| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RIF6 Water Rower Check Discounted Price | L:76" W:23.6" H:25" | 300 lbs | 82.9 lbs | Water | Time, Time/500m Distance, Strokes, SPM, Calories, Watts, Pulse, Goals, Race program |
The RIF6 water resistance rower is one of the fitness machines released in the second part of 2020. In terms of features, it is similar to the Marnur rower but has a lower front base and a slightly inclined rail. Also, its rail does not have aluminum covers. It’s not a commercial rower but does offer a fairly decent construction and durability.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 76L x 23.6W x 25H inches (193L x 60W x 64H cm)
- Shipping weight: 82.9 lbs (37.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: Total time, 500m time, distance, SPM, total strokes, calories, heart rate, race program, recovery
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
The RIF6 water resistance rower features a steel frame combining rectangular and oval tubes in its 
construction. All the steel parts are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model.
The fully assembled machine is not too large compared with other models, such as the Murtisol Air Rower, for example. Its net footprint is 76″L x 23.6″W (193 x 60 cm), while its highest point is approx. 25″ (64 cm) above the floor level. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of it and at the rear for easy access and correct usage.
This rower does not have a folding design. However, it can be stored vertically, resting on its front bumper and front stabilizer. The water can remain inside the resistance tank if the machine is stored upright.
The rower is fairly heavy. With the resistance tank filled to the highest level, it weighs around 100 lbs (45.3 kg). However, its front base stabilizer integrates a set of small wheels. Thus, you can easily relocate it and lift it upright position.
As we’ve mentioned above, the machine’s front base is lower than for other rowers. Its rail is slightly inclined forward. Therefore, it provides a better workout for the legs and a faster recovery motion. Also, the applicable inseam length for this RIF6 rower is 35.5″ (90 cm), so it should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’4″ (193 cm), allowing a complete leg extension.
Seat and other parts
The RIF6 rower is equipped with a seat similar to the Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro SF-RW5910. 
Its top is made of high-density foam for extra comfort. It is fairly large, 14.2″ (36 cm) wide, and 11″ (28 cm) deep, so it provides plenty of contact surface. It is also contoured to provide better positioning for the user and prevent them from sliding backward.
The base of the seat is made of steel. It integrates three sets of wheels. Two sets slide on top of the rail while the third wheel set slides underneath it for improved stability. The wheels have internal ball bearings for a smooth motion and a rubber layer on the outside for reduced noise. Also, the seat and the rail are pretty durable; they’re rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a home-use rower.
The RIF6 water rower features a set of large footrests. They are size-adjustable so they should be able to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They’re made of durable thermoplastic material and attached to steel plates. They have adjustable straps and heel guards for improved foot stability.
The unit’s footrests do not pivot on their axis. The plates they’re attached to have an angle of approx. 60° for optimal foot stability.
The pulling handle is a simple, straight bar. It has rubber foam sleeves for an improved grip. It’s attached to the machine’s resistance system via a heavy-duty, braided nylon strap, highly resistant to stretching and abrasion. It does not have any controls or pulse sensors.
Resistance system
The RIF6 rower features a water resistance system. It is equipped with a 3.4 gallons (12.8 l) water tank
made from durable polycarbonate material. Its walls are transparent and have a gray hue. It’s a single chamber water tank without any incorporated water level adjustment mechanism. Therefore, you can only adjust the overall resistance by manually adding or removing water from the tank. A small plastic pump is included with the rower.
The main resistance-generating element is the multi-blade impeller integrated into the water tank. This impeller is attached to the unit’s drive system, so, when you pull the handle, it spins in the water inside the tank creating resistance. The tank doesn’t have a water level adjustment mechanism, but there are 6 levels marked on it. Therefore, by filling it up to the 6th level you will get the highest resistance possible.
The machine generates a dynamic response during usage. In other words, the rowing sensation resembles the rowing of a real boat through the water. Also, just as when rowing a real boat, the resistance will increase if you row at a faster pace. So, as a small conclusion here, even if the rower is not a commercial-grade one, it does provide the rowing setting for a professional athlete since the rowing effect is pretty close to rowing a real boat.
The machine doesn’t offer a super-high rowing difficulty. However, with the tank filled up to its 6th level, it still delivers a pretty consistent workout. It engages over 80% of the muscle groups so it offers the possibility to perform a full-body cardio workout great for users of all levels and ages.
Finally, the machine doesn’t generate too much noise. The sound of the impeller spinning in the water inside the tank can be heard but it’s pretty low. As a general idea, it shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV on a moderate volume setting.
Fitness monitor
The RIF6 rower includes a multi-function fitness monitor. It features a 5.5″ LCD display separated into 
multiple sub-windows in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once. It tracks time, time/500m, strokes, strokes per minute (SPM), distance, calories, watts, and pulse. The machine does not have any pulse sensors, so in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you should wear a wireless heart rate chest strap. This accessory is not included, but as a general idea, the unit should work with any 5.3 kHz HR chest strap.
The fitness monitor is not compatible with any fitness apps and does not have Bluetooth connectivity. There are two workout modes available on it. These are Manual and Race. In manual mode, it simply tracks your workout metrics. It also offers the possibility to set up workout goals for time, strokes, calories, and distance. The race mode is basically a workout program with multiple difficulty levels. It offers a workout setting where you have to compete with the computer for a certain distance and time span.
The unit also features a Recovery function which has its own quick selection button on the left of the keypad. This requires you to use a heart rate strap. If the conditions are met, by pressing the Recovery button at the end of the workout, the unit will indicate your heart rate recovery status, or your cardiovascular fitness level, from F1 (excellent) to F6 (poor).
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin rowing or when you press one of the buttons. It also has a sleep mode to which it should enter after approx. 4 minutes of inactivity on the rower.
Assembly and Maintenance
Needless to say, the machine’s water tank with all the drive elements comes pre-assembled and integrated into the front frame section. Thus, you only have to attach the front stabilizer, the rail, insert the seat on the rail, close the rail with the rear stabilizer and add the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. All the tools for assembly are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the rower clean, especially the rail to prevent any damage to the seat wheels. The water inside the tank requires chlorine treatment to prevent the formation of algae and other microorganisms. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically inspect the machine to make sure that it still functions properly and all the parts still hold tight in their places.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- Can be stored vertically;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizer;
- Transport wheels on the front stabilizer;
- Ergonomic, contoured seat;
- Ergonomic handle to minimize stress on the wrists;
- Durable, adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Long rail for users up to 6’4″ (193 cm);
- Water resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
- Performance monitor included – it tracks time, time/500m, distance, strokes, strokes per minute, watts, pulse, and calories burned;
- Race and Manual workout modes;
- Bottle holder included;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- The display of the fitness monitor does not have backlight;
- Strap for pulse monitoring is not included.
Summary
The RIF6 water resistance rower is a fitness machine made for home use. It features a steel frame, a contoured seat for optimal comfort, a long rail with an applicable inseam length of 35.5″, and a user weight limit of 300 lbs. It also includes a fitness monitor with two workout modes (manual and race). In all, it’s a fairly decent machine for a full-body cardio workout, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss.