NordicTrack RW600 – Review

Rowing machines can offer you a full-body, solid and low-impact workout. The NordicTrack RW600 rowing machine is the base model in the company’s rowing machine series. This entry level machine offers two forms of resistance; silent magnetic resistance and air resistance.

The Workout Experience

The NordicTrack RW600 offer dual resistance, which is considered more versatile than any other. It gives you more resistance options and it is not as noisy as a regular rower. The good thing about the dual resistance is that when you use it with iFIT interactive programming, the trainer will be able to automatically adjust your resistance in accordance with the workout.

The iFIT interactive programming is free for 30 days and it will give you access to hundreds of on-demand and studio classes led by leading athletes and trainers. You can use it for rowing workouts and even for workouts off the rower. There is a 10-inch touchscreen built-in for running the iFIT app.

Footprint and Portability

Folding rowers are not very common, so it is great to find one and the NordicTrack RW600 does offer you this perk. When fully open, the rowing machine is 87 inches long, 22 inches wide and 47 inches tall, but it reduces to half that size when you fold it. Basically, the folding machine hinges the machine halfway in an upright vertical position. The position of the handles is such that you can fold it on your own easily and it also has transport wheels on the front that you can use for moving it into storage.

Construction

NordicTrack has opted to use alloy steel construction for the RW600’s frame and monorail. The weight capacity of the machine is about 250 pounds and this is a tad disappointing because most of them offer a capacity of 400 pounds. But, despite the fact that it is a folding machine, you will find that the RW600 is very sturdy and there is absolutely no shaking.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The console has been attached to an adjustable arm on the NordicTrack RW600 and this allows you to customize it according to your readability and eye level. There is ‘soft touch’ cushioning on the rowing handlebar, which allows you to hold for longer durations easily. The ergonomic seat is molded, which means it does not feel like a stiff board and actually creates a saddle. This is also helpful when you want to have long sessions on the rowing machine.

Warranty

The NordicTrack RW600 offers a 10-year warranty for the frame with the purchase of the machine, along with a 1-year warranty on labor and a two-year warranty on parts.

Pros

• A 10-inch iFIT-enabled touchscreen
• Full-body, low-impact workout
• Both magnetic and air resistance for a customized feel

Cons

• No heart rate monitoring
• iFIT membership increases cost
• User weight capacity is low

The Verdict

The NordicTrack RW600 may be the base model, but it offers value for money because of its foldable design and the iFIT programming. It will keep you engaged and excited for your indoor rowing workout.