NordicTrack Rower Reviews: RW900 vs RW700 vs RW600 (2023)

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Rowing machines are a fantastic tool for a full-body workout. With the potential to target up to 85% of your muscles in a single stroke, a rowing machine combines both strength and cardio into an efficient, low-impact workout. This article will provide an in-depth look at NordicTrack’s rower series. These include the premium RW900, the mid-range RW700, and the entry-level RW600. Each model has unique features that will cater to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts, from the beginner to the seasoned athlete.

NordicTrack Rower Review Key Highlights

NordicTrack Rower Models: An Overview

RW900: Our Top Pick

• Display: 22″ interactive HD touchscreen
• Resistance: 26 digital resistance levels
• Design: SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
• Membership: 1-year iFIT family membership included
• Extras: Dual 2-inch digitally amplified speakers, ergonomic molded seat, oversized steel seat rail for extra strength and durability

The RW900 is the epitome of a smart, connected workout machine. It’s designed with an immersive 22″ HD touchscreen, which truly sets it apart in the marketplace.

This expansive screen not only displays your workout stats with clarity but also transports you to different workouts settings across the globe thanks to iFIT’s vast library of classes.

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The rower itself is designed with an ergonomic molded seat and an oversized steel seat rail, ensuring sturdy and comfortable workouts for users of all sizes. And with a design feature called EasyLift™ Assist, it easily folds up to save space when not in use. The RW900 also includes a 1-year iFIT family membership, allowing your whole household to get in on the fitness action.

RW700

• Display: 14″ interactive HD touchscreen
• Resistance: 26 digital resistance levels
• Design: SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
• Membership: 1-year iFIT family membership included
• Extras: Dual 2-inch digitally amplified speakers, ergonomic molded seat, oversized steel seat rail for extra strength and durability

The RW700 brings a powerful rowing experience to your home with a slightly smaller (but still sizable) 14″ interactive HD touchscreen. The screen size doesn’t mean a compromise in the workout experience, though; you’ll still get access to the same extensive library of workouts through the included 1-year iFIT family membership. And the 26 digital resistance levels ensure a challenging workout no matter your fitness level. The SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist makes this model as convenient and space-efficient as its big brother, the RW900.

RW600

• Display: 10″ interactive HD touchscreen
• Resistance: 24 digital resistance levels
• Design: SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
• Membership: 1-year iFIT family membership included
• Extras: Dual 2-inch digitally amplified speakers, ergonomic molded seat, oversized steel seat rail for extra strength and durability

As the entry-level model in the NordicTrack rower series, the RW600 offers plenty of features for those just starting on their fitness journey or those on a tighter budget. Its 10″ interactive HD touchscreen might be smaller, but it still provides a window into a world of workouts with the included iFIT membership. The 24 resistance levels are more than enough for most users, and the SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist makes it a practical choice for those with limited space. Despite its entry-level status, the RW600 doesn’t skimp on build quality, with an ergonomic molded seat and an oversized steel seat rail providing a sturdy and comfortable workout platform.

Why We Prefer the RW900

The RW900 has secured its spot as our top pick among NordicTrack’s range of rowers, primarily because of its fusion of cutting-edge technology with optimal performance features, granting users a top-tier experience that caters to a wide array of fitness levels and goals.

• Interactive Training Right at Your Fingertips

The centerpiece of the RW900 is undeniably its 22” interactive HD touchscreen. This expansive screen brings an immersive experience to your workout, as if you’ve been transported to different settings worldwide via the iFIT platform. Live and on-demand workouts become a truly engaging encounter as you follow along with expert coaches right on your screen.

• Smart Resistance for Optimized Workouts

The RW900 takes the guesswork out of your workouts with 26 digital resistance levels. However, the real magic lies in its auto-adjusting technology. When you’re engaged in an iFIT workout, the machine adjusts your resistance to match your coach’s plan. This feature allows you to focus entirely on your performance, not on manual adjustments, enhancing your workout’s efficiency and effectiveness.

• Build Quality and User Comfort

Another compelling reason for our preference for the RW900 is its outstanding build quality. The machine’s design includes an oversized, steel seat rail and an ergonomic, molded seat, delivering both strength and comfort during workouts. The inclusion of the SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist adds another level of convenience by making storage of the machine after your workout a breeze.

• Immersive Sound Experience

In addition to the visual aspects, the RW900’s dual 2-inch digitally amplified speakers take the audio experience of your workouts to a new level. These speakers amplify the sound quality of your iFIT workouts, immersing you in the trainer-led sessions, or even in your own playlist, enhancing your overall workout enjoyment.

In summary, the RW900, with its advanced features, high-quality construction, and smart design, offers a comprehensive and engaging workout experience, making it our top choice among the NordicTrack rowers.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your NordicTrack Rower

1. Utilize iFIT: NordicTrack’s iFIT subscription service provides a diverse range of workouts, both on and off the rower. Taking advantage of these programs can lead to more balanced fitness.
2. Experiment with Resistance: Each rower model offers multiple resistance levels. Start with a lower setting and gradually increase it as your strength and endurance improve.
3. Maintain Correct Form: This reduces the risk of injury and ensures you’re targeting the correct muscle groups. Consult the iFIT trainers for guidance on correct form.
4. Consistency is Key: Consistent, regular workouts are more beneficial than sporadic, intense sessions. Make a schedule and stick to it.

NordicTrack Rower Pros and Cons

The NordicTrack rowers shine with their large, interactive HD screens, iFIT integration, and range of resistance levels. However, the need for an iFIT subscription to access some features and the relatively high price point may be a deterrent for some. Here’s a better look at some of the pros and cons to consider:

NordicTrack Rower Price: Are They Worth It?

These rowers are an investment in your fitness. With high-quality construction, advanced features, and iFIT integration, they offer value for the price. However, cost is subjective and depends on one’s personal budget and fitness goals.

We’d say if you’re looking for a high-quality rower with live and on demand workout options, and a pretty affordable price point, then the NordicTrack rowers are worth it for most folks.

Here’s a look at the pricing options in a bit more detail (these prices were current at the time of publication, but may change at any time):

• RW900: $1999 (includes 30-Day iFit Trial)
• RW700: $1299 (includes 30-Day iFit Trial)
• RW600: $999 (includes 30-Day iFit Trial)
• iFit Subscription: $39 per month after trial ends

These prices may be different based on the time of year, and the current promotions being offered – check most up to date pricing below:

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack Rower?

great fit for a wide range of individuals. Here are a few types of users who might find a NordicTrack rower particularly beneficial:

• Fitness Enthusiasts Who Enjoy Interactive Workouts

If you’re someone who thrives on interactive, guided workouts, then a NordicTrack rower could be a perfect fit. With the iFIT platform, you get access to a broad library of live and on-demand workouts led by professional trainers. The engaging visuals and sound make for an immersive workout experience that can help to keep motivation levels high.

• Individuals Seeking a Full-Body, Low-Impact Workout

Rowing provides a comprehensive full-body workout that engages major muscle groups in both your upper and lower body. Despite this, it is a low-impact exercise, which makes it a fantastic option for individuals who want a vigorous workout that’s easy on the joints.

• Users with Limited Space

Thanks to the SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist, NordicTrack rowers can be easily folded up and stored away when not in use. This makes them a great choice for those living in apartments or smaller homes where space may be a limiting factor.

• Those Who Value High-Quality, Durable Equipment

If you’re looking for a rower that offers a blend of durability and performance, NordicTrack rowers are a great option. They are solidly constructed with quality materials and offer a smooth, stable rowing experience. The oversized steel seat rail provides extra strength and durability, while the ergonomic molded seat ensures comfort during your workout.

• Families with Multiple Users

With the included 1-year iFIT family membership, NordicTrack rowers are well-suited to households with multiple users. Everyone can have their personalized fitness profile and workout preferences, making it a cost-effective and versatile solution for family fitness.

In short, NordicTrack rowers cater to a variety of fitness levels and goals. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast, a beginner looking to get into shape, or even a family with diverse fitness needs, a NordicTrack rower could be an excellent addition to your home gym.

Who Should Consider a Different Rowing Machine?

While NordicTrack rowers bring an impressive package of features and capabilities to the table, they may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few types of individuals who might want to consider an alternative rowing machine:

• Budget-Conscious Buyers

NordicTrack rowers are priced at the higher end of the home fitness equipment market, which might be prohibitive for some users.

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If you’re working with a limited budget, there are other reliable and lower-priced rowing machines on the market that could be a better fit.

• Users Not Interested in Subscription-Based Services

NordicTrack’s iFIT platform offers a wealth of interactive and diverse workouts, but it requires an ongoing subscription after the first year. If you prefer a rowing machine without the need for a subscription, other models offer built-in workout programs without additional monthly costs.

• Heavier Individuals

NordicTrack rowers have a weight limit of 250 pounds. Heavier individuals who want to ensure safe and comfortable use might need to consider a different rowing machine with a higher weight capacity.

• Traditional Rowing Enthusiasts

NordicTrack rowers use magnetic resistance, which offers a smooth and quiet rowing experience but lacks the realistic feel of water or air resistance. If you’re a rowing enthusiast looking for a more authentic rowing experience, a water or air rower might be more to your liking.

• Individuals Who Prefer Simpler Tech

The touchscreen and interactive features of the NordicTrack rowers can be a major draw for some users, but not everyone wants their workouts tied to technology. If you prefer a straightforward, tech-free workout, a basic rowing machine without the bells and whistles might be more up your alley.

In summary, while NordicTrack rowers cater to a broad range of users and offer high-quality, interactive workouts, they may not be the best fit for everyone. Your specific needs, budget, and preferences will ultimately dictate the best choice for you.

NordicTrack Rower Specs

RW900 Specs

• Display: 22” HD touch screen
• Resistance Levels: 26
• iFIT: Yes
• Max User Weight: 250 lbs
• Dimensions: 86.5″ L x 22″ W x 50.4″ H

RW700 Specs

• Display: 14” HD touch screen
• Resistance Levels: 26
• iFIT: Yes
• Max User Weight: 250 lbs
• Dimensions: 86.5″ L x 22″ W x 42.8″ H

RW600 Specs

• Display: 10” HD touch screen
• Resistance Levels: 24
• iFIT: Yes
• Max User Weight: 250 lbs
• Dimensions: 86.5″ L x 22″ W x 42.8″ H

Deciding Which NordicTrack Rower is Best for You: RW900 vs 700 vs 600

Here’s a brief overview of the key features of the three models:

RW900

• Display: 22″ interactive HD touchscreen
• Resistance: 26 digital resistance levels
• Design: SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
• Extras: Dual 2-inch digitally amplified speakers, ergonomic molded seat, oversized steel seat rail

RW700

• Display: 14″ interactive HD touchscreen
• Resistance: 26 digital resistance levels
• Design: SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
• Extras: Dual 2-inch digitally amplified speakers, ergonomic molded seat, oversized steel seat rail

RW600

• Display: 10″ interactive HD touchscreen
• Resistance: 24 digital resistance levels
• Design: SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
• Extras: Dual 2-inch digitally amplified speakers, ergonomic molded seat, oversized steel seat rail

When deciding which NordicTrack rower is the best fit for you, it’s important to consider your personal preferences, fitness goals, and budget.

The RW900 is the top-of-the-line model, boasting a large 22″ HD touchscreen that brings workouts to life, alongside 26 digital resistance levels for a highly customizable workout. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for an immersive, high-tech workout experience and who have a larger budget.

The RW700 is the middle child, but it’s far from average. With a 14″ HD touchscreen and 26 resistance levels, it provides a slightly scaled-down yet equally engaging experience compared to the RW900. If you want a great balance of features and price, this could be the rower for you.

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The RW600 is the entry-level model, featuring a 10″ HD touchscreen and 24 resistance levels. This model doesn’t skimp on the essentials – you’ll still get a sturdy, comfortable rower with a full range of iFIT workouts. If you’re just starting your fitness journey, have limited space, or are budget-conscious, the RW600 could be the perfect fit.

Ultimately, all three NordicTrack rowers offer quality and durability, so your decision will depend on your personal preferences, your intended use of the rower, and your budget.

Learn more about the NordicTrack rowers and decide which one is best for you:

The NordicTrack Workout Experience

The workout experience delivered by NordicTrack rowers is in a class of its own, melding high-end fitness technology with practical design elements to create a uniquely engaging and immersive journey to health and wellness.

iFIT Live and On Demand Classes

Central to the NordicTrack workout experience is iFIT, the brand’s proprietary platform offering live and on-demand classes led by professional trainers. Each rower comes with a 1-year family membership to iFIT, allowing multiple users to enjoy the broad library of workouts. Trainers guide you through each session, adjusting your rower’s resistance in real time to match the workout. You can travel the world from your living room, rowing along scenic rivers and coastlines as trainers provide motivation and coaching.

Off The Rower Workouts

In addition to rowing workouts, iFIT offers a plethora of off-the-rower sessions, including strength training, yoga, HIIT workouts, and more. This makes NordicTrack rowers not just a piece of cardio equipment, but a gateway to a comprehensive fitness program. You can mix and match workouts to create a cross-training regimen that meets your personal fitness goals.

Display Console

The interactive HD touchscreen display, available in 10″, 14″, or 22″ depending on the model, is a game-changer in terms of user experience. With this feature, you can easily navigate through workout menus, adjust your personal settings, and monitor important stats like time, distance, and calories burned. The display is also your portal to the iFIT workouts, where you can follow along with trainers in real time.

Overall, the NordicTrack workout experience is about more than just breaking a sweat—it’s about engaging with fitness in a dynamic, motivating, and customizable way. It brings the energy and guidance of a professional training session right into your home, providing a well-rounded and adaptable fitness solution for users of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a fitness newbie, NordicTrack rowers offer an array of features designed to keep you challenged, motivated, and excited about your fitness journey.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The NordicTrack rowers generally have positive reviews, with users praising the robust build, interactive workouts, and quiet operation. However, some users mentioned issues with customer service.

Here a few verified customer reviews we wanted to share here: 

“Little pricy but love the rower. Doesn’t sit low to the ground like some of the other rowers. If you already have an ifit subscription you can link the subscription between machines which is nice. Not too difficult to put together.”

“I have been using this exercise program for 2 years. We added this rower approximately 3 weeks ago and have used it 5-6x a week x2 adults. Smooth, quiet, easy to use NordicTrack rower. Delivery was a breeze, notified of pending arrival, arrived on time. Took my husband and I approximately 1 hour to set up, using built app. No regrets buying this rower.”

Assembly Process

When you first receive your NordicTrack rower, it will come partially assembled but will require some work to get it ready for use. The rowers are designed for a relatively straightforward assembly process, but it will still require some time and possibly an extra pair of hands.

Inside the box, you’ll find all necessary parts neatly packaged and labeled, along with a detailed assembly manual. This manual includes step-by-step instructions with illustrative diagrams to guide you through the assembly process. The majority of the necessary tools for assembly are also included, but having a set of basic tools like a Phillips screwdriver and adjustable wrench on hand can be beneficial.

The first part of the assembly process involves setting up the main frame and attaching the front and rear stabilizers, which form the base of the rower. Next, you’ll attach the rail and the seat. The console mast comes next, followed by the console itself. The pedals and the rowing handle are usually the last parts to be attached.

Although the assembly process is generally straightforward, it can be a little time-consuming, typically taking between 1-2 hours. Having a second person to assist can make the process smoother, especially when handling the heavier parts like the main frame. While the assembly is manageable for most people, if you’re not comfortable with DIY assembly, you might consider utilizing NordicTrack’s professional assembly service for an additional fee.

Overall, while the assembly of NordicTrack rowers requires some patience and work, the detailed instructions and organized packaging make the process as painless as possible. Once assembled, you’ll have a sturdy, high-quality rowing machine ready for your workouts.

Warranty Policy

NordicTrack offers a 10-year warranty on the frame, a 2-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty on labor.

Final Verdict

NordicTrack rowers are excellent fitness machines for those who appreciate advanced features and are willing to invest in their fitness journey. The different models cater to a range of budgets while still offering a solid workout experience.

NordicTrack Rower FAQs

• Do NordicTrack rowers require a subscription? While not required for basic rowing functions, a subscription to iFIT is necessary to access the interactive, on-demand workouts.
• What is the weight limit on the NordicTrack rower? The weight limit on the NordicTrack rower is 250 pounds.
• Can I use NordicTrack RW900 without iFIT? Yes, you can use the RW900 without an iFIT subscription, but you won’t have access to the interactive, on-demand workouts.
• Can you use peloton subscription on a NordicTrack? No, Peloton subscriptions are not compatible with NordicTrack equipment.
• Can I use NordicTrack with Apple fitness? As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, NordicTrack rowers do not integrate directly with Apple Fitness+.
• Can you watch TV on NordicTrack RW900? Yes, the NordicTrack RW900’s screen can be used to watch entertainment apps like Netflix and Hulu while you workout.