- Free Connected App: Enjoy FREE access to the SunnyFit App with every Sunny Health & Fitness product—no membership fees! Dive into 1,000+ trainer-led workouts, explore 10,000+ virtual scenic tours, track progress, challenge others, and much more!
- Built For Cardio: This rowing machine is meant to be used indoors by anyone from fitness enthusiasts, to recovering athletes, and elderly citizens. This is a product that works your core and provides a multifunctional cardio workout. Perfect for anyone that wants to add a low impact cardio routine into their training plan.
- Hydro + Magnetic Resistance: The water tank holds water at a 60-degree angle with 16 hydro blades that provides both water and magnetic resistance.
- Long Slide Rail: At 48.8 inches for the slide rail length and 44.1 inches for the inseam length, this indoor rower can accommodate for nearly any body type.
- Durable Construction: This rower is constructed with a sturdy frame and quality steel, so it is very sturdy and resilient. This is built to withstand the most intense workouts.
- Convenient Storage: Simply tilt up for upright storage when you are done with your workout and no longer need the rower. Space efficient, fast, and easy to move around in smaller spaces.
- Digital Monitor: The easy-to-read LCD monitor clearly displays your Calories, Distance, HRC/Pulse (Optional), Strokes Per Minute (SPM), Strokes, Time, Time/500, Total Strokes, and WATTs. The scan feature cycles through each display feature so you can track your progress and stay on top of your fitness goals.
- Watch It Your Way: Place your mobile device in the device holder tray and stay engaged with your workout on the SunnyFit app and your favorite TV Show
- Comfortable Handlebars: Easy grip, padded handlebars provide a comfortable grip while preventing calluses. Stay comfortable through long rowing sessions.
- SUNNY STATE OF MIND: In our 20 years of serving the fitness community, we have impacted the lives of over 10 million customers, and we are confident that our indoor rowers are not only built to last but will also enable you to achieve your cardio goals. Our vision and core mission are to stand beside you throughout your entire process. We enable you to enjoy your workouts with our products and our SunnyFit app that comes with over 1000+ workouts taught by our certified Sunny Trainers.
| Brand | Sunny Health & Fitness |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Adjustable Foot Strap, Built-In Accessory Tray, Adjustable Resistance, Digital Monitor, Smart Machine |
| Color | Black |
| Resistance Mechanism | Dual Magnetic + Water Resistance System |
| Product Dimensions | 76.8"D x 18.9"W x 36.6"H |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 265 Pounds |
| Metrics Measured | Calories, Distance, HRC/Pulse (Optional), SPM, Strokes, Time, Time/500, Total Strokes, WATTS, Scan |
| Model Name | Hydro + Dual Resistance Smart Magnetic Water Rower |
| Frame Material | Alloy Steel |
| Item Weight | 76.7 Pounds |
| Tension Level | 16 Level Resistance |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Number of Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Display Type | LED |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00815749015921 |
| UPC | 815749015921 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 38.98 x 37.01 x 11.42 inches |
| Package Weight | 41.59 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 76.8 x 18.9 x 36.6 inches |
| Brand Name | Sunny Health & Fitness |
| Warranty Description | 3 year structural frame, 180 days other parts and components |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Manufacturer | Sunny Health & Fitness |
| Part Number | SF-RW522017BLK |
| Style | 01-Black Smart Rower |
| Included Components | Rower, User Manual, Tool, Hardware, 2 AA Batteries |
| Sport Type | Exercise & Fitness |
Jorge Szwako –
Fue muy fácil para armar, el producto se ve de muy buena calidad, descargué la aplicación y se ve fácil de usar, aunque me hubiera gustado que la resistencia máxima fuera un poco más pesada, aún así me gustó mucho
Regular middle class dude –
I only have a few weeks of use, if any of my opinions change over the long-term I’ll update this review.
Very good first impression. The rower seems to be well made, solid welds, sturdy frame, and is very stable while I’m using it. I’m about 5’11” tall, and 200 lbs. The computer is functional – I’m not sure how accurate it is, but it gives you the most valuable statistics and you can track your progress from there. This is an important feature as many budget rowers don’t provide proper metrics.
The seat is pretty good. No complaints. There are much worse seats out there. The pull handle is study and textured for grip. The foot straps seem to be the cheapest element. The plate is welded securely, the actual foot pedals are adjustable and they work – but I see this being the weakest link. The length of the straps are also cut unnecessarily long, giving a small point of contact for the hook-and-loop. Easy fix if one is so inclined.
I’m really enjoying the water tank – this is first water rower I’ve used, and I really like the “whooshing” sound. It’s not loud at all and becomes meditative after a while. My house uses well water, not city treated tap water, so I used distilled water to fill the tank. It takes about 3.75 gallons to reach the “max fill” line. I recommend everyone fill it to the max level as resistance is dependent on the amount of force you use when you pull the handle, i.e. don’t pull as hard if you want less resistance. I highly doubt anyone will be filling / un-filling to change resistance. Also, deliberately look over the tank for any signs of cracks before completely assembling. It takes about an hour to unbox and put everything together, it’d be a major hassle if your tank had a leak.
Who is this rower for? I’ve used the Concept 2 off and on over the years, that’s mainly what I’m comparing this rower to. I recommend this rower for individuals who seek exercise, not necessarily as an indoor trainer for people who actually row out on the water in the real world. The reason I don’t recommend this for “real” rowers is because the Concept 2 is the industry standard and any subtleties or computer comparisons you make will be inaccurate. The act of rowing properly is quite technical, so to keep consistent with a team or coach, you should use whatever equipment they’re using. If you’re a lone wolf, I don’t see this machine limiting your stroke.
With that said, this rower is perfect for the home gym with individuals looking for low-impact exercise. The build quality is actually pretty decent, it may hold up well at smaller communal fitness clubs. Again, it is completely sufficient for any home gym scenario with individuals working toward fitness goals. Cheap bearings might be a long-term concern with very heavy use, but frame construction is not.
So, if you hate running or the wear and tear it does to your joints, this little machine could be a great addition to your home gym. So far, I’m really enjoying it – I jump between this rower and a bike trainer hooked up to Zwift throughout the week.
SWH –
Todo muy bien .. salvo el tiempo de entrega y que tuve que recibirlo en otro domicilio, porque no había entrega em mi área.
Víctor Bañuelos Kuang –
I bought this for days I dont feel like running on the treadmill and needed an alternative. I took a point off for assembly because the diagrams in the manual are really small, and I had to use a magnifying glass to see the details. It was easy enough except where the wires to the computer go up the tube, which was really awkward. I spent more time on that than any other part of the assembly combined.
After its assembled its a good machine though. Feels solid, easy to fill the water, etc. Be careful with the sizing. I am 6’4″ and wear pants typically a 36 inch inseam. After its assembled the end of the stroke sometimes just BARELY touches the stopper. It can come down to if I wear running shoes or not. Its that close. Definitely any taller and or longer leg even by a fraction of an inch I wouldnt be able to use it.
Some comments about foot pedals being over sized and they definitely are. I am a size 12.5 and actually have to move the foot rests up, which never happens. The straps barely fasten unless I am wearing running shoes, and there are only so many ways to do these straps up so I deny user error here. I can use the machine fine without the straps however as it does roll back to the start quite easily.
I have the tank filled to maximum resistance and it takes me a while to work up a sweat. I am probably a little more fit than the average guy as I had a good workout regime before I bought this, so take that for what its worth. I tried it with the water at half way and maximum resistance and barely notice the difference, although you can tell over a longer session. The computer display is a little tricky to read unless you are in a well lit area, and it would have helped if it was back lit. I would say this is good for what I wanted it for, which was an alternative to the treadmill, however I think I would pass on it if it was my primary fitness machine. For casual home use and a break from the treadmill its fine.
UPDATE after my last session on it I noticed when in pulling I sense a bit of feedback, almost a grind or vibration, coming through the grips. It still rows smoothly on the pull and return so its not a big deal, but some people might be annoyed with it. After using it for a couple weeks now I noticed at higher stroke rates, around 20 SPM or so, the resistance seems to fade and there is definitely a dead spot after you return to the catch position and start the next pull. I find the best way to get the use out of this machine is to set a stroke rate around 18 or 19, and work on an explosive stroke, with a slow return for recovery. This seems to allow the water to settle, which you can actually hear, and its ready for another pull.
After a month of use I am gonna probably sell it. I just cant get a great sweat on it no matter how hard I try. The faster you row the less resistence there is. I think great for a casual exercise program but if you are trying to burn some serious calories spend a few bucks more on a different machine.
Regular middle class dude –
After much research, bought this Sunny Phantom SF-RW5910. Very pleased. Definitely would recommend this machine. I believe it is very good value for the price.
Pros:
Solid. No worrying about my 250 lbs being too much for it.
Extremely quiet. I measured with decibel meter 3 feet from the unit. It never gets over 65 db. About as loud as a conversation held across a room. Slightly louder when starting up or stopping rowing because turbulence in water is greater then. Much much quieter than I expected. I can watch videos with Bluetooth headphones at a very comfortable volume. One can easily hold a conversation while rowing.
Big enough. I’m 6’4”. There is about 1” to 1 1/2” of travel left to the rubber stop when I am fully extended and toes pointed. The Sunny data says the bar accommodates a 40.5” inseam. If you are taller than me, use inseam measurements carefully: The Sunny info online says you have to measure inseam differently than you would measuring for pants. Measure standing from floor to your hip bone on the side where your leg pivots. Mine is 38”.
Tablet holder: A small thing, but very useful. I put my tablet on and put Bluetooth headphones in and watch videos while rowing. Time flies.
Smooth: Very smooth action with natural feel. Nylon strap pull.
Assembly easy. Comes mostly assembled with tank, handle and pully mechanism already installed. Just put the seat on slider bar (remove and replace 2 screws), mount the feet for the slider bar (4 screws). Put the slider bar on (hand knob, 1 bolt and one pin). Then mount holder for the meter (4 screws). Then mount meter (6 small screws). They provide all tools (allen wrench and screwdriver). Instructions are not intuitive, but assembly is. Took me ~½ hr. Including picture of pieces.
Cons:
Foot rests/straps: I was a little surprised that the footrests are welded at an angle and don’t pivot. If you don’t like the angle, tough. The heel cups in the foot rests are a bit small for my size 12 cross-trainer shoes and I have to wiggle my feet to get out. Not a great design, but workable. Smaller shoes would be fine.
Handle: Not great. Hard plastic. Comfortable enough to hold on to, but wouldn’t be too tough to make this a bit better.
Seat: Seat is a bit uncomfortable. Half an hour is fine. Long rows, not so much.
Resistance: Resistance is adjusted only through adding or subtracting water. I am coming from home-built rowing machine which had lots of resistance. This is an aerobic machine. Don’t buy it if you are intending to use it to bulk up. I find it fine and very good for an aerobic workout, and I’m plenty worked out after ½ hour of rowing at a natural pace. But the top end is still a little light to my preference at my natural rowing speed. If I row harder and faster, the resistance increases due to properties of viscosity of water, so I can really wear myself into a sweaty mess quickly, but you can’t have large resistance and row slowly. I’m thinking of adding some glycerine to increase the viscosity of the fluid.
Meter lighting: Stinks. No backlight. I mounted a small reading light to shine on the screen so I can see it.
Meter beeper: Absolutely a joke. Tiny tiny beep that you simply can’t hear.
Wheels on seat. I’m not too big a fan. A little cheaply built. They’re fine for now and quietly and smoothly roll, but I expect them to be the first thing that wears out.
Neither pro nor con:
Meter: Pretty simple, but workable. Alternates every 5 seconds or so between two views:
First View: Elapsed time, Strokes, Strokes per minute, Calories, Distance, Pulse (if you have a 5.3 khz strap not included)
Second View: Average time per 500m, Total Strokes, Strokes per minute, Watts, Distance, Pulse
You can set a parameter (either: time, distance, strokes, or calories) and it will count down until finished. It beeps pathetically when finished.
I think too much is made of meters as selling point for rowers. It’s good to watch, but really you row for time, distance or calories, while keeping at a standard pace/wattage. This meter is fine for that.
A couple last comments:
Several reviews comment about a cracked tank. Mine was not cracked. Inspect first for cracks before removing from packaging.
I’m not sure why the word description in Amazon says “black”. The unit is brown/gray as in the Amazon pictures.
SWH –
Strong and smooth. Good product.
Stephane pellerin –
good, not much to assembly, a little bit noise compared with magnetic one but acceptable. longer leg room, much better than others