# WaterRower Original Series (Oak) vs Aviron Strong Series: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the WaterRower Original Series (Oak) (WaterRower) and Aviron Strong Series (Aviron) among rowing machines. WaterRower Original Series (Oak) is the cheaper of the two at $1199.

## Side by side

| Spec | WaterRower Original Series (Oak) | Aviron Strong Series |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1199 | $1999 |
| Brand | WaterRower | Aviron |
| Released | — | 2022 |
| Resistance type | water | hybrid |
| Max user weight (lb) | 700 | 507 |
| Footprint (in) | 82 x 22 | 84 x 27 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Monitor or touchscreen | S4 Performance Monitor (LCD) | 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen |
| Subscription required | No | Yes |
| Weight (lb) | 67 | 114 |

## Key differences

- Resistance type: WaterRower Original Series (Oak) water vs Aviron Strong Series hybrid
- Max user weight (lb): WaterRower Original Series (Oak) 700 vs Aviron Strong Series 507
- Footprint (in): WaterRower Original Series (Oak) 82 x 22 vs Aviron Strong Series 84 x 27
- Monitor or touchscreen: WaterRower Original Series (Oak) S4 Performance Monitor (LCD) vs Aviron Strong Series 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen
- Subscription required: WaterRower Original Series (Oak) No vs Aviron Strong Series Yes
- Weight (lb): WaterRower Original Series (Oak) 67 vs Aviron Strong Series 114

## What reviewers say

**WaterRower Original Series (Oak)** — Three whitelisted testers (Wirecutter, BarBend, Garage Gym Reviews) hands-on reviewed the WaterRower Original/Classic series and broadly recommend it as a quiet, beautiful, sturdy water rower. All praise its meditative whooshing sound and compact vertical storage; all flag a bare-bones monitor with paid tech add-ons (no built-in Bluetooth). Wirecutter warns its distance/time readouts run optimistically fast. GGR's spec card lists an Oak frame with the S4 monitor while its body copy calls the unit the 'WaterRower Natural' — the same machine mechanically. (3 sourced reviews.)

**Aviron Strong Series** — Two whitelisted hands-on testers — Garage Gym Reviews and BarBend — both recommend the Aviron Strong Series Rower, praising its gamified 500-plus-workout platform, sturdy 507-lb-capacity build, and heavy adjustable dual air/magnetic resistance for strength work. Both flag the roughly $2,500 machine price plus the subscription needed for full functionality. Neither published lab-measured performance numbers. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- WaterRower Original Series (Oak): https://www.waterrower.com/us/products/waterrower-oak-rowing-machine-with-s4-monitor (waterrower.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Aviron Strong Series: https://www.avironactive.com/shop/strong-series-rower/ (avironactive.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/rowing-machines/waterrower-original-vs-aviron-strong-series/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, WaterRower Original Series (Oak) ($1199) vs Aviron Strong Series ($1999) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/rowing-machines/waterrower-original-vs-aviron-strong-series/
License: CC BY 4.0.