Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520007 Air Resistance Rower

The Sunny SF-RW520007 rower is one of the fitness machines released by Sunny Health & Fitness in 2022. It’s similar to the Sunny SF-RW520008 model that we’ve already covered here, however, it only has air resistance (no magnetic). Also, since it’s one of the newer (2022) models, it comes with Bluetooth connectivity and you can sync it with the SunnyFit app.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 72.6L x 25.1W x 31.3H inches (184L x 64W x 79H cm)
• Assembled weight: 56.7 lbs (25.7 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Frame: Steel
• Resistance type: Air
• Fitness monitor: Time, count, total count, calories, scan
• Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days

Frame construction

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520007 rowing machine features a tubular steel frame coated with a gray, rust-resistant, and chip-resistant paint finish. The front unit of the machine that holds the fan is made of ABS plastic, as well as the footrests.

The fully assembled unit is not super large; it is approx. 72.6″ (184 cm) long, and 25.1″ (64 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow some clearance all around, especially on its sides and at the rear, for easy access and safe usage. The unit is not foldable but it can be stored vertically to save some space. In vertical position, the machine’s footprint remains 31.3″L x 25.1″W (79 x 64 cm), while its height reaches 72.6″ (184 cm).

The machine is equipped with a 44″ (112 cm) rail, but it has stoppers for the seat at the front and rear, so it’s meant for a maximum user inseam length of 38.5″ (97 cm). This is still fairly decent and the machine should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.

This Sunny rower is fairly light as well. With all the parts assembled, it only weighs 56.7 lbs (27.7 kg), so it can easily be carried and assembled by only one person. Once the machine is assembled, it’s even easier to relocate, as its front base bar has transport wheels. Also, its rear stabilizer features adjustable levelers.

Seat and other parts

The seat included with the Sunny SF-RW520007 rowing machine is pretty similar to the one on the Yosuda H-185. Its top is made of closed cell foam; it is contoured and ribbed for better contact. The cell foam padding is fairly thick, so the seat is not as hard as an ABS seat, which reduces the impact on your tailbone.

The base of the seat is made of steel. It is equipped with three sets of rollers. Two of them slide on top of the rail, while the third is at the bottom, closing the seat onto the rail for extra stability. The rail and the seat assembly are pretty durable; they’re rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg). Also, the rail is slightly inclined forward, so at its highest point, the seat reaches approx. 15″ (39 cm) above the floor.

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520007 rower is equipped with a set of pivoting footrests. They are non-adjustable, but they tilt on their supporting rods in order to adapt better to the position of your feet throughout the rowing motion. They have stoppers at the heel, though, so they won’t tilt backward past an angle of approx. 45°.

As we’ve mentioned above, the rower’s footrests are made of durable ABS material. They have heel guards and adjustable straps, so you can perfectly secure your feet on them. They also have a textured surface.

The unit’s handle features an ergonomic design with slightly curved grips for comfortable hand positioning. Its covering sleeves are made of rubber foam material for a secure grip. It does not have pulse sensors or other controls for the machine. It is connected to a heavy-duty nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion.

Resistance system

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520007 rowing machine features a standard air resistance system, without any magnetic resistance elements. This means that you cannot adjust the overall resistance. The primary resistance-generating element is the internal fan which is connected to the rower’s pulley system. When you pull the handle, the fan spins inside its casing generating air resistance.

Like most other rowing machines with an air resistance system, the unit provides a dynamic response during usage. This means that if you pull the handle faster, the internal fan of the machine will also spin faster, providing more resistance.

Since it’s an air resistance rower, the Sunny SF-RW520007 is not completely quiet. The higher the speed of the fan, the more noise it will generate. But as a general idea, even if you row at a fast pace, the noise shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV on a moderate volume level.

Fitness monitor

The Sunny SF-RW520007 air rower comes with an integrated, basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display that tracks time, count, total count, and calories burned. It doesn’t show split time, pulse, or SPM. It is very easy to use, featuring only one button.

By pressing its button, you can select one of the workout metrics, or you can select its scan mode. In scan mode, it automatically rotates all four metrics, showing each one for 6 seconds. Also, if you press and hold the button, you can reset the data on it.

Like most of the newer (2022) Sunny Health & Fitness machines, this rower has Bluetooth connectivity and you can sync it with your phone via the SunnyFit app. This app is free, without any in-app purchases (at least for now), and it’s available for both Apple and Android systems. A scannable QR code is included with the machine so you can easily install it. The app offers the possibility to track your workout record online, view different workout videos, set workout goals, and even row in a virtual setup based on various locations around the world.

Last but not least, the monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries as a power source. It starts up when it detects activity on the rower and also automatically turns off after four minutes of inactivity on the machine. And finally, the machine has a phone holder. This accessory is placed above the unit’s tension knob and should be able to accommodate most phones.

Assembly and Maintenance

The front frame section of the rower comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the rail, the seat, the footrests, and the front / rear stabilizers. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools for the task are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.

Once the machine is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. The internal parts don’t need lubrication, and if the inside of the casing accumulates dust, you can vacuum it from the outside, through one of its side panels.

The Pros

• Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 300 lbs;
• Can be stored vertically;
• Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Long rail – the rower can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
• Contoured, non-slip seat with 3 sets of wheels for extra stability;
• Pivoting footrests with adjustable straps;
• Air resistance for a dynamic response;
• Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, count, total count, and calories burned;
• Bluetooth connectivity – the machine syncs with the SunnyFit app;
• Device holder included;
• Little maintenance required;
• All the tools required for the assembly are included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No pulse reading function;
• No distance reading function;
• No split time/500m function;
• No workout programs.

Bottom Line

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW520007 is an air resistance rower made for home use. It’s equipped with a 38.5″ long rail designed to support users up to 300 lbs, has a comfortable seat, a set of pivoting footrests, and a basic fitness monitor. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and can be connected to the SunnyFit app.