel, and the solid steel dual-aluminum covered slide rails.
Unlike other rowers, the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W utilizes the power of water to mimic the feel of rowing out on the river while proving a low impact workout.
A comfortable rowing handle is double-padded for sweat-wicking comfort, while the ergonomically molded seat provides buttocks support.
Moreover, the seat is raised to 15″ high, which makes it comfortable for those varying physical ability to mount and unmount in a flash.
The rower is complete with a built-in heart rate receiver, spacious 5.5″ LCD monitor, and convenient smart device holder.
The console measures metrics related to total time, 500M time, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories, pulse, drag force, and watts.
Pros
- Large LCD display shows all the metrics you could ever ask for
- Impellers activate motion through water that creates realistic feel and relaxing water sound
- Includes programmable modes for optimizing your workout
Cons
- Does make some noise as the water tank sloshes on movement
- Heart rate chest strap is sold separately
- Console requires two non-included AA batteries to function
Features and Benefits of the XTERRA Fitness ERG650 Water Rower
Below, I’ve touched on a few of the most important benefits of the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W Water Rower.
Great Hardware
Perhaps the biggest benefit of the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W is that it features robust, durable hardware.
The XTERRA Fitness ERG650W is designed with an advanced, multi-bladed impeller that enhances resistance through a highly realistic rowing sensation.
The easy-fill water tank offers up to six levels of user-determined resistance, making it suitable for anyone at any point in their fitness journey.
The smooth rowing motion is provided via the solid steel-based frame, which is fitted with a dual aluminum slide rail that minimizes workout noise and vibration.
Users can even fold up the frame when not in use in order to reduce the machine’s space requirements.
Workout Customizability
In addition to its sturdy design, the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W Water Rower comes with programmable modes that optimize your workout for unique sessions every time.
The different modes include one quick start, five standard moves, four target goal modes, three work/rest modes, four custom modes, one repeat, and one race.
All workout stats are displayed on a large 5.5″ LCD monitor that can be adjusted by angle for different riders.
The monitor displays information related to 500M time, strokes per minute, distance, calories, pulse, drag force, and watts.
Moreover, the console is conveniently designed to hold your smart devices for watching entertainment while you burn calories.
Ergonomic Design
The XTERRA Fitness ERG650W Water Rower is super comfortable, featuring an ergonomic, oversized seat that can accommodate users up to 350 pounds.
Even the rowing handle is padded for providing the extra bit of comfort that keeps you going longer.
The flex pedals adjust easily through large straps that ensure the most secure fit possible, regardless of your shoe size.
Moreover, the 15″ slightly raised seat places you farther away from the ground. It’s very easy to get onto this rower no matter what pre-existing physical conditions you have.
45-Degree Water Tank
Of course, no discussion of the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W Water Rower would be complete without touching on its unique water tank.
The 45-degree water tank offers a more authentic rowing experience in line with how it fills to be rowing out in the open.
Users can adjust the tilt of the water tank in order to change the resistance level. A slight angle generates an increased resistance, offering a killer workout for any rider.
What Do Buyers Think?
I made sure to pour over all the reviews I could find concerning the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W Water Rower.
Review #1
“I set up this rower a few weeks ago and it was very easy to assemble and put to good use immediately. The machine is rock-solid and the seat glides very smoothly – the ball bearing rollers in the seat are spot on.” one customer stated. “The only thing that this rower lacks is Bluetooth connectivity to a health app.”
Review #2
“I bought this directly from the manufacturer and I love it! It’s sturdy, well-built, and it comes with excellent customer service and an incredible warranty,” another claimed.
Review #3
“I’m 60 years old, overweight, and out of shape. I can customize the workout to my available time. Changing the cadence is the only variation I need for a relaxing warm-up or brisk cardio workout,” another reviewed stated. “The machine is fun to use, quiet enough to listen to the radio, music, or conversation. It’s easy to maneuver and doesn’t take up much space.”
Overall, most buyers are happy with their purchase of the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W water rower. Customers claim the company is very responsive to issues and offers a generous warranty.
Popular Alternatives to the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W Water Rower
WaterRower A1
It may not be a budget buy, but the WaterRower A1 is durable for anyone that wants the best out of their workout.
Made from American ash wood sourced from sustainable forests, the black powder-coated machine performs very seamlessly at any intensity level.
The WaterRower A1 features 17″ upgraded handle and weighs a mere 61 pounds, making it easy to store or stash in the corner of a room when not being used.
The LCD screen is somewhat simple, showing only the distance and time of the workout. For users that prefer a feature-free, no-fuss workout.
It’s easy to quickstart your workout by simply pressing one side-panel button.
Unlike the ERG650W, the WaterRower A1 doesn’t come with any heart rate monitor, PC interface, zone workout, interval training, or sufficiently advanced functions.
Pros
- Made from durable, unstained ash wood sourced sustainably
- Aluminum monorail design performs nearly noiselessly
- Great for those that prefer limited technical interfaces on their workout machines
Cons
- Comes with no advanced functions for closely monitoring workout metrics
Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine
Built with natural oak wood, the Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine is just as much a piece of decor as it is a full-fledged water rower.
Built like a real ship, the Rudolf mimics the feeling of rowing out on the river as closely as possible.
The rower features a customizable Bluetooth monitor with four set-up modes, including manual, internal, custom, and target.
Users can easily manage their workout time and accomplish their goals without too much fuss.
Moreover, users appreciate that the Mr. Rudolf Water Rowing Machine is very comfortable to use. The machine features an ergonomic seat, active recoil system, and height-adjustable footplates with straps.
Interestingly, the machine is constructed with solid oak wood dual rails, which performs very smoothly and quietly in noise-conscious environments.
At just 58.5 pounds, the machine is easy to transport and store when not in use.
The 82 x 22 x 20 machine carries a maximum user weight of 320 pounds.
Pros
- Made from natural-looking oak wood
- Allows for Bluetooth pairing
- Very ergonomic and allows for long workouts without discomfort
Cons
- Foot plates are somewhat small length-wise, may not work well for users with big feet
Koreyosh Water Rowing Machine
Featuring an intuitive LCD monitor, the Koreyosh Water Rowing Machine tracks your count per minute, time, total count, calories, distance, and scan to help you best monitor workout progress.
With adjustable resistance, users can select how challenging they want their workout to be.
Moreover, the Koreyosh Water Rowing Machine features transport wheels, making it easy to store, lift, and stow away.
The ergonomic design features a U-shaped seat and large foot pedals that make the machine easy to use for long periods of time.
At roughly 84 x 22 x 22 (LxWxH), the machine accommodates users up to 330 pounds in size.
The rower is mostly constructed from wood, yet features a smooth aluminum glide rail for virtually noiseless use.
Pros
- Half the price of competitor products
- Monitors your workout and allows for variable resistance settings
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Difficult to assemble upon delivery
Final Thoughts
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more feature-rich yet affordable machine than the XTERRA Fitness ERG650W water rower.
Packed with preprogrammed workouts and an all-steel design, the machine is just as durable as it is packed with interesting software.
The XTERRA Fitness ERG650W makes it easy to achieve a calorie-burning, cardio, and strength-training session all in one workout – in as little time as possible!
