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
Great review. So, I'm debating getting this or another water rower. I also live in NYC, so the Concept 2 seems way too loud for apartment living. Part of me just wants to get a water rower that I can use while watching TV, since I also do other sports. If I go that route, do you suggest another water rower brand? Ergatta does seem like a better long term investment if I start to enjoy rowing a lot, which I suspect will happen
@@creepypop Yeah, it is hard to say about the other waterrower models. I have no experience with them, however a friend of mine became interested in rowing because of me talking about Ergatta. He actually bought a Watterrower with the Ergatta add-on because the Waterrower comparable model is slightly shorter, which worked for his storage situation. It seems like Waterrower/Ergatta is a good option for you if you want to watch TV or something while using it. I am going on 3.5 months on mine and I personally love it despite some drawbacks. It is perfect for my situation and I find myself extremely motivated to do better on it and meet goals and challenges Ergatta throws at you. This is also coming from a person who before the age of 35 was allergic to any kind of exercise. What can I say? I am a 6 day a week rower now. -Chris
@@MakingaStink What do you find yourself gravitating to the most for the workouts? I love the game concept because I am very competition motivated and I think that would actually make me enjoy exercising lol. I also love the idea of the scenic rows, but I'm super disappointed that (from what I could find) they look like just drone footage. I expected they would be gopro-est footage of an actual row and would adjust the speed based on your rowing (nordictrack has videos where you're seeing a boat on the water for example. I don't think it changes based on your pace, but still it's better than just drone footage imo).
@@midnight121190 scenic rows are stupid IMO. I’m mostly into the pulse workouts and push programs to help you reach goals. You’d probably like the races if you’re super competitive.
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. 🚣♀️
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
I really think the "loudness" of the Concept2 is overblown. I used it in my one bedroom apartment and NO NEIGHBORS complained. I used it outside on my porch and my upstairs neighbors were totally unbothered. Now, I am in a two bedroom and i use it in our guest room/office with the door closed. My bf says it is completely fine. not bothersome at all.
Well there is SmartRow which uses a phone or tablet - www.waterrower.co.uk/waterrower-performance-ergometer. Both SmartRow and Ergatta of these are available as upgrades to most water rower. Currently I am also considering just using my Garmin watch together with the ComModule which just feeds my watch the data, which is the cheapest as there is no subscription fee, but also no online competitions.
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.
This turned me off of Ergatta and Hydrow. A $2200 machine and you're still on the hook for a large monthly charge, and in the case of the Hydrow, the machine doesn't even have a free row mode. No subscription, no rowing. Went with the tried and true Concept2 instead.
It's so much cheaper to buy the WaterRower A1 Studio mode with the single rail and feet spaced further apart (for about $1,000) then buy the add-on Ergatta interface for an additional $550. That way you get the wider placed feet, the better hardware/software, AND the better looking, better fitting and quieter rower with the lovely swooshing sound. ;) You just need to weigh less than 325 lbs but the machine is still very sturdy apparently.
@@scotthalstead1563 not sure what he means either. The setup is fine. And works the leg/glutes better imo. Unless one has monster legs. Then yes...it wouldnt be comfortable
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
Couldn't one (still shopping) just buy the WaterRower A1 Studio rower and purchase the Ergatta upgrade for $550? That water rower has the single track which keeps the legs apart more (like the Concept 2 does, but without being as annoying and jerk-y as the C2).
@@Ayram9 yes. It is kinda strange that this isn’t more well known. You can buy a used waterrower for $800 easy then the ergatta upgrade for $600. $1,400 for a machine that is normally $2,500. Regarding foot spacinf, there is a wider plate you can buy from waterrower. I remember it being a bit pricey though and it would better to give the option when purchasing it IMO.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
@@olafdesneeuwman8983 Quite interesting if they can interface it with the sensors in the PM5 and incorporate the workouts. All beta for now, and as some of these projects end up being vaporware, best to wait for the full working version. Thanks for the link, and I hope they pull it off. For now, I’m sticking to Dark Horse workouts, technique drills, etc. I’m now working on improving my power curve, so plenty of work to do before I worry about boredom. Plenty challenges ahead for me.
Hey Shane! Has c2 put anything out to signal that they are going to produce and app or some attachment to compete with these new upcomers? I’d be really interested to see an add on for the c2 that has a “peloton-like” experience.
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.
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.
I get that this is a cool machine but given that Concept2 is the gold standard for rowing, why would anyone interested in the sport purchase something other than a Model D?
Some of us just like to spend money on sleek and sexy interfaces. I will also spend extra in general on things I enjoy looking at. Sight is a huge part of the life experience.
Cool review! You mentioned Strava, but what does Strava actually track? Seems like Strava is just for running and cycling. Either way, I'd love it if a company would develop an app similar to what the Ergatta has but integrates with the C2 & Ergdata. Gamifying the row would be cool and provide some inspiration and motivation.
I’m rather surprised that you haven’t reviewed the Aviron. That rower is significantly more fun to use than both the Ergatta and Hydrow. It’s like the Aviron doesn’t exist to you. But I suspect that the other connected rowing machine makers are paying you to review their rowers.
That lag on calibration is a waterpower thing. I went to OTF for a couple of years and the same thing there. I can't be sure if it was the monitors they were using or if it's a function of the feedback from the tank itself. If the latter, it's likely why you saw the lag here
Yup, it's a WaterRower thing. Concept 2 uses an average of your past 2 strokes for your current split, WaterRower uses a LOT more, so it doesn't drift as much but it takes a long time to respond to what you're doing. It is mechanically possible for products to use the force measurement from the machine and apply their own calculations to display the speed (I'm not sure how WaterRower would like that though), but it looks like Ergatta is using WaterRower's pace calculation methodology with their own display/software.
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.
I’m not sure why people have such a hard time with the foot strap. I have it and first time it was as intuitive as any strap. The advantage is you can just tighten one side and it will tighten both… or just tighten both like normal.
Thanks Shaun, I would love to get the Ergatta, they only do the States... (Domestic you call it?). I love the functionality. It really strikes me how all you users of Concept2 cling to things like drag factor and seat position. I am certainly for a water rower , the only critique I have on mine is the display is limited. With Ergatta, everything is cool although I concede that being plugged in is not cool. Thanks as always for your wonderful videos and the way you motivate, although I feel that comes easy for you cause you got it inside :-)
I think im more inclined to be officially competitive even if my skill level isn't quite there... unless the other rowers have a way to be more in line with concept 2, like have the options to break records... I think I'll just Zwift on my C2 for the gaming aspect of it...lol
I have a Concept2, and the machine side of it is great. The electronics side of it feels really outdated even with PM5. Erdata app is pretty horrible. The account login screen only supports horizontal orientation, and if you have a notch on your screen, e.g. iPhone X, you do not have access to some keys on the virtual keyboard. You have to flip it around several times to under account and password. The first screen you can only choose 2 of the grids to display the informatin you want to see. The second screen you cannot customize at all. It's a huge missed opportunity here. I already have PM5 with backlit screen. How about let me choose what 6 metrics to display on the 2nd screen on my phone app that is not currently on PM5 screen? A few months ago, I talked my dad into getting a rower in China, and he got a 1200CNY model that has a bigger screen than PM5.
As much as I love C2, I have to say for a home gym a WaterRower is a much better option simply based on the sound factor. Pretty much every gym has a C2 so it's nice to have something different at home.
May be a stupid question here, new to rowing and my concept2 just arrived. I notice you store yours upright in the background of some of your videos. Is this ok? Product manual says it must be taken a part to store and I'm wondering if that is just them covering their butt from a lawsuit if it were to fall, or if it could actually damage the rower being stored that way?
It seems overly complex. I love the whooshing loud sound of the C2, as well as the simplicity. I'd give one a go but I wouldn't choose one over the C2.
I have an Aviron. It has all sorts of metrics, games, intervals, RU-vid and Netflix (will be added soon). The cherry is nice looking but I noticed that crack too on one of the monitor arms. I suppose that’s a disadvantage of a wooden rower.
Awww...you got tricked into a harder workout? Now you know how those of us doing Rowvember feel.... hahahahaha. Especially day 22. I’m gonna stay mad about that one for a while. LOL.
Eee lads I did this as a warm up before 100 minute job, then went to top of mountain to fetch down 200 sheep and milked 40 cows single handed . I then had grass and leaves for dinner and when Dad came home he wiped us to sleep with a broken bottle . Luxury ...... sent from shoe box in’t bottom of pond .
I would also love to clarify the fact that it is easier on a water rower... I was pleased of my split times etc... until it was brought to my attention that it is easier on a water rower. My best 2K is 6:50, what is that on a c2 approx? Thanks
@@LiceoVillaFontana1 I also have a water rower, and my first 2k on it was about the same as yours. At the same level of fitness/effort, I did another test on a C2 and it was about 8:00. This is just my personal experience, but it’s the best approximation.
It has to remain plugged in to use it. There’s no memory, as far as I know, it keeps your data in the online system which you must be connected to WiFi/internet to use.
I think the upgrade kit is a majorly underdiscussed aspect of this, beyond the fact that you can save money by building it yourself. None of the other connected rowers (NT, Hydrow, cityrow) seem to have an option like this. Also, C2 needs to make a move in this space, and an upgrade kit makes a lot sense for them
