EXR | Row together Virtually Ratings and Reviews

Good app for rowing

I like it . Good to see the virtual session .would be nice to see a banner when you complete one lap. Not easy to see the progression bar as it is quite similar to the sky colour. But this could be improvement to an already worthy application.

Developer Response ,

Hi there, Thanks for your detailed review! We're working on improving the app according to user feedback with every monthly update. To enhance the training data's readability, turn on the high-contrast data option in your interface settings. Kind regards, The EXR team

Close but not quite

I love the concept of this app and it ticks loads of boxes for me. As an avid rower on and off the water and a user of Zwift I’ve been crying out for this app for ages.
However, on using it it doesn’t deliver and here’s why:
1. One of the key things which make Zwift great is the number of users and the feel of racing others - these things are absent on EXR and because they’ve gone to a paid model before getting a volume of users which might add the value needed, so there’s no one to race. I only ever saw two other users the whole time I had it - and they were see through so I wasn’t sure if they were real or not.
2. EXR default to their own splits system - concept of using their own splits which differ from Concept2s means that if you use the integrations, you get short changed on your effort - you can’t post a C2 pb while using this - this setting is pointless - they say it’s about accuracy but what’s the point if it’s different to the machine 90% of users have.
3. There’s no sense of speed, we know rowing isn’t the fastest sport but the UI in this app sits you a long way back from the avatar making it feel slow as the background moves too slowly the other view options don’t help with this.

Hooked

I’m new to rowing and recently invested in a Concept2 for the whole family’s use. Did loads of research on fitness/training programmes to use with the Concept2 and figured EXR would be the one for me (and the kids). I was not wrong, the environment is brilliant, the training programmes are excellent (if you like number-crunching for hours on end) and the virtual-world graphics, equipment and app connectivity and feedback are all superb. For the kids (big ones too) the games (buoy-blaster and shark-attack) are an added bonus to help get better, fitter and stronger in a super-fun/competitive way. However, I really am waiting for the time I can compete in live races on the platform, a la Zwift, and, in the meantime, will continue to thoroughly enjoy my training for it!

Developer Response ,

Thanks for your fantastic review! We hope that you and your family enjoy the multiplayer mode and have fun training with rowers from all over the world! The competition mode is in the making... Once we have news on this, we'll let you know via the EXR Blog and our newsletter! Kind regards, The EXR team

Love it but there’s lag

I love the app and really enjoy rowing on my waterrower with SmartRow whilst in cinematic mode. However, there is a lag between the two and I’m not sure which side it’s on so have given both apps 3 stars! Maybe that’s harsh. There is about 9 seconds per 500m pace difference and that’s hard to stomach when see you what that could do to leaderboard position!

I’d love the option of a boost boat for the entire row, not just the challenges if possible.

Other than that it is very simple to use and I have high hopes for it and appreciate the regular updates with great information on what has been enhanced.

Developer Response ,

Thanks for your review! SmartRow and we are working on minimizing the lag. In the meantime, we recommend turning off all unnecessary Bluetooth signals in your training environment as they might interfere with your connection. Also, make sure all devices are placed close to each other. If we have news on our collaboration with SmartRow, we'll let you know via our social media and the EXR newsletter. Kind regards, The EXR team

Poor

I received an email about a problem with the 1.7 software version and it was being rolled back to a previous version but will be named 1.7.1. Ive been trying to use the app again and whilst the app recognises and connects to my water Rower, when you start a workout the avatar just sits there and the App does not recognise I’ve started rowing. It worked previously on the older version of the App i had but now its useless. Ive tried uninstalling and downloading again, reconnected the rower numerous times and still no joy. This would be a great app if it worked and worked reliably :(

Want to like it but overly complicated

I really want to love this app and up my motivation but as a novice with no background in rowing it’s blowing my mind. I have been following programs from British Rowing and just want to add their intervals to begin with. The app makes me feel totally inadequate as I am not an Olympic class rower and wants me to row further and faster than I am capable of. Why can’t I set the simplest of intervals. It’s going to expire before I work out how to use it. I’m clearly not the target market so good luck to all who are.

Developer Response ,

Hi there, Thanks for your feedback! Perhaps this support page on the Training Editor helps you with creating intervals in the app: https://exrgame.com/support/training-editor#main-content We plan on adding a training import option at a later point. Before you start your workout, make sure to take an FTP-test or set your FTP in the gameplay options so all workouts are tailored to your fitness level. If you have any other questions, feel free to write to support@exrgame.com. Kind regards, The EXR team

Rich graphics, good motivation

I’ve been on the trial version of this for a few months. It’s early days so there’s a couple of minor glitches and no online race functionally yet but I really enjoy the app. I hook up my iPhone up to a tv and really enjoy the experience of rowing Boston rivers - apparently other cities will follow.

Really motivating app

Been rowing for many years, but during lockdown I switched to running and have found it difficult to motivate myself to get back on my Concept 2.

This has done the trick. Really slick app, great training customisation options, and ducks! 😂

Not only that, the team behind it were really responsive when I had a problem that was stopping the app working in the training mode. Thanks guys!

Can’t wait for the racing to come on line and also for a few more courses (how about the boat race course on the Thames? 🙂)

Developer Response ,

Hi James, Thanks for your amazing review! Indeed, there is something in the making... Stay tuned on our social media and the EXR Blog for the big news! Kind regards, The EXR team

Getting back into indoor rowing

Needed an incentive to row along and create my own workouts. So far enjoying the experience. Easy to set up and use and appreciated the 2 week trial to check out suitability.

Developer Response ,

Thanks for your great feedback! Don't forget to sign up for the next online group rowing events to train with lots of rowers from all over the world: https://exrgame.com/events

Needs some serious work.

I have a brand new water rower and iPad Pro and while there was always a sync issue between the virtual rowers strokes and my actual strokes, the numbers matched. Now with the latest update nothing matches, and the whole experience on the water is incredibly buggy. The concept is great but the app needs some serious dev love.