| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efitment RW025 Check Discounted Price | L:62" W:20" H:26.5" | 250 lbs | 43 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | 3 years |
If you’re looking for a quality rowing machine for home use but you’re on a budget, the Efitment RW025 might just fit exactly to your needs. Along with the XTERRA ERG200 and the Titan MAG-ROW, this is a magnetic rower that offers a basic range of features. However, it has a pretty decent construction for an in-home fitness machine. Although it’s a basic model, there’s still a lot to be said about it. Therefore, in this review, we’re going to cover as many aspects as possible about it.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 62″L x 20″W x 26.5″H (158L x 51W x 67H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
- Assembled weight: 43 lbs (19.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Ergometer: Time, count, RPM, calories, distance, SCAN
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame construction & parts
The Efitment RW025 rowing machine features an all-steel frame with durable rail which can withstand users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg). The rail offers a travel span for the seat of approx. 
40″ (101 cm), providing plenty of space for a complete leg extension and correct rowing form. Differently put, it can accommodate users up to 6’2″ – 6’3″ (187 – 190 cm), as long as they don’t exceed the weight limit.
All the steel parts in the rower’s construction feature a corrosion-resistant powder coating. The color used is light gray. However, even though the paint finish is rust-resistant, this machine is for indoor use only. If used or stored outside, its internal components, bolts, and other parts may eventually catch rust.
Compared to other trainers of this sort, this particular model is at least 10″ (25 cm) smaller. Its footprint is 62″L x 20″W (158 x 51 cm). It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear, for an easy entry and exit, and for a correct execution of the rowing motion. But on the other hand, this Efitment rower can be stored vertically, resting on the flywheel casing and its front base, with the rail in upright position. This reduces the length of the machine by more than half, resulting in better storage possibilities.
This fitness machine is pretty lightweight. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs only 43 lbs (19.5 kg). Its front base is equipped, though, with two small wheels which facilitate its relocation. Its rear base rests on rubberized pads to improve stability. 
The Efitment RW025 features quite a comfortable seat. To begin with, it’s fairly large, approx. 16″ (40 cm) wide, and integrates 2″ (6 cm) of foam padding. Its upholstery is made of durable vinyl material. The seat runs on three sets of wheels which incorporate heavy duty ball bearings for a smooth glide and for a long lifespan.
This rowing machine features two large footrests with a pivoting design. Therefore, they allow a slight angle change of the feet with each stroke. They’re made of heavy-duty ABS material, featuring an anti-slip surface, and a heel guard for superior foot stability and positioning. Also, they are equipped with adjustable straps.
Finally, the rower’s pulling handle is a standard straight bar with rubberized grips for optimal comfort and adherence. Since it’s an entry-level machine, it doesn’t have resistance controls or pulse sensors. It’s attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap.
Resistance & drive
The Efitment RW025 uses a magnetic resistance system. It consists of a small magnetic brake connected through a steel wire to the dial on top of the flywheel casing. The resistance 
adjustment is done manually by turning the dial; the machine doesn’t need to be connected to a power circuit, and the ergometer doesn’t play any role within the resistance adjustment.
The machine’s resistance system is exclusively magnetic, though. It doesn’t integrate a fan or any air resistance elements such as the Marcy Turbine NS-6050RE rower, for example. Due to this fact, it doesn’t generate a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the resistance does not vary with how hard or fast you pull. It’s strictly determined by the selected level. That’s why the rower is not recommended to professional athletes. However, it still offers the possibility to perform a very consistent, full-body cardio workout.
The Efitment RW025 has 8 distinct resistance levels marked on the dial. The highest resistance level doesn’t offer the resistance required by a professional rower. However, the machine does supply light to medium cardio workout possibilities, great for anyone who wants a full body workout.
Since this machine doesn’t have any air resistance elements, its operation generates almost no noise. This makes the machine suitable for apartment use. The integrated flywheel weighs 8.8 lbs (4 kg). It’s not extremely heavy, but this weight is just enough to deliver a consistent momentum for rowing. It is also perimeter weighted, which results in very smooth and steady motion.
The transmission between the pulley and the flywheel integrates a heavy-duty belt. Therefore, it doesn’t require any lubrication. In fact, none of the internal elements should require any maintenance for a long period of time, if the rower is used accordingly.
Exercise meter
The Efitment RW025 features a basic fitness meter with an LCD display. It tracks time, distance, count, RPM, and calories burned. The count metric counts the number of strokes, 
while the RPM metric indicates the number of strokes per minute. The distance is only shown in miles (there’s no metric option), while the calories burned is an estimate, and may not be completely accurate. The unit cannot monitor your heart rate.
The unit is easy to operate. It has only one (MODE) button. It has a SCAN function which rotates all the metrics showing each one for several seconds. By pressing the MODE button, you can scroll through the metrics and select/lock only one that interests you, so it will be shown on the display at all time. The MODE button also covers the meter’s reset function. By pressing and holding it for several seconds all the values on the unit will be cleared to zero.
The rower’s meter unit is battery powered. It requires one AAA battery as a power supply (which is not included). It starts when you begin rowing or if you press the MODE button, and also has a sleep function to which will enter after 4 minutes of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The drive and resistance elements of the machine come pre-assembled and enclosed by the plastic shrouds. Therefore, you only have to attach the rail, the seat, the base stabilizers and the footrests. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 min. Basic tools for assembly are included, and the manual provides very clear step-by-step assembly instructions.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. As we’ve mentioned above, the internal parts don’t require any lubrication. It’s only recommended to keep the rower’s rail clean to prevent any damage to the seat wheels and periodically check the for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Durable construction for a light rower – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Extremely quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 8 levels of resistance, for light to medium workouts;
- Ergonomic, padded seat for optimal comfort;
- Pivoting footrests for a perfect foot position with each stroke;
- Long gliding beam, which can accommodate users up to 6’3″;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, count, RPM, calories;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No adjustable stabilizers;
- No backlight on the meter.
Summary
The Efitment RW025 is an entry-level rowing machine for home use. It’s equipped with a magnetic resistance system and a basic fitness meter. It features a fairly decent frame construction with a user capacity of 250 lbs. Its frame doesn’t fold but it can be stored vertically. Even though it’s not a professional rowing machine, it can still provide a very consistent full-body cardio workout. It’s perfect for muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable magnetic rowers, currently priced for less than $200.