| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Gross weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HARISON W4 Check Discounted Price | L:80.1" W:20.3" H:37.4" | 300 lbs | 84 lbs | Water | Time, Distance, Calories, Count, T-Count, Goals, Scan, Bluetooth |
The HARISON W4 is one of the rowing machines released in 2021. It is similar in terms of features to the HouseFit DH-8633. It actually has the same size and weight. However, its fitness monitor has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the FitShow app.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 80.11L x 20.3W x 37.4H inches (203L x 52W x 95H cm)
- Shipping weight: 84 lbs (38 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: Time, count, t-count, distance, calories, goals, scan, Bluetooth, FitShow app compatible
- Extras: Device holder
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
The HARISON W4 water resistance rower features a frame made of steel tubing. Most of the tubes in its construction
are oval; the only exception is the sliding rail which is rectangular. All the steel parts in its construction are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this rower, at least for the moment.
The rower is not super large in comparison with other models such as the Ski-Row SR-7, for example. However, it still takes approx. 80.1″L x 20.3″W (203 x 52 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the unit.
The unit’s rail is fairly long. The maximum applicable user inseam length for this rower is 34″ (86 cm). This being said, it should be able to accommodate users up to 6’4″ (193 cm) allowing a complete range of motion. Also, the rail is pretty sturdy. It is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg).
The rower is not foldable but it can be stored vertically. The front section of the frame that guards the water-resistance tank is equipped with a foot stabilizer that serves as support when the machine is stored vertically. The water can remain in the tank when the rower is in the upright position.
The rower is not super heavy but does weigh approx. 84 lbs (38 kg) without water. Therefore, the transport of the packaged unit may require two people. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person. Its front base has a set of wheels, while its rear stabilizer is equipped with adjustable levelers.
Seat and other parts
The HARISON W4 rower features a pretty standard seat. It is approx. 12″ (30 cm) wide so it provides plenty of
contact surface. Its top is made of high-density foam and is also contoured for extra comfort. Its highest point is approx. 16″ (40 cm) above the floor level, so the machine allows an easy entry and exit. Also, the seat has a pull-pin that allows you to lock it on the rail, in order to perform standard seated rows, tricep curls, or other exercises.
The base of the seat is made of steel. It is equipped with three sets of wheels. Two of them roll on top of the sliding rail, while the third closes the seat frame on the rail. The wheels are equipped with ball bearings for a smooth seat motion. They also have a rubber outer layer for reduced noise.
The HARISON W4 rowing machine is equipped with a set of large footrests. They’re approx. 12″ (30 cm) in length. They’re made from a tough ABS polymer. They have a textured surface, adjustable straps, and heel guards for improved foot stability.
The machine’s footrests are not size-adjustable as is the case for other machines, such as the MBH Fitness rower, for example. However, they have a pivoting design. In other words, their main axis allows them to slightly tilt forward or backward in order to adapt better to your position throughout each rowing motion. They do have stoppers at the heel, though, which prevent them from tilting backwards past an angle of approx. 50°.
The pulling handle is a simple, straight bar with a chrome finish and oval grips. It has PVC foam sleeves for an improved grip. It’s attached to the machine’s resistance system via a heavy-duty, nylon strap, highly resistant to stretching and abrasion. It does not have any controls or pulse sensors.
Resistance system
The HARISON W4 rower is equipped with a water resistance system. It integrates a large water tank made of 
durable polycarbonate material. The capacity of the tank is approx. 4.5 gallons (17 liters). It has a simple, single-chamber construction, without any water level adjustment mechanism. However, you can manually add or remove water from the tank, if you want to change the overall resistance.
The main resistance-generating element is the 16-blade flywheel integrated into the water tank and attached to its pulley system. When you pull the handle, the flywheel spins into the water inside the tank and generates resistance.
As we’ve mentioned above, the water tank does not have any mechanical or automatic water adjustment system. It also does not have any additional magnetic resistance. However, it has several markings on it and shouldn’t be filled past the maximum specified water level.
Like all other water resistance rowers, the HARISON W4 offers a dynamic response during usage. In other words, even though the water tank does not have an integrated adjustment system, the resistance is still variable. It depends on how fast you pull the handle, which is pretty similar to rowing a real boat through the water.
Similar to other water resistance rowers, the HARISON W4 can be heard when it is in use. However, it is not extremely loud and it shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV set on a low volume. It’s also quite appealing compared to the sound generated by certain air resistance rowers.
Fitness monitor
The HARISON W4 rower is equipped with a fitness monitor that features a device holder and has a long, angle-adjustable
arm. It does not have pre-set workout programs, but does have Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the FitShow app. This app is free and offers the possibility to track your progress online, as well as other features.
The app connection and its user are not necessary, though. The monitor unit features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, stroke count, total strokes, and calories burned. The distance is shown in miles. Also, the unit does not have a pulse reading function. Therefore, you cannot sync it with a fitness band, or a wireless HR chest strap.
The fitness monitor has three buttons: Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view on the display. It also selects the Scan Mode; in Scan Mode, the display will put all the workout metrics in a sequence, showing each one for a few seconds.
The Set button gives you the possibility to select goals for time, count, or calories. Once a goal is selected, the monitor will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the unit to zero.
The performance monitor is battery-powered. It uses two AAA batteries. It starts up when you press the Mode button or when you begin rowing. It also turns off automatically to save battery if it does not detect any activity on the rower for several minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the rower with the water tank, drive elements, and footrests, comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the seat and the rear stabilizer to the rail, connect the rail to the front unit, then add the monitor mount, and the monitor unit. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The manual offers clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to treat the water in the tank with rower chlorine pills, or change it periodically. The rail should be kept clean to prevent any damage to the seat wheels. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically inspect the machine to make sure that all the moving parts still function properly, and all the fixed parts still hold tight in their places.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs (150 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- Can be stored vertically;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizer;
- Ergonomic seat;
- Ergonomic handle with foam grips;
- Pivoting footrests with adjustable straps;
- Water resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
- Performance monitor included – it tracks time, distance, count, total count, and calories burned;
- Goal settings for time, count, and distance;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the FitShow app;
- Angle-adjustable arm for performance monitor;
- Device holder included;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No backlight on the performance monitor;
- No pre-set workout programs on the monitor.
Summary
The HARISON W4 is a water resistance rower made for home use. It is equipped with a 4.5-gallon water tank, a 34″ rail, a comfortable seat, a set of pivoting footrests. It includes a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, count, t-count, and calories burned. The monitor also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the FitShow app. It’s a great machine for cardio training, interval training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also one of the most affordable rowers with a water resistance system.