SmartRow requires each user to buy into Ergometer Innovations’ Bluetooth-enabled pulley for the WaterRower. On the face of it, there are a number of advantages with this upgrade kit and the associated software. It promises improved stat accuracy over the stock S4 monitor and durability of construction with its aluminum casing.
If I were to judge SmartRow alone, I would be rating this four stars with only minor nitpicks. The software developers have been quick to respond to user requests and advance the capabilities of the software. In the last year they have added challenging workouts, races, and other features to improve iOS integration. It’s all good on the software side.
Unfortunately, the weak link remains the hardware itself. I bought a rev. B pulley for my home machine and the Bluetooth pairing mechanism eventually developed a fault and would no longer connect to my iPhone or the this app app (no LED lights). The online FAQ is not very detailed when it comes to resolving this issue, so mine is either a corner case or just plain bad luck. Anyway, once the pulley goes, the software is no longer useful since you cannot use it with any other system. WaterRower states that these electronic add-ons have a limited 1 year warranty, so buyer beware.