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Sunny SF-RW5624 Full Motion Rower Review


The Sunny SF-RW5624 certainly wins a prize for one of the oddest looking rowing machines out there! But once you know why it looks like it does, you'll be more forgiving. And the reason? It's a full motion rower meaning you can use three different types of stroke to workout - more on this later.

Yes, there are a few full motion rowers you could  buy, but these are hydraulic machines that come will all the usual disadvantages of oil-filled cylinders - you can read about the drawbacks of hydraulic machine here. But this model uses magnetic resistance which to our knowledge makes it one of a kind. We'll come back to this feature later. For now, let's look at the nuts and bolts of the machine.

The assembly instructions aren't the easiest to follow so if you're not DIY-minded you may want assistance from someone who is. It took us a little over forty-five minutes as there's a few parts that are a bit fiddly.

Once you've spent all that time and effort putting it together you'll want to get on it and start rowing. So what about the rowing position? In short, it's great. The high beam means the seat is a good height and you can step over and sit down - no deep squats to get on and off this one. However, while the resistance mechanism is quiet, the seat rollers on our model squeaked and was a distraction.

​The footrests are just below the level of the seat and pretty close to the same position of a boat. The handles are angled, so again similar to the position an oar would be.

So onto the main reason why you'd consider this model over another of the same price - the full motion action. This
 is different to the sort of rowing machine you'd use in a gym - most likely a Concept2. With this model you don't feel the cord pull you back in at the end of the stroke. The full motion replicates the sort of strokes you'd use on a real boat - yeah, one of those that floats on water.

​The three options you have to row are
  1. Rowing - straight up and down, short arm pull you'd use on a gym rower
  2. Sculling - wider arm movement using both handles.
  3. Sweep rowing - both hands on the same handle
​Sunny have put a short video on their Amazon page - click on this link  >>>
​to see the three stroke options in action.
video on Amazon
The advantage of the full motion action is that you use different sets of muscles for each type of stroke. But while this can be good for varying your workouts so you don't get bored - it's not necessary for improved cardio-vascular fitness or for losing weight. 

The eight resistance levels can be selected using the knob on the central column - ours was a little stiff but may loosen over time with use. The difference from the lowest to highest level of resistance is quite wide but the fit and strong may find the top end is not enough to challenge. 

Note, this is a folding model but is still quite bulky when folded due to the housing of the magnetic mechanism beneath the beam.
Display Unit
It's a pretty basic monitor and shows the time, stroke count, calories, total count of strokes.

But sadly it doesn't measure distance. This is a big let down considering the advantages of it's full motion action and relevance for race rowers on water.

The scan function automatically changes the display readout every six seconds so you can monitor your progress without stopping to press a button.
Summary:
The main standout feature is obviously the full motion as you can vary your workouts with a choice of rowing styles. But if you're a serious rower you won't find this model challenging, or up to handling long, hard sessions. The issue of not displaying distance would also make this machine unsuitable for race-rowers.

But if you're of low to average fitness and looking for some variation in your workouts, this could be what you're looking for - and at a reasonable price too!

It's quite well made for a budget model and feels solid when rowing at high strokes rates and should last a couple of years of moderate use.

​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 SF-RW5624: 6.0/ 10 6.0 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

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rowing machine review likes
We Like...
  • The full motion oars - offer a variety of workouts
  • High seat position
  • Feels quite solid
  • 8 resistance levels
  • Good value for money
  • Quiet mechanism - although see below for other noise issues
  • Long beam - suitable for users with up to 6' 3"
  • Good rowing position (quite realistic)
  • Batteries are included! ​
Picture
We Don't Like...
  • Very basic display
  • Doesn't measure distance
  • Seat rollers squeak
  • Resistance knob is tight
  • Difficult to assemble
  • Bulky when folded
  • Usual limited Sunny warranty
 
rowing machine review specification
Technical specification: 
Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:

Magnetic
300 lbs

77" x 29" (W) x 25.3" (H)
92 lbs



Picture
Warranty:
3 months frame and parts
QUICK REFERENCE
Sunny5624
Click image to enlarge
Sunny RW5624 Full Motion rowing machine - side view
The distinctive Sunny RW5624 Full Motion Rower
Sunny RW5624 rowing machine seat
Average seat found on many budget machines
Resistance knob on Sunny RW5624 rowing machine
Resistance knob - 8 resistance levels
Sunny RW5624 display
Pretty basic display
  
Full motion bracket on Sunny SF-RW5624
Full motion action = 3 stroke techniques
  
​
   
Also worth a look:
If you specifically need a full motion rower, the Kettler Favorit is an option as it does display distance in meters. If it doesn't have to be full motion, Sunny's SF-RW5623 is a good alternative, or the Stamina 1130 has some interesting features for around the same price.

Sunny SF-RW5624 user comments

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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