| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-RW5633 Check Discounted Price | L:76" W:24" H:27" | 220 lbs | 43 lbs | Air & magnetic | 3 years limited |
Sunny Health & Fitness continuously improves their products. They release something new almost every month, and when it comes to rowing machines, one of their newest models for 2017 is the SF-RW5633.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5633 is actually an air & magnetic resistance rower. Its resistance system is similar to the Conquer AR5600 or the Marcy NS-6050RE. It has a lower weight capacity than these machines, but if you don’t exceed its specified capacity it can be an excellent trainer for a full-body cardio workout. In fact, if you’re looking for an affordable rower, this is definitely one model to put on your list.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 76L x 24W x 27H inches (193L x 61W x 69H cm)
- Shipping weight: 43 lbs (19.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 220 lbs (99.7 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: With adjustable straps
- Resistance type: Air & magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, count, calories, SPM
- Warranty: 3 years limited
Frame and parts
The Sunny SF-RW5633 rowing machine features a frame made of steel tubing. As opposed to other air & magnetic machines, its main rail is also made of steel, not aluminum. But nonetheless, the machine is fairly light. When fully assembled it weighs approx. 43 lbs (19.5 kg); therefore, its transport and relocation isn’t a difficult task. On top of that, its front base tube features two transport wheels to facilitate its handling.
This Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine isn’t as large as other rowers with air resistance elements. For example, it’s approx. 22″ (56 cm) shorter than the BodyCraft VR500 Pro. It takes 76″L x 24″W (193 x 61 cm) of floor space, and for its proper operation, a clearance of at least two feet on each side and at the rear is recommended. But despite the fact that it’s shorter than other machines, its rail is still 47.6″ (121 cm) long, allowing a full leg extension and a natural range of motion for users up to 6’4″ (193 cm). Also, the rail has a weight capacity of 220 lbs (99.7 kg).
The frame has a folding design. The main rail with the seat folds up at the connection point to the front of the frame. This way, the length of the machine is reduced by more than half.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5633 air rowing machine features a fully padded seat, approx. 14″ (35 cm) wide, which provides optimal comfort.
Its upholstery is made of a highly durable vinyl material, which is also non-slip, preventing you from sliding backward from the seat when rowing.
The seat assembly is equipped with three sets of heavy-duty rollers, two placed on top of the rail, one below for stability. The seat moves smoothly on the rail, generating a minimal level of noise.
The machine’s gliding rail isn’t completely horizontal. This aspect can be considered a plus, as the recovery part from the rowing motion is executed faster, while the drive phase generates a slightly more consistent workout for the leg muscles.
This rowing machine is equipped with large footrests featuring a non-slip surface, heel 
guards, and velcro adjustable straps, to deliver perfect stability for the feet. They feature a pivoting design, allowing a slight angle change during rowing, in order to adapt better to your range of motion. They’re made of heavy-duty PVC material.
The machine’s pulling handle is a simple metallic bar, with rubber foam grips for optimal comfort. It’s attached to a highly-durable mesh strap, not a chain such as for the Concept2 models, so it basically doesn’t require any maintenance.
Last but not least, the frame of this Sunny rower is coated with corrosion resistant paint. All the finish is gray in color, this being the only color available for this machine. The casing of the flywheel and pulley, along with the protective caps of the machine’s bases are made of plastic material.
Drive and resistance
As we’ve mentioned above, the Sunny SF-RW5633 rower features an air and magnetic resistance system. It’s equipped with a large PVC flywheel-fan which provides a dynamic response to the rowing motion. In other words, the machine’s resistance will vary 
depending on how hard or fast you stroke. However, the machine also integrates magnetic resistance elements which allow you to adjust its overall resistance.
The magnetic tension system features 8 resistance levels. The 1-2 levels are perfect for beginners, elderly users or users who require recovery training. Conversely, the 7-8 tension levels supply a more consistent resistance, recommended if you want to undertake a more demanding workout.
The machine doesn’t require to be connected to a power circuit. Its magnetic tension system is adjusted manually from the knob situated on the frame tube under the exercise meter.
Considering the fact that this rowing machine is equipped with an air resistance system, its operation does generate a certain level of noise. However, the generated noise during workouts isn’t extreme. It shouldn’t cover the sound of the TV.
One last aspect to mention here regards the air flow generated by the spinning flywheel fan. The section under the machine’s meter features a small damper, and the air flow can be directed at you during rowing, in order to provide some cooling.
Exercise meter
The fitness meter unit supplied with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5633 air rowing machine is a basic one. It tracks four values: time, the number of strokes (count), calories 
burned, and strokes per minute. Evidently, since it doesn’t allow you to input any user data, such as weight or age, and it cannot be correlated with the current resistance level of the machine, such as for the FDF Apollo, for example, the calorie reading is only an estimate.
The meter is extremely easy to operate. It uses one AAA battery which is not included. It has only one (MODE) button which allows you to select and lock on screen one of the workout metrics, or select the SCAN function which rotates the time, calories and SPM showing each one for a few seconds. The MODE button also fulfills the reset function of the meter. By pressing and holding it for 4 seconds all the values will be reset to zero.
The meter unit will turn on automatically when you start rowing or when you press the button. It also has a sleep mode in which will enter after 4 minutes of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5633 air rowing machine is easy to assemble. All the resistance elements are already assembled from the factory and attached to the front part of the frame. Therefore, you only need to attach the base tubes, the rail, the seat and the footrests. The provided manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and the tools required for it are also included. Thus, all the process shouldn’t take more than 30-45 min.
For maintenance, the machine’s gliding rail should be frequently wiped with a piece of cloth, in order to remove any sand, dirt or small objects that may damage the seat rollers or the rail itself. Also, the periodic inspection for loose bolts and parts is recommended.
The Pros
- Folding frame, space saving design;
- Air & magnetic resistance for a dynamic response with every pull, and overall tension adjustability;
- Integrated damper which allows you to direct the air flow generated by the flywheel towards you;
- 8 levels of resistance;
- Pivoting footrests with straps;
- Padded, comfortable seat;
- Fitness meter included, showing time, count, strokes per minute and calories;
- Quiet machine;
- Provides an excellent workout for back, arms, legs and core muscles;
- Little maintenance required;
- Affordable.
The Cons
- The calorie reading function isn’t too accurate;
- The meter’s display doesn’t have backlight so it might be difficult to read especially in a room with low lighting.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5633 is a rowing machine with a resistance system that combines air and magnetic elements. It offers 8 levels of magnetic resistance, while the fan wheel generates a dynamic response with each rowing motion, making it similar to rowing a real boat.
It’s definitely not a commercial machine, but for home use it perfect. It offers the possibility to perform a full-body cardio workout, engaging more than 80% of the muscles. It’s a great machine for muscle toning, interval training, improving stamina and losing weight. And finally, it’s a fitness machine with an excellent price/value ratio, one of the most affordable for 2017.