Hydrow Review [2023] – The Perfect Indoor Rower?

Meet the Hydrow, the rowing machine that took live streaming and on-demand workouts to a whole new level with its large, built-in HD touchscreen monitor.

While other companies like Peloton have adopted this concept for their spin cycles, treadmills, and home gyms, it was only a matter of time before someone applied it to rowing.

And with its sleek, hi-tech design and commercial-grade components, the Hydrow truly is the Peloton of rowing.

But before you break the bank for this impressive machine, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the hefty price tag.

Well, fear not, because I’m here to give you the lowdown on everything the Hydrow has to offer.

From its elegant design to its innovative technology, I’ll cover it all so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not the Hydrow is the right investment for you.

TLDR

The Hydrow is totally awesome.

If you can afford it, get it. (you can check the price here)

Hydrow Rower Review

Are you ready for the age of on-demand workouts? Say goodbye to crowded gyms and hello to boutique fitness experiences from the comfort of your own home.

And let’s face it, in the times of COVID-19, there’s nothing better than being able to get a great workout without leaving your house.

Now, we can’t talk about home fitness without mentioning Peloton – they truly revolutionized the game.

And it’s no surprise that other companies have followed suit, offering monthly subscriptions for streaming workouts. But not all streaming equipment is created equal. Some are more luxurious and high-end than others.

Enter Hydrow – the company that took the streaming process and applied it to a rowing machine.

And while others like Echelon and Peoton themselves are following in their footsteps, Hydrow remains the top choice for a luxurious and high-end streaming rower.

From top to bottom, the Hydrow is the epitome of elegance and innovation.

Get ready for a list of pros that will make you want to jump on the Hydrow bandwagon! Here are just a few of the many benefits this rowing machine has to offer:

PROS

• Interactive workouts from the comfort of your own home
• Heavy-duty, single-piece frame that can support up to 375 pounds
• Advanced, computer-controlled magnetic resistance system with adjustable drag for a personalized workout
• 22″ HD touchscreen monitor for an immersive experience
• Access to thousands of live and on-demand workouts, plus 1:1 personal coaching to help you reach your fitness goals
• Smooth gliding seat and rail system for a comfortable and efficient rowing motion
• Easily adjustable foot pedals to fit any shoe size
• Quick and easy assembly
• Good warranty to ensure peace of mind
• Plus, with every Hydrow purchase, donations are made to water.org to help bring clean water to those in need.

While the Hydrow rowing machine has a lot of amazing features, there are a few cons to keep in mind:

CONS

• The vertical storage kit is not included, which may be an additional expense if you have limited space.
• It’s no secret that the Hydrow is a higher-end machine, so it may not be the most budget-friendly option out there.
• To get the most out of it you really need to pay the monthly subscription so there is an ongoing cost.

What resistance does the Hydrow Rower use?

When it comes to rowing machines, there are typically four categories based on the type of resistance system they use: hydraulic, magnetic, air, or water.

While some magnetic rowers may be hybrids that combine magnetic and air systems, this classification is generally the simplest way to approach rowing machine resistance.

However, the Hydrow sets itself apart from the rest with its unique resistance system.

They refer to it as a “computer-controlled, electromagnetic resistance system,” which seems to aim for a water-like rowing experience but with electronic assistance.

While it may fall under the magnetic category, unlike traditional magnetic rowers that maintain a constant tension, the Hydrow’s resistance adjusts based on your rowing speed, making it easier or harder as needed.

For more information on the various resistance systems and their pros and cons, be sure to check out my best rowing machine guide.

Just like rowing on water or using an air rower, the Hydrow offers resistance that increases as you row faster.

This innovative rower combines the benefits of magnetic and air/water rowers to provide a silent workout that adjusts resistance based on your speed.

Unlike traditional magnetic rowers, you won’t need to adjust resistance levels during your workout as you can control the drag using the touchscreen.

Drag settings can be adjusted on a scale of 0-300, but a setting of 104 is recommended as a good starting point.

Interestingly, increasing the drag doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a better workout.

Rowing at a lower drag and higher speed can be more challenging.

The drag is essentially how heavy each stroke feels, but faster rowing speeds also increase resistance, while slower speeds reduce resistance, making it easier.

The computer-guided resistance system is unique and sophisticated, utilizing a magnetic system that operates quietly and smoothly, providing enough resistance to challenge even the most experienced rowers.

Hydrow Rower Frame

Considering frame integrity is essential when purchasing fitness equipment, as no one wants a product that feels cheap and flimsy. The primary concern is to ensure that the equipment is sturdy enough to hold our body weight securely without failing.

The Hydrow rowing machine has a sleek, contemporary design that gives an impression of elegance. Moreover, the frame appears to be thick and robust upon closer inspection.

The frame and rail are made up of a single piece, making the Hydrow a solid piece of equipment during use, though it does not fold.

The machine is constructed of high-end steel and aluminum and can accommodate users weighing up to 375 lb, which is considerably more than most home rowers with weight capacities of around 300 lb.

The Hydrow weighs 145 lb when fully assembled, giving it a strong and robust feel, ensuring no wobbling or shaking during use.

The seat is comfortable and contoured, and it slides smoothly over the rail’s ten-roller system.

The handles are contoured as well and attached to the flywheel via a high-end polyester strap, which is low-maintenance and silent.

While this frame does not fold, it can be stored vertically, but the storage kit must be purchased separately for $70. Considering the rower’s price, I believe the storage kit should be included with the purchase.

Overall, the frame of the Hydrow rowing machine is high-end and heavy-duty, indicating frame integrity and overall durability.

Hydrow Monitor

Are you tired of basic LCD screens on your rowing machine? Well, get ready for a game changer!

The Hydrow rowing machine comes with a massive 22″ HD touchscreen display that is sure to knock your socks off. Imagine having a ginormous iPad in front of you during your workouts – that’s exactly what it’s like.

And to make things even better, all selections and adjustments are made by touching the sweat and dust-resistant screen. How cool is that?

But the monitor isn’t just a pretty face. It also comes with built-in forward facing speakers to immerse you in the workout and give you a more interactive experience with the trainers.

And, it’s compatible with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connections for even more options.

Now, let’s talk about the trainers. These professionals make a living providing fun and motivating workouts that are sure to get your heart racing.

With a monthly subscription fee of $44/month, you’ll have access to thousands of live and on-demand workouts filmed on scenic waterways.

That’s right – you get to see and hear water during your workouts. It’s like rowing on a river with beautiful scenery and pretty sunsets, what’s not to like?

But wait, there’s more! Hydrow also offers one-on-one personal training sessions with a trainer.

This is a great way to work on your form and technique and become a more competent rower. Of course, this feature comes at an additional cost, but it’s worth it if you want to take your rowing to the next level.

Overall, the Hydrow rowing machine is a game changer in the fitness world. The advanced monitor, paired with the streaming service, offers endless workout possibilities for all fitness levels.

So, if you’re ready to upgrade your workout experience, Hydrow is definitely worth considering.

Assembly

Unpacking and setting up the Hydrow is a breeze, thanks to the designers’ thoughtful approach.

With most of the rower preassembled, you only need to attach the front legs, connect the monitor, and plug it in. This straightforward process should take you just a few minutes.

What impressed me is that Hydrow included a handy cardboard square cutout to prop up the rower while attaching the front feet, making it easier to bolt them on securely.

While assembling the Hydrow is easy, it’s still wise to have an extra pair of hands given its substantial weight. It’s great to see a company that pays attention to the little details to make our lives easier.

Warranty

The Hydrow provides an impressive warranty that goes as follows:

• Frame: 5 years
• Screen and electronics: 12 months
• Wear items: 12 months
• Labor: 12 months

I must say, I’m pleasantly surprised by the generous warranty that Hydrow offers with their rower.

While it may not be as long as some other types of fitness machines, a 5-year warranty on the frame is pretty good for a rower. In fact, it’s the same as what the popular Concept2 Model E offers.

The 12-month warranty on electronics and wear items, such as the handle, seat, and strap, is also quite decent, though I do recall that when the Hydrow first came out, it offered a 2-year warranty for these items.

As for the labor warranty, 12 months is the industry standard, and some companies don’t even offer any labor warranty at all.

Overall, the Hydrow provides a pretty solid warranty for its rowing machine.

Final Thoughts

Let me tell you, the Hydrow is more than just a nice rowing machine, it’s a masterpiece of design and functionality!

First off, the frame is a single piece of engineering marvel and can handle some serious weight. No wobbles or shakes here!

And the computer-controlled magnetic resistance system? It’s a game-changer. It combines the best of both air and magnetic rowers, giving you an unparalleled rowing experience.

Oh, and let’s talk about the monitor. It’s not just huge, it’s technologically advanced, with all the bells and whistles you could ever want. And guess what? This bad boy comes with a solid warranty, so you can row with peace of mind.

Now, the big question: Is the Hydrow awesome?

You bet! In fact, I’m blown away by how good it is.

But is it $2,000 awesome? Well, that’s a tough one, because it’s so subjective. Let’s look at some comps to get a better idea.

Comparing it to another high end piece of fitness equipment, the Peloton, with its 22″ HD display, I’d say the price is justified.

NordicTrack’s RW900 may be $500 cheaper, but it doesn’t quite match up to the high-end luxury of the Hydrow.

The Ergatta rowing machine is at a similar price point (it’s a bit different being a water rower with game-based software, but it’s still a worthy competitor.)

So I’d say the Hydrow’s price is right on the money for what you’re getting.

Yes, the Hydrow is a bit pricey, but it’s also the crème de la crème of rowers, the most technologically advanced in the market, and easily the best magnetic rower around.

So, if you’re looking for the ultimate rowing experience, then the Hydrow is worth every penny. Trust me, you won’t regret it. It’s highly recommended!