| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efitment RW032 Check Discounted Price | L:63" W:23.8" H:19.7" | 350 lbs | 28 lbs | Hydraulic, 12 levels | Time, Count, Total count, SPM, Calories, Scan |
As opposed to the Efitment RW025 rower that we’ve already reviewed, the RW32 features a different construction and resistance system. It’s a hydraulic rower, similar to the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050, but with a more basic design. Evidently, it’s also an affordable unit, but does offer a fairly long range of motion, and has a superior weight capacity.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 63L x 23.8W x 19.7H inches (160L x 61W x 50H cm)
- Assembled weight: 28 lbs (12.7 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Hydraulic, adjustable, 12 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, count, total count, strokes per minute, calories, SCAN
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame construction
Although the Efitment Total Motion RW032 is a basic rowing machine, it features a highly sturdy frame, made of steel tubing. Its
rail and seat assembly are actually rated for a weight capacity of 350 lbs (159 kg) which is quite impressive for a machine made for home use only.
Despite its great weight capacity, the machine itself is not very heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs only 28 lbs (12.7 kg). This being said, its transport and assembly can easily be done by one person. Plus, its front base features caps that can rotate acting as transport wheels in order to facilitate its relocation.
The rear base features polygonal stabilizers which give you the possibility to perfectly level the unit on any type of floor.
The unit’s frame is not too large but does take approx. 63″L x 24″W (160 x 61 cm) of floor space when fully set up. On top of that, it’s recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it, for safe access and usage.
The frame does not have a folding design. Also, the top of its meter is at approx. 20″ (51 cm) above floor level, so the unit won’t fit under a bed unless there is more than 20″ (51 cm) of clearance. But on the other hand, you can easily store it upright, leaning against a wall, or in a closet.
The oars or moving arms of the unit do not have a middle articulation such as the ones for the Harvil RM-1 model. Therefore, the arm range of motion is limited. Each oar can be moved outward, though, so you can still simulate a correct rowing motion. The oars are made of steel tubing, just like the rest of the frame. They have rubberized grips for optimal comfort. However, they do not integrate any pulse sensors, and the machine’s exercise meter cannot track your pulse rate.
The unit’s rear base is slightly higher than the front one. This being said, the rail is slightly inclined, which results in a better workout for the legs. Also, the rail provides 38″ (~96 cm) of travel for the seat, which means that the rower should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, promoting a complete leg extension.
One last aspect to mention here regards the machine’s paint finish. All the steel parts of this Efitment rower feature a durable paint coating which is resistant to corrosion. The color used is light gray, with the “Efitment” logo painted red on top of the main rail. These are the only colors available for this trainer (at least for now).
Seat and other parts
The Efitment RW032 is equipped with a fairly large seat, approx. 16″ (40 cm) wide. It’s actually heart-shaped, but its surface is not
contoured. It integrates a thick layer of padding (approx. 2″) and has a durable vinyl upholstery with a top plush pad which also generates extra adherence. Differently put, it is a seat designed for superior comfort.
The base of the seat is steel-made. It integrates three sets of rollers, two on top of the rail, the other underneath it. This type of assembly delivers plenty of stability for the seat. All the rollers integrate high-grade ball bearings so that the seat provides a very smooth motion along its rail.
As we’ve mentioned above, the height of the unit is approx. 20″ (51 cm), which also applies to the seat when it is all the way back to its highest position. This being said, taking position on the unit shouldn’t be too difficult, even for elderly users or users with certain disabilities.
The machine’s footrests are made thick nylon material. They have a pivoting design, which enables them to slightly adjust their angle during each stroke. This way, your feet will always be at their optimal position throughout the range of motion. The pedals also have heel guards, a textured surface for extra adherence, and adjustable, velcro straps. Therefore, you can perfectly secure your feet on them.
Resistance system
The Efitment RW032 is equipped with a hydraulic resistance system. It consists of a hydraulic cylinder attached under the main rail
of the unit, at the front. Its piston rod is attached to the oar assembly, and therefore, when you pull the oars, it extends generating resistance.
The machine’s resistance system offers 12 distinct tension settings. It is equipped with a tension knob which facilitates this adjustment. The first several levels offer a really light tension, great for users who require a recovery training regimen. The 11-12 resistance levels, on the other hand, aren’t too extreme, but the difference between the first levels and them is noticeable. Overall, this rower can offer light to medium workouts.
As opposed to rowing machines with an air or water resistance system, this hydraulic resistance system provides constant resistance. In other words, the resistance generated by it does not depend on your stroke rate. Also, the cylinder will heat up a bit after a few minutes of usage, and it will dilate losing a bit of resistance.
Exercise meter
The Efitment RW032 is equipped with a basic fitness meter. It features an LCD display which shows time, count (counts the 
number of strokes of your current workout), total count (total amount of strokes performed on the machine from the last reset), strokes per minute, and calories burned. Evidently, since you cannot input your weight or height, the unit won’t be able to accurately calculate your calories burned. Therefore, the value that it shows is an estimate which depends on your stroke count.
The meter does not have a pulse reading function. It cannot read your heart rate through a Polar or ANT transmitter. Thus, if you need to keep an eye on your heart rate, you will have to use a separate device.
The meter unit is very easy to operate. It starts up when you begin rowing or when you press its only button. This button allows you to select any of the values so that you can view it all the time, or you can select its Scan Mode, which rotates all the values showing each one for a few seconds.
The meter unit requires 2 AAA batteries. It also has a sleep mode to which will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly & Maintenance
The resistance cylinder comes already attached to the main rail. Therefore, in terms of assembly, you only need to add the seat, the base bars, the footrests, the oars, and the exercise meter. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The manual provides very clear schematics and step-by-step instructions, and a basic toolkit is also included.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. Just as for any rowing machine, the seat rail needs to be cleaned periodically, as dirt fragments can cause nicks into it, leading to roller damage. Also, in case the joints of the machine become squeaky, lubrication can solve the problem.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame for a home-use unit – 350 lbs (159 kg);
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport rollers on the front base;
- Wide, cushioned seat, with a durable upholstery;
- 38″ (96 cm) of seat travel on its rail;
- Oar action similar to a real boat;
- Pivoting footrests with straps;
- Adjustable resistance – 12 levels;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, strokes, total strokes, strokes per minute, and calories burned;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The Efitment RW032 is a rowing machine designed for home use, featuring a hydraulic resistance system with 12 levels, a large padded seat, and independent oars in order to simulate the rowing of a real boat. It has a fairly sturdy rail rated for a user weight capacity of 350 lbs. It also includes a basic fitness meter. It may not be the best choice for a pro sprinter, but can definitely help you achieve a full body cardio workout, boost your stamina, and shed some pounds. And finally, it’s an affordable unit, currently priced under $150.