Water Rowing Machine or Magnetic Rowing Machine? Pros, Cons, and Differences

When buying a rowing machine, the most important decision comes before brand and price: water resistance or magnetic brake? Both systems generate resistance in completely different ways – and that changes the feel of the workout, the noise level, and whether you can plan your training at all. Below, you will learn how both designs work, their strengths and weaknesses, and which system suits which training goal.

How resistance is generated

With a water rowing machine, your pull draws a paddle wheel through a water tank. Resistance is created by displacement – and because water brakes disproportionately with increasing speed, every stroke automatically gets heavier the harder you pull. That is exactly what you know from rowing on water.

With a magnetic rowing machine, a permanent magnet slows down a flywheel without contact. The distance of the magnet determines the resistance – adjustable, reproducible, and independent of how fast you pull.

Water or magnetic – the differences at a glance

The most important values in direct comparison:

Advantages of a water rowing machine

• The rowing feel comes closest to real rowing. Resistance builds up throughout the stroke and eases off at the end – just like in a boat.
• Self-regulating. You don't have to adjust levels. Pull harder, get more resistance; a beginner and an advanced user can use the same machine without adjustments.
• The noise doesn't bother most people. The rushing sound is often perceived as pleasant and provides an immediate rhythm.
• Stores compactly upright. Folded up, the RA18 Pro stands on a footprint of 73,6 x 51,8 cm.
• High-quality look. The wood and water tank look fits well into living spaces where fitness equipment might otherwise be an eyesore.

Disadvantages of a water rowing machine – an honest look

• Resistance cannot be set precisely. An interval of "three minutes at level 6" cannot be planned with it. If you train by wattage targets, this is not for you.
• It makes a rushing sound. What one person finds pleasant might bother another while watching TV or in the adjacent apartment.
• Water care. The tank occasionally needs water treatment to prevent deposits.
• Weight when filled. The water adds weight when filled – water must be drained before relocating.
• Mostly 130 kg user weight. Our magnetic machines often support up to 150 kg.

Advantages of a magnetic rowing machine

• Virtually silent. The magnet does not touch the flywheel. This is the quietest cardio machine we carry.
• Reproducible. Level 5 today is the same as next week. Training plans, intervals, and progress tracking work seamlessly.
• Maintenance-free. No water, no wearing parts in the resistance system.
• Often higher user weight. RA14 and RA20 support up to 150 kg.
• Partially self-generating. The RA11 Magnetic works with a generator and doesn't require a power outlet.

Disadvantages of a magnetic rowing machine – an honest look

• The stroke feel is more uniform. It lacks the characteristic buildup and release of water resistance.
• Flywheel mass determines the motion. 6 kg (RA11, RA20) feels noticeably different from 13 kg (RA14). If you're looking for a smooth, heavy glide, keep an eye on this value.
• Less of an "experience". It's a piece of training equipment, not a rowing experience – an advantage for some, a reason not to use it for others.

Which one is right for whom?

Water, if you are looking for the feeling of real rowing, train with pull force instead of levels, and don't mind the rushing sound. Also ideal if the machine is placed in your living area and needs to look good.

Magnetic, if you train in an apartment with thin walls, follow a structured plan, do interval training, or work out in the evening while others sleep.

Our rowing machines at a glance

Water Rowing Machine RA18 Pro

Water drive, 195 x 51,8 x 52 cm, foldable to 73,6 x 51,8 x 102 cm, 29 kg, up to 130 kg user weight, recommended height 130–205 cm, Bluetooth, Kinomap, pulse receiver for chest straps. → To RA18 Pro

Water Rowing Machine RA18 Lightning

The second water variant in our RA18 series. → To RA18 Lightning

Rowing Machine Magnetic Rower RA14

Permanent magnet, 13 kg flywheel mass, 217 x 52 x 91 cm, foldable to 112 x 47 x 145 cm, up to 150 kg. The largest flywheel mass among our magnetic equipment. → To RA14

Rowing Machine RA11 Magnetic

Permanent magnet with electromagnetic control, 6 kg flywheel mass, 163,5 x 45 x 60 cm, only 22 kg, can be stored upright, up to 135 kg, self-generating via generator, Kinomap, YPOOFIT, and Zwift. The lightest and most space-saving machine in the series. → To RA11

Rowing Machine PowerGen RA20

Permanent magnet, 6 kg flywheel mass, 159 x 43 x 78 cm, 31 kg, can be stored upright, up to 150 kg. → To RA20

Rowing Machine & Ergometer RA10 Pro

Combines rowing and cycling in one frame, 272 x 52,5 x 110 cm, foldable to 137 x 46 x 206,5 cm, up to 150 kg. For anyone who wants two training types but only has space for one machine. → To RA10 Pro

3D Rowing Machine RA12 Rower

198 x 65 x 116 cm, foldable to 89 x 65 x 149 cm, 50 kg, up to 110 kg. The pulling motion additionally follows the natural rowing path sideways. → To RA12

Conclusion

There is no better system, only two answers to different needs. If you want to row, choose water. If you want to train, choose magnetic. If you want both and live in an apartment with thin walls, a magnetic rowing machine with a heavy flywheel is your best choice – in our lineup, that's the RA14.

You can find all models under Rowing Machine, categorized into Water Rowing Machines and Classic Rowing Machines.

Your workout plan to go

For rowing workouts, there is an 8-week plan available as a PDF. Free, no registration required – and calculated with values your machine can actually deliver.

• Rowing Machine Workout Plan – Technique, Foundation, and Intervals

All plans at a glance: Workout Plans