The RW900 is NordicTrack’s most advanced rowing equipment to day. Taking a page out of Peloton’s publication, the RW900 is made for streaming workouts with the firm’s iFit application.
Although the streaming capabilities are the celebrity of the show below, the RW900 is packing some remarkable efficiency specs too.
Emphasizes of this rower include a 22 ″ HD touchscreen display, a dual magnetic/air resistance system, and also a really charitable warranty.
If you’re interested in signing up with the globe of linked rowing, the RW900 is a strong selection.
But with other similar rowers on the marketplace, it is necessary to do your due diligence.
And that’s where this review comes in.
In this short article, we’ll take a close check out everything the RW900 has to provide. Benefits, disadvantages, specs … the entire enchilada.
After analysis, you’ll have a far better suggestion as to whether this is the appropriate rowing machine for your house health club.
The NordicTrack RW900 Rower – Buying Guides
The NordicTrack brand name needs no introduction- it is among one of the most identifiable names in home health and fitness in the world.
Their RW900 is just one of 3 rowers they presently provide in their schedule- the various other 2 being the less expensive RW500 as well as the much less expensive RW200.
The largest distinction between the 3 rowers is discovered in the console department.
Neither of the various other 2 devices featured a huge touchscreen screen, although the RW500 does feature a 10 ″ tablet that can be used to stream iFit exercises.
The RW200 doesn’t have any kind of streaming capacities, however is about $1000 more affordable than the rowing maker we’re below to review.
Pros
- Chest strap heart rate monitor compatible
- Hundreds of on-demand workouts to choose from (iFit)
- Scenic rows
- 4 user profiles
- Great warranty
- Dual, magnetic/air resistance system
- 26 levels of magnetic resistance
- 10 levels of air resistance (damper)
- 30 built-in workouts
- Folding frame
- Large, comfortable pedals with quick adjust straps
- 22″ HD touchscreen display
- Adjustable console
- 1 year iFit included
Cons
- Weight capacity only 250 lb
- Heart rate monitor not included
Resistance
The sort of resistance a rower uses is possibly the most convenient method to classify them. If you’ve ever heard individuals talking about “air rowers” or “magnetic rowers”, they where grouping them based on their resistance system.
Many rowing machines can be organized easily right into 1 of 4 resistance types: hydraulic, magnetic, air, and water.
Each type of rower has its advantages and also drawbacks- for more details on the various styles of rowing maker, look into my rower guide.
There are others, like the RW900, that incorporate air and also magnetic resistance systems in an effort to obtain the best of both globes.
The RW900 uses a magnetic resistance system, which is excellent due to the fact that it provides a consistent resistance independent of your rowing rate (unlike air rowers that enhance or reduce your resistance based upon your rate of rowing).
This rowing maker additionally uses a damper though, giving you the ability to by hand manage the air resistance as well.
With pure air rowers, the much faster you pull, the more resistance you obtain. Readjusting the damper, you can allow essentially air into the rotating follower, hence affecting the basic drag or “thickness” you pity each stroke.
The idea of twin resistance systems is kinda complex, yet the means I understand it, it functions such as this:
Setting the magnetic resistance degree resembles setting your baseline resistance- no matter exactly how quick your row, you’re mosting likely to have at least this much resistance to draw against.
However if you choose to paddle at a quicker pace, the added air resistance is going to kick in as well as offer you a much more tough exercise. If you decrease again, you’ll still be pulling against that constant magnetic resistance.
Make good sense?
Anyhow, when it comes to the RW900, you get 26 magnetic resistance levels to deal with. The means iFit is set up, your teacher will generally be readjusting that resistance degree for ya throughout the workout (based upon your fitness degree and also objectives, etc).
You can establish the damper degree (air resistance degree approximately 10) to tweak your resistance, but based on users, you will want to do this prior to you start your exercise- obviously it is difficult to reach while strapped in to the rower.
If you like the concept of starting your workout and also not having to stress over tinkering the resistance degrees, you’ll probably like the RW900 as a result of the automated resistance adjustments throughout the workouts.
You can constantly increase or decrease the resistance during your exercises manually as well when needed.
Generally, the RW900 scores extremely with its double resistance system. Users mostly concur it supplies a smooth and quiet experience.
Frame
Quality rowing machines must have strong structures that aren’t going to totter or creak during hefty use. This can be difficult to figure out without taking it for a flight, yet there a few things we can check out to get an idea regarding just how tough it is.
Visually, the rower needs to look resilient as well as robust. Although appearances can be tricking, when a rowing equipment looks flimsy, it usually is.
A more unbiased means to inform is to check out the weight capability. Higher weight limitations are a sign of stronger, extra long lasting frameworks.
Applying these rules to the RW900, in the beginning look, the structure looks pretty strong. The maintaining legs and rail all look sturdy.
But when we consider the weight capacity, we locate that this rower can hold customers as much as 250 lb safely. As well as this is a little unsatisfactory, thinking about most high-end rowers can hold at the very least 300 pound.
The impressive Hydrow (the design that began the whole streaming rower thing) has a weight limitation of 375 pound, for contrast.
The weight limit on this rower is a bit low, yet it does do something the Hydrow can’t- layer.
You can quickly fold up the frame in half, practically cutting its footprint in half (uses up a room smaller than 3′ x2 ′ when folded). This is a big perk for home gyms that are a little lacking in the area division.
The handle is comfortably situated also, making it very easy to transport.
The seat is contoured for added convenience and also many individuals concur the moving action is smooth.
The pedals are huge and also included quickly adjustable bands for a safe and secure fit. The quick release straps enable you to quickly enter and out (makes sense, right).
The RW900 also uses a high-end band to connect the take care of to the flywheel. Straps are typically used in rowers (rather than chains) since they’re quieter and also don’t really need any type of maintenance.
On the whole, the RW900 is strong as well as comfortable. The folding framework is amazing, yet I wish to see a greater weight limit.
Monitor
Ok, currently to the great stuff. The most noteworthy feature on this rower is the substantial flatscreen tv attached to it. To be extra specific, the RW900 features a 22 ″ HD touchscreen present that can also turn for very easy watching when you’re not rowing.
This lovely display is created to be used with NordicTrack’s streaming health and fitness application, iFit. Similar to the Peloton and also Tier apps, iFit is packed with on-demand exercises lead by expert fitness instructors.
iFit uses a lots of workouts to choose from, yet I assume they’re all prerecorded (no online classes since last time I inspected). Personally, I don’t think that’s a big deal due to the fact that I never ever do the real-time courses on my Peloton.
Like the various other physical fitness applications, iFit likewise uses a lot of non-rowing exercises to pick from. The very same fitness app is made use of for all their devices (along with ProForm), so if you have actually signed up for it in the past, you will not have to pay dual (presuming your account is still energetic).
With iFit you likewise get to track your exercise information and save approximately 4 user profiles. You additionally get access to beautiful rows (which is really quite awesome)- seeing your trainer row down scenic rivers while you paddle.
The monitor is heart price display compatible, but a chest band isn’t included. iFit requires internet, so the display is WiFi suitable.
There’s a set of audio speakers and an audio import as well as you can likewise make use of wireless headphones via bluetooth to hear your workouts.
You ought to additionally know that you can just accessibility iFit with the monitor- do not expect to see Netflix or tv with it.
In general, the monitor behaves. It’s big, HD, and touchscreen. Before you buy however, ensure you’re ok with paying the regular monthly iFit registration cost (1st year is consisted of, afterwards it’s $39/month).
If you do not wish to make use of iFit, you must take into consideration one more rower.
Assembly
If you choose to buy the RW900, you shouldn’t worry excessive regarding assembly. Placing this rowing equipment together is a rather straightforward procedure.
You’ll be responsible for attaching the stabilizer legs, including the seat, as well as connecting the console.
All the needed equipment as well as devices needed for the task are consisted of. The setting up handbook is rather very easy to comply with. It includes both pictures and also composed directions, although the pictures could be a little bigger.
Connecting the console (and console neck) is most likely one of the most difficult action, just need to see to it you don’t pinch the cables throughout the procedure.
You’ll intend to have a second person around to hold the large display as you affix it to the structure.
Generally, I believe most relatively useful people will be able to construct themselves without having to spend for professional setting up.
Warranty
The NordicTrack RW900 Rower comes with the following service warranty:
- One decade framework
- 2 year parts
- 1 year labor
This is really a really great service warranty on this maker. Ten years on the framework is much more generous than a lot of (the a lot more expensive Hydrow only provides 6), as is 2 years on components.
A year on labor is pretty standard operating procedure.
Overall, a quite awesome service warranty.
Final Thoughts
Ever since Peloton hit the scene, health and fitness brand names have actually been including streaming solutions to their fitness tools. We have actually seen it on spin bikes certainly, today it gets on treadmills, ellipticals, and also rowing machines as well.
I get it- having a personal trainer in the comfort of your house is outstanding.
NordicTrack’s RW900 is one of the nicer streaming rowing equipments I have actually discovered. I like the huge, HD touchscreen display as well as I like the dual resistance system (although the majority of casual individuals probably will not have much usage for the damper).
The folding frame is likewise a good touch.
My only genuine complaint is the lower than expected weight capability. However genuinely, as long as you fall below it, you shouldn’t have any kind of issues.
And if you do, the 10 year framework guarantee has obtained ya covered.
Generally, I think NordicTrack has a champion right here. The RW900 isn’t as premium as the Hydrow, but it isn’t as pricey either.
As long as you’re amazing with iFit, this is a strong choice (those seeking a much more budget friendly option should take into consideration the Tier Smart Rower). Advised.