Like most pieces of exercise equipment, rowing machines are available from a wide range of manufacturers and an equally wide range of designers. From utilitarian mechanical rowers to professional rowing machines designed for experience above anything else, the number of different ergometers on the market is staggering, and potentially quite confusing for a beginner.

However, when reduced to their core functions and stress points, the construction style and function of all rowing machines is much the same, regardless of their design. We’ve looked at the four most common types of rowing machine – air, water, magnetic, and hydraulic resistance methods – and laid out what you should look for in each.

The anatomy of a rowing machine:

The basic function of all rowing machines is the same: to provide resistance through a smooth, natural, and safe pulling motion. While some rowing machines achieve resistance through secure liquid and others through a flywheel design – the same variety often found in automobiles – their design is entirely geared towards providing adjustable resistance for the rower.

That means you’ll be able to find the same variable levels of resistance on any rowing machine, not just the style that you happen to own. While the delivery of force can differ between rowing machines, the goal is always the same – to give you something to pull against. These four rowing machine designs all deliver power, each with slight differences in delivery, smoothness, and comfort.

Air Resistance Rowing Machines:

By far the most common type of rowing machine, air resistance rowers are found in fitness centers, home workout studios, and gymnasiums across the world. Force is delivered through a flywheel system similar to that found in cars and motorcycles, albeit with the rower driving force through repetitive pulling instead of a series of pistons moving in unison.

Despite being less similar to on-water rowing than other rowing machine designs, air resistance ergometers are popular with sports training teams and fitness gurus. Their simple design makes them relatively cheap to produce, and their solid construction keeps them almost complete free of potential breakdowns or structural damage. A favorite amongst gymnasium operators and low-cost exercise fans, the air resistance rowing machine is the best choice for exercisers that aren’t short on space at home.

Water Resistance Rowing Machines:

Every industry has its premium brands and top-level providers. For the watch industry it’s high-end Swiss brands like Rolex and Tag Heuer; for the automotive industry it’s untouchable names like Bentley and Rolls Royce, and for the rowing industry it’s the water rower manufacturers, each competing to deliver the most realistic and natural stationary rowing experience possible.

Much like high-end watches or vehicles, water resistance rowers aren’t necessarily purchased for their training function, but for the experience that they deliver. Like air resistance rowers they offer varying degrees of resistance, but unlike air resistance rowers, they offer an experience that’s as close to being on the water as possible.

If you’re rowing at home to support real training and on-water work, a water resistance rower will deliver the most realistic and valuable experience possible. However, if your rowing efforts are aimed at increasing fitness and stamina, it’s unlikely that a water rower will provide anything more than an air-powered or hydraulic resistance rowing machine could.

Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machines:

Magnetic resistance rowing machines are compact, easily adjustable, and particularly worthwhile for beginner rowers and those looking for light exercise. Completely silent and more compact than air and water-supported rowers, magnetic resistance machines generate resistance through a series of electromagnets. Rowers can adjust the machine’s pulling strength and resistance level.

While smooth and almost completely silent, magnetic resistance rowing machines have a few small disadvantages. The first is the way they deliver resistance – by using electromagnets, they deliver variable resistance without the smoothness or fluidity that air and water rowers can provide. The second is their size – while smaller than most air rowers, magnetic resistance rowers are still larger than hydraulic piston-powered rowing machines.

Hydraulic Resistance Rowing Machines:

Hydraulic resistance rowing machines – also known as piston-powered rowers – are one of the most common and simple forms of ergometer available. Designed for the everyday user and casual rower, most hydraulic resistance rowing machines are built to minimize floor space usage and keep costs relatively low.

For example, a standard hydraulic resistance rower can be found for less than $400, with basic models occasionally breaking below the $299 price barrier. Despite their low price point and somewhat basic design, it’s rare to hear of hydraulic machines falling apart or suffering under heavy or frequent use. Their simple design makes them inexpensive to produce, and at the same time quite durable for home users.

However, hydraulic resistance rowers aren’t without their drawbacks, most of which involve their compact size and rigid construction. Due to their short length, tall rowers and those with a longer than normal pulling stride may find themselves uncomfortable and slightly cramped on a piston rowing machine. If you’re over six feet tall or tend to row with an extended stroke, it could be worth looking at alternative models.

Finally, the rigid construction of hydraulic resistance rowing machines can lead to injuries and poor technique. As the rower is built around two pulling handles – each attached to the end of the rower – experienced rowers may find themselves compensating for the machine’s lack of flexibility with a less natural stroke than normal. While casual rowers and light exercisers are unlikely to injure themselves through improper technique, it’s not unheard of for experienced rowers and power users to injure themselves due to the shorter span and less accommodating design.