Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Ventus 8580 Air and Magnetic Rower

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Product weight	Resistance	Console
ASUNA 8580 Check Discounted Price	L:104" W:21" H:47.5"	330 lbs	119 lbs	Air & magnetic, 12 levels	3 programs

Next to the ASUNA Windmill 8570, the ASUNA Ventus 8580 is one of the newest rowing machines released by Sunny Health & Fitness for 2019. It’s also a heavy-duty air & magnetic resistance rowers, but as opposed to the Windmill 8570 model, it doesn’t have a self-generating power mechanism. The magnetic resistance system is manual. In this post, we are going to cover each and every one of its features.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 104″L x 21″W x 47.5″H (264L x 53W x 120H cm)
• Assembled weight: 119 lbs (54 kg)
• Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
• Frame: Steel & aluminum
• Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
• Resistance type: Air & magnetic, 12 levels
• Console: 3 programs
• Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 180 days

Frame construction

The Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Ventus 8580 is quite a sizeable rower compared to other models in this feature range. It is approx. 104″ (264 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. This being said, it’s not exactly the best choice for a small room or apartment. But on the other hand, its frame has a folding design. The main rail with the seat can fold up; in folded position, the unit’s length is reduced to 52″ (132 cm).

Since it’s one of the longest rowing machines available at the moment, the ASUNA 8580 also has a fairly long rail. It is approx. 50″ (127 cm) long, and provides 45″ (114 cm) of travel for the seat. This being said, the machine can accommodate users up to 6’7″ (201 cm) with no problem. Also, the rail and the seat assembly are rated for a user weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg).

Most of the parts in the machine’s frame construction are metallic. The front part which holds the fan and the magnetic resistance system is steel-made and coated with a corrosion-resistant finish, while the rail is made of aluminum which has its natural polish. Of course, the unit also integrates several ABS parts. These are the covers of the resistance elements, the cover of the rear stabilizer and the footrests.

This Sunny Health & Fitness rower is fairly heavy. It weighs approx. 119 lbs (54 kg). Due to this weight, it provides exceptional stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock or wobble during your workouts, even if you’re close to the maximum 330 lbs (150 kg) weight capacity. Also, its stability is improved by the adjustable levelers.

The machine is not too difficult to move, though, once it was assembled. That’s because its front base features two transport wheels. By using these two wheels when the unit is folded, you only have to handle approx. 1/3 of its total weight.

Seat and other parts

Although the seat included with the Sunny ASUNA Ventus 8580 does not integrate air cell cushioning, it does offer an excellent amount of comfort. Its top is made of high-density foam. It has a contoured and textured surface in order to prevent the user from sliding off during the rowing motion. It’s also fairly large; it measures approx. 10.5″ (26.6 cm) in length and 12.5 (31.7 cm) in width, offering plenty of contact surface.

The gliding mechanism of the seat includes three sets of wheels, all concealed by the side steel panels to improve safety. Two sets of wheels are placed on top of the rail, while the third one is right under the top section of the rail for stability. All the wheels integrate high-grade ball bearings and deliver a very smooth and quiet motion for the seat.

The seat is placed at a comfortable height above floor level. Its top is at approx. 20″ (51 cm) from the floor delivering a better possibility for users with certain disabilities to have a seat or stand up once they have finished their workout.

The machine’s footrests are made of durable ABS material. Their central elements offer 8 length adjustment positions. They have an anti-slip surface to prevent foot slippage, and also feature heel guards and adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them.

The footrests don’t have a pivoting design as for the Sunny SF-RW5801 model. But nonetheless, they are set at an angle of approx. 45°, in order to provide an optimal foot positioning for rowing.

The machine’s pulling handle consists of a short straight bar with rubberized grips. It is attached to a durable nylon strap. This strap is highly resistant to abrasion; it delivers a smooth motion with less vibration than a chain like the Concept2 models have. Plus, it does not require any lubrication.

Resistance system

The ASUNA Ventus 8580 rowing machine combines air and magnetic resistance elements. Its primary resistance element is the large flywheel fan. As opposed to the ASUNA Windmill version, the fan of this rower is not completely concealed. However, it does have a completely closed guard for maximum safety.

The fan resistance offers a dynamic response during rowing. Differently put, the harder you pull the handle, the more resistance you will get. This results in a natural rowing feel, similar to rowing a boat through the water. Therefore, it’s a machine that can provide the training setting required by an Olympic athlete.

On the other hand, this Sunny Health & Fitness rower also has a magnetic resistance system with an internal metallic flywheel and a magnetic brake. The brake is connected to the tension knob on the top part of the tension casing. As you turn the knob clockwise, the magnetic brake comes closer to the metallic flywheel and increases the overall resistance.

The magnetic brake is completely manual (mechanic). It does not require any power source. The resistance can only be adjusted from the tension dial; the console does not have any role in the resistance adjustment. It offers 12 distinct levels of resistance. The first level only delivers the resistance generated by the fan. The other levels involve the magnetic brake as well. The top 12 resistance level delivers quite a consistent workout difficulty, great for anyone who wants to improve strength and stamina.

Console

The Sunny ASUNA Ventus 8580 features an advanced console with an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections. The top 6 sections show time elapsed, time/500m, watts, strokes, distance, and calories. The 3 bottom panels show speed, strokes per minute and pulse. The center larger section shows the exercise data, depending on the program selected.

There are only metric units available for the speed and distance (kmh, km or m). You cannot select miles or MPH. Also, the machine does not have any pulse sensors, so in order to track your pulse, you will have to use a Polar or ANT HR chest strap which is not included.

The console does not have Bluetooth, online connectivity, nor it is compatible with any fitness apps. However, it does have three workout programs. These are Manual, Training, and Race.

The Manual Mode allows you to exercise freely, adjusting the resistance as you like. The Training Mode serves the purpose of helping you improve your rowing stability. During this program, the computer provides a rowing guide on the top side of the large window, while your exercise is shown on the bottom. The Race Mode allows you to compete with the computer.

As we’ve mentioned above, the resistance cannot be adjusted from the console. However, its difficulty level setting should be correlated with the selected tension setting from the resistance dial. For example, if you choose to exercise on the 8th resistance level, you should also set the console at level 8. This way, it can calculate better your calories burned, speed and other metrics.

Last but not least, the console unit is battery powered. It requires 2 AA batteries which are included. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the machine.

Assembly and Maintenance

The front section of the machine with the fan and the other resistance elements comes already assembled. However, you still need to attach the front base, the middle base, the footrests, the rail, the seat, and the rear base. This may take up to an hour. However, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.

For maintenance, you can vacuum the fan (from the outside, without removing its housing) if it collects dust. The rail should be kept clean so that the wheels of the seat won’t sustain any damage from dirt, fibers or other small objects. Also, it’s recommended to periodically inspect the machine for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if needed.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame – can support users up to 330 lbs;
• Extra long rail for tall users;
• Great aesthetics;
• Folding design;
• Transport wheels for easy relocation;
• Adjustable stabilizers on all bases;
• Contoured and padded seat;
• Adjustable footrests;
• Air resistance for a dynamic response;
• 12 levels of magnetic resistance for overall tension adjustability;
• Advanced console which indicates time, time/500m, SPM, total strokes, watts, distance, calories, and pulse;
• 3 workout programs;
• Long-arm, angle-adjustable mount for the console;
• Smooth and quiet operation;
• Tools for assembly are included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Easy to assemble;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• Only metric unit settings available for the speed and distance readings on the console;
• Chest strap for pulse reading is not included;
• No backlight on the fitness meter.

Summary

The ASUNA Ventus 8580 is an air and magnetic resistance rower featuring a sturdy frame, an extra long seat rail, and a console with three available workout programs. Its magnetic brake offers 12 levels of resistance while the fan delivers a dynamic response during rowing. It’s an excellent trainer for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. In all, it’s a heavy-duty rowing machine offering excellent value for the price.