| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-RW5941 Check Discounted Price | L:76.8" W:22.8" H:22.8" | 250 lbs | 52.9 lbs | Magnetic, 16 levels | Time, Count, TCount, Calories, Scan, Goals |
The Sunny SPM SF-RW5941 is one of the rowing machines released by Sunny Health & Fitness in 2020. It’s a pretty standard magnetic rower, similar to the Sunny SF-RW5856 model, but has several extra features. For example, it has an additional footplate base in the middle which can serve as support for stand-up curls, stand-up rows, and other exercises.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 76.8L x 22.8W x 22.8H inches (195L x 58W x 58H cm)
- Assembled weight: 52.9 lbs (24 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 16 levels
- Performance monitor: Time, count, total count, calories, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5941 features an all-steel frame combining rectangular and oval tubes 
in its construction. The only notable non-metallic parts are the footrests and the covers of the drive and resistance elements. All the steel frame parts are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish; the color used is gray, this being the only color available for this model.
The rower is equipped with a fairly long rail. Considering the position of the footrests, it can accommodate users with an inseam up to 43″ (109 cm). In other words, the rower should accommodate comfortably users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) allowing a complete leg extension. It is also sturdy enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
The machine’s assembled footprint is 76.8″L x 22.8″W (195 x 58 cm). It is recommended, though, to assign a usage area with a clearance of at least two feet on each side and at the rear of the rower for unhindered usage. But on the other hand, the rower is foldable. The rail with the seat can be folded vertically to save space. With the rail folded up, the unit’s footprint remains 41.3″L x 22.8″W (104 x 58 cm) while its height reaches 47.2″ (120 cm).
This Sunny mag rower is not too heavy. Its net weight is 52.9 lbs (24 kg). This means it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Its front base has a set of small wheels that can help with the relocation of the fully assembled machine. Also, its rear stabilizer is equipped with a set of adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5941 rowing machine is equipped with a heart-shaped seat similar to 
the one included with the Sunny SF-RW5885 model. Its top section is approx. 15″ (38 cm) wide, and 11″ (28 cm) front-to-back, featuring a layer of foam cushioning of 2″ (5 cm). The cushion is covered with a layer of durable vinyl material which is also sweatproof.
The base frame of the seat is steel-made. It is equipped with three sets of rollers which integrate sealed bearings for a smooth seat motion. Two sets of rollers slide on top of the rail, the third one under it for improved stability. The rollers are partially shielded by the side panels of the seat frame for improved safety.
The machine’s rail is not horizontal. It has a bit of incline, which means that the seat is a bit higher from the floor when it is all the way at the back of the rail. At its highest point, it is at approx. 9″ (22.8 cm) above floor level.
The rower is equipped with two fairly large footrests made of durable polypropylene material. They have a textured surface, heel guards, and adjustable straps for improved foot stability. They feature a pivoting design; this means they can tilt on their axis allowing your feet to slightly adjust their position during each stroke. They have rear stoppers, though, so they won’t tilt backward over approx. 45°.
As we’ve mentioned above, the Sunny SF-RW5941 rower has an extra base stabilizer with two flattened footplates covered with an anti-slip material. You can stand on these two footplates in order to perform bicep curls, standing rows, and other exercises. Not all rowers have this feature, so it’s a plus.
Last but not least, the rower is equipped with a standard pulling handle. It consists of a short and straight metallic bar with foam sleeves on its grips. It does not integrate pulse sensors or any controls. It is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. Since the machine uses a strap, not a chain like other rowers, you won’t have to lubricate it and the usage of the rower is considerably quieter.
Resistance system
The Sunny Health & Fitness SPM SF-RW5941 rower is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance 
system. It doesn’t require an external power source, a power cord, or an adapter. However, it also doesn’t have pre-set programs and cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The internal resistance system consists of a magnetic brake that is integrated into the flywheel and connected to the tension knob on the front unit of the rower. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel and increase the workout load.
The rower makes available 16 resistance levels. The lowest one delivers a fairly light resistance, great for beginners or for users who require recovery training. Conversely, the 15-16 resistance settings deliver a pretty decent workout load, great for anyone who wants to improve strength or train at a professional level.
Like most other rowers with a full-magnetic resistance system, the Sunny SF-RW5941 does not offer a dynamic response. In other words, the resistance does not depend on your stroke rate. For example, on a water resistance rower, if you pull faster, you will get more resistance. For magnetic rowers, this is not the case. The resistance load depends only on the selected tension level. However, this only changes the rowing feel slightly, and regardless of it, you will still benefit from a consistent, full-body cardio workout.
One last notable advantage of the full-magnetic resistance system is the quietness of the ride. Since the brake is magnetic, there is no internal friction or drag. Therefore, the usage of the rower is almost completely silent.
Performance monitor
The Sunny SF-RW5941 rower is equipped with a standard rower monitor that offers a few extra features
over a basic unit. To begin with, it has an LCD display that tracks time, count (strokes for the current workout), total count (total amount of strokes from the first use), and calories burned. It does not have a pulse reading function, and also does not show distance or time/500m.
The monitor unit is equipped with three buttons: Set, Reset, and Mode. The Set button allows you to enter the setup mode and select workout goals for time, count, or calories. If a goal is selected, the unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. By pressing the Mode button repeatedly, you can scroll through the metrics and select the one you want to view on the display. There’s also a Scan Mode which rotates all the values showing each one for 6 seconds. And finally, the Reset button allows you to reset all the values on the monitor to zero except total count.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are included. It starts up when you begin rowing or when you press one of the buttons. It also automatically turns off after four minutes of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front part of the rower with the resistance mechanism comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the front stabilizer, the footrests, insert the seat on the sliding rail, attach the rail to the front part of the rower, and finally connect the rear stabilizer. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. The task is straightforward, the manual provides clear assembly instructions and illustrations, and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the unit clean, especially the rail, to prevent any damage to the wheels of the seat. The internal elements do not require any maintenance. It is also recommended to periodically inspect the machine to make sure that all the moving parts work properly and all the joints still hold tight.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame for a light rower – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Folding design;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizer;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front stabilizer;
- Padded seat for optimal comfort;
- Pivoting footrests for a perfect foot position with each stroke;
- Extra footplates for standing rows, or bicep curls;
- Fairly long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’6″;
- Quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 16 levels of resistance, for light to medium workouts;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, count, total count, and calories;
- Goal setting functions for time, count, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Batteries for the console are included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No distance or time/500m functions;
- No backlight on the performance monitor.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SPM SF-RW5941 is a magnetic resistance rower made for home use. It offers 16 levels of resistance and a performance monitor with goal functions. It has a fairly long rail for inseams up to 43″ which is also foldable. It’s a great machine for a full-body cardio workout, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s an affordable unit, currently available for less than $300, a decent alternative to a gym-grade rower.