| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy NS-6023RW Check Discounted Price | L:77" W:19" H:36" | 300 lbs | Water | 6 programs, Recovery, | 2 years limited |
The Marcy NS-6023RW is one of the newest rowing machines released by MarcyPro in 2019. It is equipped with a similar water resistance system to the NS-6070RW model that we’ve already covered here, but has a different design and offers a few extra features. For example, it has adjustable footrests, a composite rail, and its console integrates a phone holder. It does not have an integrated resistance adjustment system like the FDF Cambridge Challenge AR rower, but on the other hand, it costs considerably less.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 77L x 19W x 36H inches (196L x 48W x 91H cm)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Footrests: Adjustable, non-pivoting
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: Total time, 500m time, distance, SPM, total strokes, calories, heart rate, race program, recovery
- Extras: Phone holder
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction
The Marcy NS-6023RW water resistance rower combines steel and aluminum parts in its frame 
construction. The front section of the frame that sustains the water tank and the rear stabilizer are made of steel. The sliding rail assembly features a composite structure; it has a steel tube in the center and two aluminum rails (one on each side) for a smoother seat movement. All the steel parts in the machine’s construction are coated with a rust-resistant powder finish; the color used is black, this being the only color available for this Marcy rower. Of course, the aluminum side rails are not painted; they have their natural polish.
Although it is smaller in size than other rowers, such as the Body-Solid Endurance R300 for example, the Marcy NS-6023RW still is a fairly large fitness machine. It is approx. 77″ (196 cm) long, and 19″ (48 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side of the unit and at its rear for ease of access and safe usage. This being said, this rower may not fit too well in a small room.
This Marcy rower does not have a folding design like the NS-6002RE model, but can be stored vertically. The front part of the frame has two extra stabilizers for vertical storage. The front base features two wheels which facilitate its relocation. Also, its rear stabilizer is equipped with two adjustable and rubberized levelers.
Seat and other parts
The Marcy NS-6023RW rowing machine is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its 
top is contoured to provide better positioning and prevent you from sliding off. It is approx. 12″ (30 cm) wide, offering plenty of contact surface. It is not cushioned and has a firm structure.
The seat base is steel made; both the seat and the rail assembly are durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a machine made for home use. The seat integrates three sets of rollers, two on top of the rail and one under it for added stability.
The machine’s rail is not completely horizontal as for other rowers. It is inclined by a few degrees which leads to a slightly better workout for the legs and an easier recovery motion. The exact length of the rail is not specified, but as a general idea, the machine should accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension.
Considering that the rail is not completely horizontal, the seat is a bit higher when it is extended all the way to the back of the machine. It stands at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level which can be considered a plus, as it provides easier entry and exit.
As we’ve mentioned above, the Marcy NS-6023RW rower is equipped with a set of adjustable footrests. They have 6 adjustment positions and can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They also have straps and heel guards for extra foot stability.
The footrests do not pivot. Each one is attached to a fixed metallic plate providing a firm push. They are set at an angle of approx. 45° – 50° for an optimal foot position.
The pulling handle of the rower consists of a short straight bar attached to a heavy-duty abrasion-resistant nylon strap. This means the unit’s drive system doesn’t require any lubrication. Also, the pulling handle doesn’t integrate any pulse sensors; however, the machine’s exercise meter has a pulse reading function.
Water tank and resistance system
The Marcy NS-6023RW is equipped with a similar water tank to the NS-6070RW model, but its 
sustaining frame has a different design and the tank is placed at an angle. The tank is made of durable polycarbonate material and integrates a 16-blade impeller made of ABS material. The impeller is connected to a pulley system which enables it to move in reverse during the recovery motion and recuperate the strap to which the handle is attached, preparing it for the next pull.
The tank’s exact capacity is not specified, but it should be between 3-4 gallons (11-15 l), similar to other water resistance rowers. The resistance system is fairly simple. Once you add water to the tank, you simply pull the handle which enables the impeller to spin inside the tank, generating resistance.
Just like any other fluid resistance rower, the NS-6023RW provides a dynamic response during rowing. The resistance depends on the speed of the impeller. Differently put, if you pull the handle faster, the impeller will spin faster and generate more resistance. This leads to a sensation similar to the rowing of a real boat.
As we’ve mentioned above, this Marcy rower does not have an integrated resistance adjustment system like most of the First Degree Fitness rowers. However, you can still adjust the overall resistance provided by the machine by manually adding or removing water from the tank. There are 6 water levels marked on the tank. By filling it up to the 6th level, you will get the highest resistance possible.
Exercise meter
This Marcy rower is equipped with a pretty inclusive exercise meter. To begin with, it has a 
multi-window display in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once. It indicates time, time/500m, strokes per minute, strokes per workout, total strokes, calories, pulse, drag force, and watts.
For the pulse reading function, the machine does not have any integrated sensors, but the meter can communicate with any 5.3 kHz chest strap heart rate monitor. This accessory is not included, though. Also, in order to benefit from a more accurate calorie reading, the unit can be correlated with the water level in the tank. For example, if you fill-up the tank up to level 4, you can also select the L4 intensity workout mode.
The meter unit does not have any online capabilities and it isn’t compatible with any fitness apps. However, it has several workout programs to keep you motivated. The list includes Quick Start, Standard, Target Single, Target Intervals, Custom, and Race.
The Quick Start program is basically the free rowing program. You simply press start, begin rowing, and the unit will count the calories burned, meters traveled, etc. The Standard program makes available 5 training modes. These are 2000m, 5000m, 10000m, 30:00,
500m/1:00. Target Single offers 4 workouts modes for Single Time, Single Distance, Single Calories, and Single THR (single target heart rate). Differently put, you can set up a goal for time, distance, calories, and target heart rate. If a goal is selected for time, distance, or calories, the unit will show the remaining amount until you reach your goal, while for THR, an alarm will notify you if your current heart rate is higher than the selected THR.
The Target Intervals program offers three workout modes. These are Intervals Time, Intervals Distance, and Intervals Variable. For Intervals Time, you can select training time and rest time, for Intervals Distance you can select distance and rest time, and for Intervals variable you can select distance, time, and rest time.
The Custom program offers four interval workouts as well. The first one is a 30/30 seconds interval workout, the second one is 60/60 seconds interval workout with 7 repetitions, the third requires you to complete a 2000m distance, rest for 3 min., then repeat for three more times. The fourth custom mode is set for a work interval of 1 minute and 40 seconds, with a rest phase of 20 seconds, and 9 repetitions.
The Race mode is similar to the one on the NS-6070RW model. It gives you the possibility to compete against the computer. It shows you and the CPU as two boat icons on the center display, and when you start the program, the two icons begin to move. The program has 15 difficulty levels; the first level has a default timer of 8 minutes, while the 15th level has a default timer of 1 minute. The distance can be adjusted for each level. The race begins when you hit start, and ends whenever you or the PC reach the distance goal that was set for the race.
Finally, the unit also has a Recovery function which requires you to use an HR chest strap. This function reads your heart rate cooldown at the end of your workout session, and based on the result, it will give you a fitness rating. F1 means “excellent”, while F6 means “poor”.
Assembly and Maintenance
The rower’s water tank and resistance system comes pre-assembled. You only have to insert the seat on the rail, add the rear stabilizer to the rail, connect the rail to the front unit, and then attach the exercise meter. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and suggestive schematics. Also, all the necessary tools for assembly are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the unit’s rail clean to prevent any damage to the seat rollers. The box does not include chlorine pills for water treatment, and the manual specified that the water shouldn’t be treated with bleach or pool chlorine pills. So, regular water change may be a good call.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Ergonomic, contoured designed seat;
- Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Water resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
- Exercise meter with a multi-window LCD display that tracks time, 500m/time, pulse, distance, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories;
- 6 workout programs, some of them with multiple workout modes;
- Recovery function;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- HR chest strap for not included;
- No chlorine pills for water treatment.
Bottom Line
The Marcy NS-6023RW is a mid-range water resistance rower made for home use. It features a sturdy frame with a capacity of 300 lbs, and a console with multiple workout programs. It also excels in ergonomics and can be stored vertically. In all, it’s a fairly decent fluid resistance rower, great for a full-body cardio workout, a great alternative to any commercial-grade model.