The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine is a mouthful of a name but all I can say is FINALLY!
Finally a magnetic rowing machine at an affordable price!
For years users have been forced to spend over $500 to find a decent magnetic rowing machine.
Otherwise, they were forced to buy a hydraulic-piston rowing machine if noise was a concern…but not anymore.
At first I was nervous about the quality of this rower. However, the Sunny Magnetic Rower SF-RW5515 has shown promising results and received mostly favorable reviews.
- EXTRA LONG SLIDE RAIL: At 48 inches in slide rail length, and 44 inches in inseam length, the SF-RW5515 can accommodate rowers nearly any size.
- TRANSPORTATION WHEELS: Built-in transportation wheels for easy portability. Simply tilt and roll out for use or away for storage, no need for heavy lifting or muscle strain.
- NON-SLIP FOOT PEDALS: Textured non-slip foot pedals will ensure safe footing during the most demanding and vigorous workouts. Foot straps keep your feet saddled with so you can focus on the workout without feeling unbalanc
Resistance Type
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine is a magnetic resistance rowing machine.
This means it uses a magnet inside the flywheel to create resistance against a spinning metal drum.
Magnetic rowers differ from Air, Water, and Hydraulic-Piston rowers in that they provide a virtually silent row while offering a smooth, realistic rowing motion.
You can read more about all the different resistance types in this article I wrote.
You can also read how a magnetic rowing machine compares to an air rowing machine in my magnetic vs. air article.
Magnetic Resistance Operation
The Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine has 8 different resistance levels. Each level can be adjusted by turning the knob on the center panel.
Level 1 is the easiest and is great for beginners, while level 8 will give even the most serious athlete a great workout.
As you turn the knob from level 1 to level 8, a magnet inside the flywheel moves closer to the drum. As the magnet gets closer, more resistance is created.
Here is a video that can help explain the resistance a little better.
Sunny Health & Fitness boasts that they have come up with an improved magnetic tension system with the SF-RW5515. I’m not exactly sure what this entails but users seem to agree based off their positive comments.
People of varying fitness levels mentioned how great the resistance is on the SF-RW5515. Most users row at a resistance level of 4 or 5 which is great because it leaves a lot of room to grow.
The resistance is easy to adjust and all you have to do is turn the knob right or left. The only downside is you have to stop rowing to adjust the resistance but this really isn’t a major problem.
Resistance Benefits
The Sunny Magnetic Rower is extremely quiet which allows people to row while their spouse or baby sleeps in the other room. It’s also perfect for watching TV or movies while getting a great workout.
Some users who are experienced rowers mentioned the resistance was strong and smooth.
The only side note was that magnetic rowers feel much different than air rowers. Obviously this is expected.
The main difference is that air resistance strength changes based on the speed that you are rowing. This may feel odd when making the transition because magnetic rowers have a constant tension based on the set resistance level.
Overall
Overall, users are very pleased with the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine resistance.
It is a great option for people who want a full, normal rowing stroke but need the resistance to be silent.
It is also great for people who want ‘adjustable” resistance, so they can feel strong resistance at a slower pace.
Plus, how can you beat a magnetic rowing machine at this price!
Monitor/Control Panel
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine comes with a basic large LCD monitor.
At a low price, basic monitors are very common. More advanced monitors are not seen until over the $500 level.
The monitor tracks and displays basic fitness data such as:
- Time
- Count (Strokes)
- Calories
- Total Count (Total Strokes)
The SF-RW5515 monitor can scan through each data set every few seconds. It is battery operated so no need to worry about having an electrical outlet.
The monitor did receive a few complaints such as users being disappointed that the monitor didn’t record distance or meters rowed. Another users mentioned the display was difficult to read because it was a bit small and isn’t backlit.
I should also mention that on basic monitors the calorie counter is not accurate and should only be used to compare workouts. The calories calculated are based off an average user, so they are not specific to the person rowing.
Just know that if you burn 300 calories one workout and 500 calories the next, the second workout was much more strenuous and better for losing weight.
Other than that the monitor is pretty basic and straightforward. It tracks all the necessary fitness data and is comparable to all the other monitors in this price range.
Build Quality
Constructed with a heavy duty steal mainframe, the Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine has a very good overall build quality.
Built to withstand the test of time, users commented that the product felt very sturdy for it’s price. Meaning it is not the same build quality as a $900 rower but it is not going to fall apart anytime soon.
The rowing handle is attached by a reinforced nylon strap to avoid any fraying and allows for a smooth rowing stroke.
When rowing, the SF-RW5515 is very quiet and there are no annoying squeaking or clinking noises.
Comfort
The Sunny SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower comes with a comfortable padded seat and non-slip grip handlebars for ultimate comfort.
The foot pedals are large enough to fit any shoe size and come with adjustable foot straps to make sure your feet stay firmly in place.
No users mentioned the rowing machine to be uncomfortable on rows up to 30 minutes long.
Some users mentioned to add more stability when rowing on slick hardwood or very soft carpet you can put down a rowing machine “fold-to-fit” exercise mat. This also helps to make cleaning up any sweat easier and prevents sweat from ruining your floor.
No matter how hard you row or what intensity level, the Sunny Health Magnetic Rower remains stable and comfortable.
Storage
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine is able to fold up for storage and vastly reduce its footprint.
Storing is very simple and can be done in under 30 seconds.
Just unscrew a bolt, take out a pin, fold up, and reinsert the pieces. Boom. Done.
There are built in transportation wheels on the front of the rower that makes it easy to move around.
The rowing machine can easily be store in a closet or in the corner of a room.
Capacity
The weight capacity of the Sunny Fitness Magnetic Rower is 250 lbs [114kg]. Some users heavier than this have used the rower but I recommend sticking to the weight limit.
The seat rail on the SF-RW5515 is fairly long and should be able to accommodate almost every user. A rower who is 6’7″ rowed on the machine comfortably. Another user who was 6’5″ said they can fully extend their legs with about 5.0″ to spare!
Other users commented that their whole family uses the rowing machine and their kids of 8 and 11 use it with no problem.
Unless you are taller than 6’7″ this rowing machine should fit you well.
If you are above the weight limit, then I would advise checking out these more expensive rowers with higher weight capacities:
The Stamina Avari Magnetic Rower is one of the best magnetic rowers on the market with a 275 lb. weight capacity.
The #1 bestselling rowing machine overall is the Concept2 Model D Air Rowing Machine with a 500 lb. weight capacity.
Dimensions
- Assembled Dimensions:
- 82.0″ x 19.0″ x 23.0″ (L x W x H)
- Assembled Weight:
- 59 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions:
- 51.0″ x 10.0″ x 26.0″ (L x W x H)
- Shipping Weight:
- 71 lbs
Assembly
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine is extremely easy to assemble. It is one of the best instruction systems I have seen with a rowing machine.
There are only 4 steps to assembly and each instructional step has a labeled bag with the needed parts. Just use the parts from the appropriate bag and follow the instructions. All tools and pieces are included.
Most buyers were able to assemble in under 30 minutes.
The magnetic flywheel comes fully assembled with the rowing strap and handle in place. Assembly is basically attaching the supports to the seat rail and attaching the seat.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong resistance
- Great price
- Comfortable seat
- Large capacity
- Very quiet
- Foldable storage
Cons:
- Monitor lacks advanced features
- Large footprint when not in storage mode
- Short warranty period
Consumer Reviews
Users have been very happy with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine. After reading every online consumer review I have seen minimal complaints. The only concern has been with the monitor lacking advanced features which is expected on a budget rowing machine.
Most users liked the strong resistance provided by the magnetic system and feel it provides a smooth strong row.
You can check out more Sunny Fitness Magnetic Rower reviews here.
Average Rating: 4.6
Warranty
- Frame:
- 1 Year
- Parts:
- 90 Days
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Price
The price on the Sunny Magnetic Rower SF-RW5515 is one of the strongest selling points. Most magnetic rowers start above $500. This is one of the first quality budget magnetic rowers to hit the market.
The price of this rowing machine varies depending on where you buy it but Amazon tends to have the lowest price.
Final Thoughts
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 has been one of the best selling budget rowing machines since it hit the market.
Users who are looking for a low cost, quiet rowing machine will find this to fit their needs perfectly.
If you are 100% sure you want an adjustable rowing machine, then a magnetic rower is the right choice for you.
The only other budget magnetic rowing machine that is worth taking a look at is the Stamina 1110 Magnetic Rower. You can read my full Stamina 1110 Rower review here.
If you want to take a look at the best budget air rowing machine, then I recommend the Stamina 1399 Air Rower. Check out my full Stamina Air Rower review here.
I hope you found my Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine review to be informative. Please ask any questions in the comment section below!
