| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-RW5910 Check Discounted Price | L:81.5" W:21.25" H:39.5" | 300 lbs | 88.2 lbs | Water | Time/500m, Total time, Distance, SPM, Strokes, Calories, Pulse, Recovery, Race, Goals |
The Phantom Hydro SF-RW5910 is one of the rowers released by the Sunny Health & Fitness in 2020. It’s a water resistance rower featuring an oblique tank similar to the Marcy NS-6023RW. However, as opposed to the Marcy rower, the Sunny model has a folding frame with a sturdier construction and several extra features.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 81.5L x 21.25W x 39.5H inches (207L x 55W x 100H cm)
- Assembled weight: 88.2 lbs (40 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Adjustable
- Resistance type: Water
- Exercise meter: Time, time/500m, distance, SPM, total strokes, calories, heart rate, race program, recovery
- Extras: Bottle holder, device holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro SF-RW5910 features an all-steel frame with a durable
monorail rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). It combines ovalized and rectangular tubes in its construction for improved aesthetics. All the steel parts are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish. The color used is metallic gray with the “Sunny” logo in red.
The fully assembled machine is a bit smaller than the Sunny SF-RW5866 model. It is only 81.5″ (207 cm) long, and 21.5″ (55 cm) wide. However, its rail measures 42″ (106.6 cm) and offers a complete range of motion for users with an inseam up to 40″ (101.6 cm). In other words, the rower should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.
As we’ve mentioned above, this Sunny rower features a folding frame. Its monorail with the seat can be folded up. With the rail folded up, the machine’s length is reduced to 43″ (109 cm) while its height becomes approx. 51″ (129.5 cm).
Compared to other rowers, the Phantom Hydro SF-RW5910 model is fairly heavy. Its net weight (without water inside the tank) is approx. 88.2 lbs (40 kg). This weight provides superior stability. Plus, the front and rear stabilizers of the machine are equipped with adjustable levelers that have large rubber pads. Therefore, you can perfectly level your rower on any type of floor.
Last but not least, the front stabilizer bar of the machine integrates a set of small wheels. Thus, you can easily relocate it for storage if needed.
Seat and other parts
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5910 rower features a seat similar to the SF-RW5866 model.
Its top is made of high-density foam featuring a textured and concave surface for superior stability. It is approx. 11.5″ (29.2 cm) long, and 14″ (35.5 cm) wide, offering plenty of contact surface.
The base of the seat is steel-made, similar to the rest of the frame. It integrates three sets of rollers. Two of them slide on top of the monorail, while the third one slides under it for improved stability. Each roller features a rubberized outer layer to reduce noise and internal sealed ball bearings for a smooth motion. All the rollers are hidden by the side metallic panels of the seat frame for improved safety.
The seat is at approx. 20″ (51 cm) above floor level. This can be a plus for users with certain disabilities as it offers an easier entry and exit.
The machine’s footrests don’t have a pivoting design as it is the case for the Sunny Obsidian Surge SF-RW5713 model. They are attached to two metallic plates which are welded to the frame. Their angle is approx. 45°.
The footrests feature an adjustable design. They have several length settings so they can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They also have heel guards and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability.
This Sunny Health & Fitness rower is equipped with an ergonomic handle. Its grips are rubberized for improved comfort. They’re also slightly curved towards the user to reduce the lateral stress on the wrists. The handle is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap highly resistant to abrasion. This type of drive does not require any lubrication or maintenance. It also promotes a quieter usage for the rower.
Resistance system
As its name suggests, the Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro SF-RW5910 is a water resistance 
rower. It is equipped with a heavy-duty polycarbonate tank. Its exact capacity is not specified, but it is similar to other rowers so it should be between 3-4 gallons. The main resistance generator is the water flywheel incorporated into the tank. It features 16 hydro blades that provide the resistance when you pull the handle and the flywheel spins in the water inside the tank.
The machine’s water tank does not have a resistance adjustment mechanism, like the tank on the First Degree Fitness AR Pacific rower, for example. Therefore, you cannot automatically adjust the water level inside the tank. However, you can still manually add or remove water if you want to adjust the overall load.
It’s important to mention, though, that the machine provides a dynamic response during rowing. This means the resistance produced by the water flywheel is proportional to the strength you put behind each stroke; if you pull harder, the machine generates more resistance.
Last but not least, the noise level generated by the spinning of the flywheel inside the water tank is far from being high or annoying. For example, the usage of the machine should not cover the sound of a TV set on low volume.
Performance monitor
The Sunny Phantom Hydro SF-RW5910 rower comes with a multi-function performance monitor. 
To begin with, it features an LCD display divided into multiple sub-section in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once. It tracks time, time/500m, strokes, strokes per minute, total strokes, distance, calories, and pulse. The distance value is shown in meters and cannot be set to yards or miles. Also, in order for the monitor unit to read your pulse, you will need a wireless 5.3 kHz heart rate chest strap which is not included.
The monitor unit has two workout modes. These are Manual and Race. The Manual mode offers two options. For the first one, you can simply row and the unit will record your completed strokes, strokes per minute, distance traveled, etc. For the second option, you can select goals for time, distance, strokes, calories, and pulse. If a goal is selected for any of these metrics, the unit will indicate the remaining value from your goal and notify you when you have completed your goal.
The Race mode has 15 levels of difficulty. For level 1 (L1) the Time/500m is set at 8:00, while for level 15 (L15) it is set at 1:00. If the Race mode is on, you will basically race with the computer for the set time/distance. The center display will indicate the user and the PC on two separate lanes. Each virtual boat advances towards the set goal, and the meter will end when either your boat, or the PC boat reaches the goal.
The performance monitor also has a Pulse Recovery function. Evidently, this requires you to wear an HR chest strap. Its purpose is to count the pulse recovery at the end of your workout and based on that count, it gives you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).
The monitor unit also integrates a device holder. This is placed at the top of the unit, so if you place a tablet or smartphone on it, it won’t cover the display. However, there are no AUX or USB ports to connect your device to the monitor unit, and you cannot transfer workout data.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s water tank comes pre-assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. You only need to attach the rail with the seat, the front, and rear stabilizers, and the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The manual provides all the necessary assembly instructions and all the required tools for the task are included.
For maintenance, the water inside the tank needs chlorine treatment. A pack of chlorine pills is included with the rower and you should put one into the tank every six months. Other than this, the machine’s monorail should be kept clean to prevent any damage to the seat rollers. And finally, it is recommended to periodically inspect the machine for any loose or damaged parts, in order to re-tighten them or replace them if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- Folding frame;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Ergonomic, contoured seat;
- Ergonomic, curved 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 with a multi-window LCD display that tracks time, 500m/time, pulse, distance, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories;
- Two workout programs – Manual and Race;
- Recovery function;
- Angle-adjustable mount for performance monitor;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- The Performance monitor does not have backlight;
- An HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness Phantom Hydro SF-RW5910 is a water resistance rower featuring a durable folding frame featuring a long monorail, a contoured large seat, a set of large, adjustable footrests and a multi-function performance monitor. It’s an excellent machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, weight loss, and stamina development. It’s not a commercial machine, but definitely offers great value for the price, being close to at least a light-commercial model.