Rowing Crazy

About Petra Amara

Written by Petra Amara - RowingCrazy.com
CEO & Founder of RowingCrazy, National Rower, Coxswain Womens Eight Team, Rowing Coach & Writer

Petra is a Mother of two and owner of Rowingcrazy.com. Petra lives and breathes rowing, she also has a passion for writing which lead her to start RowingCrazy.com to share her rowing experience and expertise with others.

Learn More About Petra Here!

Peloton Rower Vs NordicTrack Rower 2025: The Showdown!

peloton rower vs nordictrack rower

Hi Everyone! My name is Petra, and today, I want to talk about two of the best-selling rowing machines you can buy: the NordicTrack RW900 and the Peloton rower.

If you’ve been eyeing the Peloton Row, but the price tag burns your eyeballs, you may have been considering other options.

If you’ve read any of my previous reviews or posts, you know that I personally own both a NordicTrack RW900 and a Hydrow rower.

I want to note that for years, people called Hydrow the Peloton of rowing machines, but now that Peloton has introduced their rower, it’s time to think of a new tagline.

Anyway, I’ve written a comparison between Hydrow and Peloton Row, so it’s time to also put the NordicTrack RW900 to the test.

Let’s get ready to rumble – I mean, ROW!

For Those Who are Short on Time – These Rowers We Are Comparing:

Are you short on time and want to know which rower is the best rower between the NordicTrack and Peloton Rower then click on the links below to get straight to our answers and also check out our comparison chart below:

  1. The NordicTrack RW900
  2. The Peloton Row

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

I highly recommend bookmarking this page for your reading pleasure later on, but if you’ve been doing research and you only need one or two pieces of information, check out my comparison chart: read more

Peloton Rower Vs NordicTrack Rower 2025: The Showdown! Read More »

Hydrow Vs Concept2 [2025] – Who Won & Why?

Hydrow vs Concept 2

If you’re seriously considering between Hydrow and Concept2, the comparison will boil down to user experience. Both rowing machines are class leaders in their own right. They are excellent indoor rowers, yet you cannot turn a blind eye to how different they are.

Their price gap is so wide that they’re definitely not in the same league. Hydrow is undoubtedly an elite rowing machine, while Concept 2 Model D (Read More on Concept 2 Rower Model E vs D) has long been considered the standard equipment for the training of competitive rowers. In fact, many competitions are officially rowed on Concept2 rowers, including the CrossFit Games.

In a Hurry?  Here Is A Quick Look at the Machines We Are Comparing:

    1. The Hydrow Rower
    2. Concept 2 

    *We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

    You can read my full breakdown and review on each rower further down in this article.

    Hydrow Rower vs Concept 2 Comparisons

    So why are we even comparing an uber-premium, flashy magnetic rower with a mid-priced, no-nonsense air rower?

    The reason is simple. Hydrow, though relatively a newcomer, is fast becoming the popular choice. Concept2, on the other hand, has not left the contest and is still very much the respected ergometer for athletes.

    Watch our Youtube video with Max Secunda (Rowing Expert) comparing the Hydrow and Concept 2 Rowers side by side:

     

    This is what makes this decision a tough choice to make because it’s not simply a matter of price comparison. Like I’ve said, this will all boil down to UX – user experience! And for this reason, you need to read how I compared the two and who came out the winner.

    Concept 2 vs Hydrow: What’s the Better Rowing Experience?

    The health and fitness benefits you get will be the same across both rowers, so those are not valid points of comparison. Both will engage over 80% of your muscles, increase your heart rate, and involve long range motions in workouts that are low impact and high intensity.

    In either model, you’ll get the same full body workout aerobic benefits, strengthen your muscles, and build strength and stamina.

    Since they’re the same in those aspects, does it matter where they differ?

    Of course, it matters. If you’re no stranger to rowing, you will know that while you get more-or-less the same benefits from different rowing machines, your experience will not be the same. And that’s where personal preference comes in.

    So let’s start talking about the experience that you will get using the Hydrow and the Concept2.  

    Resistance Type: Air vs Magnetic

    First, let’s take a closer look at the bestselling Concept2 models (D and E). This air resistance rower is durable, practical, and provides great value for money.

    Concept 2 Air Rower

    Get the Best Deal at Concept Compare on Amazon read more

Hydrow Vs Concept2 [2025] – Who Won & Why? Read More »

Yosuda Rowing Machine Review (2025): Pros, Cons & Our Verdict

Yosuda rowing machine

Hi friends! I’m Petra, and today, I want to talk about some fairly new rowing machines that I recently discovered.

The Yosuda company has been making exercise equipment for at least 20 years, but it looks like they only recently started selling on Amazon.

One of my clients had one of these so I had the opportunity to use one myself as I gave her some pieces of advice and pointers on using a rowing machine.

I was surprised to find that the company not only has 4 different rowing machine models, but they also sell stationary bikes and treadmills, among other items.

If you are looking for a budget rower without a lot of fancy gadgets because you’re a low-tech person or a beginner who isn’t even sure that you will love rowing, this would be the perfect place for you to start.

Short on Time?  Here Are the Models We Are Comparing:

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Click on the links below to find out from our Yosuda rowing machines review the model that suits you best.

  1. Yosuda Magnetic Rowing Machine
  2. Yosuda Magnetic Pro Rowing Machine
  3. Yosuda Magnetic  Pro Max Rowing Machine
  4. Yosuda Water Rower

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

To help you make an informed decision on which rowing machine to purchase, we have conducted a thorough evaluation of each machine, which we will share in detail in the upcoming sections of this article. 

Let’s Get Right Into It!

I’m betting these Yosuda rowers will be hugely popular for anyone who wants a budget-friendly rowing experience at home.

Seriously, who wants to drive to a gym and wait for a machine or find out that the machine you want to use is broken? What a hassle!

Buying your own indoor rowing machine has never been easier, and there are so many terrific models to choose from!

If you’ve already been shopping around and you simply want some basic info, I hope this comparison chart gives you the info you were looking for.

For the rest of my readers- let’s get started.

Check Out My Comparison Chart

4 Yosuda Rowing Machine Models Compared Side By Side

Yosuda Magnetic Rower Yosuda Magnetic Pro Yosuda Pro Max Yosuda Water Rower
Levels of resistance 16 16 16 N/A
Performance Monitor Size 3.45 Inches 3.45 Inches 3.45 Inches  3.45 Inches 
Max User Weight 350 pounds 350 pounds 350 pounds 350 pounds 
Machine Weight 57 Pounds 69.4 Pounds 77 Pounds 67 Pounds
Does it fold? No, but it stores upright Yes, it folds and stores upright No, but has 2 wheels for portability No, but has 2 wheels for portability
Workout App/s Kinomap app Kinomap app Kinomap app Kinomap and/or FitShow apps
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Yes Yes Yes
Overall Dimensions 37″D x 20.3″W x 8.07″H 46.5″D x 27″W x 8.25″H 46.75″D x 26.75″W x 8″H 35.4″D x 18.1″W x 17.7″H

Yosuda Rowing Machines- All the Info You Need to Know

As mentioned earlier, there are 4 different models to choose from so let me start from the most affordable and go on from there.

1. Yosuda Magnetic Rowing Machine

View on Amazon read more

Yosuda Rowing Machine Review (2025): Pros, Cons & Our Verdict Read More »

Hydrow Wave Vs Hydrow [2025]: Which Rower Is Best for You?

Hydrow wave vs Hydrow Rower

Hi everyone! It’s your favorite rowing buddy Petra, and today, I want to clear up a few things about the differences between the Hydrow and the Hydrow Wave.

More than a few people seem to think that the new Hydrow Wave is the same machine but with a new name, while others think that the only difference is the styling. Neither of these statements is true!

In a Hurry?  Here Is A Quick Look at the Machines We Are Comparing:

If you short on time to read this whole article, you can click on the links below to find out which rower is the best between the new smaller Hydrow Wave and The Original Hydrow Rower:

  1. Hydrow Orginal Rower
  2. Hydrow Wave Rower

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

This article will provide a comprehensive review of these rowing machines, examining each one closely and sharing our discoveries for each machine.

Lets Get Into It!

The original Hydrow was put on the market in 2017, and it’s been nothing short of a game changer!

The “Peloton” of rowing machines has put other rowing machines to shame, and I’ve seen several manufacturers trying to imitate it.

Now we have the new Hydrow Wave. Introduced in July 2022, we were lucky enough to get one sent to our Rowing Crazy office so I can tell you about it firsthand.

What are the differences between these two amazing rowing machines?

Let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we?

A Quick Comparison of the Original Hydrow Rowing Machine and the Hydrow Wave

I want to start this off with a really quick summary for those of you who are quite busy, or if you’ve been doing some reading but had a few questions about these indoor rowers.

Here’s the comparison data at a glance:

Original Hydrow Hydrow Wave
Frame Steel Polycarbonate
Monitor Size 22-inch HD touchscreen 16-inch HD touchscreen
Overall Dimensions 86” x 25” x 47” 80” x 19” x 43”
Overall Weight 145 pounds 102 pounds
Maximum User Weight 375 pounds 375 pounds
Vertical Stored Dimensions 33” L X 25” W X 86” H 26.5” L X 30” W X 83” H
Computer-Controlled Magnetic Resistance Yes Yes
Warranty 5-year frame, 1-year parts, 1-year labor 5-year frame, 1-year parts, 1-year labor

As you can see, the Wave has a smaller footprint and considerably lighter weight than the original Hydrow, but it can still support the same max user weight of 375 lbs. I don’t know how they managed that, but they did!

The monitor is also smaller but still has the same 1980 x 1080 high-resolution screen and front-facing speakers.

There are a few other differences and some things that haven’t changed. I will go into detail about those below.

Remember to bookmark this article so you can read it later.

How Does the Hydrow Wave Feel Compared to the Original Hydrow?

Hydrow SAVE $125!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Hydrow Wave Vs Hydrow [2025]: Which Rower Is Best for You? Read More »

Nordictrack Rower Vs Concept 2 The Ultimate Comparison (2025)

nordictrack rower vs concept 2

I remember when picking a rowing machine was a fairly simple thing. There were really only two models, so you picked the one that you liked or that you could afford.

Today, there are more rowing machine models and brands than I ever thought possible. Everything from the basic commercial grade rower minus the frills to top-of-the-line smart rowers that do everything for you but row!

No one wants a lemon, right? So how do you pick the perfect machine for your main piece of fitness equipment?

You trust your good friend Petra, that’s what you do!

In a Hurry?  Here are the Rowers We Are Comparing:

If you’re in a hurry and need to know which rower is better between NordicTrack or Concept 2, click on the links below for our answers:

  1. NordicTrack RW600
  2. NordicTrack RW700
  3. NordicTrack RW900
  4. Concept 2 Model D
  5. Concept 2 Model E

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

In this article, I will review the three NordicTrack rowers vs the two Concept 2 rowing models so you can get a challenging workout and enjoy the best rowing machine for your home gym. 

You’re really going to be glad that you spent a few minutes reading my review, I promise.

Our Promise to You:

“At our company, we don’t mess around when it comes to quality. We put our NordicTrack RW900 and Concept 2 rowers through the wringer here in our office, where they get daily use from our fearless employees. read more

Nordictrack Rower Vs Concept 2 The Ultimate Comparison (2025) Read More »

Is There a Rowing Machine Like Peloton? [2025]

Rowing machine like peloton

No one would deny that in a few short years, the Peloton name has become synonymous with high-quality, personalized and very intense workouts that make the Peloton Bike exciting. 

For years, Peloton followers have been wondering whether there’s a rowing machine like Peloton. It turns out there is!

In a Hurry?  Here is My Top Pick:

The Hydrow Rower offers connected, live and on-demand workouts as exciting and motivating as the Peloton bike experience. Hydrow’s fully immersive, on-the-water workouts will get you burning fat in no time, no wonder it’s called the Peloton of rowing machines!

Rowing gives you a low-impact full-body exercise that won’t mess up your knees or back! That’s why rowing machines have the upper hand over bikes. Rowing is a full-body workout that will rock your world! To keep you motivated to work out, you will need the perfect rowing machine, one that’s as engaging as a Peloton!

As early as 2015, we’ve heard about Peloton coming out with a rowing machine, and in 2022, Peloton finally introduced its newest product, the Peloton Row. Customers started receiving their preordered units in December 2022, and you may order one now from their website.

My name is Petra, and I’m an actual rowing fanatic. I’ve been fortunate enough to use nearly every major indoor rowing machine sold today, so I was quite interested how Peloton would stack up to the others. 

Let’s look into what the various machines have to offer compared to Peloton.

Quick Comparison Chart

If you’ve already done some research and want some basic answers about how these rowing machines differ, this comparison chart might answer your question.

Peloton vs Hydrow vs Hydrow Wave vs Aviron vs Ergatta vs LIT  

Peloton Hydrow Hydrow Wave  Aviron Impact Ergatta LIT Method
Type of Resistance Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic and Air Water Water
Overall Dimensions 94”x24”
(L x W)
86”x25“x47”
(L x W x H)
80“x19”x43”
(L x W x H)
97”x21”x43”
(L x W x H)
86”x23”x40”
(L x W x H)
7’x1.75’x1.6’ or about
84”x 21”x19”
(L x W x H)
Weight of the Machine 156.5 Pounds 145 Pounds 102 Pounds 93 Pounds 103 Pounds including water 89 Pounds including water
Storage Options Comes with upright wall anchor kit Upright storage kit must be purchased separately Upright storage kit must be purchased separately Folds to measure
54”x21”x62” (L x W x H)
Can be stored upright without additional accessory Can be stored upright without additional accessory
Maximum User Weight 300 Pounds 375 Pounds 375 Pounds 397 Pounds 500 Pounds 400 Pounds
Monitor Size 23.8-Inch HD
Touchscreen
22-Inch HD
Touchscreen
16-Inch HD
Touchscreen
22-Inch HD
Touchscreen
17.3-Inch HD
Touchscreen
None;
Use your own gadget
Price
(Subject to change)
$3,195 $2,495 $1,695 $2,199 $2,499 $1,749
Monthly Subscription Cost $44  $44 $44 $29 Monthly or $25 when billed annually $29 Monthly or $26 when billed annually $24.99 
Warranty 5 years on frame
1 year on all other parts with 1 year labor
5 years on frame
1 year on all other parts with 1 year labor
5 years on frame
1 year on all other parts with 1 year labor
10 years on frame
1 year on all other parts
5 years on frame
1 year on touchscreen
3 years on all other parts
Lifetime warranty on frame
5 years on all other parts

Note the overall dimensions and consider how much space you can spare for your rower. Moreover, you must also take into account the maximum weight capacity of each rower if you have a heavyweight or an obese member in your household.

Price is an important consideration, but a smart rower is an investment in your health, so be sure you pick the one that is right for you!

Which brings us back to the rowing machine like Peloton that has a lower price tag and a cheaper monthly subscription—the Hydrow! It’s the indoor rower I own, and I’m going to tell you all about it in today’s article.

Hydrow Rower – the Rowing Machine with Connected Workouts Like Peloton

Hydrow SAVE $125!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Is There a Rowing Machine Like Peloton? [2025] Read More »

Hydrow vs NordicTrack RW900 Rower (2025): The Winner Is …

Hydrow vs NordicTrack

Choosing the right piece of exercise equipment for your home gym or for personal use can be a tough decision.

If you’ve made the smart choice to purchase an indoor rower, then congratulations! I couldn’t agree more! Rowers are perhaps the most effective pieces of cardio equipment that offer a full-body workout with maximum calorie burning and other health benefits.

Our Hands on Testing:

We have trialed, tested and created videos of these 2 machines with all our expert rowers at our office.  We are continually testing the Hydrow and the NordicTrack RW900, so both these machines get plenty of daily use from multiple people.  read more

Hydrow vs NordicTrack RW900 Rower (2025): The Winner Is … Read More »

Aviron Vs NordicTrack Rower (Updated 2025): The Winner Is…

the winner aviron vs nordictrack rower

Hi friends! It’s Petra again with another comparison that you don’t want to miss.

Whether you are new to erging (which is the technical term for using a rowing machine), or you’re simply looking to replace your old indoor rowing machine, you may be trying to make up your mind between one of the Aviron Series models and the NordicTrack RW900.

The truth is that a high-quality rowing machine is a big investment, so you want to choose wisely.

Before you hit that “Buy Now” button, be sure to read my review on which of these machines I think is the better buy.

In a Hurry?  Here are the Rowers We Are Comparing:

If you’re in a hurry and need to know which rower is better between NordicTrack or Aviron, click on the links below for our answers.

  1. Aviron Impact Series
  2. Aviron Strong Series
  3. NordicTrack RW900

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

To help you make an informed decision on which rowing machine to purchase, we have conducted a thorough evaluation of each machine, which we will share in detail in the upcoming sections of this article.

I’ve used just about every erg on the market today, so I’ve got quite a bit of experience under my belt.

If you want to make the smartest move possible, read this Aviron vs NordicTrack rower comparison to the bottom!

In a rush to compare these two rowing machines? Here’s a quick comparison chart for you!

Comparison Chart – Aviron Rowers Vs NordicTrack RW900

Aviron Impact Series Aviron Strong Series NordicTrack RW900
Overall Dimensions 97” x 21” x 43”   (LWH) 84” x 27” x 48” (LWH) 82” x 22” x 54”  (LWH)
Folds for Storage Yes No, but it stores Upright, No kit needed Yes
Type of Resistance Dual Magnetic and Air Resistance Dual Magnetic and Air Resistance Magnetic Resistance
Size of Monitor 22-Inch HD Touchscreen 22-Inch HD Touchscreen 22-Inch HD Touchscreen
Maximum User Weight 397 Pounds 507 Pounds 250 Pounds
Weight of Machine 93 Pounds 114 Pounds 163 Pounds
Warranty 10-year frame
1-year all other parts
10-year frame
1-year all other parts
10-year frame
2-years on all other parts
1-year labor
Monthly Subscription Cost $24/month if billed annually; $29/month if billed monthly
 (Subject to change)
$24/month if billed annually; $29/month if billed monthly (Subject to change) $39 – 5 users max; $15 – single user
(Subject to change)
Current Price of Machine (Subject to Change) $2,199 $2,499 $1,799

These three top contenders have a lot in common, don’t they? Screen size, resistance type, but note the differences that may make a difference in you life.

For example, if someone in your household weighs 300 pounds, you should consider one of the Aviron rowers since NordicTrack is only rated for 250 pounds. If every inch of space matters or budget is tight, then RW900 should be right up your alley.

1. The Aviron Impact Series Rower

Get the Best Deal at Aviron  Compare on Amazon read more

Aviron Vs NordicTrack Rower (Updated 2025): The Winner Is… Read More »

What Rowing Machine Is Comparable to Concept 2?

The Concept2 is one of the most popular models right now, but whether you feel that the Concept2 model is too large, too ugly, doesn’t offer enough fun stuff, or if you think that it’s just too expensive, you aren’t alone. This rowing machine is a big seller, but there are better home rowing machines, some of which you’ve probably never heard of. It’s about time you do. 

You absolutely want the best possible home rowing machine you can afford, and the Hydrow rower is not only comparable to Concept2—it’s even better. I’ll explain why and offer several other options to help you decide on the best alternative to the traditional Concept 2 air rower.

Indoor rowing has become the hottest new piece of exercise equipment around. Rowing workouts aren’t new, but the new indoor rowing machines have everyone talking.


I’ve personally tried close to a hundred rowing machines, and I know which are the best rowing machines and which are just OK. If you want to know which rowing machines are out of this world, and which are just a plain Jane workout machine, keep reading.

Is the Concept 2 the Best Rower?

I would suppose the answer to this question would be, “That depends on whom you ask.”

Get the Best Deal at Concept Compare on Amazon read more

What Rowing Machine Is Comparable to Concept 2? Read More »