| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASUNA 8570 Check Discounted Price | L:94" W:21" H:47" | 330 lbs | 132 lbs | Air & magnetic, Self- generated | 8 programs |
The ASUNA Windmill 8570 is currently the heaviest and most inclusive rowing machine from Sunny Health & Fitness. It’s also one of the newer models, released in the second part of 2018. It’s a hybrid resistance rower which combines air with magnetic resistance, similar to the lighter model Sunny SF-RW5730 that we’ve already presented here.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 94L x 21W x 47H inches (238L x 53W x 119H cm)
- Assembled weight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 14 lbs (6.3 kg)
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Air & magnetic, 10 levels, self-generating power
- Console: 8 programs
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny ASUNA Windmill 8570 rower features a heavy-duty frame construction which combines steel, aluminum and ABS parts.
Its rail is made of durable aluminum, its front part which supports the drive and resistance elements is made of steel, as well as the rear base, while the covers of the drive system and several other small covers are made of ABS material. Although the front part of the frame is completely concealed by the ABS covers, it is coated with a corrosion-resistant powder finish.
The fully assembled machine is quite large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 94″ (238 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. On top of that, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe access and operation.
The rail of the unit can be folded up, though. With the rail folded up, the machine’s length is reduced to 43″ (~110 cm). This folding design not only that provides better storage possibilities, it also facilitates an easier cleaning and maintenance of the unit.
With the frame fully assembled, the unit is considerably heavy. It weighs approx. 132 lbs (60 kg). However, this weight delivers an excellent stability. Plus, its stability is enhanced by the five adjustable and rubberized stabilizers present on all its bases.
Despite its weight, this Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine is fairly easy to move. Its front base is equipped with a set of transport wheels which facilitate its relocation. By using these wheels to move the unit, you won’t have to handle more than 40 lbs of its total weight.
Last but not least, the ASUNA Windmill 8570 features a fairly long rail. It provides sufficient travel for the seat to accommodate users with an inseam of 43″ (~110 cm). This being said, it can even accommodate users who are taller than 6’6″ (198 cm), allowing a complete leg extension.
Seat and other parts
The ASUNA Windmill rower is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top is made of high-density foam; it doesn’t 
have air cushioning, but it’s not extremely hard either. Its surface is contoured and textured, in order to provide superior adherence.
The seat offers plenty of contact surface for a comfortable positioning and equilibrium. It’s approx. 10.5″ (26.6 cm) deep, and 12.5″ (31.7 cm) wide. Its base is made of steel and integrates three sets of heavy-duty rollers. Two sets are placed on top of the rail, while the third set is under the top section of the rail for extra stability. Both the wheels and the rail are designed to provide a very smooth and quiet motion for the seat.
One last aspect with regards to the seat that we have to mention here is its durability. Both the seat and the rail are rated for a user weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg). This is a weight capacity is similar to most light-commercial rowing machines.
The machine’s footrests are made of heavy-duty ABS material. Their central elements offer 8 length adjustment positions. They have a textured surface to prevent foot slippage, and also feature heel guards and adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them.
The footrests do not pivot. But nonetheless, they are set at an angle of approx. 45°, in order to provide an optimal foot positioning for rowing.
The pulling handle is a short straight bar with rubberized grips. It is attached to a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant nylon strap. It also features wireless adjustment controls, a feature that not many other air and magnetic resistance rowers have.
Resistance system
As we’ve mentioned above, the Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Windmill 8570 rower features an air and magnetic resistance
system. To begin with, it is equipped with a large flywheel-fan which generates air resistance when you pull the handle. The air resistance offers the advantage of a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, if you pull the handle faster, it will generate more resistance. This leads to an effect and a rowing feel similar to rowing a boat through the water.
On the other hand, the rower also integrates a 14 lbs (6.3 kg) metallic flywheel and a magnetic resistance system. This allows you to increase or decrease the machine’s overall resistance.
The magnetic brake assembly integrates a power generator which creates all the power necessary to activate the magnetic brake and the console as you row. Therefore, you don’t need to connect the unit to a power source and the only battery required is for the wireless resistance controller on the handle.
The machine offers 10 levels of resistance. The first level is light, basically provided only by the fan. The 10th level simulates the difficulty required by an Olympic sprinter.
In terms of generated noise, the ASUNA 8570 is considerably quieter than a full air resistance rower. The noise generated by the fan is far from being so loud that it can cover the sound of your TV even if its set on low volume.
Console
The machine is equipped with an advanced console. To begin with, it features a multi-window LCD display which shows all the 
required workout metrics. It indicates time elapsed, time/500m, distance, calories burned, speed, pulse, watts, stroke rate (SPM), total strokes, and various program-related readings. However, it does not offer the possibility to be set in English units. Speed and distance can only be displayed in km/h and kilometers.
The console does not offer any online connectivity, nor it is compatible with any online fitness apps. However, it offers 8 workout programs to keep you motivated. The first two programs are Quick Start and Manual. The Quick Start mode initiates when you begin rowing, and has the resistance set to level 1. If you select manual mode, the unit will prompt you to select a difficulty level before starting your session.
The next three programs are goal settings. They are Goal Time, Goal Distance, and Goal Calories. If you select a goal for any of these, the console will indicate the remaining amount from the selected goal during your workout.
The 6th program is Tabata Interval training. It offers two preset intervals for 20/10 and 10/20, while the third one is custom; you can input your own work and rest intervals.
The 7th program is “Running”, which is a speed-based program. It allows you to select three different modes for the display of your speed, these being Exercise, Force Curve and Bar Chart.
The 8th program is “Race”, similar to the one provided by the XTERRA ERG600W. It gives you the possibility to compete with the computer, the preset timer/distance for it being 2 min. 15 sec / 500m.
Last but not least, the console is equipped with a fairly long arm which gives you the possibility to adjust its angle. The unit also tilts at the connection point with the arm.
Assembly and Maintenance
The entire front part of the rower with the resistance elements, the console, and the footrests, comes fully assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the main rail, the rear stabilizer, and the seat. This shouldn’t take more than 20 min. All the tools for it are included and the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and schematics.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. It’s recommended to keep the rail clean to prevent any damage to the rollers of the seat and periodically inspect the machine for any loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- 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;
- Magnetic resistance for overall tension adjustability;
- Wireless adjustment controls on the handle;
- Self-generating mechanism for powering the magnetic brake and console;
- Advanced console which indicates time, time/500m, SPM, total strokes, watts, distance, calories, and pulse;
- 8 workout programs;
- Long-arm, angle-adjustable mount for the console;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Bottle holder included;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- Only metric units available for the speed and distance metrics.
Summary
The ASUNA Windmill 8570 is an air and magnetic resistance rower, featuring a heavy-duty construction and superior ergonomics. Its rail offers 43″ (110 cm) of travel for the seat. Its console tracks all the important workout metrics and also offers 8 workout programs to keep you motivated. Also, it doesn’t need any external power source as it integrates a self-powering generator. It’s an excellent machine for users of all levels, great for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.