| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SereneLife SLRWMC50 Check Discounted Price | L:83.5" W:19.3" H:34.8" | 250 lbs | Air & magnetic, 10 levels | Time, Count, TCount, SPM, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Goals | 1 year limited |
SereneLife has released several rowing machines in the second part of 2019. The SereneLife SLRWMC50 is one of them. This rower features an air and magnetic resistance system. It can be compared in terms of features to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5730. However, it has a different design with a dual rail system and a more advanced fitness computer.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 83.5L x 19.3W x 34.8H (212L x 49W x 88H cm)
- Assembled weight: 73 lbs (33 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Resistance type: Air & magnetic, 10 levels
- Console: Time, distance, pulse, calories, strokes per minute, count, goals
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The SereneLife SLRWMC50 rower combines steel and high-impact plastic parts in its construction. Needless to say, its main frame with the rail and base stabilizers are steel-made. The sliding rail system has a different construction than for other similar machines. It consists of two parallel bars with extra steel sheet covers on top.
This type of rail system improves stability. It’s fairly long, offering approx. 33″ (~84 cm) of travel for the seat. This means the rower can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm), allowing a complete leg extension and range of motion. Also, the machine’s rail system is durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
The high-impact plastic parts are pretty much the covers of the flywheel and the other elements of the resistance system. They don’t play a part in the overall weight capacity of the machine. Their role is only protective.
The fully assembled machine is fairly large. It is 83.5″ (212 cm) long, and 19.3″ (49 cm) wide. Therefore, it may not fit too well in a small room. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of the unit, and at the rear, for ease of access and safe usage.
The rower is not foldable, but it can be stored vertically. The front section of the flywheel casing has a small bumper that can serve as a foot pad when the unit is stored vertically.
Last but not least, this SereneLife rower is fairly heavy. Its net weight is 73 lbs (33 kg). However, once the unit is assembled, it can easily be moved; its front base is equipped with two large transport wheels. Also, both its base bars feature adjustable stabilizers which allow you to perfectly level the machine on any type of floor.
Seat and other parts
The SereneLife SLRWMC50 is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top features 
a sheet of polyurethane material; it is contoured in order to provide superior stability for the user. It’s approx. 16″ (40 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface.
The seat frame is steel-made. Therefore, it has no problem supporting users up to 250 lbs (113 kg). It integrates three sets of rollers. Two are placed above the rail system; the third is placed under it in order to improve stability. The rollers integrate high-grade ball bearings for a smooth seat motion. They’re also designed to reduce noise and are concealed by the side seat frame sections for extra safety.
The top of the seat stands at approx. 16″ (40 cm) above floor level. This can be quite a plus especially for users with certain disabilities or elderly users as it improves the entry and exit possibilities. Also, the unit’s rail is horizontal. Therefore, the machine delivers a neutral rowing motion, as opposed to other rowers that have a slightly inclined rail.
The SereneLife SLRWMC50 rower is equipped with two large footrests. They’re made of durable ABS material. They feature a ribbed surface for improved contact and heel guards for extra foot stability. They’re also equipped with adjustable straps.
The pulling handle features rubberized grips slightly angled towards the user in order to minimize the impact on the wrists. The handle doesn’t integrate pulse sensors as other, more expensive rowers, but the included console does have a pulse reading function.
The handle is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap. The material of the strap is highly resistant to abrasion. The strap is fairly long, so you can perform other exercises (like biceps curls) with no problem.
Resistance system
The SereneLife SLRWMC50 rowing machine is equipped with an air and magnetic resistance system.
To begin with, it integrates a flywheel fan which delivers a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, if you pull the handle faster, the air resistance generated by it will be higher. Therefore, the machine generates a rowing sensation that resembles the rowing of a real boat through water.
The machine’s air resistance system is complemented by an internal magnetic brake. This magnetic resistance system allows you to increase or decrease the overall load output of the machine. The magnetic brake is mechanical, not motorized. Therefore, the rower doesn’t need an external power source. Also, the console cannot control the resistance automatically.
The magnetic brake is connected to the tension knob on top of the front section of the rower via a steel cable. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to a small metallic flywheel increasing the overall resistance.
The magnetic brake makes available 10 levels of resistance. They are not pre-determined on the tension knob, but the knob does have “clicks” that make the levels distinguishable. The first level of resistance basically allows you to workout just by using the fan output. Conversely, the 10th level of resistance adds quite a bit of tension, offering the possibility of a more intense workout.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, the SereneLife SLRWMC50 is not a motorized rowing machine. Therefore, 
the console included with it is basically just an exercise meter. It doesn’t adjust the machine’s resistance automatically and does not have preset workout programs.
The console unit features an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections. It tracks time, distance, calories, pulse, strokes per minute (SPM), strokes (per session), and total strokes. The distance reading can only be displayed in kilometers; there is no setting for miles. Time is also shown as Time/500m.
The pulse reading function of the unit requires the usage of a wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included. The console should be able to communicate with any 5.3 kHz chest strap heart rate strap.
The console unit is very easy to use. It has three buttons – Set, Mode, and Reset. The Set button allows you to enter its set-up mode in order to select a target value for time, distance, calories, and strokes. If a target is selected for any of these values, the console will countdown from the selected target until it reaches zero and will beep to notify you that you have completed your selected workout goal.
The Mode button allows you to select any of the workout metrics to be shown on the top larger section of the display. It also allows you to select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the metrics on the top display. Of course, the Reset button gives you the possibility to clear all the values on the console to zero, except the Total Strokes metric which can only be cleared by removing the batteries from the unit.
The unit requires four AAA batteries as its power source; these are included. It starts up if you press the Mode button, but also has a sleep mode function. It will enter its sleep mode to save battery if it doesn’t detect any activity on the rower.
Assembly and Maintenance
Similar to most other rowers, the front section of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, you still have to connect the seat to the rail system, attach the rail system to the front section of the machine, connect the footrests, the two base stabilizers, and the console. This may take more than an hour; however, the task is far from being complicated. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and schematics. Also, all the necessary tools for the assembly are included.
Once assembled, the rower doesn’t call for too much maintenance. You only have to keep the machine clean, especially the rails to prevent any damage to the seat rollers. If the fan casing accumulates dust, it can be vacuumed from the outside, without removing any parts. The internal belt system doesn’t need any lubrication. And finally, it is recommended to periodically inspect the machine checking for loose bolts and re-tighten them if necessary.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy construction – can hold users up to 250 lbs (113 kg);
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Dual rail system for improved stability;
- Long sliding rail offering 33″ (~84 cm) of travel for the seat;
- Large footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
- Padded and contoured seat;
- Air resistance for a natural, dynamic response during rowing;
- 10 levels of magnetic resistance for overall tension adjustment;
- Exercise meter which tracks time, distance, count, strokes per minute, total strokes, pulse and calories burned;
- Goal settings for time, distance, count, and calories;
- Batteries for the console are included;
- Very quiet for an air resistance rower;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- HR chest strap is not included;
- No backlight on the fitness meter.
Summary
The SereneLife SLRWMC50 is a rowing machine designed for home use. It is equipped with an air & magnetic resistance system offering 10 distinct tension levels. It features a dual rail system for improved stability, it has a large and fairly high seat and an exercise meter that tracks all the important workout metrics, including pulse (pulse strap is not included). It’s an excellent machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also one of the most affordable rowers with an air & magnetic resistance combo, currently available for less than $300.