Mr Rudolf Rowing Machine Review (Water Rower Comparisons)

Pros & Cons Of The Mr Rudolf Rowing Machine 

The Mr Rudolf rowing machine is suited for users of most heights and sizes, with generous height and weight capacities. That means you shouldn’t struggle when using it, although you’ll need to ensure you have the space for it if you want to use it at home.  

The visual display is helpful for beginners who don't got much experience with rowing. It’s easy to assemble, even if you haven’t used gym equipment before. It also has several features that benefit you during intense workouts, like the ergonomic handle and sturdy solid wood components. 

Unique Features Of The Mr Rudolf Rowing Machine

The Mr Rudolf rowing machine gives you a great all-around workout, making it the perfect choice if you’re limited when it comes to space. It’s also built with comfort in mind and can be used by anyone of any fitness level.  

Easy To Move & Store  

Storing the Mr Rudolf oak wood water rowing machine is made quick and easy because of the transport wheels you’ll find attached to it. That means you can lift it from one end and wheel it over to where you’d like to store it. The dimensions mean it can fit in a closet or up against a wall. 

Non-Slip & Adjustable Footplates  

The footplates on the Mr Rudolf rowing machine are integrated neatly into the rower and have a decent heel border that prevents your feet from slipping off the sides. They’re large enough to use with gym shoes, but there can be issues with the strap length depending on the size of your shoes. 

Sturdy Rail Track  

The Mr Rudolf oak wood water rowing machine also comes with dual rails. These make rowing smooth and stable, plus they’re made from oak wood, just like the frame. These rails also ensure that the rower has extra longevity because they’re durable. However, there can be a slight wobble due to a lack of blocking in between the rails.  

3D Ergonomic Seat Cushion 

It’s important to feel comfortable while you’re rowing, and that’s precisely what you’ll get with the seat on the Mr Rudolf water rowing machine. It’s ergonomic so that you can use it for extended workouts, and it’s large enough to accommodate you without feeling unsteady. Seat contours and a wooden base add to its quality, and while moving, it stays smooth. 

Deluxe Ergonomic Handlebars  

While using the Mr Rudolf rowing machine, you’ll need to have a tight grip on the handlebars so that you can row effectively. The handlebars are ergonomic, just like the seat, and you’ll benefit from soft rubber foam that keeps your hands comfortable while you work out. You’ll avoid blisters, and your hands won’t slip.  

Aviation Grade Polycarbonate Water Tank 

The water you add to the Mr Rudolf water rower is stored in a tank and stays usable for about 4 months before needing a refresh. It’s filled using an electric pump that transfers water in and out seamlessly, which helps you adjust the resistance level. The only potential issue is if the filler arm falls into the tank. 

Mr Rudolf Rowing Machine Review 

It should be doable as an individual, and once complete, it will look high-quality and visually satisfying. 

Regarding maintenance, you can add a few drops of bleach to keep the water looking clean. However, make sure you don’t add anything beyond a few drops. Otherwise, the polycarbonate tank will be damaged. You can refill the tank and add a purification tablet if you’d like an alternative. 

Design, Comfort, & Features  

The design of the Mr Rudolf oak wood water rowing machine is definitely worth praising. It combines black mechanical parts with the wooden frame and the clear water tank.

Together, these colors make the rower look fresh and clean. You’ll also notice it’s not shaped difficultly, either. It’s narrow, streamlined, and everything looks like it belongs in place.  

Compared to alternative rowers, it’s very comfortable because the manufacturers have emphasized ergonomics, especially with the contoured seat, foam handlebars, and adjustable footplates. All of these help you to make the rower work for your body. The wheels are also a nice touch because it makes the rower much easier to move around.  

The features on the rower are pretty comprehensive, with a sizeable water tank and a detailed LCD. The water tank gives you plenty of resistance, and the LCD tells you most of what you want to know, although distance recording could be improved.  

Using The Console  

When it comes to the LCD, there are both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it records a lot of data and puts it all on one screen. Data includes strokes per minute, distance, and time.

That makes it convenient to track how your workouts are evolving. It also means you don’t have to keep touching the screen to see the statistics. However, it is only in black and white and is relatively small. That means you have to focus to see it.  

But the main reason we find it worth having is that you can select one of three modes using it. These three modes enable you to customize your workouts so that they suit your needs.

That way, you can manage your time and reach set goals more quickly. If you like, you can pair the console with a training app using the console’s Bluetooth module, which is handy.  

Price & Warranty

Water rowers range in price from around $450 to over $1000, and the Mr Rudolf rowing machine sits at around $600 in price, meaning you can just about call it a mid-range water rower. More expensive water rowers tend to come from premium brands with name recognition, whereas more budget water rowers look more basic and aren’t quite as durable.

It’s best for someone serious about exercising but who isn’t ready to spend lots of money and isn’t interested in becoming an athlete. A beginner can use it but may want to try out a budget model first.  

The frame of the Mr Rudolf rowing machine comes with a one-year warranty, but the other components only have a warranty of 180 days from the date of purchase. You’ll need to register your machine for it to become active. The warranty should be sufficient but could be longer. Compared in the section below, the Sunny Health and Fitness rower has a 3-year warranty on the frame, for example.  

Final Verdict  

The Mr Rudolf water rower is ideal for intermediate fitness enthusiasts because it offers a wide range of exercises and is durable and comfortable. However, beginners and more advanced users may wish to look for a budget model or a high-end model, respectively.  

Comparisons With Similar Water Rower Brands 

Mr Rudolf Vs Mr Captain 

The Mr Captain water rowing machine looks very similar to the Mr Rudolf rowing machine. The main visual difference is that the wood can come in a red walnut shade, and the seat is brown. Besides that, the components are mostly the same, and so are the benefits. 

The price is similar too, with the two options for the Mr Captain rower averaging at $650 in price. Like the Mr Rudolf rower, the Mr Captain rower is suitable for intermediate users and will give a thorough workout across various exercises. It also weighs the same and has the same weight capacity.  

One slight advantage the Mr Captain rower has is a damping footpad underneath the seat, which muffles noise and adds stability. Another is that the display has some extra details. However, it’s worth noting the bungee cord can start to break up after a few months and may need replacing.  

Mr Rudolf Vs WaterRower Club  

The WaterRower Club is best described as a more heavy-duty version of the Mr Rudolf water rower. It weighs 116lbs and has a maximum weight capacity of 700lbs, much higher than most water rowers.

However, the dimensions are the same, so storage will not be an issue compared to the Mr Rudolf rowing machine. It also differs in appearance, with a combination of black mechanical components and ash wood.  

However, many of the components are similar, like the polycarbonate water tank and the dual rails for rowing. You’ll also notice it has a contoured seat and foam handles, just like the Mr Rudolf rowing machine. Its LCD is more similar to the Mr Captain rower, but it displays less information, although it does have a heart rate monitor.

It’s both durable and comfortable and provides a great workout. But at around $1000, it’s a higher-end model more suited to advanced fitness enthusiasts or athletes. 

Mr Rudolf Vs Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 

The Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 is noticeably different from the  Mr Rudolf rowing machine and the previous two that we’ve compared it to. It’s all-black and has a more skeletal appearance than the wooden frames of the other models. But this alternative design is just the start. It also features 16 Hydro Blades, which mimic the movements you’d perform during competitive rowing.  

Not only that, it has an advanced seat design that allows you to get on and off it without bending your back and foot-levelers to ensure the absence of any wobbling. Plus, its R2 Fitness Meter includes precise information like calories burned and the ambient temperature.

Its weight is 88lbs, putting it in between the WaterRower and the Mr Rudolf rower. Interestingly, it costs around $450, putting it within the budget range despite the additional features. That makes it a bargain.  

How To Put Water In The Mr Rudolf Rowing Machine 

It’s essential you know how to fill up the Mr Rudolf rowing machine so that you can get the proper resistance levels for your fitness level. The water tank is filled using an electric water pump, which makes it easy to add as little or as much water as you need.

You can siphon the water out of a separate container, but you’ll hit a maximum capacity of 4 gallons. When filling it, you’ll need to be careful about the filler arm, as we mentioned.  

Once you’ve filled the water tank to the level you want, you can leave the water for 4-6 months before replacing it, so long as it’s not left still or in sunlight for too long before this time. You can leave water in the tank when storing the rower, but only up to the halfway line.  

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Does it come with an additive for water tanks? 

There are no additives supplied for use in the water tank, such as tablets or other chemicals. That means you’ll need to keep the water fresh yourself. An easy option is to use distilled water instead or drop in a purification tablet the next time you refill the tank.  

What is the maximum height limit for this rowing machine? 

Technically, the maximum height on the Mr Rudolf rowing machine is 7 feet. That means that almost everyone can use it, and there should be no concerns around height. However, it’s always best to test it to ensure that it gives you enough space for the exercises you want to complete. 

Is the Mr Rudolf rowing machine quiet? 

Apart from a quiet swishing noise that you can expect from most rowing machines, the Mr Rudolf water rower does not make any noise that you'd find disturbing. On the contrary, it's quiet enough for you to use at home without causing any noise problems.  

Where can you buy replacement parts for the Mr Rudolf rowing machine? 

When you want to buy a replacement part for the Mr Rudolf water rower, you can take advantage of the 180-day warranty if it’s still in effect. Otherwise, you can buy them from the manufacturer yourself by contacting their service team or visiting their website.  

Conclusion

The Mr Rudolf rowing machine is an excellent choice if you’ve begun an exercise routine at home or outdoors and want a convenient but stylish way to take it up a notch. We recommend it for intermediate fitness enthusiasts.