Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine

Is The Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine A Good Hybrid?

Rowing machines need more than a basic frame and console these days – and the Obsidian Surge 500 Water Resistance Rowing Machine seems to be trying to cater to a range of users.

This product has the data stream of a gym-ready model, the small, portable shape of an at-home rower and that key selling point of the water resistance system.

This sounds like it might be a good blend of features or a misjudged hybrid. Is it worth trying or have the brand complicated matters?

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The Pros and Cons of this Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 Rowing Machine:

Pros:

•  The quality of the resistance with the water
•  The sound of the paddles against the water
•  The ergonomic, comfortable seat on the rail
•  The data from the console to help track progress
•  The compact, strong frame that is easy to store.

Cons:

•  Not as relaxing as a traditional water rower
•  A big problem with the footplates not being static
•  The potential for leaks in the water tank

 

Buyers can get a good workout from this compact Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine.

Water rowers are always a popular choice because of the smooth feel of the water and the calming sound. There is a natural resistance here that helps those using this to train.

This model is able to achieve this because of the hydro blades with paddles. Ignore those that complain about the time taken to add water to increase resistance.

If you want a simple adjustable system, stick with normal magnetic resistance.

This provides a smooth motion and – when married with that comfortable seat and rail – allows users to work out efficiently.

On top of that, users can track data on the workout via the R2 fitness meter.

Another benefit here is the frame. This product is built from lightweight, strong steel, yet it is still easy to store away after use. It helps that this product also has non-marking wheels and the low profile frame.

The company suggest that users store this upright. This means that it can stay in the corner of a room unnoticed. Although, some question this idea because it could leak if there is too much water in it.

 

There are some potential downsides to choosing this Sunny Obsidian Surge 500 Indoor Water Rower over classic water rowers. 

Comparison to some of the more natural rowers. The water rower upped the stakes for those that love training on a rowing machine. This has been one of the leading brands for a long time because of the quality of the materials and the natural feel.

The lack of electronics, the wooden frame and the focus on the water are highly appealing. You don’t get that here because of the steel and the computerised console.

Some may see this as a drawback because the console may detract from the relaxation achieved via the water. Others may prefer this version because it is a hybrid between two types of rowers.

One of the bigger issues here is the problem with the movement and security of the footplates. This product was built to have swivelling footplates rather than static ones.

There must have been a good reason for this, yet most users see it as an inconvenience and a possible safety risk. They want their feet to stay firmly in place as they move up and down the rail.

Some users returned the rower because of this. Others found a way to secure the footplate and adapt the machine instead.

 

Is this Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian SF-RW5713 Water Rower still recommendable with all of this in mind?

We have to consider that idea of a hybrid product when it comes to a final verdict. This isn’t the water rower that some fitness fanatics will be used to.

It also isn’t the high-tech gym-ready rowing machine either. Instead, we have something that might be seen as the best of both worlds. There is a rower that is strong and has the data management to help those training, while also using that calming, effective water resistance for the best motions.

If there were fewer issues with the assembly and built of the footplates, this Sunny Health & Fitness water rower could be a 5-star option.

Find more reviews about the Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine on Amazon here.