BUYING A ROWING MACHINE? (I Compare the Benefits of All 4 Types)

Want to invest in your own rower? Learn about the four different types of rowing machines. Then I'll tell you how to pick the one that’s right for you and your goals.

VIDEO CHAPTERS:
00:00 INTRO
01:23 ROWER TYPE 1
04:22 ROWER TYPE 2
10:32 ROWER TYPE 3
14:21 ROWER TYPE 4
19:32 GROUP QUESTION

BUYING A ROWING MACHINE?

MY ROWING GEAR

ROWING ACCESSORIES

STRENGTH EQUIPMENT

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GREAT BOOKS TO UNDERSTAND ROWING

#darkhorserowing #shanefarmer #rowingworkout #rowingmachine #concept2

[DarkHorseRowing]

What resistance pros and cons were/are important to you when determining a rowing machine to buy?

[sayhear]

Bought a hydraulic rower way back in college and fell in love with the rowing workout. When I got a job, I upgraded to a magnetic rower but never got the motivation to use it consistently.... until I stumbled on Dark Horse Rowing. During this pandemic, thanks to you Shane and your follow along workouts, I got reacquainted with indoor rowing and made a bet with myself- if I could row 50, 000 strokes, I would upgrade my erg to a water rower. I hit that goal in June 2021. In July, I bought a water rower and fell in love with indoor rowing even more! Thank you Shane!

[Markus-nqrc]

Water Rower with SmartRow pulley for accurate measurement of force, stroke length and strokes per minute. low noise was the key factor.

[ScottLRoyal]

What I really like (other than my Model C) is that you just left space for all of us to find the best rower for each of us. That's really cool. Having never rowed on water I love watching the Olympic rowers do their thing. The 2012 Olympics in London where the two British ladies won was inspiring. Thanks for continuing to develop as a coach for all of us.

[MisterJeffy]

I took up rowing 12 years ago at age 61. Access to boats and water were easy in Seattle, but it involved lots of land practice on ergs too. Mostly we used Concept 2 (C2) ergs which are the standard issue in most boathouses. They provide basic feedback on the built-in monitor for training.

We also used a few Row Perfects (RP3) at the boathouse . The RP3 uses a dynamic slide, that means your seat and feet both slide independently replicating that part of rowing on water. Concept 2 also makes a dynamic erg. Dynamic ergs are also said to be easier on your back. For more detailed, easier to read rowing feedback than the C2 monitor provides, RP3 has an app that can be downloaded to a smart pad and attached to the machine. I use an RP3 at home now.

[diegovvv]

I use a water rowing machine as a complement exercise after work out. Indeed, it produces a relaxing sense.

[chicken]

I have both a water rower and an air rower. My favorite is the air rower for the consistency as well as the electronics. The water rower is very therapeutic and I enjoy that a couple days of the week.

[ETsJohnIRL]

Honestly, as with many pursuits, it's probably better to focus less on the machine, and more on yourself. That's why your channel is so valuable. The techniques we use can apply to any piece of hardware.

[bigbuckeyes]

I do have a water rower (lit method's rower) which does actually have 4 different resistance settings. Flipping a switch causes water to drain in or away from the chamber that has the wheel, and the difference is noticeable.

[MrDomestosWC]

Water rower for me. I bought it tested ago when it was less popular and didn't cost arm and leg because of covid. It was still pretty expensive compared to other equipment though. The relaxing effect is gold. It makes you want to use it. And on the plus side I can prop it by the wall and instead of havong a big bulky piece of equipment I get complements from visitors who say it looks beautiful. If I was a competitive rower then the c2 is the way to go, but for others who can afford any water rower - go for it.

[mystvandle]

Great video! Your analysis confirmed my choice of rower. I bought a water rower because I wanted a meditative experience while listening to the sloshing of the water with ever stroke. Its also aesthetically pleasing to look at in my gym and it was a space saver, since it leans against the wall. The most important factor was noise. I can row and not wake anyone up.

[jonwolaver]

I bought a Merax water rower. I then researched the company and was negatively impressed. Fortunately I only paid $20.00 for the machine (lovely blue tank). I'm 80 yo and have shoulder and knee issues. I figure that as i adapt to this machine i will be able to asses the rowing protocall to my physical issues. Hopefully I will adapt and will be able to purchase the C2 rower because of its universality, available parts and supportive culture. I will be looking for a used rower, late model and good condition. I enjoy your videos

[thinkjon]

Fan of your channel! New to rowing, love your instruction.

One consideration you didn't mention, which was needed in my case, storage or movability. Price, of course, but I went with manual magnetic due to neighbors (living a condominium). I also needed easy moveability for the equipment (store upright behind door of a room).

As a beginner, my decision was based on
1. price
2. sound
3. maintenance
4. easy moveabilty

[SoriahsASMRTingleWonderland]

I just purchased a water rower and will be opening the package today. The reason for my choice of a water rower vs others is because of all the pros that you mentioned. I am excited to set it up and start using it. Thank you for your great videos. They help tremendously

[billmoloney]

Just bought a C2. The stroke FEELS perfect and the computer captures so many metrics and posts to Strava, Garmin and the C2 Logbook which I find tobe a great plus for tracking my progress. Also there is such a wide community that uses this machine that it has its own users forum and lastly it's it's easily portable and I can break it down and put it in my car and do a workout in the park or at any other location. Hope that helps

[charlielac]

I’ve had a concept 2 before I sold it with no regrets to a guy who paid $900 all quarters. What I didn’t like is the metallic chain sound, dust build up on the fan and the steel rails and the large size and weight. I also tried the Teeter rower which is a gimmick and returned it in a week. I now have a 121 dollar hydraulic rower by Sunny Fitness and couldn’t be happier with the dual handles and small form factor. Only thing is the hydraulic gets hot after 300 strokes and the occasional squeaks which you need to spray wd40.

[samihammer]

I still haven't decided what to get. Very tempted by the Hydrow, but put off by how closed their ecosystem is. I've been starting to lean toward a Concept2 despite the noise, but hearing in your video about having to clean out the dust is SUPER useful! I live in a very dusty area, probably aggravated by how much I like to keep my windows open. Still considering the Concept2, but keeping it clean enough might end up being a nightmare for me.

[richardjennings]

I went with my concept 2 rower because of both previous experience at a gym I used to train at and the reliability of that machine. I love rowing workouts and even use it as a warm-up on strength training days.

Amazing video. I own several rowers and the most important aspect: one does not fit everyone. For home use I prefer my vertical mounted water tank rower from FDF for the amazing water feeling, but also love the German Augletics Eight for its most advanced concept and the AI-based integrated trainer that comes without any subscription.

[barbaramccoy]

I’m not super rich but the Hydrow was my option. It runs great and has software uploads. I love the programs to keep me motivated.