Hydrow
# Reviews
Hydrow is an immersive fitness rowing machine with patented technology that makes each stroke feel like you're actually rowing on the water. The Hydrow machine was not solely created for the physical action of rowing but it's also about the immersive experience the user has with the workouts, the workout instructors, and the visual experience of rowing on the 22 inch touch screen display. The Hydrow machine has a patented dragging mechanism that's electromagnetic and controlled by the built in computer, it actually makes the user feel like they're rowing in the water. Another highlight of the Hydrow machine is that it? made so that every stroke is smooth for the user, and silent. To keep users comfortable it also has a 10 roller seat system that is designed to cushion and support the user for the entire duration of the rowing workout. Since the Hydrow is long, it can store really well with the Hydrow upright storage kit that clips to any wall- this allows for more users to purchase the Hydrow rowing machine even if there space at home is small.
Shop NowHighlights
- Hydrow is an immersive fitness rowing machine with patented technology that makes each stroke feel like you're actually rowing on the water. The Hydrow machine was not solely created for the physical action of rowing but it's also about the immersive experience the user has with the workouts, the workout instructors, and the visual experience of rowing on the 22 inch touch screen display. The Hydrow machine has a patented dragging mechanism that's electromagnetic and controlled by the built in computer, it actually makes the user feel like they're rowing in the water. Another highlight of the Hydrow machine is that it? made so that every stroke is smooth for the user, and silent. To keep users comfortable it also has a 10 roller seat system that is designed to cushion and support the user for the entire duration of the rowing workout. Since the Hydrow is long, it can store really well with the Hydrow upright storage kit that clips to any wall- this allows for more users to purchase the Hydrow rowing machine even if there space at home is small.
- Hydrow is a muscle building, cardio inducing, and core working form of exercise. Hydrow is a total body workout. It works 86% of a users muscles, according to Hydrows statistics on their website. 86% is nearly double the muscles that a person uses when cycling and running. This means that in half the time a Hydrow user is working the same muscles that they would cycling and running. The Hydrow is very easy to learn, is very low impact, and can be used by the whole family. It? a really good alternative to a bike machine or cycling machine.
- With 1,500 plus classes Hydrow at home is a workout machine that has led workouts with athletes that are real time on the water. Hydrow has all of it? rows recorded live, so the experience is authentic when the users join the classes. Users can explore at their own pace with unguided rows through scenic waterways at any time of the day. The classes offered are a community experience, with athletes that are authentic competitors or awarded for their sport. The 1500 classes are more than workout classes to turn on and off, they are guided by incredible coaches. Some of the classes are instructed by former division one collegiate athletes, former rowing Olympians, US national triathlon team members, and US national team members. There are even life-like experiences available to the user- like rowing down the Charles River in Boston in their annual HOCR 4702 race. From this annual race in Boston, actual results were posted from Hydrow rowers.
- The patented technology of the Hydrow allows for the experience rowing on one of these machines to feel like the user is really rowing on the actual water. Because they have a patented model for the machinea, no other companies are able to copy the technology and mechanisms that Hydrow has created to make the experience feel life-like. The handle on the machine has an ergonomic design for low stress grip, which is comfortable for users. Hydrow also has features on the machine that enable for heart rate monitors and audio through Bluetooth.
The price range on the Hydrow site begins at $29.99 with apparel- hats and shirts- and then offers a performance foam roller for $39. The most expensive product on the site is the Hydrow which is $2,455. Users are able to buy a mat for under the Hydrow at $79, an upright storage kit for $69.99, and multi resistance bands kit for $80, and other products for their workout experience. There is a one year membership that needs to be purchased for the 1500+ classes that will show up on a user Hydrow 22 inch screen, which costs $456.00. The price range is from $29.99-$2,455.
Compared to competitors, Hydrow is on the higher end of price compared to competitors. Hydrow has some similar prices to the standard Peloton Bike, but Peloton is more expensive for their Bike Plus option and all treadmill options than Hydrow. Compared to Nodic Trak and Rogue Fitness, Hydrow is more expensive. Hydrow and Peloton are definitely higher scale at-home workout machines.
Pros:
Compared to other competitors, Hydrow has the best design available on the market. Peloton doesn't offer a rowing machine so there is no comparison for rowing. Compared to Pelotons treadmills and bikes, which are also very sleek and include workout screens, guided workout classes, and coaches, Hydrow is still the most eye-catching design. There is no comparison from NordicTrack or Rogue Fitness that can compete with the Hydrow Design.
Specializing in one main product can be a pro for Hydrow. This site is a one stop shop. The Hydrow company has focused their energy on creating an incredible machine, technology, and user experience, and it can be very attractive to a site visitor to know exactly what they are buying on the site they visit. When a company like Hydrow specializes in one product, the time they put into engineering and perfecting their product is also a great selling point.
Hydrow has a user friendly website design, layout, and marketing. From the homepage, it? very clear what this company's intentions are and what their product is. The four tabs on the top of the site help users navigate the main and most important features and information of the Hydrow. Then near the cart icon, there is another menu bar on the right, that includes buying features at the top, then an about section, athlete section, and financing section. Site visitors also have the option to scroll down the screen to review the product, it? story, and information about the product experience.
The Hydrow is instructed and coached by world class athletes, former olympians, former US national team members, and high skilled/qualified instructors. This brings credibility to the workouts and the coaching, because the experience is more than just a workout class- it? instruction from some of the most qualified rowers in the world with years of trusted experience and knowledge. On the Hydrow website, users can view who the athletes are before purchasing the Hydrow machine- this helps potential customers know exactly who will be teaching them while they row.
Cons:
The Hydrow is a high end machine and therefore it is not made for everyone to buy. It's an expensive investment. Even though there is an option on the website to be able to finance this machine, it's price limits it? amount of buyers and it can be a con for this company to not have their prices be lower. However, the point of the Hydrow is that it is high end and engineered well, so it? price is not outrageous given its technology and how long it is made to last.
The Hydrow is a very big machine and even though it has the ability to be folded up with the upright kit the site offers, it still is fairly long. The dimensions are ~7ft long by ~2ft wide, and it? ~3ft tall. The amount of space the Hydrow takes up, even when upright, could be a con for potential customers. For example: a 7ft long machine could equate to the size of a couch in an NYC apartment.
The monthly membership of $38/mo a user has to purchase along with the machine. The point of the at-home workout is not to pay an extra monthly membership like a user would if they went to a gym. This means annually, a customer that purchases Hydrow is paying $576/yr to use this machine. If a customer sees the pre purchase option available on the Hydrow site, the one year membership is only $456. This makes the price of the Hydrow $576/yr for as long as the customer owns their Hydrow.
The accessories needed for the Hydrow to work with a customer's home and make the Hydrow a full workout experience are not included upon purchase, unless on a holiday sale. For example, the Hydrow black mat that goes under the machine, the Hydro upright storage kit for the machine, the multi resistance band kit, the mat workout kit, and the Polar OH1 heart rate monitor are not included when buying the Hydrow machine. The monthly subscription is also not included in the Hydrow purchase.
IDEAL CUSTOMER
The Hydrow is made for highly committed and athletic individuals ranging in age from eighteen and up. An individual doesn? have to now how to row-it's easy to learn- but because of the price and size, this gift is ideal for someone with money, time, and space to use their Hydrow in a home or home gym. A great target market for this product is also high-end gym owners. A gym owner, a rowing gym owner, or a college rowing team that needs to practice off the water, could purchase several of these and make the Hydrow a part of their routine or indoor gym experience.
How long does the product last?
The Hydrow is similar to any workout machine- it’s good until it breaks which on average is about ten years. This depends on how many people use it and how they treat it.
Coupon/sales
There is an online winter holiday sale of $200 off the price of the Hydrow. Holiday sales are the most typical for Hydrow. With Klarna, customers that qualify can finance the Hydrow to as low as $63/month, which isn? a coupon but helps with purchase. There is free standard shipping.
GOOD FOR GIFTING?
The Hydrow is a good gift for an individual or family that is investing in rowing and exercise and wants to build a home gym. I wouldn? say the Hydrow is a common gift because of its high cost. However, it is a really great gift during Covid because so many gyms have closed. It? not an unlikely gift to give, but it? fairly niche and most likely only purchased as a one time gift because of how long it lasts and its price point.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
The customer service with Hydrow is good. There is a helpful messenger feature on the site, a great support site, and an easy point of contact for customers questions, concerns, and other support.
Visit Contact PagePackaging
The Hydrow comes in a large cardboard box, which weighs 197 lbs boxed. Unboxed, the Hydrow weighs 145lbs. It takes two people to unbox the Hydrow, and two for assembly. The assembly process will take two individuals less than one hour to set up. Since the Hydrow arrives with the seven foot machine already assembled, it? wiring and attaching the twenty-two inch screen that is part of the set-up. There is a video from Hydrow Support that shows and tells a new user exactly how to assemble there Hydrow.
shipping
The Hydrow takes six to eight weeks to ship because of it? size and weight - Free standard shipping. The Hydrow cannot be shipped by small-parcel services like UPS or FedEx because of how big it is. The Hydrow comes shipped in a brown cardboard box.