| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HouseFit DH-8633 Check Discounted Price | L:80.1" W:20.4" H:37.4" | 330 lbs | 83.8 lbs | Water | Time, Count, T-count, Distance, Calories, Goals, Scan |
The HouseFit DH-8633 offers a similar range of features to the SNODE WR100. The only notable difference between the two models is the rail which for the HouseFit model has two aluminum side covers. It’s a rower made for home use but does have a pretty sturdy construction and a fairly long rail. It’s also considerably more affordable than a commercial-grade machine.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 80.1L x 20.4W x 37.4H inches (203L x 52W x 95H cm)
- Shipping weight: 83.8 lbs (38 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: Time, count, t-count, distance, calories, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
The HouseFit DH-8633 features a steel frame. It combines rectangular and oval tubes in its construction
for improved aesthetics. All the steel parts are coated with a black paint finish, highly resistant to abrasion and rust. Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the sliding rail has two side covers made of extruded aluminum.
The fully assembled machine is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 80.1″ (203 cm) long, and 20.4″ (52 cm) wide. It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the unit for ease of access and unhindered usage. It is also pretty heavy; without water in the tank, it weighs approx. 83.8 lbs (38 kg).
This HouseFit water resistance rower does not have a folding design, like the Phantom Hydro SF-RW5910 model from Sunny Health & Fitness, for example. However, it can be stored vertically to save space. In the upright position, its footprint becomes approx. 37″L x 20″W (95 x 52 cm), while its height reaches 80.1″ (203 cm).
The sliding rail is approx. 35.5″ (90 cm) long, and the rower makes available an inseam length of approx. 41.5″ (105 cm). Therefore, it should be able to accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) with no problem. Also, the rail is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs (150 kg).
The rower feature two fairly high base stabilizers. They place the seat at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level, so entry and exit can be done with ease. Also, the rear base stabilizer is equipped with adjustable levelers while the front base features transport wheels for easy relocation.
Seat and other parts
The HouseFit DH-8633 features a contoured seat with a top made of high-density foam. The construction
of the top cushion is actually similar to one on the HouseFit Skyline R50 model. However, the base of the seat has a different construction. It integrates three sets of rollers, one that slides under the rail, while the other two slide on top of the rail.
The seat’s rollers integrate high-grade sealed ball bearings for a smooth motion. Their outer covers are made of a material designed to reduce noise. The side panels of the seat frame are steel made and partially cover the rollers for improved safety.
The rower is equipped with two large footrests made of durable thermoplastic material. Their size cannot be adjusted but they are large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have a textured surface and heel guards for improved foot stability. They are also equipped with adjustable, velcro straps.
The unit’s footrests have a pivoting design. This means they can adjust their angle slightly as you row. However, they have stoppers at the heel so they won’t tilt backward past approx. 45°.
The rower’s pulling handle consists of a short bar featuring foam grip covers for improved comfort. It does not integrate pulse sensors, and the machine’s performance monitor does not have a pulse reading function. The pulling handle is attached to a durable nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. Since it’s a strap and not a chain, it does not require lubrication and the rowing motion is smoother and quieter.
Resistance system
The HouseFit DH-8633 is a water resistance rower. It is equipped with a 4-gallon (15-liter) water tank 
made of durable polycarbonate material. The walls of the tank are clear with a gray hue. The tank has a simple design, with a single water chamber without any mechanical resistance adjustment elements. There are 6 water levels marked on its side and it’s not supposed to be filled over the 6th level.
The main resistance-generating element is the 16-blade impeller (or flywheel) integrated into the tank. This impeller is connected through a system of pulleys to the pulling strap of the machine. Thus, when you pull the handle, it spins in the water inside the tank and generates resistance.
Since it’s a water resistance rower, the HouseFit DH-8633 provides a dynamic resistance response. This means that the resistance depends on your stroke rate. For example, if you pull faster, the impeller will also spin faster inside the tank and you will get more resistance during each stroke. Needless to say, this will lead to a more consistent workout.
As we’ve already mentioned, the tank doesn’t have any mechanical resistance adjustment elements, but you can still adjust the overall resistance by adding or removing water from the tank, making sure you won’t exceed the highest fill level. If the tank is filled to the highest level, you will get the highest resistance possible, while if the tank is filled to the lowest level, you will get the lowest resistance possible.
Similar to other water resistance rowers, the DH-8633 does generate some noise during usage. However, it is not extremely loud and it shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV set on a low volume. It’s also quite appealing compared to the sound generated by certain air resistance rowers.
Performance monitor
The HouseFit DH-8633 includes a performance monitor that integrates a device holder and has a long,
angle-adjustable arm. It does not have pre-set workout programs, does not have online connectivity, but does offer quite a few more features than the average basic model.
The monitor unit features an LCD display (without backlight) that tracks time, distance, stroke count, total strokes, and calories burned. The distance is shown in miles. Also, the unit does not have a pulse reading function. Therefore, you cannot sync it with a fitness band, or a wireless HR chest strap.
The monitor unit features three buttons: Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view on the display. It also allows you to select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the values showing each one for several seconds. The Set button gives you the possibility to select goals for time, count, or calories. Once a goal is selected, the monitor will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the unit to zero.
The performance monitor is battery-powered. It uses two AA batteries. It starts up when you press the Mode button or when you begin rowing. It also turns off automatically to save battery if it does not detect any activity on the rower for several minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The HouseFit DH-8633 rower does require some assembly but the water tank with all the drive elements comes pre-assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. All you need to do is attach the front stabilizer, the rear stabilizer, insert the seat on the rail, connect the rail to the front part, and then connect the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time, the manual provides clear assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the machine is assembled, all you need to do is fill up the tank with the provided pump. The water doesn’t need to be changed but you can use rower water purification tablets to keep it free from algae and other microorganisms. Other than this, you should also periodically inspect the machine to make sure everything functions properly.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- Can be stored vertically;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizer;
- Ergonomic, contoured seat;
- Ergonomic handle with foam grips;
- Durable, pivoting footrests with adjustable straps;
- Long rail for users with an inseam up to 41.5 (105 cm);
- Water resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
- Performance monitor included – it tracks time, distance, count, total count, and calories burned;
- Goal settings for time, count, and distance;
- Angle-adjustable arm for performance monitor;
- Device holder included;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No backlight on the performance monitor;
- No pre-set workout programs.
Summary
The HouseFit DH-8633 is a water resistance rower designed for home use. It is equipped with a durable polycarbonate tank featuring a 16-blade impeller, an ergonomic seat, and a monitor unit that tracks time, distance, count, t-count, and calories. It also has a pretty durable rail rated for a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs. It’s an excellent fitness machine for a full-body cardio workout, interval training, muscle toning, and stamina development. It’s also considerably more affordable than a commercial-grade water resistance rower and offers great value for the price.