| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sporfit ROW-F0703 Check Discounted Price | L:42.5" W:33" H:7.5" | 250 lbs | 30 lbs | Hydraulic, adjustable | Time, Distance, Count, T-count, Calories, Scan |
The Sporfit ROW-F0703 is one of the rowing machines released in 2021. It’s a hydraulic rower similar to the Stamina 1205. It is slightly smaller and lighter, though, but on the other hand, it is also considerably more affordable.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 42.5L x 33W x 7.5H inches (108L x 84W x 19H cm)
- Assembled weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Hydraulic, adjustable
- Exercise meter: Time, count, total count, distance, calories, scan mode
Frame construction
The Sporfit ROW-F0703 features a pretty simple construction. Its base frame is made of aluminum tubing
coated with a light-gray, corrosion-resistant paint finish. Of course, the machine also integrates several plastic parts. For example, the footrest, the footpads, and the adjustment knobs are made from a durable thermoplastic material.
The fully assembled machine is fairly small compared with most air or water resistance rowers. Thus, the ROW-F0703 might be the best choice if usage space is an issue. It is approx. 42.5″ (108 cm) long, and 33″ (84 cm) wide, but you’ll still have to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the unit, so you can execute the rowing motion without any hindrance.
The height of the rower is approx. 7.5″ (19 cm) with the arms folded along the frame. This being said, you can store it under a bed or couch, if there is a clearance of at least (20 cm) under it. Also, the arms reach a height of approx. 26″ (66 cm) when you are using the machine.
The rower is pretty light. Its net weight is approx. 30 lbs (13.6 kg). This being said, both the packaged unit and the completely assembled, ready-to-use unit can be carried by only one person.
The machine’s rail is not very long. It basically offers an active area for the seat of approx. 40″ (101 cm). This being said, it is not recommended for users taller than 6’0″ (183 cm) as they may not benefit from a complete leg extension. Also, both the rail and the seat are rated for a maximum user weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg).
Seat and other parts
The Sporfit ROW-F0703 rowing machine is equipped with a large seat. Its top section is approx. 11.5″D x 14″W
(29.2 x 35.5 cm) so it offers plenty of contact surface. It integrates a thick layer of polyurethane (PU) foam for improved comfort and for a reduced impact on your tailbone. The foam cushion is packed inside a cover made of durable vinyl material, which is moisture-proof and easy to maintain.
The base of the seat is metallic (made either from steel or aluminum alloy). It integrates three sets of wheels. Two sets slide on top of the rail, the other set closes the seat on the rail for extra stability. The wheels have internal ball bearings and an outer layer of rubber for a smooth seat motion.
As we’ve mentioned above, the rower’s footrests are made from a tough thermoplastic material. They have a textured surface, heel guards, and adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them. They are not size-adjustable as is the case for the RUNOW 6204B rower, for example, but they are large enough to accommodate footwear of all sizes. They also have a pivoting design, so they can tilt on their axis in order to adapt better to the pressure of your feet during rowing.
The rower’s oars are made of steel tubing. They have a chrome finish and rubber foam grips for improved contact. Their lower sections are knurled so that the adjustment sections of the hydraulic cylinders stick better to them. It’s also important to mention that the oars can move 360°, not just back and forth. Thus, you can execute a circular arm movement during each stroke.
Resistance system
The Sporfit ROW-F0703 rower is equipped with a dual hydraulic resistance system. It consists of two cylinders,
one for each oar. The resistance for each cylinder is adjustable. They lock onto the oars via turn-knobs, and by securing them in position all the way up, you will benefit from maximum resistance. Conversely, by locking the cylinders at the lowest point on the oars, you will get minimum resistance.
The knurled sections of the oars don’t have pre-determined adjustment positions. Therefore, to benefit from an equal resistance on each oar, it is recommended to tighten the adjustment knobs to an equal height on each oar.
The resistance delivered by this machine is rather high, compared with other rowers. It provides up to 110 lbs (49.8 kg) of resistance. Even at the lowest settings, for a user with a lower level of fitness, rowing on this machine may be quite a challenge. However, as the cylinders warm up, they will loosen a bit. That’s why it’s recommended to begin your workout on the lowest resistance setting, and after a few minutes, raise it up one, or more levels. This being said, not only that the machine can supply an excellent cardio workout, it also offers a really consistent workout for the upper body.
The rower is not extremely loud, but you can hear the noise generated by the cylinders and by the seat. As you row, you will only hear a soft whirring noise generated by the rollers of the seat, and the characteristic “woosh” made by the resistance cylinders.
Fitness monitor
The Sporfit ROW-F0703 hydraulic rower is equipped with a basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display
(without backlight) that tracks time, distance, count, total count, and calories burned. It does not have a pulse reading function, or a time/500m function. It also does not have pre-set programs or online connectivity.
The monitor unit is pretty easy to use. It has two buttons – Mode and Reset. The mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view on the display. This way, you can also select the unit’s Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics, showing each one for a few seconds. Needless to say, the Reset button clears all the values on the monitor to zero.
The monitor unit does not have any ports for external sensors or for interfacing it with your smartphone. It is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are not included. You start it up by pressing the mode button. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the rower.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s assembly is fairly easy. All you need to do is connect the two side frame pieces, the footrests, the oars, the hydraulic cylinders, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes 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. You may need to lubricate the oar joints from time to time. Also, the sliding rail should be kept clean to prevent any damage to the seat’s wheels.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg);
- Small footprint;
- Can be stored vertically;
- 14″ wide seat with thick PU cushioning;
- Large pivoting footrests with straps;
- Hydraulic resistance – two cylinders with up to 110 lbs tension;
- The resistance is adjustable;
- 360° movement for each oar;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, count, total count, and calories burned;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The display of the monitor does not have backlight.
Summary
The Sporfit ROW-F0703 is a rowing machine made for home use. It offers up to 110 lbs of hydraulic resistance featuring two adjustable cylinders. Its oars offer 360° movement, its footrests have a pivoting design, the seat is 14″ wide, and the rail can support users up to 250 lbs. It’s also an affordable rower, great for a full-body cardio workout, and also a space-saving fitness machine.