Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Water

BACKGROUND

When I first tested a Sunny Health & Fitness 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, or to give it it's long name, the Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Water SF-RW522017, 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.

Check latest offer on Amazon...

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)

MONITOR & SOFTWARE

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 the Wave Elite 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!

QUICK REFERENCE

Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Water SF RW5522017

Sunny Elite Water (Blue)

Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Water SF RW5522017 seat

Generic seat - comfortable

Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Water SF RW5522017 foot rests

Wide foot rests

Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Water SF RW5522017 monitor and smart device

LCD Monitor - can be used with smart device and SunnyFit App

MY SUMMARY

The Sunny Elite Wave 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 WATER ROWING MACHINE 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)

MY OVERALL SCORE

The quality feel, dual resistance mechanism, and the SunnyFit App push the score upto 80%.

Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Water: 8/0/ 10 8.0 Stars

Reviewer: R. Palmer

<<< Check current price on Amazon >>>

PROS...

Quiet combination of magnetic and water resistance
Looks and feels good!
Bluetooth enabled
SunnyFit App has a great range of workouts
Additional trainer-led workout
Real-time performance tracking
Online races available - great for motivation
Has a long beam for good for tall users (up to 6' 8" we reckon)
Stores vertically when not in use

CONS...

Not suitable if you're over 265 lbs
Short warranty on parts (only 6 months)
The long beam means it may not fit in your room if space if limited

SUNNY ELITE WATER SPECIFICATION

Resistance type: MAGNETIC + WATER
Max user weight: 265 lbs
Max user height: 6' 8" (but we think 6' 5" is more realistic)
Dimensions: 76.8" (L) x 18.9" (W) x 36.6" (H)
Storage footprint: 19.3" x 24.8"
Machine weight: 77 lbs
Warranty: 3 years on frame / 6 months on parts

ALTERNATIVES TO THE SUNNY ELITE WAVE

XTERRA ERG600W: 7.5/ 10 7.5 Stars

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 >>>

Fitness Reality 5000x: 7.5/ 10 7.5 Stars

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 >>>

Sunny Elite Wave owner's reviews

We'll post here when we receive user reviews.

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