whipr

First off, my biggest concern was the resistance: could a 6 inch cubed box really provide a comparable experience to a full sized rower? (eg/ a Concept2/C2 or WaterRower) The answer: kind of; if you are someone used to a C2 rower or similar, you will find the Whipr lacking; for its size the Whipr cannot directly compare to the maximum resistance and power of using a C2 rower (or i suspect a C2 Ski ERG, I haven’t had a chance to try one)(more on this later). But it excels as a versatile home fitness and portable cardio option and that was the goal.

The Whipr is by my account, well built and well designed. The materials and accessories all feel sturdy and solid (there was some slight flaking of the chrome of the attachment loop, but otherwise pristine) under inspection and during workouts. With the modular design of the rower frame there is a slight “click” as the seat rolls over the mid joint; however this is minor, and for the trade-off of being completely collapsible and able to fit in a carry-on with reassembly taking about 5 minutes? Worth it. All of the handles are sufficiently grippy, the ski handles are smooth but have enough of a flare to prevent any slipping (the SUP paddle has a slight carbon fiber feel and is slippery but still grip-able once my hands get sweaty). The ski accessory works well on a door frame but if not vertically aligned with the Whipr base unit, the cord can oscillate somewhat. Apart from that it’s easy to set up, adjust, and use (I’m looking forward to a wall mounting option) The display has a backlit LCD option and can either cycle through metrics (ie. time, distance, projected, average wattage, etc.) or stay - or by using the app you can see all the metrics all the time. The menu is easy to navigate and adjust (again even easier, but not flawless, with the app). The pump (which anchors the Whipr to a closed door) is also easy to use and sturdy, either on it’s own or with the anchor plate for larger floor to door gaps. I haven’t used the supplied outdoor ground anchor or strap anchor yet. When anchored, even to the rower frame, the Whipr base unit does move slightly, but always feels secure.

Using the Whipr is fun! The resistance dial goes from 1-10 and I’ve found for myself, if I’m using both arms (eg/ rowing or skiing), I will always use max resistance (and the rower doubler). Using one arm (eg/ SUP, canoeing, or the handles) I can more easily feel the nuance between resistance levels. And this makes sense: during both rowing and skiing I can utilize my bodyweight to generate a LOT more power than something like supping. I’m excited to play around with different exercises and accessories, as there are infinite ways to use a Whipr! Again the limitation of the Whipr is that it lacks the resistance of a full sized ERG machine; I find that no matter how hard I row or ski I cannot max my body out or get to my full power (versus a C2 or WaterRower). I estimate the max rower resistance is slightly under a WaterRower or about 3-4 on a C2. Plus at my maximum stroke rate and power, the cable retraction cannot fully keep up with my recovery leading to some inconsistent catch resistances. For most people these factors are negated by simply rowing and skiing longer: when skiing or rowing longer than 500m-1000m, the Whipr is a great home option with one of the smallest footprints I’ve ever seen! For the SUP option, it’s a great full-body and lower core workout! And if my workout is longer than 5 minutes using max resistance will only lead to power dropoff and leakage.

The bottom line is I think the Whipr is a great choice if you’re looking for a portable or home cardio option (ie. 10-20 minute sessions or longer), especially for rowing, skiing, or supping (I didn’t opt for a second unit so I can’t speak to kayaking or “swimming”)! There’s a lot of potential here for a variety of great workouts! However if you are serious about your rowing or ERGing (eg/ crossfit, a background in rowing, etc.) you’d be better off ponying up for a C2; this version will leave you wanting more (but maybe future versions will have more resistance!).

Well worth the wait. Rower is constructed well, as is the ski erg! My garage gym is now complete. Since the pandemic, I’ve been looking for the ultimate cardio gear. Whipr you hit a home run.

The wait has been worth it for this. I originally backed the project due to traveling 90% of the year, and having to adapt to new gym equipment at each destination. Everything really does fit into the suitcase and pieces together exceptionally well. After putting the rower together a few times, the build and tear down times are a little over a minute. I'm a larger guy at 6' 4" - 210, and I have no complaints about the build of the machine. I can't wait until a carrying case comes out for the rower, as it'd make the package that much sweeter. I would recommend everyone give this machine a try!

Love the ease of transition to the different exercises. Everything is thoughtfully designed. Great workouts. Couldn't be happier I invested in this product. Easy assembly too!

I have quite enjoyed my rowing workouts with Whipr and given my low amounts of space I appreciate not only the size and the ability for it to be taken apart and stored

It's only been a week so far and I am enjoying it. No issues with assembling the parts. It was all pretty easy. Rowing it felt very smooth and I'm working up a sweat working out on this. As of right now it's a two thumbs-up.

The Whipr is easy to use and easy to set up. It is small, compact and changing between each accessory is quick, allowing for a variety of exercises. The Whipr is a great complement to other exercise activity, ensuring I never miss a day due to weather, running out of time to go to the beach (or the trails or the gym) or due to a lack of desire.

I got the Whipr because I have given up on going to the gym and was looking for a reasonably priced alternative cardio machine. This has worked out very well. It's not easy for me to get on the rower, but once there, it gives me a sustained good cardio workout. I have not had time to try out the additional functions of the machine, but I will.

Received this item and immediately went to work putting it together. I was very impressed with the overall design and build quality. The whole unit functions very well. I am looking forward to spending hours on this machine and testing the durability.

The Whipr is a great idea that was able to meet all the intended goals and bells and whistles. thank you for filling the need by creating a user friendly APP and great product.

The rower is surprisingly rugged in its design and construction. I weigh 200 lbs and have had zero flex or sagging issues in that regard. The price was also quite reasonable being about 1/4 of the cost of higher-end rowers (speaking of discounted Kickstarter price, I don't know what the retail price is now). That said, I do have a few minor complaints about it. 1) This is a "suitcase portable" design but it's going to take a larger than standard airline suitcase to transport it (the two rail portions are both 28" long while my rolling bag is only 20" on the inside). 2) The Whipr unit itself seems to have a slight hesitation in retracting the cord once you stop pulling. I've found a rhythm that works with it but the rowing technique I learned on a Concept II had a weird hiccup in the cycle. 3) This is quite minor but due to the rail being in two pieces, there is a slight but noticeable bump on every stroke as the seat crosses the seam. In fairness, I don't see any way they could avoid such a condition without expensive precision machining.
Despite these criticisms, I use my rower almost every day and am seriously considering taking it with me when I travel despite needing a larger suitcase to to so. :)

While this will not replace a full-sized machine of each individual function, to be capable of doing multiple exercises with the one machine is great. You can do rowing and paddling, and within a few minutes, it's a ski machine to workout other muscle groups. Perfect for days where you want to take it a little easier or don't have time to go to the gym. Maybe during breaks while working from home, get a little exercise in.

Only issue I personally have is that it can be a little noisy if used at night, but during normal hours, some music playing, it's great. Haven't tried the swimming setup yet, so I can't comment on that, but everything else is smooth and feels good.

I legitimately couldn’t be happier if you paid me. It’s been a long wait but it was absolutely worth it. In the past several days I’ve put together everything I need to row to my heart’s content and I’m enjoying every minute of it, not that I can spend too many minutes on it yet given how out of shape I am. My fiancée is loving it too! Never showed too much interest before it arrived but she is exercising on it more than I am. Totally satisfied this far and looking forward to continuing to use our Whipr for years to come.

Everything that was promised. I set it up under my standing desk and it hasn't moved since. Workout while at work.

Just received my Paddle, Ski, Row+ Package and set up the rower. Set up was a breeze. Very impressed with the build quality and row action. Hoping to get back to bursts of energy and pushing myself. Been a while since I last rowed on a Concept 2 at a gym. Now I can row at home and travel easily with the SUP and ski. So happy! I highly recommend the Whipr.