| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SereneLife SLRWMC18 Check Discounted Price | L:77" W:18" H:30" | 220 lbs | 62.3 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Count, T-Count, RPM, Calories, Scan |
The SereneLife SLRWMC18 is a magnetic resistance rower made for home use. In terms of features, it can be compared to the Body Xtreme Fitness BXF015 rower or the Efitment RW025. It’s a light-capacity unit but does offer the possibility to perform a very consistent, full-body cardio workout.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 77″L x 18″W x 30″H (195L x 46W x 76H cm)
- Assembled weight: 62.3 lbs (28 kg)
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, count, total count, rpm, calories, scan
Frame construction
The SereneLife SLRWMC18 rower features a frame made of steel tubing, combining rectangular and
cylindrical bars in its construction. All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this trainer. Of course, the machine also integrates several ABS parts. The front covers of the flywheel, the footrests, and several other small parts are made of engineered ABS material.
As we’ve mentioned above, this is a light-capacity rowing machine; its main rail and seat assembly can only support loads up to 220 lbs (100 kg). But on the other hand, it is also a fairly light unit; with all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 62.3 lbs (28 kg). This means it can be assembled with no problem by only one person. Also, once the unit is assembled, it can be moved with ease via its front transport wheels.
The fully assembled unit isn’t too large, compared with other rowers. However, it does take approx. 77″L x 18″W (195 x 46 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the unit, for ease of access and usage.
The rail is approx. 38″ (96.5 cm) long and provides 30″ (76 cm) of travel for the seat. This being said, the rower can accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm), allowing a complete leg extension and range of motion.
On the other hand, the rower is foldable. Its rail with the seat can be folded up. With the rail in folded position, the unit’s length is reduced to approx. 39″ (99 cm), while its height becomes approx. 43.3″ (110 cm).
One last aspect to mention here regards the unit’s rear base. This element is equipped with rotating polygonal caps which can act as stabilizers. Therefore, you can level your rower on any type of floor.
Seat and other parts
The SereneLife SLRWMC18 rower is equipped with a seat similar to the one on the
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5854. Its top is made of high-density foam; it is firm, but not extremely hard. Its surface is contoured and ribbed in order to provide extra comfort and to prevent you from sliding off of it during the leg push phase.
The seat is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide and 11″ (28 cm) deep; it offers enough contact surface for optimal comfort. Also, at its highest point, it is placed at approx. 12″ (30 cm) above floor level.
The base of the seat is made of steel; this being said, the whole seat assembly is durable enough to hold users up to 220 lbs (100 kg). It integrates three sets of wheels, two above the rail and one underneath it for extra stability. The wheels integrate sealed ball bearings for a smooth motion. They’re also designed to minimize noise.
This SereneLife rower is equipped with two pivoting footrests. This type of design allows them to slightly tilt as you apply pressure on them during each rowing motion, adopting the most suitable angle. They cannot be locked, though. So, in case you’re looking for a similar machine with fixed footrests and a similar price range, a good choice would be the Marcy NS-6002RE.
The unit’s footrests are made of durable ABS material. Their surface is textured for extra adherence. They also have heel guards and adjustable straps, so you can perfectly secure your feet on them if needed.
The SereneLife SLRWMC18 rower features a standard pulling handle attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. The fact that it is a strap and not a chain, eliminates the hassle of periodic lubrication and also reduces noise. The handle features foam grips but does not integrate pulse sensors. The unit’s computer also cannot monitor pulse.
Resistance system
This SereneLife rower is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to
connect it to a power source. Also, the integrated exercise meter does not control the resistance.
The unit’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake which is connected to the tension dial at the front of the rower. By turning this dial clockwise, the magnetic brake moves closer to the internal flywheel which results in an intensity increase of the internal magnetic field. This, of course, increases the rowing difficulty. Conversely, if you turn the dial counter-clockwise, the brake moves away from the flywheel, reducing the rowing difficulty.
The unit’s resistance system has 8 distinct tension levels. The lowest one delivers a fairly light resistance, great for beginners or for users who require recovery training. On the other hand, the 8th resistance setting provides considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants to improve strength or benefit from a more intense cardio workout.
One important aspect that we have to mention here is that the SereneLife SLRWMC18 rower doesn’t offer a dynamic response during rowing. This is basically characteristic to any full-magnetic rower. It means that the resistance is not influenced by the strength you put behind each stroke as it is the case for air resistance rowers or fluid resistance rowers. The resistance strictly depends on the selected tension level and does not increase if you pull the handle harder. Now, this doesn’t influence the consistency of the workout, but may not be the best choice for a professional rowing athlete as they may need a rowing feel as close as possible to rowing a boat through water.
On the plus side, like most other full-magnetic resistance rowers, this unit doesn’t generate too much noise during workouts. The resistance elements do not touch, there is no friction, and no fan to create a noisy air current.
Exercise meter
As we’ve mentioned above, the SereneLife SLRWMC18 rower is equipped with a magnetic resistance 
system with manual action. This means its console does not control the resistance in any way and it doesn’t have any preset workout programs. It is a basic rowing computer featuring an LCD display that tracks time, distance, count, total count, RPM, and calories burned, showing up to two of these metrics simultaneously.
The meter unit is very easy to use. It only has one button which allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the ones that interest you the most. Or, you can select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for several seconds. The button also has a Reset function. You can press it and hold it to reset all the values on it to zero.
The unit shows distance in miles; there is no setting for metric units. It doesn’t have a pulse reading function and does not work with any HR chest strap model. Therefore, if you need to track your pulse during your workouts, you will have to use a separate device.
Finally, the meter unit is battery powered. It requires two AAA batteries as its power source which are included. It starts up when you begin rowing or when you press the button. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter after several minutes of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main front unit of the machine with all the resistance elements and the fitness meter comes 
pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, insert the seat onto the rail, attach the rail to the front unit, and add the footrests. This shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes of your time. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is also included.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. The internal parts and the drive system don’t require any lubrication. It’s only recommended to keep the rower’s rail clean to prevent any damage to the seat wheels and periodically check the for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Light construction, easy to handle;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Ergonomic, padded seat for optimal comfort;
- Pivoting footrests for a perfect foot position with each stroke;
- Extremely quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 8 levels of resistance, for light to medium workouts;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, count, RPM, and calories burned;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the computer;
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The SereneLife SLRWMC18 is a light-capacity rower designed for home use. It features a folding frame and a contoured seat foam seat for optimal comfort. It’s equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 levels and a basic fitness meter. Although it’s not a professional rower, it still offers the possibility to perform a full-body cardio workout; it’s great for muscle toning, stamina development, interval workouts, and weight loss.