NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review, Pros & Cons
NordicTrack RW900 Rower Overview
One level above the NordicTrack RW500 and way more feature-reach than the Nordictrack RW200, the NordicTrack RW900 rowing machine is the top-of-the-line model from NordicTrack that offers cutting-edge technology and a smooth rowing experience in the comfort of your own home. It’s no Hydrow Rower nor has a crazy price tag, but with no doubt, the RW900 indoor rower has a sturdy and well-constructed solid steel frame that is durable and stable even during intense workouts. Another positive is that when the NordicTrack RW900 is not in use, it can be folded away with an innovative space-saving design that accommodates people who live in smaller spaces like apartments.
NordicTrack RW900 Alternatives
The full dimensions of the NordicTrack RW900 magnetic rower measures in at 50.4” height, 22” wide, and 86.5” long. When folded, the RW900 measures at about two feet tall by three feet long, so it takes up roughly half the amount of space as when in use. The weight of the RW900 machine comes in at 130.6 lbs, which is about average for the home rower industry. The RW900 has a maximum suggested weight capacity of 250 lbs per user and a maximum suggested height of 78 inches. . Even though the NordicTrack RW900 rower may seem heavy to move, it does come with a convenient set of transport wheels that allows moving it from room to room an easy task. As far as home rowers go, the RW900 home rower has a relatively long footprint but is also low to the ground, giving users a sense of stability and balance.
The NordicTrack RW900 comes equipped with a magnetic resistance that provides a smooth and silent motion as you row. The indoor rowing machine also comes with a user-controlled manual air resistance that the user can adjust on the fly. This dual-resistance system adds an extra level of challenge and an extremely realistic rowing experience! The NordicTrack RW900 comes with an impressive 26 levels of adjustable, digital magnetic resistance levels, which is an incredible amount for a home fitness rowing machine. The RW900 indoor rower also comes with 50 pre-programmed on-board workouts that can be used with or without an iFit subscription membership. As far as the resistance goes, the main difference between the Hydrow Rower and NordicTrack RW900 is that Hydrow Rower has a super-smart single electromagnetic resistance system that adjusts/responds to your effort automatically while RW900 has manually adjustable dual-resistance (magnetic and air) which makes the ride a bit louder because of the air fan.
The first thing you will notice when you see the NordicTrack RW900 indoor rower is the massive 22” Smart HD monitor that is on board. For those of you out there who enjoy the connected fitness machines, the RW900 home rower may be exactly what you are looking for. The monitor has an immersive touchscreen display, and is fully equipped with both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. The main purpose of the monitor is to allow you to follow along with virtual workouts that are streamed through the free 1-year iFit subscription that comes included. Follow along with private workouts or virtual classes with users all over the world, and even row your machine through exotic real world locations.
Assembly of the NordicTrack RW900 is standard for home fitness equipment, and will take the average person between 1-2 hours, and is best done with a second person to help. When shipped, the NordicTrack RW900 home rower will come in a standard shipping box weighing approximately 131 lbs, and orders are processed for shipping within 1-3 business days of purchase. You can order the NordicTrack RW900 directly from the NordicTrack site or anywhere else you can get home fitness equipment like Amazon.
Finally, the price of the NordicTrack RW900 home rower is about what you may expect for a top of the line model with high-end technology and a trusted brand name. The standard price for the RW900 model will run you about $1700 which does not include shipping fees or taxes. Most sites, including the NordicTrack site will allow users to finance the RW900 for a monthly rate, which may suit users who are unable to make such a large payment all at one time. NordicTrack also provides some nice peace of mind for its users with an excellent warranty that covers 10 years for the frame, 2 years for the parts and 1 year for the labor.
NordicTrack RW900 Rower Pros
- Solidly constructed frame with high quality materials
- Space-saving design with a foldable frame
- Convenient wheels make the machine easy to transport around your home
- A Dual-resistance system (air and magnetic) gives users total control over the workout and a more natural rowing feel
- Silent Magnetic Resistance system provides a smooth and silent workout
- 26 adjustable digital/electronic magnetic resistance levels (not self-adjusting like Hydrow Rower)
- 50 pre-programmed workouts to follow along with
- 22” Smart HD immersive touch screen monitor with full swivel capabilities
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- 1-year family iFit subscription included
- No-slip pedals with adjustable foot straps ensure user safety
NordicTrack RW900 Rower Cons
- Price tag can be a bit much for some users
- The maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs is surprisingly low
- The iFit subscription can be expensive once the free year is over
- The monitor usage is limited to mostly watching iFit workouts
NordicTrack RW900 Rower Final Verdict
If you are looking for a high quality home rowing machine, with a trusted brand name, a free year of a premium virtual fitness subscription, and great technology, then look no further. The NordicTrack RW900 home rower includes all of this and more for a price tag that is not unreasonable for a top of the line machine. The silent, dual-resistance system gives users complete control over their workout levels, and the foldable frame is just a cherry on top for when you need to use the RW900 in a smaller space. The one year subscription to iFit alone is a savings of several hundred dollars, and you will see exactly why connected fitness machines are the future of working out from home! With all of these boxes checked off, the Nordictrack RW900 is definitely a premium home rower that is well worth the price tag!
Sayed Hamed Hosseiny
Hi, my name is Sayed Hamed Hosseiny. I am a professional health and fitness trainer with nearly 20 years of experience using ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes. I also have my own EU-based Rock Fitness Pro fitness brand where I design, import and sell exercise equipment such as rowing machines and spin bikes. I and writers on my team also often receive fitness equipment to review and evaluate their functionalities and performance from tens of different exercise machines manufacturers. Fitness equipment tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on this website are my opinion (and opinions of my fitness expert colleagues) based on tens of criteria. I never accept payment to write reviews of products or say positive things about fitness equipment products. If brands are interested to have me review their rowers, ellipticals, or spin bikes, they can get in touch with me via email provided on the contact page and send a sample of their product.
