| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Assembled weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Koreyosh Rower Check Discounted Price | L:84" W:22" H:20" | 330 lbs | 75 lbs | Water | Time, Time/500m, Distance, SPM, Strokes, Calories |
Similar to the Mr. Captain Vintage Oak rower, the Koreyosh rower is also a more affordable version of the WaterRower Natural. Of course, it lacks certain features such a pulse reading, online connectivity, and doesn’t come with a consistent warranty as the WaterRower models. But nonetheless, if you’re on a budget, this is a water resistance rower that you might want to have a look at.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 84L x 22W x 20H inches (213L x 56W x 51H cm)
- Assembled weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Frame: Oak wood
- Footrests: Size-adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: Time, time/500m, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, and calories
Frame construction
To begin with, the Koreyosh rower features a dual rail frame made of wood, not MDF, or any other type of composite material. It’s made of oak wood with a glossy finish and a pretty durable structure. It is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg) which is not bad for a machine intended for home use.
The fully assembled machine is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 84″ (213 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to assign at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the unit to have plenty of space for correct usage and access.
The unit’s rails are pretty long. They are designed to accommodate users with an inseam up to at least 36″ (91 cm). Therefore, the machine should provide a full range of motion for users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.
The Koreyosh rower is not foldable but can be stored vertically. In the storage position, the machine’s footprint becomes 22″W x 20″D (56 x 51 cm), while its height becomes 84″ (213 cm). Therefore, it can pretty much fit in the corner of the room. As it is the case for most water resistance rowers, the water can remain inside the tank when the rower is stored upright.
The fully assembled machine without water inside the resistance tank weighs approx. 75 lbs (34 kg). However, once it is assembled, it is very easy to move, with or without water. Its front base features a set of small wheels which considerably ease its relocation.
One last aspect to mention here regards the machine’s foot stabilizers. The Koreyosh rower rests on four large rubber pads. They are non-adjustable, so in case the floor or the surface you will be using the rower is irregular, you might need to place the machine on a carpet or rubber mat so it doesn’t rock.
Seat and other parts
The Koreyosh rower is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top is made of a thick 
layer of high-density foam. It’s not super soft as it doesn’t have air cell cushioning, but it’s not extremely hard either. Also, its surface is contoured to provide better positioning.
The seat combines wooden boards and metallic rods in its construction for improved sturdiness. As we’ve mentioned above, it should be able to withstand users up to 330 lbs (150 kg) with no problem. It’s equipped with two sets of wheels (eight in total); four wheels slide on top of the rails of the rower, while the other four slide on the inner sides of the rails for extra stability. The wheels integrate sealed bearings for smooth motion and their outer shells are made of high-density rubber to reduce noise.
The top of the seat isn’t too high above the floor level. It is only at approx. 12″ (30 cm). Therefore, users with certain disabilities may find it a bit difficult to position themselves on it or stand up. As opposed to the WaterRower models, a “Hi-Rise” set is not available for this machine.
The Koreyosh rower features a set of adjustable footrests. They’re made of flexible thermoplastic material and they’re large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They also have heel guards and adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet in place. The unit’s footrests are not angle-adjustable. They are attached to a fixed wooden board which has an angle of approx. 50°.
The unit’s pulling handle consists of a short bar with ergonomic grips. The bar is slightly curved to reduce the stress on the user’s wrists. It does not integrate pulse sensors as it is the case for other, more expensive machines.
The pulling handle is connected to a heavy-duty nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. The fact that the machine uses a strap and not a chain as its main element of the drive system can be quite a plus. That’s because the usage of the machine is quieter, smoother, and the strap does not require lubrication.
Resistance system
Similar to the WaterRower machines, the Koreyosh rower features a water resistance system. It is equipped
with a large tank made of durable polycarbonate plastic. Its exact capacity is not specified, but its maximum fill is approx. 3 gallons (11.3 liters). The tank is clear and transparent so you can always see the water and the impeller spinning inside when using the machine.
The unit’s main resistance element is a two-blade impeller. The impeller is integrated into the tank, sealed with rubber gaskets, and connected to a system of pulleys. As you pull the handle, the impeller spins in the water inside the tank generating resistance.
Similar to any other water resistance rower or other fitness machines with a water resistance system, the Koreyosh rower offers a dynamic resistance response. This means that the resistance depends on how you pull the handle. For example, if you pull at a faster rate, the difficulty will be higher. This resembles the feeling of rowing a boat through the water, that’s why many athletes prefer a water resistance rower to a magnetic rower.
Although the machine’s water resistance system provides a dynamic response, it does not have an adjustment knob or any other resistance adjustment elements, like the machines from First Degree Fitness. Also, the water tank has a simple construction with only one chamber for the water. Therefore, if you want to adjust the overall resistance, you can only add or remove water from the tank. There is a marking on it that specifies the maximum fill.
In terms of noise generated during usage, this rower is pretty quiet. The spinning of the impeller inside the water tank does generate some noise, but the level is very low.
Performance monitor
The performance monitor unit included with the Koreyosh water resistance rower offers a few extra 
features over the basic one, however, even though it looks like the S4 monitor from WaterRower, it does not have the advanced programming features. Features an LCD display divided into several sub-sections in order to show multiple workout metrics at once. It indicates time, distance, avg. speed, strokes (count), strokes per minute (count per minute), and calories burned. It also has a time/500m function.
The monitor unit does not have a pulse reading function. You cannot sync it with a Polar or ANT+ chest strap and does not have any internal sensors. It also does not have Bluetooth or any type of online connectivity.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin rowing or when you press one of the buttons. It also automatically turns off to save battery if it does not detect any activity on the machine for a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s water tank comes pre-assembled, attached to the front section of the frame. However, the rest of the machine requires user assembly. The instructions provided by the manual are not the best, but the assembly is pretty straightforward. You will basically have to connect the two rails to the front frame piece, secure them with the rear stabilizer, add the seat, connect the bungee cord, the footrests, and the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than an hour and a set of basic tools is included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the rails, to prevent any damage to them or the seat wheels. The water in the tank requires chlorine purification every few months. A pack of chlorine pills should be included with the trainer. Other than this, you should inspect your rower from time to time to make sure that there aren’t any loose or damaged parts.
The Pros
- Durable construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Aesthetic frame, made of solid oak with a glossy finish;
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Easy to handle and transport;
- Rubberized stabilizers for extra stability floor protection;
- Water resistance system for a dynamic response;
- Ergonomic seat with a padded and contoured top;
- Adjustable footrests;
- Performance monitor included – it tracks time, distance, average speed, calories, strokes, and strokes per minute;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- All the necessary tools are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Fairly easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- No backlight on the performance monitor;
- No pulse reading function;
- The assembly instructions provided by the manual are not exactly the best.
Summary
The Koreyosh rower is a machine featuring a durable oak frame with great aesthetics, superior ergonomics, a large water tank, and a performance monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a great trainer for a full-body cardio workout, interval training, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s also considerably more affordable than a brand water resistance rower.