| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Assembled weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RUNOW 6203B Check Discounted Price | L:82" W:22" H:21" | 348 lbs | 83.5 lbs | Water | Time, Distance, Count, T-Count, Calories, Scan |
The RUNOW 6203B is one of the rowing machines released in 2021. In terms of frame construction and design, it is similar to the WaterRower Oxbridge, or the Trunk Wood1 models. However, the frame has a different finish color and the rower comes with a pretty basic fitness monitor.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 82L x 22W x 21H inches (208L x 56W x 53H cm)
- Supported weight: 348 lbs (158 kg)
- Net weight: 83.5 lbs (37.8 kg)
- Frame: Oak wood, orange finish
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Water
- Fitness monitor: Time, distance, count, total count, calories, scan
- Extras: Device holder, siphon pump
Frame construction
The RUNOW 6203B rower features a frame made of oak wood with steel hardware. All the wooden parts
have a lacquered finish with an orange color while most of the steel parts are coated with a black paint finish. The machine also integrates several plastic parts. For example, the tank is made of polycarbonate material, while the rail covers and the footrests are made from a durable thermoplastic material.
The fully assembled rower is pretty large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 82″ (208 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide, while its highest point (the front section of the frame) reaches approx. 21″ (53 cm) above the floor. It is also recommended to leave at least 24″ (60 cm) of clearance on each side and at the rear of the machine for easy access and correct usage.
This RUNOW rower does not have a folding design, like the Trunk Black Wood model. However, it can be stored vertically. In vertical position, its footprint is 22″L x 21″W (56 x 53 cm), while its height reaches 82″ (208 cm). The water can remain inside the tank when the unit is stored vertically.
The rower is not super heavy. Its net weight is 83.5 lbs (37.8 kg) without water in the tank and can reach up to 120 lbs (54 kg) with a tank full of water. However, it is easy to handle and transport once it was assembled, as its front base integrates a set of small wheels. Also, its rails have several rubber stabilizers so you don’t have to put the rower on a mat during usage.
Seat and other parts
The RUNOW 6203B rowing machine is equipped with a pretty comfortable seat. Its top section integrates a 
layer of foam padding to reduce the impact on your tailbone. It is also contoured for a better positioning. It is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface, and stands at approx. 12″ (30 cm) above the floor.
The base of the seat combines wood and steel elements. The side panels are made of the same oak wood as the rest of the machine, while the axles of the wheels, screws, and other parts are metallic. The seat is equipped with eight wheels. Four of them slide on top of the rails, the other two on the inner side of the rails. They have internal ball bearings and a thick rubber layer on the outside for a smooth and quiet movement.
The rower’s rails are pretty long and the applicable inseam length for this machine is approx. 40″ (101 cm). Thus, it should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem allowing a complete leg extension. The rail-seat assembly is also pretty durable. The machine is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 348 lbs (158 kg).
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.
This RUNOW rower is equipped with a set of large footrests. They’re made of durable plastic material. They are adjustable, so they can accommodate pretty much all sizes of athletic shoes. They have adjustable straps and heel guards so you can perfectly secure your feet on them. They do not have a pivoting design, though. The board to which they attach has an angle of approx. 50°.
Resistance system
Needless to say, the RUNOW 6203B rower is equipped with a water resistance system. As we’ve mentioned 
above, its water tank is made of durable polycarbonate material and has a capacity of 4.5 gallons (17 liters). It should not be filled to the top, though. The walls of the tank are transparent with a blue hue.
The water tank has a simple, single-chamber design. This being said, it does not have any mechanical resistance adjustment elements like other water resistance rowers. Therefore, in order to adjust the overall resistance, you have to manually add or remove water from the tank. A siphon pump is included with the machine for this purpose.
The main resistance element is an impeller with several blades which is integrated into the water tank. This impeller is attached to the rower’s pulley system and to the pulling strap. Thus, when you pull the handle, it spins in the water inside the tank creating resistance.
Like all other rowing machines with a water resistance system, the RUNOW 6203B model generates a dynamic response during usage. In other words, the resistance varies, depending on how much strength you put behind each stroke. For example, if you pull the handle faster and with more strength, the impeller will also spin faster and provide more resistance. This actually resembles the sensation of rowing a real boat through the water which can be a plus especially for users who want to train on a professional level.
Last but not least, the rower does not generate too much noise when it is in use. However, it can be heard. It produces a “woosh” sound which most users have described as being actually pleasant rather than annoying.
Fitness monitor
The RUNOW 6203B rowing machine is equipped with a pretty basic fitness monitor. It does not have pre-set
workout programs or online connectivity. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, calories, stroke count, and total strokes. It also does not have a pulse reading function, so in case you’ll want to monitor your pulse during rowing, you will have to use a separate device.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It has only one button (Mode). By pressing the button repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. It has a scan mode as well; when the scan mode is selected, the unit will rotate all the metrics, showing each one for a few seconds.
The button also covers the unit’s reset function. You can press it and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the values on it to zero. The only value that won’t be deleted is the total strokes.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are not included. It starts monitoring your workout data when you begin rowing. It turns out automatically after four minutes of inactivity on the machine to save battery. It wakes up if you press the button or if you begin rowing.
Assembly and Maintenance
This rower is pretty easy to assemble. The water tank comes pre-assembled and already integrated into the front section of the frame. Therefore, all you need to do for the assembly is attach the rails and the seat. This shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools for the assembly are included and the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the rower clean, especially the rails to prevent any damage to their covers and to the wheels of the seat. The tank water should be treated with the included purification powder. However, it is also recommended to change it every six months. Other than this, you should only check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Durable construction – can support users up to 348 lbs;
- Aesthetic frame, made of solid oak with a lacquered finish;
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Easy to handle and transport;
- Rubberized stabilizers for extra stability floor protection;
- Long rails – the unit can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm);
- Water resistance system for a dynamic response;
- Ergonomic seat with a padded and contoured top;
- Adjustable footrests;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, count, total count, and calories burned;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Siphon pump included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No pulse reading function;
- No online connectivity;
- Batteries for the monitor unit are not included.
Summary
The RUNOW 6203B is a rowing machine made for home use. It features an oak wood frame, a durable polycarbonate water tank, a comfortable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, strokes, total strokes, and calories burned. It’s also pretty durable with a maximum user weight limit of 348 lbs (158 kg). In all, it’s a pretty well-made machine, great for users of all levels, for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina development, or interval training.