| Unit | Size | Assembled weight | Supported weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ski-Row SR-5 Check Discounted Price | L:103" W:35" H:84" | 145 lbs | 350 lbs | Air, 10 levels | Time, Time/500m, Stroke rate, Distance, Watts, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Intervals, Bluetooth |
The EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-5 is a dual-function high-intensity interval training (HIIT) machine that can be used both as a rower and as a ski trainer. As a rower, it can be compared with the Concept2 Model D machine but uses a rope instead of a chain for its main drive system. It is also equipped with a pretty standard HIIT fitness monitor.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions (rower): 103L x 35W x 33H inches (262L x 89W x 85H cm)
- Assembled dimensions (ski trainer): 53.6L x 35W x 84H (136L x 89W x 213H cm)
- Assembled weight: 145 lbs (66 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance: Air, 10 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, time/500, stroke rate, distance, watts, calories, pulse, goals, intervals, Bluetooth
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 2 years
Frame construction
The EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-5 combines steel, aluminum, and ABS parts in its construction. The main rail is 
made of extruded aluminum, covered with a stainless steel plate. The rest of the supporting frame bars are all-steel made. The casing of the fan, the casing of the drive elements, and several other covers are made from a durable thermoplastic polymer.
The front base frame features a black paint finish, while the aluminum rail is painted gray. The stainless steel plate on top of the rail is not painted, but evidently, it is highly resistant to corrosion. Most of the plastic covers of the machine are gray and black; the damper is orange so you can distinguish better between the air resistance levels.
The machine is fairly large. It’s actually one of the largest rowers available. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 103″ (262 cm) long, and 35″ (89 cm) wide so it should be able to accommodate users of all sizes. With the rail folded up, its footprint is 53.6″L x 35″W (136 x 89 cm), while its height reaches approx. 84.2″ (214 cm). This being said, it won’t fit in a room with a 7-foot ceiling. Plus, it is recommended to leave some clearance all around the machine. Two feet of clearance should be enough when using it as a rower, and when using it as a ski trainer, you should have at least 3-4 feet of clearance where you stand.
The unit’s folding mechanism uses a hydraulic cylinder and a pedal that disengages the rail and allows you to unfold it. When pressing the pedal, the rail lower slowly so it won’t sustain any damage or damage your floor.
The Ski-Row SR-5 is a pretty heavy machine. Its net weight is approx. 145 lbs (66 kg). Therefore, the packaged unit may be a bit hard to move by only one person. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base features transport wheels.
Seat and other parts
The EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-5 is equipped with a pretty standard seat. Its top features a layer of padding 
and it is contoured for optimal comfort. It is approx. 12.5″ (32 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface. It stands at 14.5″ (37 cm) above the floor easy entry and exit.
The seat and the rail are rated for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg). The base frame of the seat is steel-made and integrates four sets of wheels. Two of them slide on top of the metallic plate of the rail, the other two slide underneath it for improved stability. The wheels are equipped with sealed ball bearings and have a rubber layer on the outside for smooth and quiet seat movement.
The machine is equipped with a set of large footrests. They’re made from a durable thermoplastic material. They are adjustable and have heel guards at the rear for improved foot stability. They also have adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them. They do not pivot on their axis and they’re set at an angle of approx. 50°.
The machine’s pulling handle has a pretty standard construction. It consists of a short bar with rubber-foam grips for improved comfort. It is attached to a heavy-duty rope which is highly resistant to abrasion.
The two ropes that pass through the machine’s rail are finished with two ABS handles. They also have rings at their ends so they offer the possibility to attach a short bar or a lat bar to them, as well as other accessories, to be able to execute various exercises more easily.
Resistance system
The EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-5 rower and ski trainer is equipped with an air resistance system. The front 
unit integrates a large flywheel-fan which is the main resistance-generating element. The fan is connected to the machine’s pulley system and ultimately to the ropes and pulling handles. Therefore, when you pull either the two handles of the ski trainer element or the main handle of the rower, the fan spins inside its casing and generates air resistance.
The Ski-Row SR-5 trainer does not have an extra magnetic resistance system. However, as opposed to other air rowers or ski trainers, it has a damper element on the fan casing. This gives you the possibility to adjust the air volume that enters and exits the resistance units, and this way, increase or decrease the overall resistance.
Like all other fitness machines equipped with an air resistance system, the Ski-Row SR-5 delivers a dynamic response during usage. This means that the resistance depends on how hard or fast you pull the handle. For example, if you stroke at a faster rate, the fan will spin faster and will generate more resistance. This effect resembles (up to a point) the rowing of a real boat. This may be quite a plus especially for users who want to train on a professional level.
One last aspect to mention here regards the noise generated by this HIIT trainer. Just like any other fitness machines with an air resistance system, the fan can be heard when you use the trainer. The noise generated by it is not too loud, though. For example, it shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV set on a moderate volume level.
Fitness monitor
As we’ve mentioned above, the EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-5 trainer is equipped with a HIIT fitness monitor. 
The unit features an LCD display divided into 5 sub-sections. From top to bottom, the windows show time, strokes per minute, pace (time/500m), distance, and the bottom window covers watts, calories, and pulse.
Distance is shown in meters and you cannot change it to yards, miles, or other English units. The pulse reading function is wireless, via Bluetooth. The machine does not have pulse sensors, so in order for the fitness monitor to read your pulse, you will have to wear a 2.4 GHz ANT+ heart rate chest strap. This accessory is not included, though.
The unit has several workout programs. To begin with, it has the Quick Start mode which doesn’t require any manual input on the monitor. You simply start using the machine and the unit will count your strokes, distance, calories, etc. Next, the unit offers three workout target settings for time, distance, and calories. If you select a target for any of these metrics, the unit will count down from the selected value.
The unit also has two interval programs. One allows you to create a time interval with the desired work/rest periods. The other one is similar, but you get to select distance intervals instead of time intervals.
The monitor unit is pretty easy to use. It has 6 buttons. The Workout button allows you to select the desired program. The Start/Enter key commences the workout or confirms a selected goal value. The Stop button allows you to pause your workout if needed, or reset all the data (if pressed for more than 2 seconds). The +/- keys add or reduce console values, and finally, the Bluetooth button initializes the connection between the console and your ANT+ HR monitor (if you’re using one).
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires 4C batteries which are included. It starts recording your workout data when it detects activity on the machine. It also automatically turns off after approx. 30 seconds of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main resistance unit of the machine comes pre-assembled. However, you will have to attach the large curved base bar, the rear base bar, the seat, connect the rail to the main unit, add the folding cylinder, the console mast, the console, and several small covers. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and schematics and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the machine is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. All you have to do is wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of the workout, keep the unit clean, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. The internal mechanism does not require periodic lubrication.
The Pros
- 2-in-1 fitness machine – rower and ski trainer;
- Heavy-duty, commercial-grade construction;
- 350 lbs weight capacity;
- Extra-long rail;
- Hydraulic element for unfolding the rail with ease;
- Contoured and padded seat;
- Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Ergonomic pulling handles;
- Air resistance with 10 levels of adjustment;
- HIIT fitness monitor included – it tracks time, time/500, stroke/min, distance, watts, calories, and pulse;
- Target programs for time, calories, and distance;
- Interval programs for time and distance;
- Bluetooth connectivity for ANT+ heart rate monitors;
- Multiple exercises available including plyo jumps, tricep extensions, tricep pulldowns, lunges, ab crunches, skiing, wood chops,
straight grip pulldowns, and more; - Fairly easy to assemble;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Transport wheels and adjustable levelers;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The fitness monitor is not compatible with any apps;
- ANT+ fitness monitor is not included.
Summary
The EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-5 is a rower and ski trainer fitness machine. It features a 10-level air resistance system, a comfortable seat, a set of adjustable footrests, and a HIIT fitness monitor. It also has a heavy-duty commercial-grade trainer with an extra-long rail and a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs. It’s a versatile machine, great for users of all levels, for a variety of strength and cardio exercises such as pulldowns, plyo jumps, rowing, ab crunches, wood chops, and more.