The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 is no doubt one of the world’s cheapest rowing machines available. Despite its amazing affordability, it still provides decent rowing activities that enable you to enhance and maintain your physical wellbeing.
However, this rower is best for beginners and intermediary users whose goal is to keep fit. It is pretty much a handy machine that works like a magic.
The overall build is solid, although, without the bells and whistles other more expensive rowing machines may have.
It targets multiple muscle groups such as the arms, back, glutes, legs, abs, and more, simultaneously. There is a small LCD monitor that tracks workout stats for focus and inspiration.
Users up to 220 lbs./100 kg or less in weight can utilize the rower. It features a hydraulic resistance system with 12 adjustable levels.
If you are on a budget, you can procure a rowing machine without having to break the bank.
Click right here to have a peek at the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205.
Table of Contents
The Frame and Construction
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 has an outstanding solid steel frame that is coated with anti-rust resistant paint.
Its 29’’ rail is slanted just like the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5606. This makes gliding recovery faster and challenging as you glide forward and push back with your legs.
The rower’s bases feature front and rear rounded steel stabilizers with a rubber cap on each end. Thus, it is floor-friendly and stable even though it only weighs 20.5 lbs./9 kg.
Although, it is usually purchased together with a protective rubber mat that could further enhance its stability and prevent sweat from spilling on the floor.
It is a compact rowing machine that still accommodates taller users. At least, users with an inseam (the length of the inner thigh to the ankle) of 37’’ or less can conveniently use it with full leg extension.
The overall assembled dimensions of this rower are 52’’ long by 20’’ wide by 23’’ high. Simply put, it will require a workout area with perimeters of 4’5’’ length by 1’7’’ width, plus recommended additional clearance of 2’ at the rear and on each side of it for safety and convenience reasons.
If you are looking to diversify your indoor workout, you may look up the Sunny Health and Fitness Squat Assist, very affordable as well.
The Seat of the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205
The ergonomically padded seat on this rower has 6 rollers (4 rollers at the top of the rail, while 2 rollers underneath) that ensure it doesn’t only provide comfort but also smooth and quiet glide.
It smoothly transitions back and forth without any friction.
The seat is decently comfortable, especially when you consider the price tag of the rower.
You can always improvise to improve the comfort level of the seat if you must. For instance, using a small pillow or a towel on it can help.
The seat’s dimensions are 13’’ long by 10’’ wide by 2’’ thick.
The Handlebar
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 is equipped with a straight foamed handlebar with a metallic core; it is soft yet anti-slippery.
Therefore, it provides secure and comfortable grips that could last through a prolonged workout.
Instead of it being attached to a nylon strap as the case with most rowers, it’s fixed to an upright steel bar that moves back and forth as you row.
The Footplates on the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205
The footplates are large, anti-skid designed with adjustable safety straps.
They will be suitable for different foot sizes.
To further ensure secured footing, the footplates have heel guards.
Lastly, they pivot so that the feet could have the flexibility that reduces stress to the ankles.
The Resistance
The SF-RW1205 Rower has a hydraulic resistance system with 12 adjustable levels.
The resistance system consists of only a single piston hydraulic cylinder with an adjustable knob at the top of it.
You must adjust the resistance to any level you desire before using it as it cannot be adjusted while actively rowing on the machine.
The resistance levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 are inscribed on the hydraulic cylinder, thus, it’s pretty easy to select.
Its operation is smooth and quiet when engaged. Therefore, there won’t be any noise interference when watching TV or listening to music.
The resistance system generates workout difficulties that are suitable for beginners and medium fitness level users, and everyone else that wishes to lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance level.
The Console
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 comes with a basic and easy-to-read monitor.
It displays basic workout stats such as Time, Count, Total Count, and Calories. It also has a SCAN function that rotationally displays these workout stats one at a time after every few seconds. You may override it by setting a certain preferred workout value to display constantly instead.
Interestingly, it is possible to set workout goals for Time, Count, and Calories.
It doesn’t need to be plugged in for it to function because it’s battery-powered (2 AA batteries included in the package).
As a way of saving the batteries’ power, the monitor shuts down automatically when there is no rowing activity for a few minutes (4 minutes) and it automatically turns ON when activity resumes.
However, you can manually turn it ON/OFF.
Accessory
The rower doesn’t have any accessories. Improvise to keep water within reach for proper hydration.
Storage
The storage of this rower is easy. Although it is not foldable, it can be stored vertically by leaning it against the wall.
If you must store it under the bed, then you may have to decouple it.
It is a very light machine, weighing only 20.5 lbs./9 kg. So, it can easily be moved from one room to another.
Approval Rating
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 is first of all Amazon’s choice; meaning it is a highly recommended product with the best price.
Moreover, it has overwhelming Amazon customers’ reviews with 95% of the users viewing it favorably and many review sites give it thumbs up.
Its overall approval rating is positive.
Pros/Features Overview
- Solid build
- Inexpensive
- Supports a maximum user weight capacity of 220 lbs./100 kg
- Easy to relocate
- Doesn’t require too much space
- Hydraulic resistance system with 12 adjustable level
- Its operation is smooth and quiet
- Suitable for weight loss, improvement of cardio health, strength, and endurance
- Good for home or office use
- Its LCD monitor with a SCAN function tracks workout progress,
- Goal setting for Time, Count, and Calories
- Doesn’t need to be plugged into a power outlet
- Battery-powered and the batteries included in the package
- Easy to assemble
- Maintenance is low
- It accommodates users with an inseam of 37’’ or less
- The seat is padded and large, thus, conveys decent comfort
- The handlebar is soft and anti-slippery
- The pedals are large, anti-skid, with adjustable safety straps, and they pivot for reduced impact on the ankles
Cons
- The monitor is not backlit
- No heart rate monitoring function
Considering the price of the rower, these cons don’t make it a bad deal.
Product Dimensions and Specifications
- Length 54’’
- Width 20’’
- Height 23’’
- Shipping dimensions: 53’’ x 7.5’’ x 13.5’’
- Maximum user weight capacity: 220 lbs./100 kg
- Net weight: 20.5 lbs./9 kg
- Gross weight: 24.9 lbs./11 kg
- Seat: Large and padded
- Handlebar: Ergonomically designed with soft foam
- Footplates: Large, anti-slip, adjustable
- Resistance: Hydraulic (cylinder with one piston), 12 adjustable levels
- Frame: Steel
- Console: Basic monitor tracks Time, Count, Total Count, and Calories
- Goal setting for Time, Count, and Calories
Warranty
- 3 Years on Frame
- 180 Days on Parts and Components
Shipping
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 is shipped out in a single box that weighs 24.9 lbs./11 kg with dimensions of 53’’ x 7.5’’ x 13.5’’.
Amazon ships the product free of charge and they make delivery in a couple of days. However, how long it takes to get delivered depends on your location.
Assembly
It is not difficult to assemble this rowing machine.
There is a clear illustration of how to assemble it and it takes only a few minutes to get it done.
The tools needed for the assembly are included.
Maintenance
Maintenance is almost non-existent.
Simply ensure to keep the machine clean from dirt and sweat at all times. Prevent the console from liquid and always examine the rower before use for any loose or broken part. Act accordingly if there is any issue by re-tightening or replacing the part.
Conclusion
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 is still as effective as any other expensive rower regardless of its cheap price. The only difference is that it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles they may have.
Having this rower at your disposal, you will be able to row conveniently and productively in the comfort of your home.
It doesn’t require too much space either.
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
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