Product · WaterRower
WaterRower Original Performance: 318 kg, 210 cm long
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The WaterRower Original Performance is the data-focused version of WaterRower's classic oak rower. It keeps the familiar water tank and wooden frame but adds PowerPulley technology to measure your stroke more precisely and send it to your phone or tablet. It suits rowers who want the feel of water resistance and better training data, including taller and heavier users.
- Rail or length
- 210 cm overall
- User height
- Not stated
- Max user
- 318 kg
- Resistance
- Water
- Storage
- Stands upright
In its favour
- A 318 kg user limit, the highest stated in this guide.
- PowerPulley technology sends data over Bluetooth to iOS or Android apps.
- Stores upright in about the floor space of a dining chair, according to the maker.
Good to know
- The listing gives no rail length or user height range.
- Water resistance is self-regulating, so there are no set levels to dial in.
Our take
Water resistance, explained
Like every WaterRower, this model uses a patented WaterFlywheel: paddles spin in a tank of water. The harder you pull, the more resistance the water gives, so there are no levels to set. WaterRower says this copies the sound and feel of rowing on water. It suits people who prefer the effort to come from their own stroke rather than from a dial.
PowerPulley and connectivity
The headline addition is patent-pending PowerPulley technology. The listing says it captures key performance metrics with high accuracy and sends them over Bluetooth to iOS or Android devices. A folding arm holds a phone or tablet in a good viewing position.
The WaterRower Connect app can pair with third-party platforms, and the listing names CITYROW, EXR and Peloton for structured, guided sessions.
Size, storage and capacity
Amazon lists the rower at 210 by 57 by 84 cm. That length gives tall rowers room, though the listing does not state a rail length or height range. When you finish, it stands upright in about the floor space of a dining chair. The maximum user weight is 318 kg, and WaterRower describes it as built for home or commercial use. The frame is solid oak, and the warranty is given as five years on the frame and three on parts.
Original Performance or another WaterRower
The WaterRower Original S4 uses the S4 monitor with Bluetooth and a vintage oak finish, with a slightly lower stated limit. The WaterRower Hybrid mixes hardwood and aluminium, is longer at 216 cm and has a much lower 150 kg limit. The Original Performance is the one to choose if the PowerPulley data and app links are important to you.
Verdict
Buy the WaterRower Original Performance if you want water resistance in a solid oak frame with more precise data and links to apps like Peloton and EXR. If you are happy with standard monitor data, the WaterRower Original S4 covers the basics. If you want a stated rail length or user height range, the YOSUDA RM11 gives clearer fit figures.
Compared with alternatives in: Best rowing machines for tall people
Amazon listing title: WaterRower Original Performance