Sunny SF-RW5713 Obsidian Surge 500 Review
OBSIDIAN BACKGROUND
The full name for this beauty is... wait for it... the Sunny SF-RW5713 Obsidian Surge 500 an dhas one of the longest for a rowing machine I've come across. And for reference, 'Obsidian' is a dark, glass-like volcanic rock formed by the rapid solidification of lava without crystallization (yes, I had to Google that!). I guess the name comes from the black, shiny finish on this water resistance rower. But it's great name that catches the eye.
Enough of the science lesson, what about the machine? I hear you say. So here goes.
Enough of the science lesson, what about the machine? I hear you say. So here goes.
ASSEMBLY
It looks good and has a few impressive features but be warned - it's not the easiest rowing machine to assemble. If you're not a DIYer you'll probably need to get someone in who is to give you a hand. In fact, it's a lot quicker if two put the thing together.
Sunny SF-RW5713 Obsidian Surge
This site is an Amazon Associate and we earn a small commision on each sale. This does not influence how we rate rowing machines. We are also a partner with Sunny Health & Fitness, but again this does change how we compile our unbiased reviews. We love some... others, not so much :0)
THE HARDWARE
Once you passed the test of getting the Obsidian assembled the first thing you'll need to do is fill the water tank before you can use it. The tank holds a maximum of 3 gallons and is easier enough to fill. There are quite a few myths regarding the amount of maintenance a water-resistant machine requires. In reality, it's very little. Just add the tablet provided, and it will keep the water algae-free (that is, it won't go green and smelly) for six months. Sunny recommend you change the water at the same time and add a new tablet. This takes a few minutes so really isn't any hassle at all. Sunny provides both tables and funnel to do this.
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You can change the resistance level by adding or removing water to the tank. On more expensive water-resistant machines you can do this much easier by moving a lever during your workout. But bare in mind, this costs less than half those models so you can expect the same features.
The seat is comfortable and supportive and can easily give your butt a smooth ride for 30 minutes or more without experiencing discomfort. The height of the seat is great - the higher the better generally, especially if you suffer from back pain or stiff joints. The steel frame offers a solid feel when rowing - even at high stroke rates and can support a user up to 250 lbs. Now onto what could be a deal breaker for some - the footrests, swiveling footrests to be precise. Other models use the swivel action so your flex your ankles as you go up and down the beam, but they do it much better. |
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There seems to be a design or build-quality issue here as we've had several reports of either the housing breaking, or screws shearing off. This is a huge inconvenience because you can't use the machine if you can't secure your feet. Replacement parts are available but it would be best if it didn't happen in the first place. Note, the model we tried did not suffer from this problem.
This is shame because apart from the footrests, it's a pretty good machine.
This is shame because apart from the footrests, it's a pretty good machine.
A pretty good console for a budget rower
DISPLAY/CONSOLE
The monitor displays what you'd expect such as total time of your workout, 500 meter split times, strokes per minute and calories burned - but note the calories can only be used for comparison because unless the machine knows your height and weight it won't be 100% accurate.
The LCD screen is a good size and easy to read when rowing. It's also heart monitor compatible so you can see your pulse, but it doesn't have heart rate programs as you'd find on more expensive models.
The LCD screen is a good size and easy to read when rowing. It's also heart monitor compatible so you can see your pulse, but it doesn't have heart rate programs as you'd find on more expensive models.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
For the price, this rower has some great features offering good value for money in our view. Yes it does have a few faults mainly due to build quality, but we've had many good reports from users of this model who love it. Water machines aren't for everyone - see types of rowers for more info - but for the price the Obsidian offers a low cost entry-level model into water rowing with some good features.
Note to Sunny - fix the footrests issues and you'll have a sure-fire winner.
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.
Note to Sunny - fix the footrests issues and you'll have a sure-fire winner.
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 Obsidian Surge:
7.5/
10
Reviewer: R. Palmer
Reviewer: R. Palmer
PROS:
- Looks good for the price
- Good value for money
- Heart rate monitor compatible - not provided
- Long beam to suit tall rowers (upto 6' 2")
- Sturdy model
- Great seat
- Smooth seat action on the beam
- Good display unit
CONS:
- Difficult to assemble if not DIY-minded
- Footrests could be better - had some reports of breakages
- Build quality of some parts is questionable
- Water can leak from tank when stored vertically
- Cord retraction unit can stick
- A little noisier than other water-resistant rowing machines
SPECIFICATION
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Resistance type:
Max user weight: Dimensions: Machine weight: Warranty: |
Water
250 lbs 79" x 22" (W) x 34" (H) 82 lbs 1 year on frame / 3 years on parts |
ALTERNATIVES
There's quite a choice now in water machines in this price range. Others include the Xterra 600W and the MaxKare Water. But perhaps the two new contenders standing out from the crowd are the Fitness Reality 5000X or the Fitness Reality 3000WR.