The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520008 is a rowing machine that features a resistance system that combines the forces of air and magnetic fields to generate resistance. The combination of these two forces produces unique workout challenges.
The console is basic; it features a non-backlit LCD monitor that tracks workout stats such as Time, Count, Total Count, and Calories. Yet, it is compatible with the SunnyFit workout app that gives you access to virtual trails with real-world maps, over 100 workout videos, customized workout plans, and more.
Click right here to peek at the best price of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520008.
Table of Contents
The Frame & Construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520008 Rowing Machine is built on a steel frame that is coated with an anti-corrosion gray paint finish. The drive system shrouds, the footrests, and the stabilizer end caps are durable plastic (ABS).
The unit supports 300 lbs./136 kg maximum user weight capacity.
The rowing machine has front and rear stabilizers with adjustable levelers that provide and enable users to optimize the stability when necessary. Especially, when a workout platform is not entirely even or balanced.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520008 is not a very large unit when compared to the likes of Concept2 Rowing Machine. Nevertheless, it will take a bit of workout space just as most of the rowing machines do.
Its assembled dimensions are 72.6’’ long by 25.1’’ wide by 31.3’’ high. In other words, an area with measurements of 6’ (184.4 cm) in length by 2’ (63.75 cm) in width should be suitable for workouts; and of course, additional clearance should be considered around it, especially on each side and the rear for safety and convenient workout experience.
Since the slide rail length is about 44.7’’ (113.53 cm) and the maximum inseam length it supports is 38.5’’ (97.79 cm), hence, taller individuals that are up to 6’5’’ tall should be able to fit in comfortably.
This is not a foldable rowing machine, but it is vertically storable. Thus, it takes even less storage space than foldable rowing machines.
There are transport wheels integrated into the front base for an easy relocation process. Besides, it is lightweight, and only weighs 58.1 lbs./26.3 kg.
The Seat of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520008
The seat on the Yosuda 100 Magnetic Rower looks pretty close to the one on this rowing machine. It is large, stripped, padded, and contoured.
Thus, it is intended to provide stability and comfort that could last for a long time. Up until the time of this review, users have not complained about the seat.
The seat integrates 2 large rollers with internal ball bearings, and they slide on top of the rail beam, and another one underneath. They keep the seat’s back and forth motion stable, smooth, and quiet.
The dimensions of the seat are 11.2’’ long by 14.2’’ wide by 2’’ thick, while the floor-to-seat height is around 15’’.
The Handlebar
The handlebar is coated with a thick layer of rubber foam material and it is curvy and ergonomically designed to provide firm, comfortable, and suitable grips.
There is a 1’’ nylon strap that is anchored to the drive system attached to it. The handlebar is plain with no heart rate sensors or any control button on it.
The Footrests
The rower is equipped with a set of pivoting footrests that are positioned at 45 degrees. They pivot in order to adapt to your ever-changing feet position during a workout for the purpose of preventing stress to the ankles.
They are large and anti-slip designed with adjustable safety straps and a heel guard. Thus, different foot sizes can be accommodated securely and comfortably.
These footrests are made of thick durable plastic and are attached to a single rod with a metal stopper at the heel.
The Resistance
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520008 Rowing Machine has a dual resistance system that comprises air and magnetic brake pads, just as the Serenelife Smart Rowing Machine does.
It is dynamic and yet adjustable. The air part does not have predetermined resistance levels but instead produces resistance intensities based on the rowing effort of the user. In contrast, the magnetic component of the resistance system offers 16 adjustable levels.
The air resistance system generates its resistance from the air produced by the fan flywheel, while the magnetic resistance system generates resistance through the magnetic fields released around the steel fan flywheel by the magnetic brake pad.
Basically, the air resistance is augmented by the magnetic resistance making the resistance system to be dynamic and powerful.
Thus, users of different fitness levels will be able to push themselves past their limits. They will be able to exercise in order to lose weight, improve heart and lungs’ health, and tone muscle groups.
As to the noise level of the rowing machine; it is quite a bit noisy due to the fan flywheel. However, the noise level is not problematic. You should be able to train while watching your favorite TV show or listening to music that plays at a normal volume level.
The Console
The integrated console is very basic aside from being compatible with the SunnyFit app. It features a non-backlit LCD monitor that tracks workout stats such as Time, Calories, Count, and Total Count.
It is easy to read and discern as long as it is being viewed in a well-lit environment, otherwise, it will be difficult since the monitor does not have a backlight.
It has a SCAN function that displays and switches the workout stats one at a time after every few seconds because they cannot be displayed all at a time. However, it is entirely possible to override this function if you wish to observe a certain workout stat instead.
As you may have observed, there is no heart rate function. Therefore, if this is something you wish to have, you may have to use an external heart rate monitoring device.
The calorie reading is not entirely accurate because it is calculated based on the rotation of the flywheel and does not take into account the resistance level used.
As aforementioned, the console is compatible with the SunnyFit app. This can be connected to an Android or iOS-based smartphone via Bluetooth. It is completely free for download at the app stores.
Once connected, you will have access to virtual trails with real location maps, customized workout plans, On-demand workout videos, and more; and of course, you will be able to track your workout progress online.
Since the monitor is powered by 2 AAA batteries, it (monitor) is designed to automatically shut down when there is no activity on the rowing machine for 4 minutes in order to preserve batteries’ power.
The monitor also turns ON automatically when activity returns and it could be turned ON manually by pressing the only button on the console.
Accessory
The only accessory featured on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520008 Rowing Machine is a tablet holder that is situated above the tension knob and way down below the monitor.
It could accommodate most smartphones, and the view of the monitor won’t be blocked.
The Storage
The storage of this rowing machine is easy. There are transport wheels at the front base that enable you to move it to and from the storage area without hassles. Besides, it only weighs 58.1 lbs./26.3 kg.
The unit does not take up too much storage space even though it is not foldable. It is designed to be stored vertically and this makes it occupy a smaller storage area than foldable rowing machines.
Pros/Features Overview
- Durably built and sturdy
- Supports a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs./136 kg
- Robust stabilizers with adjustable levelers for optimum stability
- It could be stored vertically to save space
- It supports an inseam height of 38.5’’; thus, users up to 6’5’’ tall can be accommodated
- The seat is large, contoured, and padded for maximum stability and comfort
- The curvy handlebar is ergonomically designed and coated with layers of soft rubber foam material for firm and comfortable grips
- The pedals are large and textured with an adjustable safety strap and a protective heel guard
- LCD monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Calories, Count, and Total count; SCAN function included
- The console is compatible with the SunnyFit workout app; this avails virtual workout trails with real location maps, customized workout apps, and more
- The dual dynamic air/magnetic resistance system produces challenging workouts even for advanced athletes
- A tablet holder is included
- Easy to assemble
- Maintenance-free
- The warranty is reasonable
Cons
- No water bottle holder
- No heart rate function
- The monitor is non-backlit
Warranty
- Frame: 3 Years
- Parts and other components: 180 Days
Specifications
- Length: 72.6’’
- Width: 25.1’’
- Height: 31.3’’
- Shipping dimensions: 46.5’’ L x 26’’ W x 9’’ H
- Net weight: 58.1 lbs./26.3 kg
- Gross weight: 67 lbs./30.39 kg
- Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs./136 kg
- Slide rail length: 44’’
- Inseam height: 38.5’’
- Frame: Steel
- Drive: Nylon belt
- Resistance: Air/Magnetic, 16 adjustable levels
- Seat: Large, contoured, and padded
- Footrest: Pivot, large, and textured with an adjustable safety strap and a protective heel guard
- Handlebar: Curvy and ergonomically designed
- Bluetooth & SunnyFit workout app connectivity
- Monitor: LCD
Shipping
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520008 Rowing Machine is shipped out in a box that weighs 67 lbs./30.39 kg with dimensions of 46.5’’ long by 26’’ wide by 9’’ high.
Delivery might take a few days or a week or two depending on the destination.
Assembly
The assembly is not complicated at all. All that is required of you is to attach the stabilizers, the seat, the slide rails, and the footrest to the core unit.
The instruction manual included in the package will throw more light on how to assemble it. Tools for the assembly are also included.
Maintenance
Always keep the rowing machine clean, and inspect it before use for workouts in order to prevent an accident that may lead to an injury.
Finally, storage in a dry, clean, and cool area is important.
Conclusion
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520008 Rowing Machine is designed for home use. It is a full-body cardiovascular machine that features a dynamic air/magnetic resistance system with 16 adjustable levels. Its sturdy construction supports a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs./136 kg. Even though the console is basic, yet, it is Bluetooth-enabled and compatible with the SunnyFit app.
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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