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Sunny SF-RW5856 Rowing Machine Review


Sunny's bid for world domination in the rower world moves on at a pace with yet another budget model on offer. Not sure how many they have now, but this is the 16th Sunny rower we've reviewed on this site.

The Sunny SF-RW5856 won't win any prices for its looks, but perhaps its beauty is on the inside! And who doesn't think of a scene from Saw when you see that flywheel sticking out of the end :0) More on this feature below. Anyway, let's move on from the looks and onto the rowing machine.

Some find unpacking and assembling anything from flat-pack furniture to home fitness equipment quite daunting, but this one shouldn't be a challenge. If you have basic DIY skills then you'll have this done and ready to use in around 30 minutes. But note, the tools supplied aren't the best so you'll be better off using your own.

Once done, you'll find the rowing position is not too bad. The seat is well-padded and shaped for the average backside :0) And it's quite up to keeping you comfortable for a 20 minute workout. The seat is quite low which can make it a little challenging if your knees or lower back are not as good as they used to be. The handle is padded, has a good diameter, and sits nicely in the hands.

The footrests are wide and the straps are thick and capable of holding even the largest feet securely in position - essential for a good workout. The rower has a sturdy feel and has levelers to accommodate uneven floors. When done, you tilt it up and roll it away using the transport wheels under the front. You can also fold up the beam so it takes up less space - see photo below.
Check current offer on Amazon...
Onto the all-important resistance mechanism. First up, let's talk about the exposed flywheel. While some may like the mechanical look, it could actually be dangerous if you have toddlers about as it spins fast and could cause injury to exploring hands. Surely it would be better if the housing couldn't be a little larger to cover it. It may not be the most important thing, but it's something to consider before buying.

The positive thing about the f
lywheel is that it increases resistance the harder you pull. This mimics the feel of rowing on water and can help to increase the cardio-vascular benefits. The magnetic resistance levels (there are 8) are selected using the knob beneath the screen. However, if you're a strong rower you may still find the highest level doesn't challenge as much as you'd like.​ The combination of magnetic resistance and the flywheel means this is a whisper quiet rowing machine - again something to consider depending on where you'll be using it.
Monitor/ Display Unit
​The LCD screen is small, but clear and easy enough to read when working out. It displays the usual stuff such as time, calories (estimated), stroke rate and distance. But note, the distance displays miles and not the usual rowing metric that is meters. For most this wouldn't be an issue, but most workout programs will be in meters, and if you want to know your split times over 500, 1000 and 2000 meters, well you'll have to convert it yourself.

Beneath the screen is a holder for a SmartPhone or tablet. To be honest, I can never see the point myself unless, of course, you have a decent workout app on your tablet.​
Summary:
For the price it's a not a bad rowing machine. It's quiet, has a sturdy steel frame, and will cope with regular use. But with plenty of other rowers in this price bracket, it doesn't have much to make it stand out from the crowd. See our 'Also worth a look' below for more suggestions.

​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-RW5856: 5.0/ 10 5.0 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

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rowing machine review likes
We Like...​ ​
  • It's quiet
  • Good value for money
  • Fairly easy to assemble
  • Has 8 levels of magnetic/ flywheel resistance 
  • Strong steel frame
  • Comfortable padded handle
  • Long beam of 40" suitable for the taller rower
  • Tablet holder under display (if you like that sort of thing)
Picture
We Don't Like...
  • Exposed flywheel could cause injury if you have curious toddlers
  • The fabric strap for the handle - can wear out with regular use​
  • Sunny customer service needs improving
  • Limited functions on console - but it is a budget machine
  • Top resistance level may not be enough for stronger/fitter users
  • Distance is measured in miles and not meters (standard rowing metric)
  • Low sitting position - not good if your knees and back play up
  • No-thrills machine - Doesn't inspire
 
rowing machine review specification
Technical specification: 
Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:

Magnetic
285 lbs

78" x 23" (W) x 23" (H)
56 lbs


Picture
Warranty:
3 years on frame
6 months on parts
QUICK REFERENCE
Click images to enlarge
  
Side view of the Sunny SF-RW5856 rowing machine
Sunny SF-RW5856 Rowing Machine
 
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Seat on the Sunny SF-RW5856 rowing machine
Good seat for a budget machine

  
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Display on the Sunny SF RW5856 rowing machine
LCD Display with tablet holder
   
​
Sunny SF-RW5856 rowing machine in vertical storage position
Folds for easy storage
Also worth a look:
There's a lot of models in this price range with not much to separate them. Sunny have most, including the popular RW5515 and the RW5633. The Xterra ERG400 comes in at a similar price and is a comparable rower.

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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