Sunny SF-RW5508 Rowing Machine Review
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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.
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.
Sunny SF-RW5508:
Rating: 5.5/10  Best Price:
* Note these prices may differ - please check retailer website for latest.
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click image to enlarge
Sunny RW5508 Magnetic Pro Rower
Standard Sunny seat - it's.... okay
An okay sort of display
Resistance knob - no need to read the manual for this one
Functional foot rests
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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.
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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