Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I used to row for USC Crew Team back in 1992, and we used to train on the wind based rowing machines, I don't remember the brands, but they were very basic in comparison to the modern machines with there awesome computers. I've recently tried the Concept 2, and it was great, and seems to be to the standard workout equipment for serious crew members, but it's big and bulky, and not as easy to store, unless you have a dedicated gym room in your home. The WaterRower, on the other hand, is easy to flip up and put in the corner of my bedroom. I roll it out on my balcony in the morning to enjoy the cool breeze while I row. I try to fit my workout in the morning before the baby wakes up, and I have no problem hearing him over the whoosh of the water. The WaterRower S4 computer isn't as feature rich as the PM3/4 on the concept 2, but it has all that I need, since I just like to do basic 10km or 45 min sessions with a heartmonitor. I really do enjoy the sound of the water, it does remind me of hearing the water run up against a fiberglass hull of a boat, and the dripping of water between each stroke.I haven't been in a crew boat is years, but the memories come back when I'm on the waterrower, and not so much on the concept 2. I would consider myself a intermediate athlete, and this machine truly challenges me. I expect I'll get many years of use out of it. It is made of very good quality components, and looks great. I highly recommended rowing to anyone looking for a very aerobic workout that uses more than 80% of your body's muscle groups. If you're not getting an awesome workout, you're probably not rowing right. Try join a rowing club for a few months to perfect your technique, then you'll be set for working out at home. Though it is pricey, I think it is worth the investment, since the experience is so much better then the piston or wind based machines, which makes me look forward to the next workout.