I feel Sole Fitness has been successful with the release of the Sole Fitness SR500 Rowing Machine. It provides excellent dual resistance technology with excellent build quality and comfort. The SR500 is a rowing machine that will give you a complete total-body workout.
The Sole SR500 is a dual air and magnetic resistance rowing machine. This powerful eddy current magnetic-air system allows for “the best of both worlds” resistance. The combination of excellent high and low-end rowing resistance provides a remarkable rowing stroke that’s smooth and natural.
The Sole SR500 Rowing Machine has 16 levels of adjustable resistance. In addition, the rowing machine adds more magnetic resistance as you change from level 1 to 16. Therefore, it is a great feature that allows users to find a suitable resistance to achieve their desired workout. Users of any age or fitness level should have no problem finding the perfect resistance.
The SR500 features a 5.5″ LCD that lets you choose from 12 exercise program modes. These include time, distance, and interval workouts, plus custom-made conditioning and one with tension controlled by your heart rate. Built-in Pulse receiver; however, the chest strap is sold separately.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: Sole Fitness SR500 Rowing Machine
Price: For a great deal on this rower, merely go here to Sole Fitness.com
Warranty: Frame: Lifetime / Parts: 3 years / Electronics: 3 years / Labor: 1 year (see the light commercial warranty below)
My rating: is 8/10
Affiliate Disclosure: As a Sole Fitness Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in the post. Full disclosure
Details and Specifications
- Power requirements: 110V
- Resistance type: Air + Magnetic
- Max user weight: 515 lbs
- Dimensions: 94″ L x 18″ W x 46″ H
- Machine weight: 115 lbs
- In-home Warranty: Frame Lifetime / Parts: 3 years / Electronics: 3 years / Labor: 1 year
- Light commercial: Frame 1 Year / Electronics 1 Year / Parts 1 Year / Labor 1 Year
SR500 Frame
Sole Fitness is most known for making high-quality treadmills, and their rowing machine is no different. Made with high-quality materials, the SR500 has a robust and sturdy rowing stroke even when used vigorously. The steel frame and aluminum seat rail can support many users. There are also additional supports located at the focal point for extra strength.
The handle, rowing strap, and footrests are all quality materials built to withstand many rowing use years. Another benefit of the sturdy build quality is virtually no maintenance besides wiping the dust off whenever it accumulates.
Being such a large rowing machine means it can fit almost any user. However, the manufacturer’s maximum user weight capacity is 515 pounds, and many users say it barely moves when they row as hard as possible.
An overextended seat rail allows users as tall as 6’8″ to row without a problem. There are no issues for shorter users, and anyone under these limitations will be fine.
Its excellent comfort complements the SR500 Rower’s build quality. Built with a taller-than-average seat height, users can quickly get on and off the rowing machine, which is excellent for people with bad knees or arthritis. The seat height sits anywhere between 19.0″ and 21.0″, depending on where the seat is along the rail.
An ergonomically designed seat and textured grip handle allow a smooth, even rowing stroke. Adjustable footrests hold the user’s feet firmly and accommodate any foot size.
Resistance
The Sole SR500 Rower is a dual air and magnetic resistance rowing machine. This powerful eddy current magnetic-air system allows for “the best of both worlds” resistance. Air resistance operates by pulling the handle and spinning the flywheel. The faster you pull, the more resistance you create, which provides excellent high-end rowing resistance.
Magnetic resistance operates by moving a magnet closer or farther from the metal flywheel. So as you pull the handle faster or slower, you will feel the same tension based on the resistance level.
Therefore, it provides excellent low-end rowing resistance. The combination of excellent high and low-end rowing resistance offers a remarkable rowing stroke that’s smooth and natural.
The Sole SR500 Rowing Machine has 16 levels of adjustable resistance. The rowing machine adds more magnetic resistance as you change from level 1 to 16.
It’s a great feature that allows users to find a suitable resistance to achieve their desired workout. Users of any age or fitness level should have no problem finding the perfect resistance.
SR500 Handlebar
The Sole SR500 also has built-in resistance up/down controls on the handlebar for accessible resistance settings. Thus, it’s an excellent feature because, on most magnetic rowing machines, the user has to stop to adjust the resistance, which can ruin the flow of the workout. So instead, on the SR500, press the up or down button on the handlebar to increase or decrease resistance.
Console
The Sole SR500 Rower comes equipped with a 5.5″ vibrant LCD monitor. The monitor has a lot of features and can track the following workout data, such as Watts (power), Calories burned, Meters (distance), Pulse, Time/500m (split time), SPM (strokes per minute), Load (resistance level), Strokes, and Time. In addition, the monitor arm is adjustable up or down, and the monitor angle is moveable for the best viewing position.
As you can see, the SR500 monitor has eight windows that track all your data simultaneously! The console has six different modes to help keep you engaged and focused on reaching your fitness goals. They are:
Manual Mode
This mode allows you to begin rowing and control the settings. For example, you can select a target time, meters, or calories and watch the console count down from the target until it hits zero. You can also adjust the resistance levels during a workout.
Program Mode
Choose between 12 different preset workout programs that have varying intervals. You set the time, distance, and resistance before starting. The monitor will automatically adjust the resistance as the program progresses.
HRC Mode
The heart rate control mode allows you to enter your age and have the rowing machine keep you in a chosen target heart rate zone (55%, 75%, 90%, and Target). The monitor will adjust the resistance up or down to keep you in your range.
Race Mode
Set the monitor to different times and distances to race against the PC boat.
User Mode
It’s similar to manual mode but saves data for a specific user.
Recovery Mode
After a workout, you can hit the recovery button and record your heart rate as the console counts down from 60 seconds. The fitness console will then grade your “heart rate recovery.”
Finally, the SR500 Rower console can track many data points, and most users are happy with its functionality. It has a few excellent features, like the handlebar controls, but it would be nice to have a few more advanced features, like PC functionality.
EXPERIENCE STUDIO RISK-FREE FOR 30 DAYS
Access thousands of instructor-led classes that deliver a more innovative workout at home or on the go by connecting to any cardio equipment and heart rate monitor for real-time metrics.
Studio offers the popularity of group fitness with the flexibility of taking a class any time. Courses by an elite instructor and a music playlist guide motivate users to reach new personal fitness goals.
The workouts are done for all levels and range from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. In addition, they utilize heart rate metrics and data from your equipment across all of our workouts to help you work out smarter.
Storage
At almost 8 feet long, the Sole SR500 Rower is a rowing machine many users want to fold up and wheel away. Therefore, the SR500 has a quick-release frame lock design so users can quickly fold the rower up after finishing.
To fold, a user must turn and pull down the knob, fold the seat rail up, and re-tighten the knob. The process takes less than 15 seconds. Users can then wheel the rower away on the built-in caster wheels. While the storage function is nice and smooth, the rowing machine is still almost 82.0″ tall when folded.
SR500 Assembly and Maintenance
Assembling the Sole SR500 Rower is easy as long as you make sure to read all the instructions first! The rowing machine is massive and wrapped in polyfoam supports to aid assembly.
The polyfoam allows you to balance different pieces as you connect and screw them together. The assembly should take about 30 minutes, and all the necessary tools come in the packaging. Then, one person can assemble the machine.
As for maintenance, all you require is to wipe off any dust or sweat from your workout.
Pros
- 16 levels of robust and adjustable resistance;
- Built-in Pulse receiver;
- Multi-function fitness console;
- Twelve workout programs;
- 30-day free trial of Sole’s Studio fitness app;
- Handlebar resistance controls;
- Excellent build quality;
- Folding design;
- Poly-foam supports for easy assembly;
- Good warranty;
- Outstanding customer service.
Cons
- The console has no PC functionality;
- The HR chest strap does not come with the machine.
Sole Fitness SR500 Rowing Machine Summary
If you want to buy a high-performance rowing machine for your home, the Sole Fitness SR500 Rowing Machine is worth considering. As I’ve mentioned, it provides you with a great full-body workout, offers 16 resistance levels to challenge people of all fitness levels, and has twelve workout programs to give you targets to aim for during your workout.
Plus, it is also a heavy-duty rower that should withstand regular use without any problems thanks to its solid construction and maintenance-free drive belt, and it is straightforward to get on and off thanks to its high seat height.
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.
Hey,
Wow! Fitness devices, that’s what I love. Especially rowing machines that help to gain muscle mass and maintain a healthy posture, which is very neglected these days. Notably, while we sit leaning forward all day while in the office. I see the SR500 as a very well equipped device, and I would like to try it myself. Research further and write; the content is terrific. Would you try this device yourself?
Yes, Jan, I would love to use the Sole SR500 Rowing machine. I try to use as many of the exercise pieces of equipment I review. However, I haven’t used this one yet. But I will.
Thanks for your interest and All the best!