Magnetic Vs Water Rower: Which is best for you?

Magnetic Vs Air Rower: Which is Best?

There’s no cardio machine out there that can deliver a full-body workout and a pro cardio workout at the same time other a rowing machine. These amazing machines work 86% of the muscles in the body and can increase your cardio fitness levels without adding any stress to your joints.

It’s no wonder they have become so popular, and today we’re going to find out which type of resistance system is best for your workouts.

So while the quality of your workout won’t be affected by much depending on the resistance type, there are a few other significant differences that may persuade you to choose one type of rower over the other! Let’s start with Water Rowers!

Water Rowers – Pros & Drawbacks

Water rowers have been out for a few years, but it’s only recently we started to see a few affordable models hit the market, which is excellent news.

One of the best things about water rowers is they look great; aesthetically, they are more pleasing to the eye than any other rowing machine type, especially the wood water rowers.

Solid wood rowers will suit any home, and you can get hold of a high-quality wood rower now for around $600. I’ve been reviewing them recently, and I was surprised at just how good these wood rowers are for the price.

Water Resistance system – Dynamic

Still, it’s not just their looks that sell these solid wood beasts. It’s their resistance systems.

A water resistance system is dynamic, and by that, I mean the resistance strength only gets stronger the faster you row, just as it would if you were rowing on actual water outdoors. And it’s this natural feel from a dynamic resistance system gives them a slight edge over the constant resistance system of magnetic rowing machines.

There are no resistance levels with a water rower. Resistance strength is primarily determined by the pace of your workouts which also means they boast an unlimited amount of reistnace levels, making them a great choice for anyone.

Soothing Sound of the Paddles Pushing Through The Water

Another big plus of the water rowers is the sound of the paddles pushing through the water in the rower’s water tank. Most people find this sound soothing, and it really does add to the natural feel you get from water rowers.

Stability – Heavy Sturdy Machine

Most water rowers are heavy, especially those made from solid oak, and because they have that extra weight, it helps with the stability it keeps them planted to the floor. When you’re rowing on a water rower, they feel like quality because they are heavy, and you have that solid, reassuring feel, which is what you want from any home rower.

Also, water rowers are low profile in design. The low center of gravity also helps keep these machines stable.

Easy To Store

Nearly all air rowers and magnetic rowing machines come with a folding system. While this is an excellent space-saving system as it usually reduces the rower’s footprint by half when stored, it doesnt save as much space as vertical storage.

All water rowers, both steel and wooden frames, are designed to store vertically. Storing a rowing machine vertically against a wall takes up just 0.3 meters of space, much less than a folded rowing machine.

Quiet In Operation

Air rowing machines such as the Concept 2 are the loudest of all rowing machines because they use a fan to create resistance and a noisy chain drive.

Water rowers are no where near as loud as air rowers. All you hear from a water rower is the whooshing of the water in the rower’s tank. Even at a high stroke rate, a water rower will not disturb others close to you, and they can not be heard in another room, etc.

You can listen to music watch tv while rowing without any issues. If anything, most people love the sound their water rower makes.

Most water rowers also use a belt drive rather than a chain drive system; belt drives help keep noise and vibration levels to a minimum. They’re a much better choice for a home rower than a chain drive and require little maintenance.

Let’s have a round-up of the good and the bad of the water rower. Then we’ll move on to Magnetic.

Magnetic Rowing Machines – Pros & Drawbacks

Magnetic rowing machines have been around for over a decade. These things have become an increasingly popular choice for homes and apartments. Even commercial gyms are starting to replace their air rowers with magnetic they’re that good.

And just like water rowers, when magnetic rowers first hit the market, they were expensive, but over the years, their prices have come right down and you can pick up a high-quality magnetic rower for under $400 so they’re a little cheaper than water rowers.

Whisper Quiet Constant Resistance System

What users love about their magnetic machines is just how quiet these machines are in operation, and thats because the magnets of the resistance system never have to touch the flywheel; thus, it’s a frictionless resistance system that makes no noise and doesnt require maintenance.

Magnetic resistance is the quietest of all the resistance systems utilized by rowing machines, and it’s the number 1 choice for people who live in apartments. Also, magnetic rowers use belt drive systems again, keeping noise to a minuim.

Constant Resistance

Another advantage of a magnetic resistance system is being able to row at a slow pace on a high resistance setting, something thats impossible with air or water resistance because their reistnace systems are dynamic and magnetic resistance is constant.

The strength of resistance of a magnetic resistance system doesnt increase or decrease with the pace of your workout; it is not determined by how hard you pull on the rowing handle like air or water rowers. Instead, you choose resistance strength via a tension knob or from the monitor. It’s a constant resistance system that only changes strength when you manually select another resistance level.

Smooth Rowing Stroke

Magnetic resistance systems dont give you the natural feel of a dynamic resistance system. Still, they deliver a smooth rowing stroke, even a few budget ones come with premier weighted high inertia flywheels and belt drive systems that help keep the stroke smooth and consistent.

Monitors With More Features

Also, if you spend a little more for a high-end magnetic rower, they come with a ton of workout programs, many of which can be controlled by the the machine. You can choose from races, challenges, heart rate, etc. It will change resistnace strength for you thoughout your workout.

Stability & Build Quality

Build quality usually depends on price point like most things, but if we compare a decent magnetic rower with a water rower, both costing around $500, they really dont differ by much.

$500 will get you a mid-level magnetic rower. Mid-level magnetic rowers usually are pretty heavy, which is a telling sign that they are made from quality materials, and that extra weight keeps them planted to the floor. A good mid-level rower weighs around 80lb, about the same as a $500 low-cost steel frame water rower.

But it’s not only weight that affects stability; something else magnetic rower includes, which sadly we dont see on any low-cost water rowers are adjustable levelers. Adjustable levelers are handy for keeping the rower stable on uneven surfaces.

Final Thoughts

If you have the money, I feel a sold wood water rower is the way to go. I love the dynamic resistance system. It gives that natural feel we’re all looking for from a rowing machine at home, and the sound of the paddles going through the water in the tank is awesome. Yes, water rowers are a little more expensive, but they’re worth it. And with unlimited resistance levels, they’re a great choice for beginners right through to seasoned rowers.

Still, magnetic rowers are an excellent cardio machine. I’ve owned one for years, and they provide just as good a workout as a water rower but not the natural feel, however if you’re ‘just getting into rowing, they’re a more affordable option.

You dont have to spend $600 to find a decent one. The Sunny SF-RW5155 is one of the best magnetic rowers out there with strong reistnace and a heavy, sturdy build, and it only cost $299

Our Top Picks Both Magnetic and Water for under $600:

Runow Solid Oak Water Rowing Machine Full Review

Sunny Obsidian Surge Steel frame Water Rower Full Review

Stamina Avai Magnet Rowing Machine Full Review

Schwinn CrewMasrer Magnetic Rowing Machine Full Review

On A budget? Check out our Best Budget Rowing machine for 2024