| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spirit Fitness XRW600 Check Discounted Price | L:91" W:18" H:38" | 350 lbs | 81 lbs | Air & magnetic, 16 levels | 11 programs |
The Spirit Fitness XRW600 rower can be compared in terms of features and design with the Stamina DT Pro. It’s an air and magnetic resistance rower designed for home use but definitely offers the sturdiness, construction, and design of at least a light-commercial rower. Although it’s one of the machines released by Spirit Fitness a few years ago, it is still available in 2020.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 91L x 18W x 38H inches (231L x 46W x 96H cm)
- Assembled weight: 81 lbs (36.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Resistance type: Air & magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: 11 programs
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Spirit Fitness XRW600 combines steel, aluminum, and ABS parts in its construction. The front section
of the frame that sustains the drive and resistance system is steel made, as well as the rear base stabilizers. The unit’s sliding rail is made of extruded aluminum for a smooth seat travel and a lighter overall construction. The fan casing and several other covers are made of durable ABS material.
The frame steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is gray. The aluminum rail has its own natural polish, and the fan casing is gray/black, these being the only colors available for this machine.
The fully assembled trainer if pretty large. It is approx. 91″ (231 cm) long, and 18″ (46 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance on each side and at the rear of the unit for ease of access and unobstructed usage. It is also fairly heavy; its net weight is approx. 81 lbs (36.7 kg). But nonetheless, it can easily be relocated by one person as its front base features a set of silicone wheels.
The XRW600 rower features a folding frame. Its rail can be folded up to save space. With the rail folded up, the unit’s length is reduced to 52.5″ (133 cm), while its height becomes 62″ (157.5 cm)
Last but not least, this Spirit Fitness rower is equipped with adjustable levelers so you can perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor. They also have rubberized pads which prevent it to slide forward or backward on a wooden or tile floor.
Seat and other parts
The Spirit Fitness XRW600 rower is equipped with a similar seat to the Circuit Fitness AMZ-986RW. Its 
top is made of high-density foam material with a contoured surface for a better positioning and improved comfort. It is approx. 12.5″ (32 cm) wide, offering plenty of contact surface.
The base of the seat is steel-made. It is equipped with three rollers. Two of them slide on top of the rail while the third underneath it for extra stability. The rollers are equipped with high-grade sealed ball bearings and an outer rubberized coating to minimize noise.
The rail and the seat assembly are rated for a weight capacity of 350 lbs (~159 kg) which is not bad for a home-use machine. Also, the seat stands at approx. 20″ (51 cm) above floor level. This can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities as the machine provides easy entry and exit.
The Spirit Fitness XRW600 rower is equipped with two adjustable footrests. Their base is metallic while the adjustable element is made of flexible nylon material. They have multiple adjustment positions and they’re fairly large in order to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They are equipped with heel guards and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability.
The footrests are fixed at an angle of approx. 45°. They do not pivot on their axis like the footrests of other rowers, such as the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus, for example.
The unit’s pulling handle features an ergonomic design. It is slightly curved towards the user to provide a more natural positioning for the hands and reduce the lateral stress on the wrists.
The pulling handle has cushioned grips but does not integrate any pulse sensors or resistance controls as it is the case for other, commercial-grade trainers. It is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. Since the machine uses a strap, and not a chain, it does not require lubrication.
Resistance system
The Spirit Fitness XRW600 is equipped with an air & magnetic resistance system. To begin with, the main
resistance generating element is a large fan, integrated at the front of the machine and concealed by the side covers. Just as water resistance, air resistance is great because it provides a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the rowing sensation is similar to rowing a real boat; the harder you pull, the more resistance you will get.
Of course, along with the flywheel-fan, the machine also has an eddy current magnetic resistance system. This allows you to add extra resistance apart from the one generated by the fan. It also means that you have to connect the machine to a power source in order to use the magnetic brake. A power cord is included with the rower.
The unit’s magnetic resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and an internal servo motor connected to the console. Therefore, as you adjust the resistance from the Up/Down arrows, the motor changes the magnets’ pull on the internal flywheel, which increases or decreases the overall workout load.
The XRW600 rower makes available 16 levels of resistance. The lowest level provides a fairly low resistance, great for anyone who wants to regain their stamina, or for recovery training. The top (16th) tension level considerably increases the machine’s load and gives you the possibility to burn more calories.
Like most other air resistance rowers, the Spirit Fitness XRW600 is not completely silent even though its resistance system is partly magnetic. The fan does generate some noise especially when you row at a higher rate. However, the noise is far from being loud. It can be compared to the noise generated by an electric fan of the same size.
Console
The Spirit Fitness XRW600 includes a multi-function console. First of all, it features a 5.5″ LCD display
with LED backlight and large digits for improved readability. The display is divided into multiple sub-sections. It tracks time, distance, strokes per minute, calories, watts, pulse, and the selected tension level. A time/500m function is also available for several workout programs.
The console unit is telemetric. This means it can read your pulse from a wireless HR chest strap transmitter. This device is not included, though.
The console unit offers 11 workout programs. These are Manual, Distance, Time, Calories, 20/10 Interval, 10/20 Interval, Custom Interval, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and Game. The Manual mode offers the possibility to just row freely while the console will monitor your SPM, distance traveled, calories burned, etc. The Distance, Time, and Calories programs are basically goal settings. They offer the possibility to select targets for these workout metrics and the console will count down from the selected value until you reach zero and complete your goal.
The next three programs are interval-based. The 20/10 Interval program is set for 20 sec. work and 10 sec. rest; the 10/20 Interval program is set for 10 sec. work and 20 sec. rest. The Custom Interval program allows you to select the duration of work/rest intervals.
The Cardio, Strength, and Fat Burn programs are preset but certain adjustments can be done for each one. They offer three different types of workouts for improving cardiovascular shape, strength, and weight loss.
The last program is a Game. It indicates your “boat” as a small line on the left of the display while different obstacles come from the right. In order to avoid them, you have to row faster (to move the boat up) or reduce the stroke frequency (to move the boat down).
Finally, the console is mounted on a long arm and can be tilted in order to provide a better display visibility for the user. It doesn’t have online connectivity and it is not compatible with any fitness apps.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front section of the machine with the fan and the other resistance elements comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the front base bar, connect the rail to the front part of the frame, add the seat, the rear base stabilizer, the footrests, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and suggestive schematics. A set of basic tools is also included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the unit clean. If dust accumulates in the fan unit, you can vacuum it from the outside. The internal parts don’t need any lubrication. It is also recommended to periodically check the machine for loose bolts or parts and re-tighten them if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 350 lbs;
- Folding frame;
- Transport wheels for easy relocation;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Contoured and padded seat;
- Adjustable footrests with straps and heel guards;
- Air resistance for a dynamic response;
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance for overall tension adjustability;
- Advanced console which indicates time, SPM, watts, distance, calories, and pulse;
- 11 workout programs;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- A heart rate chest strap is not included;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Spirit Fitness XRW600 is an air and magnetic rower featuring a sturdy frame, with a thick aluminum rail rated for 350 lbs, and a console with 11 workout programs. Its eddy current brake offers 16 levels of resistance while the fan delivers a dynamic response. It’s an excellent trainer for a full-body cardio workout, strength training, stamina development, intervals, muscle toning, and weight loss. And finally, it’s not exactly one of the most affordable rowers, but definitely offers excellent quality for the price.