| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SNODE WR100 Check Discounted Price | L:79" W:20" H:36" | 331 lbs | ~80lbs | Water | Time, Count, TCount, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Goals |
The SNODE WR100 is one of the water resistance rowers released in 2020. In terms of features and construction, it can be compared with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 model. It comes with a simpler performance monitor, though, but offers a greater user weight capacity.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 79L x 20W x 36H inches (201L x 51W x 91H cm)
- Shipping weight: 84 lbs (38 kg)
- Supported weight: 331 lbs (150 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: Time, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories burned, distance, scan, goals.
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
The SNODE WR100 has quite an impressive construction for a home-use machine. Its frame is
made of steel tubing featuring a heavy-duty monorail rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 331 lbs (150 kg). All the steel tubes in its construction are double-coated with a chip-resistant and rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model, at least for the moment.
The fully assembled rower is pretty large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 79″ (201 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance at the rear and on each side of the machine for ease of access and safe usage. Thus, it may not fit too well in a small room.
Unlike other rowers, the SNODE WR100 does not have a folding frame. However, it can be stored vertically, resting on its front base stabilizer and a small bumper integrated into the front frame section. In case you’re wondering, the water can remain in the resistance tank when the machine is stored vertically.
The rower is pretty heavy as well. Its net weight is approx. 80 lbs (36 kg) without water inside the tank. But nonetheless, once it is assembled, it can be carried with ease by only one person as its front base integrates a set of small wheels. Also, the rear stabilizer of the rower features two adjustable levelers.
An important aspect to mention here regards the machine’s rail. The SNODE WR100 features a horizontal rail, unlike other similar machines. This means it provides a neutral rowing motion, without the need for an extra effort during the leg push phase. Also, the rail is approx. 43″ (109 cm) long, and provides a movement span of 40″ (101.6 cm) for the seat. This being said, the rower should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete range of motion.
Seat and other parts
The SNODE WR100 comes with a pretty standard seat. Its top is cushioned; it integrates approx.
2″ (5 cm) of foam cushioning for extra comfort which is also contoured to provide a better positioning for the user and for improved breathability. It is approx. 12″ (30.4 cm) wide, and 10″ (25.4 cm) deep, so it provides plenty of contact surface.
The base of the seat is steel-made for improved durability. It integrates three sets of wheels. Two slide on top of the rail, the third under it to maximize stability. The wheels are equipped with high-grade ball bearings for a smooth seat movement and have a rubber layer on the outside for reduced noise.
The top of the seat is situated at approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) above floor level. Therefore, entry and exit can be done with ease and should not pose a problem even for users with certain disabilities, back problems, etc.
This rowing machine is equipped with two pivoting footrests. This type of design allows them to slightly tilt as you apply pressure on them during each rowing motion, adopting the most suitable angle. They cannot be locked, though. However, they have stoppers at the bottom so they cannot tilt past an angle of approx. 60°.
The machine’s footrests are made of durable thermoplastic material. They have heel guards and a textured surface, as well as adjustable straps in case you need to secure your feet in place.
The rower’s pulling handle consists of a short bar with ergonomic grips. It does not integrate pulse sensors as it is the case for other, more expensive rowers, however, its performance monitor does have a pulse reading function. The pulling handle is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. The fact that the machine uses a strap and not a chain as its main element of the drive system can be quite a plus. That’s because the usage of the machine is quieter, smoother, and the strap does not require lubrication.
Resistance system
The SNODE WR100 is a water resistance rower. It is equipped with a large water tank made of 
durable polycarbonate material. Its exact capacity is not specified, but it’s probably the usual 3-4 gallon type of tank.
The machine’s water tank integrates a 16-blade impeller which connects to the pulling strap through a system of pulleys. Evidently, as you pull the handle, the impeller spins in the water inside the tank, generating resistance.
The water tank does not have any resistance adjustment elements. It’s a single-chamber tank. However, the overall resistance of the rower can still be adjusted by adding or removing water from the tank. As a general idea, if the tank is filled up to the highest marking, you will get the highest rowing resistance possible.
Similar to other water resistance rowers, the SNODE WR100 delivers a dynamic response. This means that the resistance generated by the impeller depends on how fast you pull. For example, if you row at a faster rate, the impeller will also spin faster inside the tank and generate a greater workout load. This can be quite a plus especially for professional rowing athletes as the machine provides a rowing sensation that is closer to rowing a real boat through water, than the feel provided by a magnetic rower.
Last but not least, this rowing machine generates a bit of noise during usage. However, the noise level is low and the sound is not annoying which may be the case with certain air resistance rowing machines.
Performance monitor
The performance monitor included with the SNODE WR100 rower is pretty basic compared with 
the unit included with other similar rowers, such as the Marcy NS-6070RW, or the Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro. In other words, it does not have pre-set programs. It features a large LCD display which tracks time, strokes, strokes per minute, calories, distance, and pulse. However, the machine does not integrate any pulse sensors, so in order to have it read your pulse, you will have to opt for a wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included.
The monitor unit offers several functions. To begin with, it has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the value that you want to view on the display. In the same manner, you can also select the Scan Mode which rotates all the values showing each one for a few seconds. The Set button is for selecting goals for time, distance, and stroke count. Once a goal is selected, the unit will count down from it until it reaches zero. And finally, the reset button clears all the values on the monitor to zero.
The rower does not come with an adapter and does not require an external power source connection. The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts to count your data when you begin rowing or when you press the Mode button, and also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the rower.
Two other notable features with regards to the included performance monitor that we can mention here are the device holder and the mount. The device holder consists of a small shelf with a back support placed above the display. Therefore, if you place a tablet on it, it won’t cover your workout data. The unit’s mount is pretty solid; it is angle-adjustable giving you the possibility to adapt it perfectly to your height in order to see the displayed data properly.
Assembly and Maintenance
For all water resistance rowers the water tank comes pre-assembled and attached to the front section of the frame; the WR100 does not make an exception. However, the other parts do require user assembly. This being said, you will have to attach the monorail to the front part of the frame, insert the seat on it, add the base stabilizers, the footrests, and the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 40-50 minutes. The included manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, the water in the tank should be treated with special water rower chlorine tablets (not pool chlorine tablets). Other than this, you just have to keep it clean, especially the rail, and periodically inspect the machine’s parts and joints to make sure they’re not loose and they still function properly.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 331 lbs (150 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- Can be stored vertically;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizer;
- Ergonomic, contoured seat;
- Ergonomic handle to minimize stress on the wrists;
- Durable, adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Long rail for users with an inseam up to 40″ (101.6 cm);
- Water resistance system, providing the most natural rowing feel that you can get;
- Performance monitor included – it tracks time, distance, count, total count, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, count, and distance;
- Angle-adjustable mount for performance monitor;
- Device holder included;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- HR strap is not included;
- No programs on the performance monitor.
Summary
The SNODE WR100 is a water resistance rower designed for home use. It is equipped with a durable polycarbonate tank featuring a 16-blade impeller, an ergonomic seat, and a monitor unit that tracks the most important workout metrics. It also has a pretty durable rail which can support users up to 331 lbs. In all, it’s an excellent trainer for a full-body cardio workout, interval training, muscle toning, and stamina development. And finally, it’s an affordable machine, at least $500 cheaper than a commercial model, a great choice if you’re looking for quality and you’re on a budget.