Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine Review
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine is truly a one of a kind rower.
It is currently, the only “free-motion” rowing machine controlled by magnetic resistance.
This unique combination pairs full-motion flexibility with strong, durable resistance.
Users can now enjoy the “on water” motion of rowing in the comfort of their own home.
Not to mention, they will be burning calories, blasting away fat, and toning muscles at the same time!
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 is an excellent home rowing machine for users who like “full-motion” arms and magnetic resistance.
However, people should read the full Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 review to make sure there are no hidden surprises before buying.
Resistance Type
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine is a magnetic resistance rower.
Magnetic resistance is one of the smoothest and quietest resistance types on the market.
It operates by moving a magnet closer or farther from a metal flywheel.
As the magnet moves closer to the flywheel, more resistance will be created. As the magnet moves farther away, there will be less resistance.
Users can adjust the distance the magnet is from the flywheel using a knob on the center of the rowing machine console.
This is why we consider magnetic resistance rowing machines to be “adjustable” resistance. This differs from air rowing machines that are considered “variable” resistance.
You can learn more about magnetic rowers and how they compare to air rowers in my Air & Magnetic Comparison Article.
Resistance Benefits
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 resistance is smooth, quiet, and strong. Users can use the adjustment knob to change between 8 levels of resistance.
Most users felt the varying levels were strong enough for serious users and easy enough for beginners.
The resistance is smooth and quiet, making it perfect for using while watching TV. Users also like the option to work out early in the morning without disturbing anyone or in a small apartment setting.
Sunny Health & Fitness also states there is another way to control resistance besides using the adjustment knob. Changing where you place your hands on the handlebar can increase or decrease resistance as well.
Placing your hands higher up on the handle will result in more resistance, while placing them lower will result in easier resistance.
Another great benefit of the SF-RW5624 is having the “full motion arms” with magnetic resistance. Almost every full motion arm rowing machine is controlled by hydraulic-pistons, like the Stamina 1215 Orbital Rower.
However, many people do not like hydraulic-pistons because they can malfunction or sometimes leak oil. These issue are completely avoided with a magnetic resistance rower.
This is a huge benefit for someone looking for a “free-motion arm” rower but doesn’t like the idea of hydraulic-pistons.
Free-Motion Arms
The free motion arms of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 is one of the major selling points and goes hand-in-hand with resistance.
Users love being able to mimic the motion of “on water rowing” and varying the angles they pull the handles back.
There are a number of ways you can use the free-motion arms, which can be seen in the “Build Quality” section video.
Some users choose to row “symmetrically” with one hand on each handle, while others choose to row “asymmetrically” with both hands on the same handle.
Varying your hand placement, pull angle, and width between handles can help target different muscles while adding a little fun and variation to your workout.
Overall
Users were very happy with the resistance and felt the 8 levels, with varying hand positions, made it great for users of all ages and fitness levels.
Many people were happy to have the “free-motion arm” option with magnetic resistance and not being forced to choose a hydraulic-piston rower.
Monitor/Control Panel
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine comes with a basic LCD monitor. The monitor displays:
- Time
- Count (# of strokes during current workout)
- Total Count (total # of stroke all time)
- Calories (calories burned during current workout)
- Scan (rotate data every 6 sec.)
As you can see, the monitor is basic and only records the necessary rowing machine data. This is fairly common on a rowing machine in this price range but including a distance metric would be nice.
Users can compare their different workouts using the “count” and “calorie” metrics.
Calorie measurement will be slightly off because accurate calorie calculation requires the input of age, weight, and heart rate. This is normal on monitors that don’t require this input.
Some users have been successful buying other activity trackers to record more data, like heart rate, or using apps on their smartphones.
The monitor has large, fairly easy to read numbers but has no back-light. It does not need to be plugged into an outlet and runs on 2AA batteries (included).
Overall, users did not have much to say about the SF-RW5624 Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine monitor. It can track basic fitness data and what you see, is what you get.
Build Quality
The Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine is constructed from high quality material that feels strong and sturdy.
The steel constructed seat rail allows for maximum durability and a weight allowance of 300 lbs. A 300 lb. weight limit is high for a rowing machine under $500 and helps demonstrate the SF-RW5624 quality.
The steel base supports, with protective rubber caps, help add a strong, supporting base. With the higher than average seat height, a strong base is important to ensure a sturdy rowing stroke.
Users felt there were no signs of instability and felt comfortable performing any variation of movements.
High-quality ball bearing rollers allow for a smooth, long lasting rowing stroke. There are no squeaking or clinking noises during the rowing stroke from either the resistance or seat rolling on the rail.
Users felt the handles were strong and the grips were soft but durable. They also mentioned the footrest were made of high quality plastic and the velcro straps firmly held their feet in place.
Overall, users were happy with the build quality and felt it is what you would expect from a rowing machine in this price range.
Comfort
Rowing can put people in odd positions, which can cause some discomfort. This is why it is important to find a rowing machine that doesn’t have any recurring comfort issues.
Luckily, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 provides a comfortable rowing stroke that is smooth and quiet!
Users enjoyed the fully padded seat that didn’t hurt their butt after 15 minutes, like some rowing machines! They also enjoyed the non-slip grip handlebars which allow for a firm grip without giving them blisters.
The large, anti-slip footrests can accommodate any foot size and the velcro straps securely hold them in place. The footrests also pivot to allow for a more natural movement and help reduce stress on your knees and ankle joints.
Being super quiet makes the rowing machine extremely comfortable to use in any setting, especially while watching TV.
Another big comfort benefit is the seat sits higher off the ground than most rowing machines, which makes it easier for people with knee or joint problems to get on an off!
Overall, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine provides a very comfortable rowing stroke. Even with all the different “free-motion arm” variations a user can perform!
Storage
Storing the Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine is extremely easy and requires 3 steps.
- Remove the knob and pull pin.
- Fold the seat rail up.
- Reinsert the knob and pull pin.
In total, it should take about 15 seconds to complete. That’s it!
The built-in portable wheels also make it easy to transport in the folded or unfolded positions.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 has a fairly large footprint when folded due to the size of the “main frame” and “rear support”. However, it can still be rolled into the corner of a room to save a lot of floor space.
Capacity
According to the Sunny Health & Fitness manual, the recommended maximum user weight capacity is 300 lbs..
As I mentioned previously, this is fairly high for a rowing machine in this price range and a huge bonus for some users.
One distributor listed the distance from the footrests to the middle of the seat (fully extended) as 44.0″. This means a user with a 44.0″ inseam will be able to use this rowing machine.
A user who is 6’5″ and 270 lbs. said they use the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 without an issue and it “accommodates them well”.
The only thing a tall user must worry about is where the “fixed handle length” will pull to on their rowing stroke.
Basically, on an average size person the handle pulls back to somewhere on their mid-section. A person 6’5″, with longer legs, may pull the handles back lower near their hips.
There are no lower capacity issues for this model and users under the maximum weight and height restrictions will be fine.
Below is another video of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 with a few more angles to see how the handles pull back on a female rower.
Dimensions
- Assembled Dimensions:
- 75.6″ x 29.1″ x 25.3″ (L x W x H)
- Assembled Weight:
- 91 lbs.
- Shipping Dimensions:
- 43.5″ x 12.0″ x 30.0″
- Shipping Weight:
- 99.0 lbs
Assembly
A lot of rowing machines come mostly pre-assembled with only the front and rear supports needing assembly.
Due to the large footprint with the “free-motion arms”, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 has a few more parts to assemble than other models.
In addition to the front and rear supports, users must also assemble the footrests and “free motion arm” components.
Most people were able to complete assembly in about 45 minutes and didn’t mention it being hard. It just takes time to read the directions and screw all the pieces together.
All the necessary tools come in the packaging for assembly, along with the batteries for the monitor.
People did mention the rowing machine was hard to remove from the packaging because it weighs 100 lbs. and is securely held in place with tape. They also mentioned you will want a clear area to organize the assembly.
The assembly only requires one person but if you are not strong enough to lift 100 lbs. or not great at assembling, you may want another set of hands.
Just make sure to take your time, follow the instructions, and everything will go together smoothly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Free-motion arms
- 8 levels of adjustable resistance
- Multiple hand placement positions
- Symmetrical and asymmetrical rowing
- High seat position
- Quiet resistance
- Good build quality
- High maximum weight capacity (300 lbs.)
- Rowing motion mimics “on water” rowing
Cons:
- Basic monitor functions
- Large folded dimensions
- Heavy (91 lbs.)
- Long assembly time
- Rowing resistance doesn’t mimic “on water” rowing
Consumer Reviews
There are very few Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 reviews due to it being a fairly new model. Most people enjoyed the free-motion arms and the quiet resistance.
Most consumers felt the resistance, build quality, and comfort were in line with the price they paid. Some people wish it had more features on the monitor and assembly could be easier.
The only complaints came from people receiving a faulty machine that was damaged in the factory or shipping. While it is frustrating, Sunny Health & Fitness refunded these customers or sent a replacement model.
You can read more Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 reviews here.
Average Rating: 4.1
Warranty
- Frame: 3-Years
- Parts & Components: 90-Days
- Model #: SF-RW5624
Sunny Health & Fitness has upgraded their warranties as of January 1st, 2017 to include 3 year frame coverage on all rowing machines.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 Price
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine is considered a budget rowing machine.
While it is not as inexpensive as the hydraulic-piston “free motion” arm rowers, it does offer better build quality and resistance. In my opinion, better build quality and resistance justifies the added cost and I feel the SF-RW5624 is a fair value.
If searching around for different pricing, some websites name the model “Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine by Sunny Health & Fitness – SF-RW5624”, which will help when searching.
The model is listed in a few different retailers but Sunny Health & Fitness seems to have good pricing on Amazon. They also offer great customer service, a good return policy, easy checkout, and free shipping on qualified orders.
Overall Review
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine is a great rowing machine with strong resistance, good build quality, and a smooth, comfortable rowing stroke.
While this model is not right for everyone, it does align with a certain customer and does fill a gap in the rowing machine market.
People should buy the SF-RW5624 if they want a rowing machine with “free-motion arms” and like the idea of adjustable magnetic resistance.
If you are interested in other “free-motion arm” rowers you can check out the Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine or the Stamina Orbital Arm 1215 Rower.
If you want a magnetic resistance rower but have decided against the free motion arms, I suggest looking at the Sunny Health Magnetic Rower SF-RW5515 or the slightly upgraded version, the Sunny Health & Fitness Ultra Tension Pro Rower.
I hope you enjoyed my Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5624 Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine review! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or leave them in the comment section below.
I am enjoying the Sunny magnetic rowing machine, but now it os gotten so noisy. Does it need oiling & how would I do it?
Hi Patricia,
Which part of the rower is making noise? Applying some oil/grease wouldn’t hurt so I think it is worth a try.
hello, what are the downsides of the free motion feature?
I can’t think of many — maybe for even muscle use and development?
thanks!
Hi Crow – Thanks for reaching out!
There really aren’t many downsides to a magnetic free-motion rower. The major downsides are usually with the free-motion hydraulic-piston models.
It’s really just a personal preference and the feel of the rowing stroke.
thank you. i’ve been reading your reviews for a while.
thanks, they are very clear and thorough.
It’s taken me a year or more to actually purchase a rower.
because of that i decided to buy the single piston sunny just in case i want to change it won’t feel like a waste of my money and i can trade up to a magnetic rower.
I don’t really care about the computer — just managing my time, sound impact on housemates, space saving in an apartment and weight for moving.
thanks again for your help. i’ll be back when i am ready to step it up.
Thank you for the kind words and I’m glad my reviews are helpful! Let me know if you ever have any questions :)
Hi, i am thinking of purchasing Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5864 which i think is just an update of this version. But i am wondering is there any difference other then motion preferences between the full motion and traditional pull machines. Such as maybe targeted muscles? Is it possible that a traditional pull better for the abs then a full motion is? Thanks so much! Best blog ever!
Hi Marina – thanks for reaching out! I don’t think there will be much difference between the targeted muscles. The Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5864 will have more ranges of motion so you will be able to target a few different muscles than a traditional pull machine. I think both would be similar in terms of an ab workout :)
Best of luck and let me know if you need anything else!
Thanks so much for you reply!!! I am obsessing between Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5864 and XTERRA Fitness ERG600W. I love that fact th)at XTERRA is a water rower but worried that it won’t engage muscles that a full motion rower would. Is it known what muscles a full motion Rower works that a pull doesn’t?
Also, what model out of the two would you reccomend?
Thanks so much :)!!!
Hi Marina – no worries, glad to help!
I don’t think there are any studies done that would show the difference. I think the differences would be minimal. If there was a huge benefit for the full-motion rowers, I think we would see them being more popular than they are now.
Some people really enjoy them because it does allow for more variety during the workout but if I had to choose between the two I would go with the XTERRA Fitness ERG600W.
I know deciding can be very tough!!