VerdictAI
#2 in Best Water Rowing Machines

WaterRower Rowing Machine with S4 BLE Monitor | USA Made Water Rower | Original Handcrafted Erg Row Machine for Home Use & Gym

WaterRower

Best for

Best WaterRower (wooden frame)

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.5(181)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreGreat
86/ 100

Based on 1 trusted source

Current price

$1,298.00

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Updated May 17, 2026 · 1 min read

WaterRower Rowing Machine with S4 BLE Monitor | USA Made Water Rower | Original Handcrafted Erg Row Machine for Home Use & Gym

Sources behind this verdict

10 reviewers weighted by source trust

Methodology →

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, the WaterRower Natural is the entry point into the handcrafted WaterRower line and the model garagegymreviews.com calls 'an excellent rower' for its water-based resistance that 'closely simulates' on-water rowing. barbend.com describes it as a mid-range solid-oak model that gives buyers 'all the benefits of many of the best rowing machines without being an eyesore.' It is, in essence, the Club without the elevated seat rail. r/Rowing commenters describe the WaterRower line as 'better looking, quieter' than comparable air rowers and a machine that 'gives plenty of resistance to give a good workout.' r/waterrower users consistently emphasize the 'soothing sound' of the water tank and the 'very solid construction' of the original-series frame.

What reviewers liked

  • High-trust endorsement from garagegymreviews.com and barbend.com as a mid-range standout
  • r/Rowing and r/waterrower praise the 'soothing' water-tank sound and natural stroke feel
  • Handcrafted solid hardwood frame with documented parts availability
  • S4 BLE monitor pairs with phone apps for basic data tracking

Where it falls short

  • Low seat height is harder for taller or older users to get on and off, per r/orangetheory commenters
  • S4 monitor described as basic on r/waterrower compared to Concept2 PM5
  • Single-rail seat noise flagged in r/waterrower threads
  • Footplate spacing called out as narrow for wider users in r/waterrower

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, the WaterRower Natural is the entry point into the handcrafted WaterRower line and the model garagegymreviews.com calls 'an excellent rower' for its water-based resistance that 'closely simulates' on-water rowing. barbend.com describes it as a mid-range solid-oak model that gives buyers 'all the benefits of many of the best rowing machines without being an eyesore.' It is, in essence, the Club without the elevated seat rail.

r/Rowing commenters describe the WaterRower line as 'better looking, quieter' than comparable air rowers and a machine that 'gives plenty of resistance to give a good workout.' r/waterrower users consistently emphasize the 'soothing sound' of the water tank and the 'very solid construction' of the original-series frame. The S4 monitor that ships with this Natural is the same one criticized as basic across r/waterrower threads.

Where reviewers disagree: at $1,298 it's only $100 below the Club, and r/orangetheory commenters debate whether the Club's higher seat is worth the upcharge for taller users. Reviewers also flag that the seat sits low to the ground, which some buyers in r/waterrower call out as harder on the knees when getting up.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
Highlight 1
The Original Rower Machine - Handcrafted and Built to Last: Designed in the mid '80s by Yale and US National Team Rower John Duke. WaterRower continues to combine stylish design, handcrafted workmanship, our unique WaterFlywheel resistance and ethically sourced materials create the world's finest rowing simulator
Highlight 2
Made in the USA - Hand-built in Rhode Island; all timber used in the manufacture of wooden WaterRower rowing machines is sourced from sustainably managed hardwood forests in the Appalachian Mountains. The OAK Rower is Made of Oak Wood with a Natural Color Finish
Highlight 3
The WaterRower Oak now comes standard with our S4 BLE monitor, providing a robust assortment of in-workout performance data and advanced training features. Enjoy a quick-start workout session or delve into our assortment of time, distance and advanced zone training workouts to reach your training goals. The S4 BLE also provides a built-in Bluetooth feature, allowing for seamless connection to our portfolio of popular indoor rowing apps, such as WATERROWER CONNECT and CITYROW.
Highlight 4
Smooth - Water rowers use a water-filled flywheel to provide resistance as you row. The resistance is created by the paddle-like blades of the flywheel moving through the water, creating a smooth and natural resistance that closely resembles the feeling of rowing on water. Like water, the harder you fight, the more resistance you get
Highlight 5
Burn calories in short time - There are many benefits to rowing. It is a low impact cardiovascular exercise that puts less stress on your joints. Full body workout that includes your legs, core, back and arms. Perfect for all fitness levels. This water rowing machine targets all major muscle groups (84 percent of total muscle mass) Dimensions - 82" L x 20" H x 22" W / weight: 103.5 lbs (with water). Easily store it on end

What customers say

2 verified voices
A dual rail model would provide a more 'zen' experience with less seat noise and more water sounds. The A1 monitor is a bit lacking with its info.
Supportingvia r/waterrower
I have an 'Original Series' model. Very solid construction and it looks beautiful. Massive plus: the soothing sound it makes. You can also rent ...
Supportingvia r/waterrower

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WaterRower Series 4 Rowing Machine” · Review & Demo

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