| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Assembled weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TRUNK Wood1 Check Discounted Price | L:82" W:22" H:20" | 330 lbs | 59 lbs | Water | Time, Time/500m, Distance, SPM, Strokes, Calories, Pulse, Bluetooth |
The TRUNK Wood1 water resistance rower is one of the fitness machines released in the second part of 2020. It’s pretty similar to the WaterRower Oxbridge (same dimensions, same design) but costs half the price. So, if you’re looking for an affordable wooden rower with a water resistance system, this can be one to put on your list.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 82L x 22W x 20H inches (208L x 56W x 51H cm)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Net weight: 59 lbs (26.7 kg)
- Frame: Oak wood
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Water
- Fitness monitor: Time, time/500m, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, calories, pulse, Bluetooth
- Extras: Phone holder, siphon pump, dust cover
Frame construction
The TRUNK Wood1 rowing machine features a frame made of oak wood with a lacquered finish. It’s designed with
a dual rail system which leads to superior stability for the seat. The rail system is horizontal, so the rowing motion is neutral. Also, the rails are fairly long so the machine can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.
The unit’s hardware is mostly made of steel, while the water tank is made of polycarbonate material.
The rower is a bit lighter than other similar models. Its net weight, without any water inside the resistance tank, is only 59 lbs (26.7 kg). Therefore, the packaged unit can be transported by only one person. Also, once the rower is assembled, it can easily be relocated as its front base features a set of large silicone wheels.
The TRUNK Wood1 rower is fairly large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 82″ (208 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. It is also recommended to leave at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance on each side and at the rear of the unit, for ease of access and to be able to row with a correct form. This being said, it may not fit too well in a small room or apartment.
This rowing machine does not have a folding frame like the HouseFit Skyline Nature, for example. However, it can be stored vertically. When stored in a vertical position, its footprint becomes 22″L x 20″W (56 x 51 cm), so it can fit in a pretty tight space. Also, the water can remain inside the tank when the unit is stored vertically.
Seat and other parts
The TRUNK Wood1 rower features a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top features a cover made of 
high-density foam. It is also contoured, in order to provide better positioning for the user and to prevent slippage. It is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface.
The base of the seat is made of wood planks, similar to the rest of the frame. Its hardware is made of steel, though, for extra durability. The seat integrates four sets of wheels (eight wheels in total). Four wheels slide on top of the rails, while the other four slide on the inner sides of the rails for extra stability. The wheels have internal ball bearings and are rubberized on the outside for a smooth motion and for reduced noise.
The seat does not offer a super elevation as is the case for other rowers. It is only approx. 12″ (30.4 cm) above the floor. The whole rail and seat assembly are pretty durable, though. The machine is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs (150 kg).
The rower’s handle is also made of polished and lacquered oak wood. It features an ergonomic design. It does not have PVC foam sleeves, pulse sensors, or other controls. It attaches to a heavy-duty double-ply polyethylene fiber belt which connects to the rower’s pulley system.
The TRUNK Wood1 rower is equipped with a set of adjustable footrests. They offer a pretty long adjustment span so they can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have heel guards and adjustable straps as well, so you can perfectly secure your feet on them.
The footrests do not pivot on their axis as is the case for other rowers, such as the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5940. They attach to the front wooden plank that closes the frame over the water tank. They have an angle of approx. 50° in order to provide an optimal positioning for your feet during rowing.
Resistance system
Needless to say, the TRUNK Wood1 rower features a water resistance system. It is equipped with a large
water tank made of polycarbonate material with clear walls. It is approx. 22″ (56 cm) in diameter, and has a capacity of approx. 4.5 gallons (17 liters).
The water tank has a simple, one-chamber design. It does not have any additional resistance system. Therefore, if you want to adjust the machine’s overall resistance, you have to remove or add water inside the tank. The tank has a maximum fill mark on it, so the water should not exceed it as it might overflow during rowing.
The main resistance element is a two-blade impeller attached to the water tank’s pulley system. Therefore, when you pull the handle, the impeller spins in the water inside the tank and creates resistance.
Like other resistance rowers or air resistance rowers, the TRUNK Wood1 machine provides a dynamic response during usage. The resistance depends on your stroke rate. In other words, if you pull the handle faster, the impeller will also spin faster inside the tank which will lead to a higher workout load.
The rower is pretty quiet during usage, but not completely silent. The movement of the impeller inside the tank makes a “woosh” sound which is louder if you row at a faster pace. But as a general idea, the noise generated doesn’t cover the sound of a TV set on a moderate volume level. Also, most users have described the water sound as calming, rather than annoying.
Fitness monitor
The TRUNK Wood1 water rowing machine is equipped with a fairly decent fitness monitor. It features an LCD display
divided into several sub-sections in order to show multiple workout metrics simultaneously. It tracks time, time/500m, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, calories, and pulse. The rower does not have any pulse sensors but the unit should be able to read your pulse from a wireless transmitter. It also has a pulse recovery function which you can run at the end of the workout to determine your fitness level.
The monitor does not have advanced programs or integrated games like the monitors included with Concept2 or WaterRower machines. However, it does offer the possibility to select workout goals for some of the metrics. If a goal is selected, it will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. This can help you keep track of your progress and push your limits with every workout.
The monitor unit also has a Bluetooth function. A QR code is included with the rower, so you can scan it with your phone and download the Kinomapp app. This app offers the possibility to track your progress online and benefit from other features. A phone holder with a gooseneck bracket mount is included with the rower as well.
Last but not least, the monitor unit is battery-powered and the batteries are included. It has an On/Off button, but also wakes up when you begin rowing. It automatically turns off as well, if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The rower is packaged in two boxes. The water tank and the resistance elements are already assembled and attached to the front section of the frame. So, all you have to do is connect the two rails together, attach the water tank part, the footrests, the seat, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions, and all the tools are included.
For maintenance, it’s recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the rails to prevent any damage to the seat wheels. A pack of water purification pills is included, so you can add one in the tank water every few months to prevent the formation of algae. Colorant for the water is also included.
The Pros
- Durable construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Aesthetic frame, made of solid oak with a lacquered finish;
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Easy to handle and transport;
- Rubberized stabilizers for extra stability floor protection;
- Long rails – the unit can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm);
- Water resistance system for a dynamic response;
- Ergonomic seat with a padded and contoured top;
- Adjustable footrests;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, average speed, calories, strokes, and strokes per minute, and pulse;
- Goal selection function;
- Recovery function;
- Bluetooth connectivity – compatible with the Kinomap app;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Siphon pump included;
- Gooseneck phone holder included;
- Dust cover included;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the performance monitor;
- An HR chest strap for pulse reading is not included.
Summary
The TRUNK Wood1 is a water resistance rower made for home use. It is equipped with a single-chamber water tank, a dual rail system, a comfortable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. The monitor also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the Kinomap app. In all, it’s a pretty well-made machine, great for users of all levels, for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, interval training, and stamina development. It’s also considerably more affordable than other similar rowers.