Is Ergatta Worth the Money?!

I give a first look at the new Ergatta machine and take a look at whether or not it's the right machine for you.

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[HackWeight]

In case anyone is watching this in the future, Ergatta now does a 1k calibration row instead of 2k. Especially for beginners, 2k was a long distance.

[MakingaStink]

Lol!!! Seeing your opening after the 2k was hilarious. I pulled the trigger on an Ergatta after only rowing along with your videos for the past several months on a machine that gave me no information (only stroke count). I was still feeling cocky about my improved skills, but wanted to die out of the 2k calibration which was my first ever 2k. 8.06... a lot of work to do! After having it for about a month here are my thoughts:

The junk pinching with the feet placement is a thing, however what is also a thing is if you have severely knocked knees it might be physically impossible to get a correct drive with your feet so close together. The higher foot placement can also make the catch harder if you have a prominent gut. I don’t have either, but I still favor placing my feet as low as possible, but also getting the Big Kahuna memory foam seat pad (reviewed by you in a past video) this way it lifts you, which in addition to dropping your feet makes the catch feel more natural.

I personally love the interface and the amount of data you have and the ability to see how much you improve. I like how it holds you accountable for meeting targets; if you don’t have a coach you can slack and go through motions without pushing yourself.

I considered the Hydrow, but it weights almost twice as much and lifting it and moving it is a real pain. I live in nyc so space is limited. I need little noise (goodbye concept2) and the ability to move this easily, which is a breeze with this machine.

I would like to see a force curve like the Concept2 has

I’m curious if the stats this gives is any better than the interface waterrower offers. I’ve heard concept and waterrower aren’t compatible, is that the interface, or is it machine? I don’t know. Love to see a video comparing stats on both machines.

It is worth mentioning that if you already have a waterrower you can get the Ergatta interface add-on for $550. This could mean you can get a waterrower interface if you ever decide to scrap Ergatta and it’s plan. This also brings me to my next point: you can row without the power source and interface. Sure you won’t have stats, but machines like the Hydrow is literally a 200 pound brick that needs power because of the computer assisted magnetic resistance. In addition the hydrow is brand spanking new technology through and through so who knows how it will last, or be around, waterrower is time tested.

Looking forward to seeing Dark Horse in the rankings!

-Chris

[squealer]

My first impression is that they nailed it with the name.
Beautiful wood boat, opening day, competition, cameras ready, erg.

[david.leikam]

I love my Water Rower Club but haven’t dipped into the Ergatta. I’m an artist, musician, and audio engineer so the Water Rower sound level is great for my ears too. 🚣‍♀️

[TubepointO]

The 'leg space comfort' is absolute deal breaker. Also, no mention of the 29/mo membership charge...I really hate this fitness business model for personal equipment. Especially when you still have to buy the machine. It IS a beautiful machine butl I'd happily buy a C2 limited edition wood look with quiet fan technology with parking assist or whatever. For now, C2 is still king of beauty in simplicity. I think there's a toilet flush app you can download for the woosh sound of your dreams. Speaking of apps, it would be awesome to have an app that can do all those gamey things just connected to pm5. If there's a good one I'm all ears. Tablet and mount are easy...Shane can build and mass market a pretty wood one with the limited edition...talk about a "romance"...Fun review though.

[DNHarris]

6:25 This is the biggest thing I do not like about Waterrow and affiliates. It surprises me that they don't have some add on kit that allows people to move the foot outward

[beardpapa]

I really don’t understand why this wouldn’t work as an app on an iPad with the C2. I would pay for that.

[navarrodavid]

I was considering buying one since I cannot bring a lovely but noisy as hell Concept2 into my apartment, but all the PROs you mentioned are basically aesthetics, the "UX side of things", the sound, the screen. The things that matter though... feelings, feet position, etc... felt like you weren't convinced at all. I was looking forward to watching your review since I saw another one by TrainingTall, and was kinda making me feel in love with the idea of buying one but, not sure anymore :D

[dr.s]

Looks nice, never rowed on a water machine, so can't comment on that. For double the price, I'm still THRILLED with my Concept2!

[sergnotsurge]

I would get this in a heartbeat if it was not built on a water rower. I rented one for a while and had to send it back for many of the reasons you pointed out on the structure of how it is built. I have very thick thighs and there were plenty of times that I found myself in a lot of pain. The foot position was also a huge issue for me. The seat wheels started splitting. I am just 250 pounds so it is not like I am putting the machine through a lot of stress in the grand scheme

[FiveMusic]

I’d love to see something like this built to Bluetooth to the C2 PM5 instead of having to go to machine other than the Concept 2. It seems there’d be a big market for a really developed approach that tied into ErgData and the things we already use, know, and trust. Even with all the bells and whistles, it feels like a step down going away from the world pro standard to something trendy. If someone could integrate the experience while not losing official, verified times and comparisons worldwide, they’d be on to something.

[truthhahn]

A 2k for initial calibration is a good way to make sure that right to return is used a lot :D

[David-]

Is there anything available for Concept2 owners to get the experience that the Ergatta app provides?

[morrowred]

Have tried both water rower and C2. The foot placement of the water rower are too close for comfort. 15-20mins on it is ok, probably 30mins max. The foot placement on the C2 is more comfortable for longer rowers.

[n.h]

I think most fitness equipment these days is starting to integrate the social aspect of it. Not only it makes the workout faster and more fun, but also it's nice to be able to see data visually engaging way. I own concept 2 and I wish they are trying to improve their ergData app to be a lot more than just stat. What I like about this machine not necessary for the machine, but the integration of the software. What you can do and see while you are rowing. It gave you different options from learning skill workouts to interval to race. I still prefer Concept 2, but I do wish Concept 2 starts thinking of revamping their ErgData app to make it up-to-date like most the fitness machine these days.

[thefulchman]

I had a chance to go to a local shop today where the guy had a Waterrower Club model out on the floor assembling it. I actually helped him assemble it and then I was able to test it, and I was totally underwhelmed by the foot strap system. First, the plastic sliders that adjust for your foot length are nearly impossible to get into the right spot. This is why Waterrower sells a $75 foot pad upgrade, which should just be included with every rower by default. The other thing that was an issue is that the straps are not independent for each foot. It's actually just one strap that goes around both feet, and I found it to be terribly annoying. I think this Ergatta machine is beautiful and I LOVE the gaming aspect of their software, which is what got me to start considering a rower to begin with, but I think the foot straps will kill it as an option for me.

[canningsimon]

If this helps people get into a positive exercise habit then all good. Though I can't help but wonder how many of these will end up in a dark corner gathering dust. The issue with rowing (for many who "workout ") is that it is a tough workout, physically, mentally and technically; nowhere to hide. Equipment like this is designed to draw in the buyer with an "immersive " experience, lots of graphics, design aesthetics and the promise of success. Then one has to put the effort in. The more stripped back the training experience, the more likely people will adhere to a program.

[rolo]

I would split this review in two items.

1) The software and graphic user interface, which seem to be superior with Ergdatta, starting with the monitor. Personally I use my iPad paired to a C2, and maybe App developers could take a look at this display and produce similar options, but clearly this interface beats C2 there.

2) The machine itself as a rower/erg. You don’t sound quite convinced that this is superior to C2. Truth be said, I thought you were very polite in saying, “well, nice looking, but not as good a machine.” So a nice piece to have in your elegant home gym, while you actually row on your C2 in the garage :-)

I know there are some Apps out there, but I don’t think I’ve seen anything as cool as the visuals Shane demoed. Maybe App Developer community is watching?

Thanks for the review.

[caseyhartman]

OrangeTheory has WaterRower M1s with the foot spacing issue too. If I were to buy a WaterRower, I would get the A1 and then the Ergatta upgrade. It's too bad Ergatta doesn't make a monorail option.

[purujitnegi]

I feel the rowing motion should be enough to power a monitor or atleast charge a battery that runs it as an alternative