Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Water
ELITE BACKGROUNDWhen I first tested a Sunny rowing machine back in 2010... I have to admit I did not rate it, in fact, I hated it. But boy, has this budget brand come a heck of a long way since. Sunny now has an impressive range of bikes, rowers and treadmills in reach of most people's pockets. And this one, the Elite Water, really is worth your attention.
If you've got a few minutes, then please read on... Only a few years back you'd pay close to $1,000 for a rower with the features on the Elite Water - no, I'm not kidding. Rowing machines were the last of home fitness machines to embrace new technology, but while the wait was long, it was worth it. So now you can get machines with fitness apps and 'real water' rowing experience with videos of being on open water. So onto whether this is a rowing machine for you.
SUNNY ELITE WATER:
8.0
Reviewer: R. Palmer
ASSEMBLY Almost as straightforward as it gets. Most of the machine comes pre-assembled and should take between 30 - 40 minutes to put together, even if you have the most basic DIY skills. Obviously, it doesn't come with water in the tank (seriously though, it has been known for some to complain that it's empty!). But it does come with a small hand pump, but if you use a funnel it's quicker. And note, all the necessary tools are provided. The manual is also detailed and easy to follow.
So now it's in one piece, what does it feel like to use? THE HARDWARE The Elite Wave has a great feel to it. The seat is a good height off the floor and contoured for comfort and to prevent you slipping off the seat - not advisable when really going for it :0)
The beam/rail is long and therefore suitable for users of all heights. And the wide footrests and thick straps should keep even the biggest of feet securely in place. The steel frame feels pretty sturdy, even at top stroke rates - but note, the maximum suggested user weight is 265 lbs. If you're above this limit, take a ook at the 'Alternatives' below - both have 300 lb maximums. The support legs are adjustable, so if you have an uneven floor it will still sit flat and not bump around while you're working out. The resistance mechanism is a combination of magnetic (a flywheel spinning between magnets), and a water-filled tank with 16 blades. When you pull on the handle, the flywheel and blades offer 16 levels of resistance. The magnetic element gives a smooth, constant resistance, but the water tank adds more the faster you row. This means you get the best of both worlds from two different resistance mechanisms, the quiet magnetics system and the satisfying whoosh of the water in the tank. Requires 2 x AA Batteries (supplied) DISPLAY CONSOLE The LCD screen dispkay distance rowed, estimated calories used, strokes per minute (SPM), strokes, time, and watts (very useful for Tabata Workouts)
The screen can also display your pulse as it's compatible with most heart monitors, but note one is not supplied. The monitor is pretty basic and is what you'll expect for a rowing machine in this price bracket, but it's the SunnyFit App and the ability to connect to a Smart device that really makes this one worth considering. So, what's the SunnyFit App all about? This is the game-changer for most. Once downloaded, you get access to over 1,000 workout videos (including open water rowing), plus trainer-led sessions for motivation. In addition, there's real-time tracking so you can race against others online, and customized workouts based on your performance and progress over-time. It's too easy sometimes to just get on the rower and row away. But this is not the best option if looking to lose weight, and/or improve your cardio-vascular fitness. Customized workouts will help you avoid plateauing and losing interest!
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Sunny Elite Water (Blue)
Generic seat - comfortable
Wide foot rests
LCD Monitor - can be used with smart device and SunnyFit App
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REVIEW SUMMARY:
This machine has some great features for a machine in this price range. It's up against some pretty stiff competition (see Alternatives below). But with the addition of the SunnyFit App with its range of workouts and trainer-led sessions is enough to put it ahead of most its rivals. Good value. My only reservation is the limited 6 month warranty on parts.
IS THE SUNNY ELITE FOR YOU?
YES - if you're looking for a water rowing machine and like set workouts and trainers to lead your sessions.
NO - if more than one user will be working out on a regular basis (you'll need something with a longer warranty)
NO - if more than one user will be working out on a regular basis (you'll need something with a longer warranty)
MY OVERALL SCORE
The quality feel, dual resistance mechanism, and the SunnyFit App push the score upto 80%.
SUNNY ELITE WATER:8.0
Reviewer: R. Palmer |
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PROS |
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Combination of magnetic + air means it's quiet |
Bluetooth enabled |
SuunyFit App has some great workouts |
Real-time performance tracking |
Additional trainer-led workouts |
Long beam makes it suitable for users up to 6' 8" |
Online racing available - great for motivation |
Can be stored vertically when not in use |
Good warranty - see below |
CONS |
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Not as sturdy as some rowing machines - not suitable if you're over 265lbs |
The long rail means it's not suitable for small spaces |
| Resistance Type | AIR + MAGNETIC |
| Max User Weight | 265 lbs |
| Machine Weight | 77 lbs |
| Length | 76.8 in |
| Height | 36.6 in |
| Width | 18.9 in |
| Warranty | 3 years on frame / 6 months on parts |
ALTERNATIVES
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XTERRA ERG600W:
7.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
This is a budget water resistant rowing machine with some good features. It's a sturdier model than the Elite Wave with a maximum user weight of 300 lbs.
See XTERRA ERG600W REVIEW >>> |
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Fitness Reality 5000x:
7.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Another budget water resistant rowing machine with a max weight of 300 lbs. People either love them, or hate them, but I have a soft spot for the swish of the water in the tank. The 5000x also comes with a fitness app - worth a look.
Read FITNESS REALITY 5000x REVIEW >>> |
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