Sunny SF-RW5639 Rowing Machine Review

The Sunny SF-RW5639 is classed as a full-motion rowing machine which means you move your arms in a similar way to 'real' rowing. Most machines use a single bar handle that you pull back on to work against the resistance mechanism. We'll come on to whether this delivers a better workout a little later, for now let's look at the quality and features of this machine.

First up, the RW5639 is an easy machine to assemble taking around 30 minutes requiring little DIY skills. While we're on the issue of unpacking and assembling, we've had a few complaints from buyers of this model that some parts were missing, or badly fitting. Of course, we can appreciate this is a budget model, and at less than $100, it's at the lowest end of the budget machines, but this doesn't mean you should accept missing parts etc.

So once assembled, how does this rower handle itself? To be fair, for a lo-cost machine the rowing position isn't too bad. The seat is reasonably comfortable, the pivotal footrests are wide and hold your feet firm, and the handles are well-padded and easily held. So far, so good, but that's about as far as it goes. Once you start rowing the limitations of this machine become obvious.

But before we go on, let's just remember it is a very cheap machine. If you're very unfit, or are recovering from an illness, and have a limited budget, this rower will offer something to get you started back to some level of fitness.

However, if you're fit and looking to get fitter, then this ain't for you. Plus, if you're 5' 10" and taller, the beam is quite short and won't allow you a full stroke. If this is you and you can stretch your budget further, check out the Sunny RW5623 which is far superior machine for only twice the price.

If money really is an issue, please read on but consider the following. The seat rollers squeak and will wear down quite quickly with prolonged and vigorous use. Plus, the basic monitor makes it difficult to monitor your progress and plan your workouts. But as mentioned earlier, if you're just starting out, these issues won't cause you a problem for a few months at least.

On the positive side, the full-motion action of pulling back on individual oars will work your upper back, shoulders and arms more than the traditional single handle rowers. It's also quite solid and can support a user of up to 350 lbs. But on the negative side, the cardio-vascular workout will be limited due to the drawbacks already mentioned.

The resistance is provided by a single hydraulic piston beneath the seat. We've written about the disadvantages of hydraulic resistance here, so please take time to read before making your decision. There are 12 resistance levels that are selected by turning the collar on the piston (see picture to the right (circled)). The difference between 1 and 12 is wide enough to notice the difference, but the lowest is probably way to easy for most, and the highest wouldn't challenge the fitter user.

Monitor/ Display Unit
The monitor really is quite basic. It will display the time you've been rowing, the stroke count, and calories (but note it's a rough estimate).

There is a scan mode which switches through the limited information every 6 seconds or so.

The LCD screen is easy to read, but as stated, there's not an awful lot to read.

Summary:
Let's start by reminding ourselves of the price - it's less than $100 so you can expect too much. So if you're unfit, haven't exercised for years and have little money to spare, then this isn't a bad machine. It will get you started on the road to fitness, but it won't keep you company for long. If you're fit already and looking for a way to improve, then this isn't the machine for you. You'll need to spend at least twice as much - see 'Also worth a look' below.

Sunny SF-RW5639: Rating 2.5/10 2.5 Stars