Sunny Carbon Premium Rowing Machine | Perfect for Home Gyms

Hold on tight to the pulling handle because your workouts will surely be blown away by the Sunny Carbon Premium Rowing Machine! Improve your overall stamina or focus on powerful strokes; the SF-RW5983 has countless ways to customize your home workouts to fit your goals.

The SF-RW5983 combines air and magnetic resistance to provide an enhanced and unique rowing experience. In addition, the Sunny SF-RW5983 incorporates rigid metallic fan blades that reduce flex and bend when rowing compared with the more commonly used plastic fan blades of other air rowers. Therefore, it improves the integrity and consistency of the air resistance with every stroke.

The Sunny Carbon Premium SF-RW5983 features an advanced fitness monitor that tracks your Time, Pulse, Calories Burned, Distance, Strokes Per Minute (SPM) & Total Strokes. Row through 23 preset and manual rowing programs targeting your: Body Fat, Watts, Heart Rate, and more. In addition, the pulse reading function requires an HR chest strap, which comes with the rower.

Stainless steel dual slide rails provide smooth and quiet operation, perfect for home use, and the sleek, portable designed rower is an ideal fit for those looking to be space-efficient. The seat’s height rises 16.5 inches off the floor to provide easy access to mount/dismount. Also, non-slip foot pedals accommodate all sizes; foot straps keep your feet secure to focus on the workout.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Sunny Carbon Premium Rowing Machine SF-RW5983

Price: For a great deal on this rower, merely go here to Sunny Health & Fitness.com

Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days

My rating: 9.25/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As a Sunny Health & Fitness Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in the post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 87.5L x 19W x 36H inches (222L x 48W x 91H cm)
• Assembled weight: 74.6 lbs (34 kg)
• Weight capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
• Frame: Steel
• Resistance: Air & magnetic, 16 levels

  

• Fitness Monitor: 23 workout programs, goals, recovery
• Extras: Device holder
• Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days

SF-RW5983 Frame Construction

The Sunny Carbon Premium rowing machine features a steel frame with a dual-rail construction. This type of rail system offers better stability for the seat. In addition, the two parallel rail bars are steel like the rest of the frame but feature aluminum covers for extra protection.

All the steel parts in the machine’s construction were painted black. The front section of the frame, the magnetic resistance system, and the belt drive have large ABS covers.

The fully assembled machine is relatively large. It is approx—87.5″ (222 cm) long and 19″ (48 cm) wide. The length of its slide rail is 44″ (111.7 cm), so the machine should accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension. The seat and the rail system have a maximum user weight capacity of 265 lbs (120 kg).

This Sunny SF-RW5983 rower does not have a folding frame. However, it stores vertically, making it space-efficient. In a vertical position, its footprint becomes approx. 36″L x 19″W (91 x 48 cm).

The rower is relatively heavy, weighing approximately 74.6 lbs (34 kg). All of this weight provides excellent stability. Plus, both its base stabilizer tubes come equipped with adjustable levelers. The front base has a set of small wheels for easy relocation.

Seat

The Sunny Carbon Premium rowing machine comes equipped with a standard seat. Its top is a thick layer of high-density foam, so it’s not too hard. In addition, it is contoured for extra comfort. It is approx. 12.6″ (32 cm) wide and 10.28″ (26 cm) long, so it provides plenty of contact surface.

The base of the seat is steel made for improved sturdiness. It features three rollers; two sets slide on the two parallel rails. These are concave for extra stability. The third set of rollers slides under the rails for added support. The rollers integrate sealed bearings and have a rubberized layer outside to reduce noise.

The rail system is not entirely horizontal; it inclines forward slightly. Therefore, the seat is a bit higher when extended to the rear. Furthermore, it stands at approx. 16.5″ (~42 cm) above floor level for easy entry and exit.

SF-RW5983 Footrests

The Sunny Carbon Premium rowing machine comes with two oversized footrests. Their bases are steel-made for improved sturdiness, while the actual footrests are durable thermoplastic. In addition, they have a textured surface, heel guards, and adjustable straps for enhanced foot stability.

The machine’s footrests connect to the frame via screws at several points. Thus, they do not pivot on their axis. Moreover, their angle is approx—45 ° providing optimal positioning for your feet.

Pulling handle

The rower comes equipped with an ergonomic pulling handle. Its grips curve slightly towards the user to minimize the wrists’ impact, and the grips have a rubberized surface for extra comfort.

The handle connects to a heavy-duty nylon strap, which is a plus for the machine’s quieter usage, and the belt doesn’t require any maintenance. Although it may wear over time, it should last for a few years, even with everyday use.

SF-RW5983 Resistance system

The Sunny Carbon Premium rowing machine features a hybrid resistance system combining air resistance and eddy current (magnetic) resistance elements.

The main resistance generator is the large, 8-blade fan visible at the machine’s front and guarded by the steel cage. This fan connects to the pulling strap through a pulley and a belt drive. Therefore, pulling the handle spins inside its cage, generating air resistance.

The magnetic resistance mechanism is motorized (automatic). Thus, it requires a connection to a power source to adjust its magnetic resistance. In addition, the fitness monitor can adjust the resistance automatically.

The magnetic resistance mechanism consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake. As you adjust the monitor’s resistance, the motor changes the magnets’ pull on the brake to the internal flywheel, which adds to or reduces the overall rowing difficulty.

It’s also important to note that the rower provides a dynamic response. Therefore, the air resistance depends on how fast you pull, regardless of the selected magnetic resistance level. For example, pulling the handle faster, the fan spins faster and generates more resistance.

Like any other air resistance rower, the Sunny Carbon Premium makes noise. However, the generated noise is not extremely loud. You can compare it to the noise made by an electric fan.

Fitness monitor

The Sunny Carbon Premium rowing machine features a pretty advanced fitness monitor. First, it comes with an LCD that divides into multiple sub-sections to show as many workout metrics as possible. It tracks time, time/500m, distance, strokes (per workout), strokes per minute, total strokes, calories burned, and pulse.

The distance displays in meters, and there is no option for yards or miles. Furthermore, the pulse rating function requires a 5.3 kHz HR chest strap transmitter, an accessory included with the rower.

Unfortunately, the fitness monitor does not have Bluetooth connectivity and is not compatible with any online fitness apps. However, it has a decent range of built-in workout programs.

And finally, the monitor also has four user profiles, U1 – U4. Therefore, up to four users can save their program settings and personal workout data, pick up where they left off, or start a new workout session.

SF-RW5983 Workout programs

The first program (P1) is the Manual Mode, which allows you to row freely and adjust the magnetic resistance as you like during rowing. It also allows selecting workout targets for time, distance, calories, and strokes.

The following 11 programs (P2 – P11) are preset. Each has its specific segment layout, which will appear on the monitor’s bottom center. For instance, some have an interval layout; others are better for losing weight. Thus, each program adjusts the resistance automatically in its specific way.

The P13 program is the Body Fat program. This program will prompt you to input your data (gender, height, weight, and age). As a result, it calculates your Body Mass Index and Basal Metabolic Rate.

The P14 program is the Watt program. For this program, you will have to select an energy output level. Accordingly, the rower will adjust the magnetic resistance automatically to keep you at the selected Watt value.

The P15-P18 are the heart rate programs. The first three (P15, P16, P17) have preset 65%, 75%, and 90% HR values. The P18 program gives you the possibility to select your desired target HR.

Amenities

Two notable fitness monitor functions are the Recovery mode and the device holder. The Recovery mode counts how long it takes your pulse to return to normal after the workout, and based on the result, it will give you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).

The device holder integrates into the monitor above the LCD. Thus, you can fit most tablets and smartphones on it and view your favorite shows as you exercise. However, it is essential to note that the monitor does not have any ports to connect your device.

SF-RW5983 Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s front section, including the fan, magnetic resistance system, and other drive elements, comes pre-assembled.

The other parts do require user assembly. You will have to connect the front stabilizer, insert the seat onto the rails, connect the rail system to the front section of the rower, and add the rear stabilizer, the footrests, and the fitness monitor.

Consequently, it may take more than an hour, but the task is relatively simple. The manual provides clear assembly instructions, and a set of essential tools comes with the machine.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. You only have to keep your rower clean, especially the rails, to prevent damage to the seat wheels or rail. Furthermore, the internal parts do not require lubrication or any maintenance.

Pros

• Sturdy construction – can hold users up to 265 lbs (120 kg);

  

• It stores vertically;
• Adjustable levelers on both base tubes;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Dual rail system for improved stability;
• Long rail for users with an inseam up to 46″;
• Large footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
• Padded and contoured seat;
• Air resistance for a natural, dynamic response during rowing;
• 16 levels of eddy current resistance for overall tension adjustment;
• Power adapter included;
• Multi-window fitness monitor with LED backlight;
• 23 programs on the monitor;
• Goal settings for time, distance, count, and calories;
• Pulse reading function;
• HR chest strap included;
• Very quiet for an air-resistance rower;
• Tablet holder included;
• Easy to assemble;
• All the necessary assembly tools included;
• Little maintenance is required.

Cons

• The fitness monitor does not have online connectivity;
• The monitor has no AUX or USB ports for connecting your phone or tablet.

Sunny Carbon Premium SF-RW5983 Summary

The Sunny Health & Fitness Carbon Premium SF-RW5983 is an air & magnetic resistance rower offering 16 levels of resistance, an extra-long dual-rail system, and a fitness monitor with multiple workout programs. In addition, a wireless HR chest strap comes with the rower for pulse monitoring. Moreover, it’s an excellent machine for light to intense cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.

Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.