| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-RW520050 Check Discounted Price | L:78" W:22.8" H:22.6" | 245 lbs | 56.2 lbs | Air | Time, Count, SPM, Calories, SCAN |
The Sunny SF-RW520050 is one of the rowers released by Sunny Health & Fitness in 2020. It’s a machine for home use featuring a standard air resistance system without an additional magnetic brake. It’s almost completely identical to the Efitment Aero RW036, the only major difference between the two being the paint finish colors used for various parts.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 78L x 22.8W x 22.6H inches (198L x 58W x 57H cm)
- Assembled weight: 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 245 lbs (111 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Resistance type: Air
- Exercise meter: Time, count, SPM, calories, scan
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520050 rower features a steel frame. It combines oval and rectangular tubes
in its construction for improves sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel tubes are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this rower at least for the moment.
Of course, the machine also integrates several plastic parts. For example, the fan casing, the footrests, the base caps are made from a durable thermoplastic material.
The rower is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 78″ (198 cm) long, and 22.8″ (58 cm) wide. It is also recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side of the rail and at the rear for ease of access and correct usage.
The rail is fairly long, approx. 51.2″ (130 cm), and the applicable user inseam for this machine is 44.7″ (113 cm). Thus, it should be able to accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) with no problem. It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 245 lbs (111 kg).
The machine’s frame is also foldable. The rail with the seat can be folded up which reduces the unit’s length to approx. 39″ (99 cm), while its height becomes 47.8″ (121 cm). The rower is not super heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 56 lbs (25.5 kg). Therefore, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, its front base integrates a set of wheels so you can easily relocate it if needed.
Seat and other parts
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520050 rowing machine is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. 
Its top is made of high-density foam so it’s not super hard. It is fairly large, approx. 15″ (38 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 rail is not completely horizontal. It is slightly inclined forward. Therefore, the SF-RW520050 rower provides a better workout for the legs. Also, the seat is higher when all the way to the back of the rail. Its highest point is approx. 12.5″ (32 cm).
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.
The pulling handle is a short straight bar. It features foam sleeves for an improved grip. It does not have any resistance controls or sensors. It is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap highly resistant to abrasion.
The rower is equipped with a set of pivoting footrest similar to the ones of the Sunny SF-RW5935. This means that they can slightly tilt forward adapting to the pressure you apply with your feet throughout the rowing motion. They have stoppers at the heel, though, and they cannot tilt past approx. 55°. They’re made from a tough plastic material, they have heel guards and adjustable straps for improved foot stability.
Resistance system
The Sunny SF-RW520050 rowing machine is equipped with an air resistance system. Its main resistance-generating
element is the large 8-blade fan integrated into the front unit. The fan is connected to the internal pulley system and to the pulling strap, so it spins in its casing when you pull the handle increasing the workload.
This Sunny Health & Fitness rower does not have any other resistance elements, like a magnetic brake or a damper for the fan. So, you cannot adjust the overall resistance. However, just like any other fan resistance fitness machine, it provides a dynamic response during usage. In other words, the resistance generated by the fan depends on your stroke rate; the faster you pull, the more resistance you will get. This can be a plus, as it simulates the sensation of rowing a real boat through water.
The internal drivetrain uses a poly-v belt. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication as would be the case with a chain drive. It also generates less vibration than a chain.
Since it’s an air resistance rower, the SF-RW520050 rower is not completely silent like a full magnetic rower. When rowing at a fast rate, the fan can be heard. However, the level of noise is far from being loud or disturbing. As a general idea, it won’t cover the sound of your TV on a low volume setting. The noise generated can be compared to the noise of a large electric fan.
Fitness monitor
The Sunny SF-RW520050 rower is equipped with a basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display divided 
into two sub-sections and only one button which covers all of its functions. The display shows time, count (strokes per workout), reps/min (strokes per minute), and calories burned. It does not show split time (time/500m) or distance. It also does not have a pulse reading function, so in case you want to keep track of your pulse during your workouts, you will have to use a separate device.
The monitor unit is very easy to operate. You can press the button repeatedly to swap the values on the two fields of the display. A scan function is also available. In scan mode, the four workout metrics are shown in a sequence, each one appearing on the display for a few seconds, their order being time, count, calories, reps/min. Also, the button covers the unit’s reset function. If you press and hold it for four seconds all the values on the console are cleared to zero.
The unit requires one AAA battery as a power source. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter to save battery, after approx. four minutes of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s front unit with the fan and the other elements of the drive system comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the front stabilizer, the footrests, insert the seat on the rail, add the rear stabilizer, and connect the rail to the front part of the frame. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
Maintenance requires dusting the trainer periodically, especially the rail and the housing of the fan. Also, the seat wheels may require lubrication after a while. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 245 lbs;
- Folding design;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Long rail – can accommodate users up to 6.6″;
- Contoured, non-slip seat with 3 sets of wheels for extra stability;
- Pivoting footrests with adjustable straps;
- Air resistance for a dynamic response;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, count, strokes per minute, and calories burned;
- Little maintenance required;
- All the tools required for the assembly are included;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No distance reading function;
- No split time/500m function;
- No workout programs.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520050 is a rowing machine made for home use. It is equipped with an air resistance system, a set of pivoting footrests, a basic fitness monitor, and a seat for optimal comfort. Its frame is also foldable. In all, it’s a great machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina development, interval training, and weight loss.