| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WaterRower GX Home Check Discounted Price | L:83.5" W:22.25" H:20" | 325 lbs | Water | Time, Distance, SPM, Calories, Speed, Split-time 500m, Goal functions | Frame: 5 years Parts: 3 years |
The GX Home is one of the most affordable rowing machine models from WaterRower. As its name suggests, it’s a rower designed for home use. But nonetheless, its construction and quality are similar to the models made for commercial use.
As opposed to the WaterRower Natural and Oxbridge models, the GX Home machine combines wood and aluminum in its frame construction. It also comes with the GX console not the S4, which doesn’t have online connectivity, nor it has workout data transfer possibilities. But still, it’s a meter unit that has much more to offer than a basic one.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 83.5L x 22.25W x 20H inches (212L x 57W x 51H cm)
- Assembled weight: 61lbs (28 kg) w/o water; 98 lb (44.5 kg) w/ water
- Supported weight: 325 lbs (147 kg)
- Frame: Wood (Ash) and aluminum
- Footrests: With straps
- Resistance type: Water
- Fitness computer: GX
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 3 years
Frame construction and parts
As we’ve mentioned above, the frame construction of the WaterRower GX Home model is different from the Oxbridge and Natural models, as the seat glides on a aluminum-made, convex rail, not on two separate wooden rails. On the other hand, the front part of the frame that sustains the water tank has the same construction, being made of Ash Wood, coated with Danish oil for increased durability and a more aesthetic aspect. The black logo on it is made of urethane material. The aluminum rail is powder coated with black, corrosion resistant paint.
This rowing machine is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It’s 83.5″ (212 cm) long, and 22.25″ (57 cm) wide, but also requires at least two feet of clearance on each side, and two at the rear, for safe usage. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for a small room. On the other hand, the machine can be stored vertically, resting onto the water tank guard at the front and its small caster wheels. The wheels also facilitate its relocation. When stored vertically, the machine’s footprint is reduced to 20″L x 22.25″W (51 x 57 cm). Also, in case you’re wondering, you don’t have to remove the water from the tank in order to store the unit vertically. The tank has a limit mark on it, and as long as the water level isn’t above it, you can store it without any leakage or other problems of the sort.
The machine isn’t extremely heavy. It weighs only 61 lbs without water, and 98 lbs with water inside the tank. But since most of its weight is at the front, lifting it by the rear base and leaning it on its wheels, its relocation shouldn’t be a problem as you’ll be handling only 1/3 of its weight.
The frame rests on 6 rubber feet, 4 on the front part of the frame, and 2 on the rear board stabilizer. Therefore, the machine should deliver maximum stability even if you don’t place it on a mat.
The seat features a contoured design, supplying a comfortable positioning of the user. It’s equipped with two sets of rollers which integrate stainless steel ball bearings for a smoother 
motion. It’s designed to support users up to 325 lbs (147 kg). Also, the rail is long enough to accommodate comfortably users with an inseam up to 39″ (99 cm) long. Differently put, this offers a complete leg extension for users up to 6’7″ (201 cm).
The machine is equipped with two adjustable footrests, with straps and heel guards for maximum foot stability. In case you’re wondering, the distance between the two foot stabilizers is 4″, which means the foot positioning is comfortable even for short users; you won’t have to deal with any unnecessary lateral stress on the knees. The angle of the footboard is not adjustable though. It’s set at an angle of 45°, for optimal foot positioning.
Last but not least, the pulling handle of this WaterRower model is given by a simple straight bar, coated with rubber foam material to provide a comfortable grip.
Water tank and resistance system
The water tank on the WaterRower GX Home is made of heavy-duty polycarbonate material, with a gray hue. You can add colorant to the water in order to appear blue, green or the color you desire. The tank’s capacity is 4.5 gal (17 liters). As opposed to the tank on the FDF Daytona Challenge, this one doesn’t have a water level adjustment system. The overall resistance is 
given by the amount of water you put in the tank. Thus, in case you want to benefit from a maximum resistance output, you should fill the tank with water up to its top marking.
The water tank integrates a 2-paddle water flywheel, connected to a system of heavy duty bungee cords and pulleys. When you pull the handle, the paddle flywheel will rotate in the tank generating resistance. Evidently, since it’s a water rowing machine, resistance is variable, proportional with the amount of strength you put behind each stroke. In other words, if you want more resistance and a more intense workout, you have to pull harder and faster. The rowing feel is almost identical to rowing a real boat, also accompanied by the soft “woosh” sound generated by the spin of the flywheel in the tank.
A siphon pump for filling / emptying the tank is supplied with the package. You will also receive 3 chlorine tablets to add into the water, in order to prevent the formation of algae.
Exercise meter
The console unit or fitness meter supplied with the WaterRower GX Home model has much more to offer than just a basic unit. First of all, it has an 8-panel display, which means it can 
indicate up to 8 workout metrics simultaneously. It covers time, distance (in meters), strokes per minute (SPM), current speed (in MPH), split time per 500m, and calories burned. The lower window of the display allows you to do a race using time or distance. As opposed to the S4 monitor equipped on the M1 LoRise or WaterRower Club, this unit cannot read pulse, not it has any online connectivity.
The console unit is fairly easy to operate. It has 5 buttons. The middle button acts as a power-on / reset button, used for starting the unit, starting a selected challenge, or to reset all the values by holding it down for several seconds. The up / down arrow buttons are used to increase / decrease the value of your desired goals. The clock button on the left covers the time challenge function, while the track button on the right covers the distance challenge function.
The exercise meter uses two AA batteries. To replace batteries you have to unscrew the unit from the footboard.
Assembly and Maintenance
The assembly of this WaterRower is a straightforward process. On top of that, the manual supplied with it provides clear and concise assembly instructions. The only tool required for the assembly of the machine is a 5mm Allen wrench which is also supplied.
For assembly you basically have to connect the aluminum rail to the front wooden sub-rails, then add the water tank with its sustaining part of the frame, the footboard, footrests and finally connect the bungee cord of the seat. The whole task shouldn’t take more than 45 min.
For maintenance you don’t really have to change the water in the tank. All you have to do is add a new chlorine pill every 6 months. When storing the machine vertically, it’s not required to empty the tank. Also, it’s recommended that the monorail of the machine is kept clean, free of any dirt, sand, textile fibers or any other objects that may cause damage to it, or to the wheels of the seat.
One last aspect to be mentioned here regards the unit’s warranty. Initially, the rower comes with 1 year warranty for frame and parts. But by registering it your machine with WaterRower within the first year of purchase, the warranty will automatically upgrade to 5 years on the wooden components, and 3 years on all other components.
The Pros
- Highly durable construction, weight capacity up to 325 lbs;
- Superior aesthetics, oiled Ash wood, with urethane finish;
- Highly durable aluminium monorail;
- Space-saving, can be stored in upright position;
- Water resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
- Contoured, ergonomically designed seat;
- Multi-panel fitness meter, with time and distance goal functions;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Rower for users of all levels;
- Easy to handle and transport;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The console display does not have backlight, thus it may be a bit difficult to read in poor lighting conditions;
- The exercise meter does not have a pulse reading function;
- No angle adjustability for the footrests.
Summary
Although the WaterRower GX Home is a rowing machine meant for residential use, it features a construction and range of features similar to the commercial models. It’s equipped with an aluminum monorail, a comfortable contoured seat, and a front Ash wood frame for the water tank. It delivers a natural rowing feel, and variable water resistance. It’s equipped with a mid-range console, with goal functions for time and distance. In all, it’s a machine for users of all levels. Each workout engages more than 80% of the user’s muscle mass, thus it’s perfect for a full-body cardio workout. Evidently, it’s also a great machine for interval training, stamina building and weight loss. Finally, even though it’s not exactly the most affordable rower, the quality in its components, its aesthetic design and high functionality definitely match its price.