Description
- 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.
SWH –
Primarily I was looking for value and function in the $500 price range for a rower. I had never used a water rower and only used magnetic type at a gym. The Sunny Hydro Rower came in a sturdy box mostly assembled. The water tank and surrounding front frame are already put together. Although I found the visual instructions lacking enough detail, it was not a hard assembly that took about 40 minutes. It would be less if you are less patient. Along the way the only concern was when I unpackaged what they call the meter or the computer. Immediately there was a small rattle and after taking off the battery door and rolling it around a bit, a small screw did appear.
I filled the tank as instructed for the first use at about half the maximum. More water means more resistance. I advise starting with the minimum if you are a beginner like me and work your way up as you build strength.
Using video training through Apple Fitness I’ve gone through about 5 workouts of 10-30 minutes each. I find the instructors indication of strokes per minute match up well to the on board meter indicating it is at least pretty accurate.
Again, as a beginner following the trainer’s guidance on proper technique of 60/20/20 or 60% energy from the legs, 20% from core and 20% from arms, I am feeling a fairly even workout. The water resistance is much better, in my opinion than magnetic and I’m pleased to have gone this route. The only strain I am feeling so far is in my lower back. This could be technique, lack of core or positioning/adjusting with the machine.
There are adjustments for foot position, front and rear round rubber screw type feet. One important feature I learned from a video instructor (on YouTube) was to have a machine with full range for the handle position. This machine allows for a return of the handle past the handle saddle/lock. Some cheap machines have the strap for the handle only go as far as your foot position, thus not allowing a full range. I am 6′ 1″ with long arms so full range was important to me.
All the functions, including the meter work as advertised and I am very pleased with the initial quality. The welds look solid and there are no leaks. On the initial uses I see no issues with the foot rests or straps as some have mentioned but we’ll see over time. I can see this on most moderate priced machines being something subject to replacement over time.
Finally, but importantly, I want to applaud Sunny customer service. After my first few uses I started a ticket on Sunny’s site sharing the loose screw from the meter and my concern that over time this could be an issue. The response from an actual agent was within a day and they considered this a warranty replacement and have mailed me a replacement meter/computer.
I do recommend this machine for persons like me that want to have a rower, might not be a daily user and are newer to the exercise. I hope to have it for several years of good rowing!
DKD –
Todo muy bien .. salvo el tiempo de entrega y que tuve que recibirlo en otro domicilio, porque no había entrega em mi área.
Stephane pellerin –
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
Jorge Szwako –
Strong and smooth. Good product.
Víctor Bañuelos Kuang –
This is the real deal. I’ve used the Concept2 extensively. The “feel” of this machine is comparable. Configuration makes full motion possible, which is absent from many budget machines. Not understanding people who are saying there isn’t enough resistance. They must be Olympians. Yes, it’s heavy. That’s part of what makes it good.
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.
SWH –
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.