Rowing machines are popular pieces of exercise equipment found in many home gyms.
They not only provide a great cardio workout but also help strengthen and sculpt the muscles in your back, arms, and legs.
NordicTrack offers three top-of-the-line rowers, all of which boast a variety of impressive features.
This article provides a comprehensive review of the NordicTrack rower models and how they compare to other rowers — the Hydrow, the Concept2 RowErg, and the Ergatta — to help you choose the best equipment for your needs.
Pros
- use magnetic resistance for a quiet, smooth workout
- offer 26 levels of resistance, along with automatic resistance adjustments
- include HD touch-screen displays
- provide access to an extensive library of workout classes through iFit
Cons
- additional fee for an iFit membership after the first month
- maximum user weight of 250 pounds (lbs.) (113.5 kg)
NordicTrack rowing machines
NordicTrack is a popular fitness equipment brand that manufactures a variety of products, including treadmills, exercise bikes, and strength training machines.
The company also offers a line of rowers, which allow you to work on cardiovascular fitness and strengthen your body by simulating the motion of rowing.
NordicTrack currently has three rowing machine models available:
- RW600
- RW700
- RW900
Each model features a touch-screen display, which you can use to view your workout metrics and stream workout classes through iFit.
RW600 | RW700 | RW900 | |
---|---|---|---|
Price | $999 | $1,299 | $1,799 |
Resistance | 26 levels | 26 levels | 26 levels |
Weight capacity | 250 lbs. (113.5 kg) | 250 lbs. (113.5 kg) | 250 lbs. (113.5 kg) |
Screen | 10-in. (25-cm) touch screen | 10-in. (25-cm) tilt and pivot touch screen | 22-in. (56-cm) tilt and pivot touch screen |
Key features | • built-in speakers • transport wheels • magnetic and air resistance • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity • auto-adjust technology • folding mechanism | • upgraded sound system • transport wheels • magnetic resistance • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity • auto-adjust technology | • upgraded sound system • transport wheels • magnetic resistance • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity • auto-adjust technology |
The rowers come with a free 30-day family iFit membership ($39/month), and you can choose from a wide variety of live and on-demand workouts, including studio rowing sessions, yoga, strength training, high intensity interval training, meditation, and boot camp.
NordicTrack rowers also have built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple levels of resistance, making it easy to mix up your workouts.
Each model comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2-year warranty on parts, and 1-year warranty on labor.
Here’s a closer look at each rower’s specs and features.
NordicTrack Rower models
RW600 Rower
Price: $999
While the RW600 Rower is the most affordable option from NordicTrack, it has many of the same features as the other models, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in speakers, and 26 levels of resistance.
Unlike other NordicTrack rowers, the RW600 uses two types of resistance: magnetic and air.
The silent magnetic resistance can adjust automatically to match your trainer’s during a workout via auto-adjust technology, and you can adjust the air resistance manually.
It’s also equipped with transport wheels and is the only NordicTrack rower that includes a folding mechanism. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking to save space between workouts.
RW600 Rower at a glance
- Dimensions: 87 x 22 x 47 in. (221 x 56 x 119 cm)
- Pedals: oversized, pivoting pedals with adjustable foot straps
- Screen: 10-in. (25-cm) touch screen
- Resistance levels: 26 levels, magnetic and air
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs. (113.5 kg)
- Key features: built-in speakers, transport wheels, magnetic and air resistance, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, auto-adjust technology, folding mechanism
- Pros:
- most budget-friendly model
- includes folding mechanism
- offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming workouts
- Cons:
- smaller touch screen that doesn’t tilt or pivot
- noisy air resistance
RW700 Rower
Price: $1,299
Like the RW600, the RW700 Rower includes 26 levels of resistance, pivoting pedals, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
However, it also has a 30-watt sound system and an enhanced sliding rail for a smoother rowing experience.
The RW700 features auto-adjust technology and uses only magnetic resistance, so it runs quietly.
Additionally, although the display is the same size as the one on the RW600, the touch screen on the RW700 can tilt and pivot, enabling you to move your workout from the rower to the mat.
RW700 Rower at a glance
- Dimensions: 87 x 22 x 47 in. (221 x 56 x 119 cm)
- Pedals: oversized, pivoting pedals with adjustable foot straps
- Screen: 10-in. (25-cm) tilt and pivot touch screen
- Resistance levels: 26 levels, magnetic
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs. (113.5 kg)
- Key features: upgraded sound system, transport wheels, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, auto-adjust technology
- Pros:
- features 30-watt sound system
- has touch screen that can tilt and pivot for off-rower workouts
- uses magnetic resistance and sliding rail for a smooth, quiet workout
- Cons:
- relatively pricey
- requires more space than RW900
- no folding mechanism
RW900 Rower
Price: $1,799
The RW900 is the most expensive rowing machine from NordicTrack, and it’s equipped with a 22-in. (56-cm) touch screen, a premium sound system, and auto-adjusting resistance.
The touch screen can tilt and pivot, and its large size makes it easy to follow along with your trainer during off-rower workouts.
Like other NordicTrack rower models, it also includes 26 levels of resistance, adjustable foot straps, transport wheels, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
RW900 Rower at a glance
- Dimensions: 82 x 22 x 54 in. (208 x 56 x 137 cm)
- Pedals: oversized, pivoting pedals with adjustable foot straps
- Screen: 22-in. (56-cm) tilt and pivot touch screen
- Resistance levels: 26 levels, magnetic
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs. (113.5 kg)
- Key features: premium sound system, transport wheels, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, auto-adjust technology
- Pros:
- includes larger touch screen
- features 30-watt sound system
- equipped with auto-adjust technology
- requires less space than RW700
- Cons:
- expensive
- no folding mechanism
How do customers feel about NordicTrack rowers?
Though NordicTrack is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, it currently hold an A+ rating from the organization, based on factors such as the company’s complaint history, business practices, and interactions with customers.
On Trustpilot, NordicTrack has an average rating of 2.1 out of 5 stars, which is based on 1,002 customer reviews.
Some customers on Trustpilot say NordicTrack equipment is high quality, durable, and easy to use.
Many reviews of the rowers specifically note satisfaction with the training options and touch screen offered by each model.
That said, less favorable reviews report issues with the long-term functionality of the equipment, a lack of responsiveness from customer service, and unexpected delivery delays.
Should you purchase a NordicTrack Rower?
NordicTrack rowing machines provide a great value for the price.
With 26 resistance levels and a wide range of classes to choose from, the rowers include training options that cater to a variety of fitness levels.
The rowers offer several impressive features, including automatic resistance adjustment, rotating touch-screen displays, and integrated speakers.
They’re also designed to work with iFit and provide access to an extensive library of workout classes, making it easy to add variety to your exercise routine.
Although they’re not inexpensive, the three models are available at varying price points, with financing options available for qualified customers.
The RW600 and RW700 are cheaper than many competitors that offer similar high tech features.
However, as NordicTrack rowers have a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs. (113.5 kg), they may not be a great fit for all users.
Plus, the cost of an iFit membership can add up over time.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option or are not interested in streaming classes, there are plenty of more affordable rowing machines to consider, such as the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine.
Comparison with competitors
Several high quality rowing machines are available, many of which offer similar features to the NordicTrack models.
Here’s a closer look at how NordicTrack rowers stack up against some competitors.
NordicTrack Rowers | The Hydrow | Concept2 RowErg | Ergatta | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen | • RW600 and RW700: 10-in. (25-cm) touch screen • RW900: 22-in. (56-cm) touch screen | 22-in. (56-cm) touch screen | LCD | 17.3-in. (43.9-cm) touch screen |
Training options | live and on-demand classes via iFit | • live and on-demand classes • compatible with Strava | • programmable workouts • integrated device holder for streaming classes | streaming classes and game-based workouts from Ergatta |
Resistance | • 26 levels, magnetic (RW600 also has air resistance) • includes automatic resistance adjustment | electromagnetic, adjustable drag mechanism | air | water |
Size | • RW600 and RW700: 87 x 22 x 47 in. (221 x 56 x 119 cm) • RW900: 82 × 22 × 54 in. (208 × 56 × 137 cm) | 86 × 25 × 47 in. (218 × 64 × 119 cm) | 96 × 24 in. (244 × 61 cm) | 86 × 23 × 40 in. (218 × 58 × 102 cm) |
Price | • RW600: $999 • RW700: $1,299 • RW900: $1,799 • iFit: $39/month after the first 30 days • Shipping: free | • $2,495 • Hydrow All-Access: $38/month • Shipping: free | • With standard legs: $900* • With tall legs: $1,050* • Shipping: varies based on location | • $2,199 • Ergatta: $29/month after the first 30 days • Shipping: $149 |
Warranty | • 10-year frame • 2-year parts • 1-year labor | • 5-year frame • 1-year parts and labor | • 5-year frame • 2-year parts | • 5-year frame • 3-year parts • 1-year tablet |
Maximum weight capacity | 250 lbs. (113.5 kg) | 375 lbs. (170 kg) | 500 lbs. (227 kg) | 500 lbs. (227 kg) |
*Beginning on September 1, 2022, the prices for the Concept2 RowErg models will increase to $990 and $1,155, respectively.
Frequently asked questions about NordicTrack rowers
Can you use a NordicTrack rower without iFit?
An iFit membership is not required to use a NordicTrack rower. You can adjust the resistance on your own in manual mode.
Which NordicTrack rower is best for small spaces?
The NordicTrack RW600 is equipped with transport wheels and can be folded between workouts, so it’s a great option if you have limited space.
Is a NordicTrack rower better than a Concept2 rower?
The Concept2 rower is more affordable and has a higher weight capacity than any of the three NordicTrack models. It uses air resistance, which increases or decreases based on your effort (you can also adjust the airflow using the damper wheel).
On the other hand, some people may prefer NordicTrack rowers because they all include a touch screen and offer additional features, such as streaming classes and auto-adjusting resistance. They also use magnetic resistance, which tends to be quieter than air resistance.
Bottom line
NordicTrack is a popular fitness brand that manufactures many types of fitness equipment, including rowing machines.
Each NordicTrack rowing machine is equipped with several impressive features, including a touch screen and 26 levels of resistance.
While they aren’t cheap, NordicTrack rowers are worth the investment for fitness enthusiasts seeking a durable, high tech rowing machine.