Hydrow Rower Review After I Used It For A Month

In case you’re anything like me, cardio is the hardest a part of figuring out. Getting motivated to go for a run or hop on a motorcycle for a half hour at all times felt like a chore reasonably than an enjoyable a part of the day. That modified once I got my rower. Today, I’m going to be covering the Hydrow Rower Pro model.

Hydrow was founded in 2017 by former US National rowing team coach Bruce Smith who desired to take the entire body workout and feeling of camaraderie you get on a rowing team into people’s homes. We’ll get into the community aspect a little bit later within the review.

Quick Verdict: Hydrow Pro Rower Review

The Hydrow Rower Pro has turned me right into a rowing enthusiast. With unbelievable construct quality, tons of features, and an affordable price tag, I don’t have any problem recommending this rower to anyone who wants a premium rowing experience. My only apprehension can be the monthly subscription fee to unlock Hydrow’s full potential, but should you’re serious about your fitness, it’s absolutely value it.

For a full review, keep reading below.

Hydrow Pro Design & Construct Quality

When my Hydrow was delivered and set-up (at an extra cost that I’d pay again in a heartbeat, and should you’re putting yours somewhere not on the bottom floor I’d suggest you do the identical), the very first thing I commented to my wife was, The word “sleek” has been thrown around by just about everyone that has seen it, and it truly is the right descriptor.

Construct Quality & Materials

The rower is made out of a mixture of an aluminum and steel frame with a flat anthracite polymer body . I actually have three small kids which have whacked it with toys, and I still haven’t seen any dings or scratches.

The heavy-duty frame is matched by a respective weight. At 145 lbs, this rower is solid .

Being a bigger guy (6’6” 315 lbs), I had some worries about how this rower would perform with someone of my stature on it. I’ve been on rowers before that I couldn’t fully extend on and have been on rowers that wobbled like crazy your entire time. Neither thing was an issue for me on the Pro. The claim on their site that this rower can handle as much as 375 lbs and a 36” inseam definitely looks like the actual deal.

Seat Comfort

The seat itself is comfortable, and even on longer rows (45 mins+), I wasn’t affected by the dreaded “numb bum.” The handle has a pleasant ergonomic bend to it, with a reasonably comfortable grip. I do have a minor qualm with the handle though (which most individuals probably won’t have). At 19” long, it’s a little bit narrower than my shoulders, so I do wish the handle was a little bit wider, but like I said, that’s not an issue for many.

Footprint

In relation to size, when in use this rower isn’t wide, but it surely definitely is looooooong. With it’s dimensions sitting at 86”L x 25”W x 47”H, you’re going to want amount of floor space to make use of this thing comfortably. That’s not a knock on it, but just know going into it, it has size footprint.

Some excellent news is that this rower will be stored upright if it’s good to claim back a few of your floor space. Hydrow sells an upright storage kit for $80 that will be used for the Pro (the Hydrow Wave Rower isn’t compatible and there may be a separate kit for that one). When stored upright, the Pro only takes up 33″L x 25”W x 86”H, which for people who live in an apartment or have a smaller space that they’re keeping their rower in will want to seriously consider.

Construct Breakdown:

• Materials: Steel, aluminum & anthracite polymer body
• Dimensions: 86″L x 25″W x 47″H
• Stored dimensions25″W x 33″D x 86″H. (Upright Storage Kit sold individually) 
• Weight:145 lbs; 197 lbs boxed
• Weight limit:Holds as much as 375 lbs (170 kg)
• Height limit: Matches as much as a 36” inseam

Hydrow Pro Features & Specifications

Screen & Technology

The Hydrow Pro comes with a 22” 1080p touchscreen, which may pivot and fold down for upright storage. Through the touchscreen you may sync your wireless heart rate monitor, in addition to connect your Strava or Apple Health app to maintain track of your progress. The Pro comes equipped with two speakers which have a fairly healthy output (the sound quality was nice, but not going to be putting Bose out of business anytime soon), but should you consider yourself an audiophile, or simply must limit noise, you may as well connect your favorite pair of Bluetooth headphones.

As for the screen itself, it’s not probably the most responsive interface, but it surely wasn’t enough to hamper the experience in any meaningful way.

Noise Levels & Resistance

Now, for the way loud the actual rowing is…not very. I actually have my rower set-up in my basement and it’s barely audible from the highest of the basement stairs. While it’s not completely silent, the magnetic resistance used, reasonably than air or water, provides for a much quieter experience. I can get a workout in while my wife watches a show 10 feet away, without having to crank the amount up on the TV.

When it comes the resistance levels (or drag), the Hydrow Pro has a spread from 50-300, with the default setting at 104, which they claim accurately simulates rowing on water. I did crank up the drag to 300 as a test, and while it increased the issue, the pull still felt smooth.

Workout Content & Subscription

The Hydrow Pro has a ton of accessible rowing workouts and off-machine workouts, but only should you subscribe to their $44/month membership. Listen, I’m not saying that isn’t a considerable amount of month to pay every month, but with the quantity of content that you just get, your rower can just about develop into your private home gym (in fact, depending on your fitness goals). I’ll get into what you truly have access to in the following section.

In case you select to not opt-in for the subscription, don’t worry; you may still get rows in, but they only won’t be interactive, like being connected to the Hydrow community.

Features Breakdown:

• 22” 1080p touchscreen (can pivot & fold)
• Touchscreen can sync to wireless heart rate monitor
• Two speakers with quality sound
• Quiet, smooth magnetic resistance
• Resistance range 50-300
• Tons of interactive content for $44/month with Hydrow community

Interactive and Connected Workouts

Set Up

This is completely where the Hydrow shines. Getting began figuring out on this machine was extremely easy. Once I accomplished the initial sign-in, the machine performed an automatic update (I used Wi-Fi, but there may be also the choice to plug an ethernet cable directly in), which is an ideal sign that Hydrow is maintaining to this point on their product. After creating my username and adding which information I wanted visible, it was time to select a workout.

Workouts

For people completely recent to the rowing game there are a couple of videos to provide help to get began to make sure that you have got the correct form so you may get probably the most out of your machine. For those which can be experienced rowers, you may select from hundreds of workouts. While that might sound daunting, you may narrow down the workouts by sorting by workout type, length, location, workout style, trainer, and even the music that’s played within the videos. While it didn’t sway my decision on how I felt about this rower, it was very cool to give you the option to do a workout that takes place in my home state, and even cooler to leap around to European locales.

Live Rowing Classes

If pre-recorded is not your thing, in addition they offer live classes. You’ll have to envision out the “Live” page to get a schedule, and although you may’t interact with anyone, there may be a live board that shows your rating in comparison with everyone else participating. While it doesn’t affect your workout in any way, those of us with a competitive side will find it’s an ideal strategy to push yourself a little bit harder. There’s just something satisfying about seeing your rating begin to climb. I should note that this “leaderboard”, for lack of a greater term, is on-screen for pre-recorded workouts as well.

So there are enough rowing classes to maintain you busy for some time, but what about other workouts? The Hydrow has that covered too. They provide off-rower workouts in the shape of yoga, pilates, strength training, stretching, and more. The screen pivots to either side by about 25º, which to be honest, I do wish it had a little bit more play, but I used to be still capable of use it and not using a problem.

Hydrow Pro Performance & User Experience

So it has all these features available, but how does it actually perform? Well, in my view, unbelievable. I’ll openly let you know I actually have never rowed crew, or been out on a rowing skiff. The last dual oar vessel I used to be on was a rowboat at summer camp once I was 12. BUT, I actually have used rowing machines in any respect the gyms I’ve been a member of, and there’s absolutely no competition.

The seat glide is like butter, in keeping with their website is on account of the 10-roller system. Whatever it’s, they nailed it. The row itself is natural feeling, the extent of drag I had it set on didn’t affect the smoothness of the motion in any respect. Another rowers that I’ve tried have felt a little bit jerky or uneven once I began upping the resistance, but I’m glad to say that wasn’t the case here. I had a friend come try it out, and he couldn’t imagine how much it blew his out of the water (pun intended).

As an even bigger guy, I desired to put this machine through it’s paces, and even during my all out intervals, the machine stayed rock solid, and I didn’t should worry about any rocking while going balls-to-the-wall.

As I discussed earlier, since this uses magnetic resistance, it’s very quiet. It’s not silent, but you’re not going to be disturbing most individuals by getting a workout in.

Once more touching on the seat and handle, the seat may be very comfortable even on longer rows, and the handle is well designed. There’s some give on the handle grip, which provides for a pleasant hand feel and I never had a problem with slippage, even when my hands were as sweaty as the remaining of me.

The footrest has clearly labeled numbers so there’s no guesswork if you have got multiple users with different foot sizes. The straps aren’t anything fancy, but they got the job done and kept my feet secure.

Hydrow Pro Customer Reviews & Feedback

In case you do a basic seek for Hydrow reviews, you’ll see that customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Nearly all of the negative reviews that I saw were mainly complaints in regards to the price or the subscription fee. Listed below are couple customer reviews found on Trustpilot.

Hydrow Pro Pricing & Availability

The Hydrow Pro Rower is obtainable for $2,195. It might probably even be financed (payment amounts will depend upon payment plan chosen and credit rating). This isn’t a bargain bin rower, but the standard justifies the value.

Shipping is FREE, and you have got 30 days to check out the rower to make sure that you need to keep it. The one thing that wouldn’t be refundable is should you opted to have someone perform an in-house assembly.

Once ordered, the Pro will ship inside 3-5 days and also you’ll get a call from a delivery company establishing a delivery time.

Final Verdict

In case you love rowing, the Hydrow Pro is not going to disappoint. In case you love figuring out, this rower is not going to disappoint. If you have got a competitive spirit, this rower is not going to disappoint. In case you are trying to find a no-impact cardio option, this rower is not going to disappoint.

I’m absolutely loving my Hydrow Pro and it has develop into a part of my almost day by day ritual. The range of workouts mixed with the apparent care and quality put into the machine’s design make figuring out something to stay up for reasonably than dread.

In case you’re on a decent budget, this won’t be the rower for you, but should you can afford it, I can without hesitation recommend picking this rower up ASAP!