| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slider Dynamic Check Discounted Price | L:127" W:22.25" H:38" | 700 lbs | 100 lbs | Air | Frame: 5 years Parts: 3 years |
Most of the rowing machines sold under the WaterRower brand name fit to the suggested profile, featuring water resistance. However, WaterRowers also sells rowing machines with air resistance, one of them being the Slider Dynamic model.
The Slider Dynamic air rower was actually released in 2016. It’s a dual rail machine, featuring a different design than most other similar machines with air resistance. The top frame of the rower slides entirely on the bottom part of the frame, in order to emulate the feeling of rowing a real boat.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 127L x 22.25W x 38H inches (322.5L x 56.6W x 96.5H cm)
- Assembled weight: 100 lbs (45.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 700 lbs (317.5 kg)
- Resistance type: Air
- Training monitor: Included
- Warranty: Parts 3 years / Rails 5 years
Frame construction and parts
The Slider Dynamic rower features a dual rail sliding frame. The top frame assembly incorporates the footrest pad, the resistance system, and the console, also being equipped with a set of rollers, which enables it to slide back and forth on the bottom frame assembly. The bottom
frame is fixed, equipped with a rear and front leg assembly which provide a bit of elevation for the machine. The rear leg stabilizer features two adjustable elements which give you the possibility to perfectly level the machine on any surface.
With the frame fully extended, this rowing machine is considerably long. It reaches 127″ (322.5 cm) in length. Its width is 22.25″ (56.6 cm), while its highest point is situated approx. 38″ (95.5 cm) above floor level. This being said, the machine can accommodate tall users up to 6’8″ (203 cm). But the usage space allocated for it needs to be at least 160″ (406 cm) long, and 60″ (152 cm) wide, in order to allow its proper operation.
The top sliding part of the frame can be locked onto the lower frame, and the machine can be stored vertically. With the frame locked, it measures only 84″ (213.3 cm) in length; this length will become its height when you store it in vertical position.
The frame is quite sturdy; just as like other machines from WaterRower, such as the WaterRower M1 HiRise or WaterRower Club HiRise, it can withstand users up to 700 lbs (317.5 kg).
When fully assembled, the Slider Dynamic rower isn’t extremely heavy. It weighs roughly 100 lbs (45.5 kg). However, its relocation is facilitated by the wheels integrated into the front leg stabilizer. By using these wheels to move the machine, you won’t be handling more than half of its total weight.
The seat features a contoured surface and integrates a layer of padding, providing optimal comfort. It’s mounted on a steel frame and glides on four heavy-duty wheels with ball bearings for a smooth operation. Although the entire top side of the frame also has wheels and glides over the bottom frame, the seat is mobile as well. Therefore, you can also exercise on this machine if you lock the two frame pieces together, using just the gliding of the seat.
The rower’s footrests are adjustable, equipped with straps so you can secure your feet in place. They don’t have a pivoting design as for the Sunny SF-RW5624, but they’re set at 60°, providing a natural foot positioning during rowing.
The pulling handle is made of wood material for a more appealing touch. It features high-density foam grips for optimal comfort. It’s attached to a chain, which is connected to the machine’s drive system. The chain is similar to a bike chain, offering high durability over a synthetic strap. However, it does require periodic lubrication.
Most elements within the rower’s frame construction are made of metallic alloy, featuring a corrosion resistant powder coating, black and orange, these being the only colors available for this fitness machine so far.
Drive and resistance
Even though the Slider Dynamic is manufactured by WaterRower, it’s actually a rowing machine featuring an air resistance system, similar to the Concept2 Model D. This means that the machine generates a dynamic response with each and every stroke. In other words, the 
resistance generated depends on how fast you stroke; the faster you stroke, the higher the resistance.
The main resistance generator is a flywheel shaped like a fan. The casing of the flywheel-fan is also equipped with a damper, similar to the Concept2 Model D. Therefore, you can increase or decrease the overall air pressure inside the fan’s casing, in order to benefit from more or less resistance, depending on the workout you want to undertake.
Since the Slider Dynamic rowing machine allows the entire top of the frame to slide along the lower frame, the rowing motion improves drive coordination. It greatly reduces the amount of mass changing direction throughout the stroke. The seat can move too along the slide, but the seat movement is minimal, the overall dynamic of the stroke encourages body control, stimulating a better form. Also, the generated rowing sensation is also much closer to the rowing of a real boat than for a rower with a fixed frame.
One last aspect to mention here regards noise generation. Since it’s an air resistance rower, the motion of the flywheel does generate some noise. But the noise level is similar to a large cooling fan; it won’t cover the sound of your TV on a low volume setting, for example.
Training monitor
The Slider Dynamic from WaterRower comes with a professional training monitor. To begin with, it has a multi-panel LCD display and indicates time, stroke rate, speed as time/500m, and distance, as well as a few technical functions including drive ratio, stroke length, average stroke
per minute, heart rate and drag.
Distance and speed can be calculated in both metric and imperial units. Heart rate can be monitored with an ANT+ brand heart rate chest belt plus receiver, accessories which are not included.
The console unit has three training modes: Just Row, Time/Distance, and Interval Mode. The Just Row mode is the unit’s simplest training program. You simply have to turn on the monitor and start rowing. Time and distance will start counting up. You can stop rowing for a short rest. As the flywheel slows down, the screen display fields will pause after your last stroke until you start rowing again. The elapsed workout information will be preserved and start where you last stopped.
The Time/Distance mode allows you to program time and distance workouts, setup a certain target and the meter will countdown until the selected workout value is complete. As for the Interval mode, the console can be programmed for interval training, with a set work time or distance, and a rest period in between.
The console unit uses an advanced self-calibration algorithm in order to provide consistent scores along all the resistance settings. This allows scores to be comparable from machine to machine. It features a USB port which gives you the possibility to connect it to a PC for software updated. It uses 4 AA batteries, and has a sleep function set at 3 minutes after the last button action, rowing stroke or completed workout.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Slider Dynamic air rower does require some assembly, but the most problematic parts, such as the flywheel and the internal belts of the drive system, are already assembled. For assembly, you will have to connect the two leg stabilizers to the lower frame rails, connect the two upper rails together and place them on top of the bottom rails, add the seat and then the front assembly with the drive system, console, pulling handle and footrests. This may take more than an hour, but the included manual provides very clear and concise assembly instructions. The Allen wrenches required for the assembly are included, but you will also need a Phillips screwdriver.
When it comes to maintenance, just as any other air rower the flywheel and its casing will catch dust after a while and you’ll need to clean them in order to allow the correct air flow through the system. The pulling chain requires periodic lubrication. Also, it is recommended to periodically inspect the machine for loose bolts or parts and re-tighten them if it is the case.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty rowing machine, with a high user weight and height limit;
- Sliding design, emulating a natural rowing motion, and promoting a correct drive coordination during exercising;
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Transport wheels included;
- Adjustable rear stabilizers included;
- Padded and contoured seat for maximum comfort, with a durable upholstery;
- Heavy-duty rollers for both the seat and top frame, integrating sealed ball bearings;
- Adjustable footrests;
- Adjustable air resistance, for a dynamic response during rowing;
- Advanced training console, with several training programs and online connectivity for software updates;
- The console is compatible with ANT+ brand heart rate chest belts and receivers;
- Fairly quiet operation for an air rower;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty and support.
The Cons
- The console doesn’t monitor calories burned during your workout.
- Heart rate chest strap and transmitter not included.
Summary
The Slider Dynamic is an air resistance rower, featuring a dual rail sliding frame, a durable, commercial-grade construction, and an advanced training console. The frame design and drive system promote a superior drive coordination and body control during rowing, resulting in a better form and a natural rowing feel. The air resistance system is also equipped with a damper offering several adjustment settings.
It’s an excellent rower for users of all levels, from beginner to pro. It gives you the possibility to perform light to intense full-body cardio workouts, it’s perfect for muscle toning, stamina development, intervals and weight loss. And finally, it’s not exactly an affordable trainer, but the overall quality in its components, as well as its versatility, definitely stand up to the price.