# WaterRower Original Series (Oak) vs Echelon Row-s: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the WaterRower Original Series (Oak) (WaterRower) and Echelon Row-s (Echelon) among rowing machines. Echelon Row-s is the cheaper of the two at $799.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | WaterRower Original Series (Oak) | Echelon Row-s |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1199 | $799.99 |
| Brand | WaterRower | Echelon |
| Resistance type | water | magnetic |
| Max user weight (lb) | 700 | 350 |
| Footprint (in) | 82 x 22 | 84 x 21 |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| 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 Echelon Row-s magnetic
- Max user weight (lb): WaterRower Original Series (Oak) 700 vs Echelon Row-s 350
- Footprint (in): WaterRower Original Series (Oak) 82 x 22 vs Echelon Row-s 84 x 21
- Foldable: WaterRower Original Series (Oak) No vs Echelon Row-s Yes
- Monitor or touchscreen: WaterRower Original Series (Oak) S4 Performance Monitor (LCD) vs Echelon Row-s 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen
- Subscription required: WaterRower Original Series (Oak) No vs Echelon Row-s Yes
- Weight (lb): WaterRower Original Series (Oak) 67 vs Echelon Row-s 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.)

## Sources

- WaterRower Original Series (Oak): https://www.waterrower.com/us/products/waterrower-oak-rowing-machine-with-s4-monitor (waterrower.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Echelon Row-s: https://echelonfit.com/products/echelon-row-s-connected-rowing-machine-for-bundles (echelonfit.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/rowing-machines/waterrower-original-vs-echelon-row-s/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, WaterRower Original Series (Oak) ($1199) vs Echelon Row-s ($799.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/rowing-machines/waterrower-original-vs-echelon-row-s/
License: CC BY 4.0.