PMQs - SmartRow vs The S4 Monior

One of the most common questions to our customer service team is: “Which is better, the S4 monitor with ComModule or SmartRow?” The answer is that the two systems are designed for different users. A comparison between all current WaterRower performance monitors can be found here.

The S4 Performance Monitor is our most popular option, used in hundreds of thousands of homes and gyms around the world. When fitted with our ComModule the S4 transmits workout data by Bluetooth connecting your WaterRower to a family free to use and subscription tablet/smartphone apps. These apps include:

• WaterRower Connect – free to use WaterRower companion app. An app that we are actively developing to display workout data in real time and store performance to your profile for future analysis and comparison.
• Coxswain – free to use performance monitoring and training app.
• Kinomap - give users an immersive rowing experience with motion videos from lakes, oceans and rivers around the world. Videos will adjust to the rowers speed and are GPS mapped to show where a user is rowing.
• CITYROW GO – stream a variety of on-demand indoor rowing focused fitness classes from CITYROW’s Manhattan studio.

The S4 + ComModule future proofs your WaterRower and ensures that it will integrate with all future WaterRower app development.

Designed for use by indoor rowers looking to analyse their workout performance in significant detail – typically those competing in high-performance sport. SmartRow is a strain gauge that replaces the front pulley on the WaterRower to measures force overtime, thus giving a highly accurate recording of your power output. For each stroke taken on SmartRow, a detailed power curve is generated to show precisely where you are applying force in the drive phase of the rowing action.

Data from Smart Row is transmitted by Bluetooth to the SmartRow iOS and Android tablet/smartphone app. At present SmartRow does not integrate with any other apps. So which option is better for you?

If you are focused on maximising your athletic performance and analysing your rowing workouts in great detail then Smart Row is the advisable option. However, if you are looking for a broad range of apps offering everything from instructor led workouts to scenic virtual rows then the S4 + ComModule is the perfect choice.