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Sunny SF-RW5508 Rowing Machine Review


To give it it's full name, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5508 Ultra Tension Magnetic Pro Rower, pause to take a breath, is at the top end of the range for this budget brand. You can't turn your back without Sunny bringing another new rowing machine onto the market - we can't keep up :0)

So what do you get for your dollars? Well it's not the most elegant looking machine, but you won't get fit just admiring it's looks. But you should get pretty fit if you use this quiet, smooth running rower - and not for too great a price.

It's easy to assemble and took our guy just over 20 minutes. But right up, please note this is not a folding model. It is possible to fold but requires removing two bolts and a pin and is a bit of a pain compared to models that are designed to be folded. If you have limited space and you need a folding machine, take a look at the 'Also worth a look'  below.

The rowing position will be comfortable for most, unless you're close to the 300 pound user maximum, then you'll find the seat a little on the small side. The handle has a good diameter and is well-padded for long use without blistering your hands. But beware, if you suffer from back or knee problems you may struggle to get on the low seat - or slide it up the angled beam before getting on.

The footrests are well-placed and have wide velcro straps. But if you have small feet you may have to wear your trainers for the straps to hold them firm.

The magnetic resistance mechanism is very quiet - much quieter than an air rower so if using in an apartment or small room this could be the model for you. In some budget magnetic models, the quiet mechanism is ruined by noisy rollers under the seat - but fear not, the seat slides up and down the beam with barely a sound.

​This model has 10 levels of resistance selected by turning the knob on the central console - see photo on the right. This means to change resistance you have to stop rowing to turn the knob, but if you want a rowing machine that can automatically change levels to keep you at a rate to maintain fat-burning optimum effort, you'll have to be spend roughly double this price.

And lastly, the steel and aluminum frame is light yet sturdy and is easy to lift and move due to the transport wheels built into the front feet. But as mentioned earlier, this is not a folding rowing machine.​
Display Unit
The LCD screen is easy to read... if you're not rowing. But the angle can make it a little difficult when you're up and down the beam. It displays time, strokes, your strokes per minute, calories burned (well estimated) and pulse rate.

This is one of the cheaper rowers that has a built-in pulse receiver so you can monitor you heart rate, but note this doesn't come with heart rate training programs - but you'll have to pay another $250 or more to get this feature.
Also note, a chest strap is not included but this is a budget model after all.
Summary:
All in all, this is a good magnetic rower offered at a very reasonable price. Obviously it doesn't have the level of features of machines costing twice as much, but it will give you a good, no-nonsense workout without annoying your housemates or neighbors thanks to the quiet action.​

Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, ​but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
Sunny Mag Pro Rower: 5.5/ 10 5.5 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

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rowing machine review likes
We Like...
  • Has 10 levels of magnetic resistance
  • Good value for money
  • Quiet machine to use
  • Smooth(ish) action of seat on the beam
  • Angled beam adds a bit more to your workout
  • Monitor has a built-in pulse receiver (strap not included)
  • Can support up to a 300 lb user
​
Picture
We Don't Like...
  • Not a folding model (or not designed to be)
  • Warranty is short
  • Display is average - not always easy to read
 
rowing machine review specification
Technical specification: 
Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:

Magnetic
300 lbs

87" x 21.5" (W) x 25" (H)
92 lbs



Picture
Warranty:
3 months frame and parts
QUICK REFERENCE
Sunny5508
Click image to enlarge
  
Sunny RW5508 magnetic rowing machine side view
Sunny RW5508 Magnetic Pro Rower
   
​
Sunny RW6608 rowing machine seat
Standard Sunny seat - it's.... okay
  

​
Sunny RW5508 display
An okay sort of display


​

Resistance knob on Sunny RW5508 rowing machine
Resistance knob - no need to read the manual for this one
  
​
   
Sunny RW5508 foot rests
Functional foot rests
Also worth a look:
If you're on a budget so you might also consider two of Sunny's other magnetic models, the RW5515 or the RW5623 - especially if you need a folding model. But for the same price you can get a very credible machine from LifeSpan.

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  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer