| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fitness Reality 5000X Check Discounted Price | L:74.8" W:21.5" H:32.7" | 300 lbs | 55 lbs | Water, Vertical tank | 3 HIIT, 3 Goals, 5 Preset, 1 Race, Bluetooth |
The Fitness Reality 5000X water resistance rower is one of the fitness machines released in 2021. It offers a similar range of features as the Fitness Reality 3000WR. However, it has a vertical water tank for improved resistance. For reference, this is the Fitness Reality rower part number 2673.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 74.8L x 21.5W x 32.7H inches (190L x 55W x 83H cm)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Assembled weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Pivoting design
- Resistance type: Water, 6 levels
- Exercise meter: 3 HIIT programs, 5 Preset programs, 13-level Race program, Bluetooth
- Extras: Device holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Fitness Reality 5000X rower is a fitness machine made for home use and features a fairly light construction.
Its net weight (without any water in the resistance tank) is only ~55 lbs (25 kg), so it can easily be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, it can be handled and relocated with ease as well, even if the tank is filled to the highest level; that’s because its front base is equipped with a set of transport wheels.
The machine’s frame is made of steel tubing. it combines oval and rectangular tubes in its construction. All the steel parts are coated with a rust-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this rower, at least for the moment.
The FR 5000X rower is equipped with a horizontal rail. This means that the machine promotes a neutral position and rowing motion (other rowers have a slightly inclined rail and deliver a slightly better workout for the legs). The rail is also fairly high above the floor level placing the seat at a height of approx. 17″ (43 cm). This can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities as it leads to an easier and more comfortable entry and exit.
The rower is not super large compared to other models. It is approx. 74.8″ (190 cm) long, and 21.5″ (55 cm) wide, while its highest point reaches approx. 32.7″ (83 cm) above the floor. It is also recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side of the machine and at the rear, for easy access and correct usage.
The machine’s rail does not fold. However, the whole unit can be stored vertically, resting on its front base stabilizer and the large bumper at the top of the drive system casing.
Seat and other parts
The Fitness Reality 5000X is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top section is padded and 
contoured. Its dimensions are 12″W x 10″D (30.4 x 25.4 cm) so it provides plenty of contact surface.
The base of the seat is made of steel. The rail and the seat are actually a fairly sturdy combo; they’re rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg). Also, the machine’s applicable user inseam is 39″ (99 cm), so it should be able to accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem.
The seat integrates three sets of wheels. Two of them slide on top of the rail while the third one slides underneath it closing the seat on the rail. The wheels have internal bearings and a rubber layer on the outside for a smooth and quiet motion.
As opposed to the FR 3000WR model, the FR 5000X is equipped with a set of pivoting footrests. This means they can slightly tilt on their axis in order to accommodate the angle of your feet better during each stroke. They do have stoppers at the heel, though, so they won’t tilt past an angle of approx. 45°.
The machine’s footrests are made from a durable thermoplastic polymer. Their size is non-adjustable, but they’re large enough to accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes. They have adjustable straps, as well as heel guards, for maximum foot stability.
The pulling handle is a simple, straight bar. It has rubber foam sleeves for an improved grip. It’s attached to the machine’s resistance system via a heavy-duty, braided nylon strap, highly resistant to stretching and abrasion. It does not have any controls or pulse sensors.
Resistance system
The Fitness Reality 5000X is a water resistance rowing machine. It features a large tank made of polycarbonate 
material with transparent walls. Its exact capacity is not specified, but it’s probably similar to other water resistance rowers (between 3.5 and 4.5 gallons).
The main resistance element is a multi-blade impeller integrated into the tank and connected to the machine’s drive system. Therefore, when you pull the handle, the impeller spins in the water inside the tank generating resistance.
The main advantage of this Fitness Reality rowing machine is that the water tank is vertical. This means that the impeller has to push the water up when it spins and basically has to beat the gravity that pulls the water down. The impeller is also slowed down between pulls, which results in a more consistent resistance.
Another advantage of the water resistance system is that it provides a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, if you pull the handle faster, the impeller will also spin faster and produce more resistance. This emulates up to a point, the sensation of rowing a real boat through the water.
The water tank has a simple (single chamber) construction. It does not have any extra resistance adjustment features. There are 6 water levels marked on it, and in order to change the water level, you have to manually add or remove water from the tank. Needless to say, more water in the tank will provide more resistance. But the water level should not exceed the 6th level marked on the tank.
Fitness monitor
The Fitness Reality 5000X includes a fairly decent fitness monitor. It features a 5.5″ diagonal LCD display divided
into several sub-sections so you can view multiple workout metrics at once. It tracks time, distance, strokes, total strokes, strokes per minute, split time, drag force, and watts. You can also sync the water level with the monitor unit so it can provide more accurate data.
For time, distance, and calories, the monitor unit offers the possibility to set up workout goals. If a goal is selected, it will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero, always showing the remaining value from the selected goal.
In terms of programs, the monitor unit has 5 Standard Preset programs, 3 Customizable HIIT programs (interval-based programs), and a Race program with 13 difficulty levels. Each program offers a specific type of workout; some of them focus on an improved cardiovascular activity, others aim to help you improve your stamina, while others are great to use if you want to cut down some quickly.
The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the free MyCloudFitness app. Therefore, you can download this app on your smartphone (it’s available for iOS and Android), and sync the console with your device in order to stream your workout data directly into the app and keep a better track of your progress.
Last but not least, the monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries. It also integrated a device holder on which you can place your phone or tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s water tank unit comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the front stabilizer, the rail, insert the seat on the rail, and close the rail with the rear stabilizer. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The manual provides step-by-step instructions with attached schematics. A basic toolkit for the task is also included.
For maintenance, the water inside the tank requires chlorine treatment to prevent the formation of algae, or you can change it periodically. The rail should be kept clean to prevent any damage to the seat wheels. It is also recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and to make sure that all the moving parts still function properly.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Can be stored vertically;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Large contoured seat for optimal comfort;
- The seat’s top is situated at approx. 17″ above floor level for easy entry and exit;
- Pivoting footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
- Water resistance system which provides a dynamic response during rowing and natural feel;
- Vertical water tank for extra resistance;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, strokes per minute, total strokes, split time, calories, and watts;
- 3 HIIT programs;
- 5 Preset programs;
- Goal settings;
- 1 Race program with 13 levels of difficulty;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the free MyCloudFitness app;
- Device holder included;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- A phone placed on the device holder will partially cover the display;
- No backlight on the monitor’s display.
Summary
The Fitness Reality 5000X is a water resistance rower made for home use. It features a vertical water tank for extra resistance, a durable rail with a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs, and a fitness monitor with multiple workout programs. The monitor unit also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the MyCloudFitness app. In all, it’s a fairly decent rower, one of the most affordable models with water resistance and online connectivity, a machine great for a full-body cardio workout.