| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Rail length | Resistance | Console programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sporfit ROW-F0701 Check Discounted Price | L:67" W:19.5" H:26" | 300 lbs | 51" | Motorized magnetic, 16 levels | 12 preset programs, 4 HR programs, 1 Race program 1 User program, Recovery function |
The Sporfit ROW-F0701 is one of the rowing machines released in 2021. As opposed to the Sporfit ROW-F0703 which we’ve already covered here, this particular model features a motorized magnetic resistance system, has a folding frame, and comes with a console with multiple workout programs.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 67L x 19.5W x 27H inches (170L x 50W x 69H cm)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Motorized-magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: Manual program, 12 pre-set programs, 4 H.R.C. programs, custom user program, race mode, recovery function
Frame construction
The Sporfit ROW-F0701 rower combines steel, aluminum, and ABS plastic parts in its construction. For example, 
the rail is made of extruded aluminum, the base frame section and the rear stabilizer are made of steel, while the resistance system casing is made from a durable thermoplastic polymer.
The rower is not as large as the Concept2 Model E or the ASUNA Ventus 8580 but still takes approx. 67″L x 19.5″W (170 x 50 cm) of floor space. To this footprint, you should also add at least two feet of clearance at the rear and on each side of the unit, for easy access and correct usage.
The unit’s rail is approx. 51″ (129 cm) long, but the travel area of the seat is shorter than that. This being said, the machine should be able to accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg).
The rower is also foldable. The rail with the seat can be folded and locked in a vertical position. There is a knob at the connection between the rail and the front unit of the machine which you can remove to fold the rail up, and secure it in its folded position. With the rail folded up, the unit’s footprint is approx. 23.5″L x 19.5″W (60 x 50 cm), while its height reaches approx. 43.5″ (110 cm).
The rower is not too heavy and can be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, its front base bar features a set of small wheels so you can easily relocate it. The rear stabilizer features polygonal caps which can rotate and serve as floor levelers.
Seat and other parts
The Sporfit ROW-F0701 rowing machine features a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top is approx. 14″ (35 cm)
wide, and 12″ (30 cm) deep with a similar shape to the seat included with the YOSUDA H-185 rower. It is made of high-density foam; it’s pretty firm but it is not completely hard so it reduces some of the impact on your tailbone.
The base of the seat is steel-made. It integrates two sets of wheels that slide through the lateral grooves of the aluminum rail. The wheels have internal ball bearings and a rubber layer on the outside for a smooth and quiet motion.
It’s also important to mention here that the rail is inclined. This means that the machine provides a slightly better workout for the legs than a rower with a horizontal rail. Also, the highest point of the seat (at the rear end of the rail) is approx. 14″ (35 cm) above the floor level.
This Sporfit rower is equipped with a set of large footrests. Their size is non-adjustable but they should accommodate any type of athletic footwear with no problem. They’re made of durable ABS plastic, they have adjustable straps, and heel guards so you can perfectly secure your feet on them. They also have a pivoting design. This means that they can tilt back and forth on their axis as you row, in order to adapt better to the pressure you apply. They also have stopper rods at the heel so they won’t tilt past an angle of approx. 60°.
The rower is equipped with an ergonomic handle. It features PVC foam sleeves in order to provide a superior and comfortable grip. It does not have any controls or pulse sensors. It comes attached to the rower’s nylon strap which is connected to the internal drive mechanism.
Resistance system
The Sporfit ROW-F0701 rowing machine is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that
you have to connect it to a power source in order to power up the console and make resistance adjustments. An adapter is included with the rower.
The machine’s resistance system consists of a small motor and a magnetic brake. The motor makes the connection between the console and the brake. Therefore, when a program is in use, or when you make manual adjustments from the +/- controls, the motor changes the magnets’ pull on the internal flywheel. This increases or decreases the rowing difficulty.
The magnetic resistance comes with a few advantages. First of all, there is no internal friction, so the rowing motion is almost completely silent. Also, you don’t have to worry about internal maintenance. But on the other hand, the machine does not provide a dynamic response during usage as an air rower or water rower. In other words, the resistance does not increase if you pull the handle faster. It strictly depends on the selected tension level on the console.
The machine makes available 16 levels of resistance. The first level provides a fairly light workout difficulty, great for a workout warmup. Conversely, the 16th level provides distinguishably more tension. In fact, it can be quite a challenge even for a seasoned user to maintain a steady rowing frequency for more than 10 minutes if one of the last three tension levels is selected.
Console
The Sporfit ROW-F0701 includes a console similar to the Reebok ZJET rower. It features an LCD display with LED 
backlight that tracks time/500, distance, total distance, strokes (per session), strokes per minute, calories burned, and pulse. As we’ve mentioned above, the machine does not have pulse sensors, so the pulse reading function and the recovery function require you to wear a wireless HR chest strap.
The console has several workout programs. To begin with, it has a Manual Mode and a Race Mode. In Manual Mode, you can row freely and make manual adjustments to the resistance from the +/- keys. This mode also allows you to set goals for your workouts. The Race Mode has 15 pre-set settings and gives you the possibility to compete with the computer for a given distance.
Next, the console has 12 pre-set programs. These cover various types of workouts and adjust the resistance automatically in different ways. Some have an interval layout, others focus on helping you burn more calories, while others have a random segment design.
Finally, the console also has an H.R.C. mode and a User Mode. The H.R.C has three pre-set heart rate percentages for 55%, 75%, 90% of your total HR, and a 4th one which is custom. Of course, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use an HR chest strap. The User Mode allows you to create your own program profiles, save them, and re-use them every time you want.
Last but not least, the console does not have online connectivity and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. It also does not have any ports for interfacing it with a smartphone or tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the front stabilizer, the rail, insert the seat on the rail, add the rear stabilizer, the footrests, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
Once the machine is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. It’s important to keep the rail clean to prevent any damage to the seat’s wheels. It is also recommended to remove the dust and the sweat that may fall onto the frame. The internal parts don’t require any lubrication.
The Pros
- Solid frame – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
- Fairly long rail;
- Folding design;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on both rear and front base bars;
- Padded seat for optimal comfort;
- Large footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
- Quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 16 levels of motorized magnetic resistance;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, count, SPM, calories, and pulse;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Multiple workout programs;
- Race function;
- Recovery function;
- The console display has LED backlight for superior reading possibilities;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No integrated pulse sensors;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Sporfit ROW-F0701 is a rowing machine made for home use. It features a 16-level motorized magnetic resistance system, a long aluminum rail, a comfortable seat, and a console with multiple workout programs. It’s also a pretty sturdy machine, rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs. It’s a fairly decent rower for home use, great for a full-body cardio workout.