| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy NS-6002RE Check Discounted Price | L:72" W:19" H:38.5" | 300 lbs | 9 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Count, Count/ min, Distance, Calories, Goals |
The Marcy NS-6002RE is one of the new magnetic rowers released by Marcy Fitness in 2019. It is almost identical with the Circuit Fitness AMZ-979RW model. However, there are a few differences between these two machines. For example, the Marcy model doesn’t have pivoting footrests, it has a bottle holder, and the design of the front unit is slightly different.
Before we proceed with the presentation of this machine’s features, pros, and cons, there is one important aspect to mention. Although Marcy labels this rower as “regenerating”, it does not have an internal power generator. Its resistance system is mechanical magnetic, though, and does not require an external power source. The only power source required for it is a set of batteries for the exercise meter.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 74.5″L x 20″W x 32″H (189L x 51W x 81H cm)
- Assembled weight: 72 lbs (32.6 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Footrests: Non-pivoting, with straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, count, total count, calories, goals
- Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction
The Marcy NS-6002RE rowing machine is constructed on a steel frame but also integrates several parts
made of different materials. For example, the side sections of the main rail are made of aluminum alloy, while the covers of the flywheel and several other small covers are made of hard ABS plastic. The machine is fairly sturdy. Even though it is intended for home use, it is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg).
All the metallic parts in the unit’s frame are powder coated with a corrosion-resistant finish, with the exception of the aluminum elements on the main rail. The color of the powder finish is black, this being the only color available for this trainer.
The fully assembled machine is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 74″ (~189 cm) long, and 20″ (~51 cm) wide. Therefore, it requires a usage surface of at least 100″L x 60″W (254 x 152 cm), which pretty much means it may not fit too well in a small room. But on the other hand, its rail is foldable. With the rail folded up, its length is reduced by approx. 2/3.
The unit isn’t extremely heavy; it weighs approx. 72 lbs (32.6 kg). This being said, it may require two persons for transport, but once it is assembled, it can be easily moved via the wheels integrated into its front stabilizer. The other two base points of the machine do not have adjustable stabilizers. The rear “foot” is steel made, with an ABS cover for improved aesthetics.
Seat and other parts
The Marcy NS-6002RE rower features a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top is made of high-density 
foam material and has a contoured design to provide better positioning and to prevent the user from sliding off it during rowing. It is approx. 13″ (33 cm) wide, offering plenty of contact surface.
The base support of the seat is steel-made. It is equipped with two sets of wheels. These wheels integrate ball bearings in order to roll as smooth as possible on the slide rail. They also have a rubberized layer on the outside, to minimize noise. As we’ve mentioned above, the seat and the rail are pretty sturdy, designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
The seat is placed at approx. 10″ (25.4 cm) above floor level. This being said, it may be a little bit low for users with certain disabilities. So, if this is the case, you may want to look for a rower with a higher seat, such as the XTERRA ERG700, for example. It’s also important to mention that the machine’s sliding rail is not completely horizontal. It has an incline of approx. 2°-3° so the recovery motion is a bit faster, and the leg push phase results in a slightly better workout for the legs than on a rower with a completely horizontal rail.
The machine’s pulling handle is equipped with rubberized grips. It is connected to a nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. This can be a plus, as it reduces noise during rowing in comparison with a chain drive rower. Plus, the strap does not require lubrication. The handle does not have any pulse sensors, and the unit does not have a pulse reading function.
Last but not least, this Marcy rower is equipped with a set of large footrests. They’re made of thick ABS material and are attached to two steel bars. This being said, they do not pivot. Their angle is fixed at approx. 65°.
The footrests are non-adjustable. However, they’re fairly large and can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They feature a ribbed surface, small heel guards, and adjustable straps in order to keep your feet secured during your exercising routines.
Resistance system
The Marcy NS-6002RE is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. It integrates a mechanical 
magnetic brake which is connected to the tension dial on the front unit of the machine. By turning this dial clockwise, the magnetic brake moves closer to the flywheel which results in more resistance.
Since the unit’s internal brake is mechanical, the machine does not require an external power source for resistance adjustment. Also, the resistance is done exclusively from the dial; the console does not play any role in the resistance adjustment and does not have any preset programs that automatically adjust the resistance.
This Marcy rowing machine is equipped with an 8.8 lbs (4 kg) flywheel. It has a perimeter-weighted structure which improves the stability of the rowing motion, also adding a bit of inertia. The other important element of the unit’s drive system is the transmission. It is powered by a belt, which means you don’t ever have to lubricate it. Plus, since there are no air resistance elements, and the brake elements do not touch, the operation of the machine is whisper-quiet.
The machine’s resistance system has 8 levels. The first level offers a fairly light resistance, great for recovery training. Conversely, the 8th resistance level provides quite a bit of tension, offering the possibility to perform a more intense workout and achieve a higher burn.
One last important aspect to mention here regards the rowing feel provided by this machine. Since it does not have water resistance such as the FDF Viking II, or air resistance such as the Sunny ASUNA Ventus 8580, this machine does not offer a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the resistance is not strictly related to the strength you put behind each stroke. It is constant, given by the selected tension level on the dial. This may only be important for professional rowing athletes who may need a rowing feel as close as possible to rowing a real boat. The machine does provide a very consistent, full-body cardio workout even without the dynamic rowing response.
Exercise meter
The Marcy NS-6002RE magnetic rower is equipped with a basic fitness meter. This being said, it does not
have preset programs and does not control the machine’s resistance in any way. It only tracks the main workout metrics, including time, speed, strokes per workout sessions (count), total strokes (odometer), and calories burned.
In case you’re wondering, the meter unit does not have a pulse reading function. It doesn’t have an internal HR receiver and cannot communicate with any wireless HR transmitters. Therefore, in case you need to monitor your pulse during your workout, you will have to use a separate device.
The meter unit is very easy to use. It has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select any of the workout metrics to be shown on the display, or select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for four seconds. The Set button allows you to set goals for time, count, and calories; once a goal is selected, it will count down to zero from the selected value for each one of them. And finally, the Reset button gives you the possibility to clear the time, count, and calories to zero. In order to also reset the total strokes value, you will have to remove the batteries from the unit.
The meter requires two AAA (1.5 V) batteries; these are not included. It automatically turns on when you begin rowing and also automatically turns off after four minutes of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the machine with the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. Thus, you only need to attach the front base bar, connect the main rail to the front unit, insert the seat on the rail, close the rail with the rear stabilizer, attach the footrests, the meter unit, and several other small covers. This may take up to an hour of your time. However, the manual provides fairly clear assembly instructions and diagrams, and a basic toolkit for the assembly is included.
With regards to maintenance, maybe the most important aspect is keeping the aluminum side rails clean, to prevent any nicks into them or any damage to the wheels. The internal parts do not require any lubrication. So, other than this, you should only check for loose bolts and parts from time to time.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction – the machine can hold users up to 300 lbs;
- Compact and aesthetic design;
- The rail can fold up;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Sturdy metallic seat with a foam top for optimal comfort;
- Quiet aluminum track system;
- Large footrests with straps;
- Fairly long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’2″;
- Smooth magnetic resistance system with 8 distinct levels;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, speed, count, total count, and calories burned;
- Bottle holder included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Batteries for the meter are not included;
- No pulse reading function;
- No SPM function.
Summary
The Marcy NS-6002RE is a magnetic rowing machine designed for home use. It features a sturdy, compact, and foldable steel frame with a weight capacity of 300 lbs. It also includes a basic fitness meter which allows you to set goals for time, count, and calories. It’s a great fitness machine for light to medium intensity cardio workouts, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It offers the possibility to perform a consistent cardio workout involving most muscle groups. And finally, it’s an affordable unit, a great alternative to any commercial magnetic rower.