Fitness Reality Water Rower: Smashes competition with inclined tank

There’s nothing wrong with flat tank water rowers you can get a heck of a workout on one, but for the more seasoned rower out there who wants that extra bit of resistance, an inclined water tank could be the way to go? I’ve had friends who have used both. One friend said an inclined tank made a huge difference, the other said it was noticeable, but nothing to shout home about.

The truth is an inclined tank makes a difference it may depend on what water rowing machine you buy to how much of a difference is it makes, (some have higher capacity water tanks than others) but an inclined tank like the one we see on the Fitness Reality Water Rower will add some extra resistance to your workouts.

This thing isn’t heavy-duty, it’s lighter than a few steel frame rowers I’ve reviewed, but it’s sturdy enough for home use, and the 300lb weight capacity and long beam make it a good choice for larger users.

In today’s review, I want to take a close look at everything the Fitness Reality water rowing machine has to offer including its drawbacks because there are a couple.

First, let’s take a quick look at the product specs!

Why Do We Like The Fitness Reality Water Rower?

Water-resistance systems are dynamic, and if you want that natural feel from a rowing machine? You’ll need a dynamic resistance system.

When we row outdoors on actual water the resistance you feel from the oars only gets stronger when you start to row faster. This is same with indoor rowers that use a dynamic resistance system like the Fitness Reality 3000WR. The faster you row on the Fitness Reality Water Rower, the stronger the resistance you’ll feel, mimicking the feel of outdoor rowing.

Limitless amount of resistance levels

And it’s because this system is dynamic there are literally a limitless amount of resistance levels, so is suitbale for any fitnes level from beginner right though to seasoned rowers.

Whooshing sound from the paddles in the water tanks adds to that natural feel

Something that makes the Fitness Reality even more appealing when looking for that natural feel is the sound of the paddles pushing through the water in the rowers tank. The sound isn’t disturbing, far from it, it’s like a faint whooshing sound, almost soothing and it really adds to that natural feel we’re all looking for from an indoor rower.

Filling the water tank

As I just mentioned the primary way to control resistance strength is through the pace of your workouts. However filling the water tank with extra water will add some additional overall resistance.

Most water rowers come with 6 levels marked on the tank. I like to think of these levels as people in the boat with me. Level 1 is like rowing in a boat on your own, level 3 with 3 people in the boat, and so on.

I find filling the water tank to just over 1/4 full or level 4 provides a smooth medium resistance strength, great for a 30 minute cardio session. You can adjust it according to whatever suits your workout best. A funnel and pump kit are provided.

Click here to check price of the Fitness Reality Rower on Amazon

Stability – Build Quality

I’ve reviewed a lot of gear from Fitness Reality and these guys kind of sit above the low-cost cheap gear, but not quite mid level. Most of their products are good quality and affordable, but a long way from commercial-grade, and their water rower is no expection.

Its a pretty sturdy rower weighing 72lb its not cheaply built like so many we see. The weight does give us a good clue to the overall quality of materials used in the build, a high-end steel frame rower weighs around 100lb while the cheapest ones weigh 60lb or so. 72lb isn’t too bad.

And that 72lb of weight (without water in the tank) will help with stability keeping the rower planted to the floor.

Contoured seat provides support in push phase of rowing stroke

Theres a few other stability features worth a mention the first is the seat. This seat is contoured and this is what we want. A contoured seat will stop your butt slipping in the push phase of the rowing stroke.

Adjustable Levelers

Also, theres wide stablizers that are great for preventing wobbles, and best of all the Fitness Reality water rower includes adjustable levelers. Adjustbale levelers are a really handy feature as you can adjust them independently to keep the rower stbale on uneven surfaces.

Decent Monitor

The Fitness Reality 3000WR water rower does cost a little more than most steel frame water rowers, so the monitor is slightly better than the monitors you’ll find on $500 steel frame water rowers but not by much.

The first thing I like about this monitor is that it includes BlueTooth and free access to the MyClouydFitness App. It’s always good to have access to an app or two because they help keep aways the monotony of long cardio workouts.

And surprisingly there are a few workout programs featured with this monitor such as HIIT, goals setting, 13 race options, and 5 standard pre-set goals. That’s impressive for a water rower!

Another handy feature is that the monitor is height adjustable so whatever your size you can find the perfect height to view. Also, the screen is large making it easy to read.

Disappointingly there’s no wireless heart rate monitoring with the Fitness Reality. This is a shame especially for those of you who love to workout in your chosen heart rate zones, and a surprise because even the $500 steel frame water rowers include this feature.

Any other features worth a mention?

One of the best things about steel rowers including the Fitness Reality 3000WR is that they can be stored vertically. Vertical storage takes up much less room than a folding rower just 0.3 square meters when stored against a wall.

Also, we have transport wheels built in the front stabilizer bar, just tilt and roll to move.

Another feature worth mentioning is the belt drive system. Belt drive systems help keep the rowing motion smooth, plus they are much quieter than the noisy chain drive systems that are used with air rowers.

When you can combine a belt drive system with the silky smooth water-resistance system you have a whisper quiet combination. You won’t disturb others with the sound of your workouts, all you’ll hear is the whooshing of the water in the tank which is an awesome sound and one of the reasons to buy a water rower.

Easy To Assemble

Most of the complicated stuff like the drives and resistance systems already come pre-assembled, all you’ll need to do is connect the rail to the front part of the rower attach the seat to the rail, attach the stabilizers, the footrests, and monitor. And then fill the water tank. Shouldn’t take longer than 45minutes.

Tools for the job and detailed illustrated instructions are provided.

To Sum Up

There’s no doubt this is another impressive steel frame water rower. It boasts a smooth rowing motion thanks to the belt drive and water resistance systems, and it’s well built and sturdy. The inclined tank is a great idea as it does add some extra resistance but is it really needed?

Filling the water tank half full on flat tank water rowers is more than enough resistance at a high stroke rate for most fitness levels. I can see only pro athletes or seasoned rowers really needing any more resistance than this. So it’s a personal choice whether you want to pay the extra $200 for an inclined tank design?

There are other steel frame rowers which easily match the Fitness Reality on build qulaity like the Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge a 92lb beast, and Snode steel frame water rowers that cost under $500.