Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine | 16 Level Magnetic Reststance

Trying to get a full-body workout should never be a hassle. The Sunny  Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5987 ensures that access to excellent rowing workouts is simple and easy. Packed with great features and a size-efficient footprint, this is ideal fitness equipment for home workouts.

The SF-RW5987 features 16 levels of manual magnetic resistance delivering smooth strokes and consistent resistance. Tilt-up for upright storage. Space efficient, fast, and easy, this Sunny rowing machine is perfect for smaller spaces.

Keep your fitness goals within your sights and easily track your progress. The Sunny  Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5987 has a fitness monitor featuring an LCD that tracks time, count, total count, calories, and scan. Unfortunately, the monitor does not have a pulse reading function. So, to monitor the pulse, you’ll need to use a separate device.

Maintain your position and composure as you go for those marathon rowing sessions. The SF-RW5987 cushioned seat alleviates discomfort and promotes blood circulation through the legs and glutes. Sitting 13 inches above the floor, you will have more comfort and easy accessibility when getting on and off the rower.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5987

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

Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days

My rating: is 8/10

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: 72.5L x 18.5W x 25H inches (184L x 47W x 64H cm)
• Assembled weight: 49.4 lbs (22.4 kg)
• Weight capacity: 285 lbs (129 kg)
• Frame: Steel
• Resistance type: Magnetic, 16 levels

  

• Fitness Monitor: Time, count, total count, calories, goals, scan
• Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days

SF-RW5987 Frame Construction

The Sunny magnetic rowing machine features a steel frame with oval base tubes and a rectangular rail. The only significant, non-steel parts in its construction are the footrests and the resistance system covers. These are durable thermoplastic materials. In addition, all the steel bars come coated with a rust-resistant gray paint finish.

Compared to other rowers, the Sunny SF-RW5987 is not extremely large. However, it still takes approx. 72.5″L x 18.5″W (184 x 47 cm) of floor space. Therefore, it’s advisable to leave at least two feet of clearance at the rear of the machine and on each side for easy access and correct usage.

Its rail is relatively long, designed to accommodate users with an inseam up to 43.5″ (110 cm) or users up to 6’6″ (198 cm).

This Sunny rower does not have a folding design. However, it can store vertically, resting on its front stabilizer tube and the small leveler on the top of the front unit. When stored in a vertical position, its footprint becomes 25″L x 18.5″W (64 x 47 cm) while its height reaches 72.5″ (184 cm).

The rower isn’t too heavy. It weighs approximately 49.4 lbs (22.4 kg) with all the parts assembled. Thus, one person can carry and build the machine. Its front base stabilizer comes equipped with a set of transport wheels. Also, both base stabilizers have adjustable levelers.

SF-RW5987 Seat

The Sunny magnetic rowing machine has a large seat to provide optimal comfort. In addition, its top pad offers plenty of contact surfaces. It is approximately 15″ (38 cm) wide and 11″ (28 cm) deep, and it integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning (approx. 2″) with a layer of durable vinyl material.

The seat and the rail assembly have a maximum user weight capacity of 285 lbs (129 kg) which is not bad for a home-use machine. The rail is horizontal, so the seat maintains a constant height to the floor. Its top is at approx. 12″ (30.4 cm) above floor level is quite a plus for users with specific disabilities.

The seat frame is steel-made. It integrates three sets of wheels. One slide is under the rail for extra stability, and the other is on top of the rail. They integrate sealed ball bearings for a smooth motion and a long lifespan. Also, their outer layer is a material that reduces noise.

Footrests and pulling the handle

The machine’s footrests are a solid thermoplastic material. They are relatively large, so they comfortably accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes. In addition, they have textured surfaces and heel guards for improved foot stability and are also equipped with adjustable Velcro straps.

The two footrests have a similar design to the XTERRA Fitness ERG160. They can pivot on their axis, slightly adjusting their angle as you row. However, they also have stoppers to tilt backward past an approximate angle at the rear. 45°.

This Sunny rower comes equipped with a standard pulling handle consisting of a short and straight metallic bar with foam sleeves on its grips, and it does not integrate HR pulse sensors or any controls. It is attached to a heavy-duty nylon strap which is highly resistant to abrasion. Since the machine uses a strap, not a chain like other rowers, you won’t have to lubricate it, and the usage of the rower is considerably quieter.

SF-RW5987 Resistance system

The Sunny magnetic rowing machine has a manual magnetic resistance system. Therefore, you don’t need an adapter or an external power source. However, it cannot adjust the resistance automatically, and the integrated console does not have pre-set workout programs.

The machine’s resistance system is similar to the resistance system of a magnetic exercise bike up to a point. It consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on the front section of the rower through a steel cable. As you turn the knob, the magnetic brake shifts its position to the internal flywheel, which adds to or reduces the workout load.

One of the main advantages of a magnetic resistance system in a rowing machine is the overall quietness during usage. The resistance elements do not touch, and there is no fan to make a noise. Also, since the brake pad does not touch the flywheel, wear-and-tear is minimal, and the brake does not require replacement, as is the case for fitness machines with a friction resistance system.

This Sunny magnetic resistance rower offers 16 levels of resistance. The first few levels deliver a reasonably light workout load. Conversely, the highest resistance levels offer considerably more resistance than anyone who wants a consistent full-body cardio workout.

The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. But considering that the net weight of the rower is only 49.4 lbs (22.4 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9.0 kg). In addition, it has a perimeter-weighted structure which adds inertia and improves motion stability.

Fitness Monitor

The Sunny magnetic rowing machine SF-RW5987 has a fitness monitor that offers a few more features than the average simple monitor. It has an LCD that tracks time, count (number of strokes for the current workout), total count (total strokes from the first usage of the machine), and calories burned.

Unfortunately, it does not track distance (in meters) and does not have a pulse reading function. Therefore, you cannot sync it with a wireless HR chest strap.

The fitness monitor comes with three buttons. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric you want to view on display. You can also select Scan Mode, which automatically rotates all the metrics, showing each for 6 seconds.

The Set button accesses the setup mode and can select workout goals for time, count, and calories burned. After choosing a goal for any workout metrics, the rower’s monitor will countdown from the specified value to zero.

This function can help keep track of your progress and push your limits from one workout to the other. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values to zero, except Total count, which you can only reset if you remove the batteries from the monitor.

The machine’s fitness monitor is battery-operated and requires two AAA batteries as its power source. It starts when you begin rowing and automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the rower for more than four minutes.

SF-RW5987 Assembly and Maintenance

The front unit of the rower with the fitness console and all the resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the other parts do require user assembly. You will have to attach the front base stabilizer, insert the seat onto the rail, connect the rail to the front part unit, and attach the rear stabilizer and the two footrests.

Therefore, it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. In addition, the manual provides clear step-by-step assembly instructions. Also, all the necessary tools for assembly come with the machine.

Once assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. It is necessary to keep your rower clean, especially the rail, to prevent any damage to the wheels of the seat. The internal elements do not require any maintenance.

It is also advisable to periodically inspect the machine to ensure all the moving parts work properly and the bolts and nuts are tight and retightened if needed.

Pros

• Sturdy frame for a light rower – can support users up to 285 lbs;
• Can be stored vertically to save space;

  

• Adjustable levelers;
• Transport wheels integrated into the front stabilizer;
• Large, padded seat for optimal comfort;
• Pivoting footrests for a perfect foot position with each stroke;
• Relatively long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’6″;
• Quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
• 16 levels of resistance for light to medium workouts;
• Fitness monitor included – it can track time, count, total count, and calories burned;
• Goal setting functions for time, count, and calories;
• Device holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Batteries for the monitor included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required.

Cons

• The fitness monitor does not have a pulse reading function;
• The fitness monitor does not have distance or time/500m functions;
• The fitness monitor LCD does not have a backlight.

Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine Summary

The Sunny SF-RW5987 is a home-use magnetic resistance rower. It offers 16 levels of resistance and a fitness monitor that tracks all the essential metrics and also has goal functions. In addition, it has a reasonably long rail for users up to 6’6″ with a maximum user weight limit of 285 lbs.

Moreover, it’s an excellent machine for a full-body cardio workout, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s an affordable rowing machine for around $300.

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 to 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.