Similar to WaterRower, First Degree Fitness, an Australian brand founded in 2000, also specializes in water-resistant rowing machines, targeting the high-end market. In order to get a resistance from the previous water resistance rowing machine, the user needs to reserve a certain amount of water in the water tank in advance, and if the resistance is changed, it is necessary to manually pump and fill the water repeatedly, which is slightly troublesome. First Degree Fitness' first-of-its-kind double-deck tank design simplifies this process, allowing users to control the amount of water injected from the upper first layer tank into the lower second tank with the twist of a knob.
 
It is worth mentioning that the water tank design is one of the core technologies of water resistance rowing machine manufacturers. First Degree Fitness may not be as old as WaterRower, but its patented double-decker tank design gives the brand a competitive edge that should not be underestimated. On the other hand, in view of the lack of relevant technology, some manufacturers will purchase the right to use the patented design of the water tank and produce products in the form of a foundry assembly line. Although the price of such products is only one-third of that of international brands, the quality is often uneven, and when there is a problem, the parts are only replaced without repair, and the additional costs generated are more borne by consumers, and the gains outweigh the losses.
 
First Degree Fitness has a good sales volume on foreign e-commerce platforms, and the models sold by the original factory are roughly the same as those of domestic products, and there is no such thing as "domestic exclusive, weakened function". The brand's only agent in China is Shenzhen Good Family Industrial Co., Ltd., which was established in 1994. As one of the drafting units of the rowing machine part of the current national mandatory standard GB17498 "Fixed Fitness Equipment", the company has a considerable reputation in the domestic large-scale fitness equipment retail industry. Therefore, when consumers buy the brand's products on the e-commerce platform, in addition to the official flagship store of First Degree Fitness, the related products sold in the Good Family flagship store are also reliable.
 
In terms of the product layout of the water resistance rowing machine, the WaterRower mainly focuses on two types of pure metal or pure wood, and First Degree Fitness has a modern mix and match type in addition to these two. This mix-and-match type of product uses a metal frame to fix the water tank and pure wood as a slide rail, and it contains more than 30 kinds of models, with prices ranging from 6,099 to 40,000 yuan, basically covering high-end consumer groups. The same brand that is good in the field of water-resistant rowing machines, WaterRower has launched only 10 models, and the price is more than 10,000 yuan.
 
First Degree Fitness rowing machines are divided into Evolution, Horizontal, Vortex, and Medical Ergo series. Among them, the Evolution series is priced at 39999 yuan, which is the highest in the whole product line, with E316 and E520 models to choose from, 20 levels of patented variable liquid resistance technology, which has more resistance adjustment space than other models, equipped with a stainless steel metal main frame, aluminum seat rails, DuPont base paint with silver powder coating, solid and durable, suitable for personal or professional gyms.
 
The Horizontal series is available in a wide range of 19 models with 4 levels of resistance control. Models with a price of less than 7,200 yuan are more cost-effective, such as Pacific Challenge and Newport Challenge, which use an aluminum alloy frame and stainless steel monorail design, and are lighter in size, only 26.85kg, with smooth strokes. The aluminum alloy double-track design Apollo, Aqua and other models have better stability, and the price is slightly more expensive, between 8799 and 10499 yuan. The price range is 15,999 to 19,999 yuan, and the main North American ash wood material, including Viking 3, Viking Pro and other models, its load-bearing capacity, pulling parts, and anti-slip treatment are more optimized than those made of metal.
 
Vortex series is positioned as a professional-grade commercial product, with a price of more than 10,000 yuan, and there are three models: VX-2, VX-3, and VX FA, according to different models, FDF's unique variable fluid resistance will have an adjustment range of 16 to 20 sections, and the position of the water tank is designed to be vertical from the general flat type. Among them, the VX FA is the industry's first product with a smart handle and a fluid assistance system, and its resistance control button can quickly adjust the change of fluid resistance. However, there are not many models in the Medical Ergo series, only the E520 from Evolution, which is suitable for medical rehabilitation.
 
In terms of materials and workmanship, First Degree Fitness mainly uses high-end home wood ash, while WaterRower in addition to ash, also selects more high-end woods such as red oak, walnut, and cherry wood due to different models, and is handmade to make it more delicate and delicate in appearance. In addition, the First Degree Fitness rowing machine typically has a maximum weight capacity of 150kg, which is only half that of the WaterRower, and its S4 electronic display lacks an online interactive app and is slightly less intelligent. Therefore, consumers who plan to buy a more affordable imported water-resistant rowing machine can consider First Degree Fitness, while those who want a better experience and appearance texture and have a good budget can choose WaterRower.