This is the only rowing machine that the popular NordicTrack Company produces.
Having a reputable stance in the fitness world, you would expect that they also have a good rower.
This RW200 Rower is sturdy and has a smooth stroke which is perfect for all rowers of all levels and people of all ages.
Just like other high end rowers, the RW200 Rower provides a full body workout that has low impact.
With the way it works, may people would be happy to have this rower.
Although, the RW200 Rower has a few faults here and there such as huge price fluctuations yearly as well as low resistance strength that is not common.
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I will address these issues very well in this review.
Resistance Type
The RW200 Rower is an air resistance rower.
This is how an air rower works:
Once the handle is drawn, the flywheel spins and the fan blades in the housing produce wind.
The more you row, the more wind you produce and the more wind you produce, the harder it is to row because you increase the resistance.
The process is manual when it comes to changing the resistance levels. There is no button for changing the settings because they are determined by how hard you row.
This self-adjusting resistance is why we say air rowers have variable resistance. Rowers such as hydraulic piston or magnetic ones have to be adjusted with a knob to set them to either high or low and that is why they are referred to as adjustable resistance.
This rower has a sturdy and smooth rowing stroke and I will explain the rest of the good qualities it has below.
Benefits of Resistance
The resistance is variable in the RW200 Rower which means it is an awfully smooth and sturdy rowing stroke that people really like since as you row you increase resistance.
High intensity interval training as well as CrossFit style workouts get the most out of a variable resistance. The reason for this is automatic speed adjustment without stopping to change settings.
The reason why Olympians and professional rowers love using air rowers is because if feels just like one is rowing in the water.
Those that have used the rower mentioned that it has enough resistance for rowers who are just starting out and also intermediate rowers. They also loved the breeze that comes from the fan because it cools them down during the workout.
Damper Setting
Just like the Concept2, the new design of the RW200 Rower comes with an inertia enhanced flywheel that has damper settings.
The company calls it adjustable resistance but this is wrong. The one that they are calling adjustable resistance is the 1 – 10 lever that regulates the volume of air that is getting into the flywheel housing.
When the rower is at level 1, it ensures that less air gets in making it feel like a lighter boat which may end up feeling like a decrease in resistance.
Whereas, when the rower is at level 10, ensures that there is more air getting in making it feel like a heavier boat which ends up feeling like an increase in resistance.
I know you’re probably thinking this sounds just like adjustable resistance but it is not. This damper settings, it only changes how the strokes feel and not the resistance.
Complaints on Resistance
Noise from the machine, as with all air rowers is the first negative comment from users. What happens is that, the faster one rows the more the noise that is emitted from the flywheel.
According to users, the RW200 Rower is much quieter than other air rowers but if you mind the noise all you have to do is turn your TV volume up. But you don’t have to worry about the person in the next room hearing you so it’s not so noisy.
The reviewers felt that the resistance was very weak on the RW200 Rower but almost half of them did not know the difference between adjustable and variable resistance.
They went on to add that even after adjusting the damper setting to the highest, they still did not feel a strong resistance. The truth is, if you row slowly you cannot feel heavy resistance on this rower. That is a feature on magnetic rowers.
Honestly speaking, I do feel that the resistance on the RW200 is a lot less than that of the Concept2 Rowers. Someone even compared level 10 on the RW200 to level 6 on the Concept2 rower.
If you are not extremely fit and are currently using the Concept2 then the resistance on the RW200 Rower will be fine for you.
Just ensure that you understand what variable resistance is and what adjustable resistance is.
Summary
The NordicTrack RW200 Rower has a smooth resistance for those starting out to row as well as intermediate rowers.
The strength in resistance is not for advanced users but if you are looking for a variable resistance rower, then this is perfect for you.
Monitor
The RW200 Rower comes with a modifiable monitor that is backlit and has features like and I-pod compatible sound system, work out apps and a watts meter.
It tracks fitness data like time, watts meter, distance, calories, strokes, strokes per minute, watts and speed.
It turns on automatically and is easy to adjust it based on your height or preference since it can move up and down.
The control panel requires a 4 D batteries or a power adapter if you wish to purchase one instead.
Displays and Programs
On this monitor there are three areas of display: Top, middle and Bottom.
- Top display: This section displays the watts and the watts meter or the strokes per minute
- Middle display: This section either shows the strokes, the time or distance.
- Bottom display: This part shows you the calories.
One can row as they wish on the manual mode and also use the priority display button to display the data you want in whichever window you want. You can also display your data in scan mode.
Another thing you can choose from is the 20 calories or watts workout programs. All the programs show a targeted zone on the watts meter that you should stay in to finish your workout. If you do fall out of range, the monitor notifies you.
The programs are all designed by a certified workout trainer so the workout is going to be great.
It’s a shame the monitor has no settings to track ones heart rate but you can use external devices for that such as wearables and phone apps.
Sound System
If you have a device with a 3.5mm jack then you can plug it in with an audio cable in to the monitor. This audio cable is however not included you have to purchase one. Simply use the consoles buttons to adjust volume levels.
Reviewers love this feature about the NordicTrack because they get to listen to anything they want without using headphones. There is no other rower with this feature.
Summary
The RW200 Rower monitor is great and unique in tracking data and its other features.
The monitor on it looks good with its sound system but there are monitors in this price range that are better. The monitor is large yet a very tiny portion of it displays data.
The monitor on the RW200 may have cool features but none is comparable to those on the Concept2 or the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower.
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Build Quality
The NordicTrack Company is trusted and well known for making very durable fitness equipment for over 40 years.
The NordicTrack RW200 Rower is not any different. It is built with a steel frame and seat rain and is very strong to the touch.
The steel body is durable and is made to last years after constant use. The best part of that is the great warranties this company has, as well as the 30 day money back guarantee.
Generally, the rowing stroke is strong and there were no complaints on build quality. The rest of its parts such as the handles and footrest are also built to last.
Comfort
The seat, handle and footrest on the NordicTrack Rower is comfortable enough to use for long sessions without distress.
The monitor that is adjustable is convenient because of it is adjustable to one’s comfort level in terms of height.
The seat is padded, covered in vinyl and it glides perfectly. It is user friendly and keeps you comfortable.
The high seat in comparison to other rowers is perfect for those with arthritis or bad joints.
The rower also has foot pedals that are pivoting and have adjustable straps that fit all shoe sizes. This foot rest that is pivoting is made to feel natural and comfortable as one is rowing.
There is perfect grip on the handles which makes them comfortable given the fact that you will be gripping them a lot.
Generally, those that reviewed this rower felt it has a smooth and comfy stroke.
Storage
The RW200 Rower is large but it comes with a SpaceSaver design.
You simply need to fold the rower by holding the handles, lifting the rower and folding it to lock in place.
Once it’s folded, you can easily move the rower around if you wish to because it has caster wheels at the bottom. In this state it can be stored in a closet or at a corner easily.
This rower is heavy so mind its weight distribution before you get used to it.
Capacity
The NordicTrack Rower has a long seat rail for tall rowers but even with its weight capacity it still is not up to per with rowers within its price range.
According to NordicTrack, the tallest user should be 6’6 inches and the maximum weight capacity is 250lbs.
I am of the opinion that these companies use a low maximum weight suggestion to avoid warranty claims but I feel like they can withstand more weight. Although, the warranty will be null and void if there is damage from something they already warned about.
There is no limit on minimum height on this rower.
Dimensions
- Assembled Dimensions:
- 0 inches x 22.0 inches x 43.5 inches (L x W x H)
- Assembled Weight:
- 105 lbs.
- Shipping Weight:
- 145 lbs.
Assembly
To put the NordicTrack Rower together is so simple and it should only take you around 30 minutes.
Actually, it comes preassembled most of it and the really major thing you have to do is to put the seat and the monitor.
To assemble it you will require and adjustable wrench, a Phillips head screwdriver and the 4 D batteries.
Remember that its shipping weight is 145lbs so if you need help to carry it to the room you want to assemble it in, as in advance.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Built in sound system
- Easy to store and move around
- The damper settings are adjustable
- Easy to put together
- Very comfortable to use
- Made of strong materials
- Money back guarantee in 30 days
Disadvantages
- Price fluctuation
- Very heavy
- No heart rate setting on the monitor
- Low weight capacity
- The resistance is weak for advanced users
Customer Reviews
It was fairly difficult to find reviews on this rower and I had to go out of my way to sites based in other countries. In the UK, Canada and Germany the RW200 is also known as the RX1000 and RX800.
From all the reviews I gathered, there were people on all extremes either loving it or completely disliking it. Those that did dislike it was based on low resistance. Their reason was because even at level 10 in damper settings the resistance was still weak for the. Like I had mentioned before, so many people, many people don’t really understand how air rowers work and do not realize that for the resistance to be more, they need to row faster.
Other than that, most of them felt that the RW200 was good in the rest of its features. If you are looking for a rower with strong resistance then it would be better to purchase a rower in this price range that has been tested to have strong resistance.
Another major issue with this rower was the price fluctuation. There are times it was sold for as much as 1299 dollars and during sales for as low as 599 dollars. This rating I have done is based on when it is sold at its lowest. If on a higher end, I would recommend Concept2 or WaterRower.
Overall rating out of 5 -> 4.1
Warranty
The RW200 Rower frame has a five year warranty and the parts and labour have a 1 year warranty. A 30 day money back guarantee is also included.
In my opinion, this warranty is solid and I am more comfortable when I see money back guarantees.
It’s important to note that this models number is NTRW5914 so when you register in add the number to the name like so: NordicTrack RW200 Rowing Machine (NTRW5914).
Price
The price is stated above which is a variation between 599 dollars to 1299 dollars so the huge difference makes it hard to recommend.
If you are buying it at 599 dollars then that’s okay but if it as 1299 dollars I honestly would not buy it nor recommend it.
Compare prices at different areas before purchasing.
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Conclusion
The RW200 is a good rower that would make many people happy. The features it comes with are the same that they advertise so I really cannot complain.
Although, when it is being sold at its highest price, I feel like there are rowers with better features and a stronger resistance.
It seems most people agree that the resistance on the RW200 is lower than other high end rowers and that can be a deal breaker if choosing between this rower and the Concept2 Model D.
It is because of that reason that I would advise anyone to purchase the Concept2 Model D over the RW200.
I know that there are those that are fine with the RW200’s style. If so, compare it to the ProForm 550R Rower since they are similar expect from the ProForm having a basic monitor, shorter warranty and its cheaper in price.
Feel free to let me know any questions you may have about this rower in the comment section below and I hope you enjoyed the review!