Cons
- The sliding mechanism can be noisy
- Resistance levels need to be set manually
Overall
The rowing machine does very little to stand out from the crowd in the price range. It comes with a sturdy frame and a foldable design together with the transportation wheels which will make it good for home use and easy storage.
It comes with very large anti-slip pedals together with a padded seat which is above average in its class. The monitor offers the standard data display such as: calories, total count and time without the option to save the information.
Design
This is where the machine fails to make an impact. Although the pedals support mobility and the seat has a good design this is where the inspiration stops. The frame has an outdated look while the monitor fails to stay up to date with the current times.
The manual resistance level button is also outdated with most manufacturers preferring to include the setting in the monitor. You have to stop and adjust the levels manually every time you want to change the intensity of the rowing.
Performance
From a performance perspective, the machine is targeting new rowers as it doesn`t include a data saving option and shift focus from preset workouts to manually changing the intensity. The railing is also quite noisy for its class. However, the 8 resistance levels can provide a decent full-body workout which is low impact aerobic and cardiovascular and can promote weight loss.
On one hand the machine offers a non-slip handlebar with anti-slip foot pedals which would mean you can go for longer workout sessions. But on the other hand the monitor and the resistance level adjuster limit your ability to seamlessly go through a session that is over 20 minutes.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a budget rowing machine and don`t mind some small imperfections, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 can be a good option for any user. If however you know exactly what you want from your machine and need the latest features, the machine might prove to be underwhelming for you.
People just starting to get in shape would appreciate this machine more. Elderly people which are not into the latest gadgets would also appreciate the manual settings instead of the digital options so the machine has its own purpose and can work well as a first rowing machine.