Sunny Health and Fitness Rower

Sunny Health & Fitness SF – RW1205 Rowing Machine is the cheapest on the market. It’s difficult to believe that a rowing machine can cost less than $100. Sunny is known for producing affordable equipment with real results. I wouldn’t have looked twice at this rower if it was any other brand.

The hydraulic rower is known to be affordable. But can a rowing device under $100 provide any kind of worthwhile exercise?

I have a gut feeling that it’s not worth the investment, but I will keep an open-minded mind. This review should help you decide if the SF-RW1205 will be worth your money.

What You Need to Know About Hydraulic Rowers

I’d like to begin with a brief introduction to hydro rowers. It’s important to understand what you can expect when comparing models. It’s easier to compare machines that are similar. After all, you want to be sure to compare apples with apples (or hydraulics with hydraulics).

The hydraulic piston that creates the resistance is the name of these rowers. The rower is not as high-tech and therefore costs less.

Check out my Rowing Machine Buyer’s Guide for more information.

Hydraulic rowers are well-known for their affordability but also for being compact. This simple piston system takes up little space and allows these rowers to be smaller than their full-size counterparts.

By smaller, I’m referring to something like half the size. A full-size rower can be up to 7-8 feet long. However, a hydraulic rower will only be 4-5 feet long.

It is a great option for those with limited space to exercise. Hydraulic rowers allow people to row at home who would otherwise not have the space.

But let’s go back to the price. They are also more affordable. The majority of hydraulic rowing machines are priced between $100 and $300. This is roughly half the price of full-size rowers. Some high-end machines cost more than others, such as the Kettler Kadett.

They are also very popular among those who prefer a quieter workout. Hydraulic rowers are quieter than air or water rowers.

Now we are all caught up. Check out the SF RW 1205

Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine SF-RW1205.

Sunny Health & Fitness has built a reputation for providing top-quality equipment at affordable prices. In only 15 years, they have developed an extensive product line. The SFRW1205, or simply 1205, for the sake of my fingers, will refer to it as their budget-friendly rowing machine.

Resistance

The resistance is provided by a single-piston hydraulic in 1205. Some rowers only have one piston, while others have two. Some rowers have a single piston; others have 2.

The 1205 has a piston that is adjustable. This is a great feature, as it allows you to have more control over the workout. You can adjust the resistance by simply turning the dial on the piston. There are 12 different levels.

It can be difficult to adjust the resistance on some hydraulic rowers. You adjust the height of the piston by adjusting the arm attachments rather than using a convenient dial.

As the piston warms with prolonged use, the resistance of hydraulic rowers decreases. The oil in the piston heats up, reducing resistance. It is common for all hydraulic rowers. However, some users noticed a significant drop in resistance.

Seat

Seats on the 1205 slide improve lower body involvement and provide a more comfortable row. Seats are padded, but this is not a big deal because they all are. This seat is no different. In fact, rowers are not comfortable with long workouts.

The seat of this rower, despite being affordable, is not less comfortable than other models. The seat is rated as comfortable by most users, and they feel that it’s sturdy for its size.

Arms

1205 has a horizontal bar that is padded as an “arm.” Some hydraulic rowers have fixed arms, while others have free-movement arms, which allow you to adjust your rowing angle. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

The 1205 is very easy to use because both hands are pulling on the fixed arm. Your movement pattern will always be the same. If the arc of the bar is uncomfortable, for whatever reason, for your shoulder or elbow, you can’t adjust the position.

Frame

The frame of this rowing machine is made from steel, and it’s lightweight. This rower is only 20 lbs when it’s fully assembled. The 1205 should be easy to lift and move.

The 1205 is 54” long, 20” wide, and 23” high when fully assembled.

It only requires a footprint measuring 4.5 feet by 2 feet to operate this rower. It’s compact size and light weight make it an ideal choice for apartments and small homes.

Its only 220 lb maximum weight is due to its small size. This is less than the average weight of other hydraulic rowers, which is around 250 lb.

The 1205 was designed for smaller users. It’s simply too big for larger people. I don’t think larger people would be able to resist it, either.

Most users are surprised by how simple it is to assemble the 1205. There are only four steps, and the instructions are simple to follow. Don’t worry if you are not very handy. You should be able to handle this project without any issues.

Footplates

The footplates of these small rowing machines are sometimes a bit crappy. The footplates can be too small for you to keep your feet in place. This is not a complaint from users of the 1205 model. The footplates and velcro strap are large enough to work.

As you row, the footplates themselves will pivot back and forth. This element of design is intended to keep your feet in a comfortable position when you extend your legs. You may or may not notice the difference.

The footplates on 1205 are quite good, considering their price and size.

Monitor

The 1205 is equipped with a simple display that tracks time, row counts, total counts, and calories. The scan feature will allow you to scroll through all the stats. It’s not fancy, but at this price, I’m surprised that it even comes with a screen.

The monitor does not support heart rate monitoring or workout programs. Although the monitor is not very attractive, it does look good compared to other displays.

The Right to Rent

When looking at rowing machines in this price range, warranties cannot be assumed. SHF backs the SHF 1205 with the following warranty.

• Three-year frame
• Six months parts

This warranty is great for these rowing machines. The three year frame warranty on this rowing machine is amazing, especially considering that it costs less than $100. This is more generous than I expected; great work by SHF.

Final Thoughts

Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine – Compact Single Piston Hydraulic Rower for Smaller Users. It has a sliding seat and an adjustable resistance piston, which is more than you would expect for this price. The warranty is also a good one.

Answering my question, I would say that the 1205 is an absolute steal.

Users have overwhelmingly positive reviews and agree that this rower is a great way to get in a good workout. The majority of users seem to be pleasantly surprised that their expectations were exceeded.

As the single piston gets hotter, it will become easier to push that resistance dial.

The 1205 is a great buy, especially for those on a budget. Remember that this rower was designed for smaller users. Even though the maximum weight limit is only 220 lb., it is always a good idea to allow some wiggle space. I would think twice if you weigh more than 200 lb.