Sunny Health & FitnessElite Water Rowing Machine with High Dynamic Resistance Vertical Tank, Low-Impact Full-Body Workout and Optional Free SunnyFit App Connectivity

I only have a few weeks of use, if any of my opinions change over the long-term I'll update this review.Very good first impression. The rower seems to be well made, solid welds, sturdy frame, and is very stable while I'm using it. I'm about 5'11” tall, and 200 lbs. The computer is functional – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it gives you the most valuable statistics and you can track your progress from there. This is an important feature as many budget rowers don't provide proper metrics.The seat is pretty good. No complaints. There are much worse seats out there. The pull handle is study and textured for grip. The foot straps seem to be the cheapest element. The plate is welded securely, the actual foot pedals are adjustable and they work – but I see this being the weakest link. The length of the straps are also cut unnecessarily long, giving a small point of contact for the hook-and-loop. Easy fix if one is so inclined.I'm really enjoying the water tank – this is first water rower I've used, and I really like the "whooshing" sound. It's not loud at all and becomes meditative after a while. My house uses well water, not city treated tap water, so I used distilled water to fill the tank. It takes about 3.75 gallons to reach the "max fill" line. I recommend everyone fill it to the max level as resistance is dependent on the amount of force you use when you pull the handle, i.e. don't pull as hard if you want less resistance. I highly doubt anyone will be filling / un-filling to change resistance. Also, deliberately look over the tank for any signs of cracks before completely assembling. It takes about an hour to unbox and put everything together, it’d be a major hassle if your tank had a leak.Who is this rower for? I've used the Concept 2 off and on over the years, that's mainly what I'm comparing this rower to. I recommend this rower for individuals who seek exercise, not necessarily as an indoor trainer for people who actually row out on the water in the real world. The reason I don't recommend this for "real" rowers is because the Concept 2 is the industry standard and any subtleties or computer comparisons you make will be inaccurate. The act of rowing properly is quite technical, so to keep consistent with a team or coach, you should use whatever equipment they’re using. If you’re a lone wolf, I don’t see this machine limiting your stroke.With that said, this rower is perfect for the home gym with individuals looking for low-impact exercise. The build quality is actually pretty decent, it may hold up well at smaller communal fitness clubs. Again, it is completely sufficient for any home gym scenario with individuals working toward fitness goals. Cheap bearings might be a long-term concern with very heavy use, but frame construction is not.So, if you hate running or the wear and tear it does to your joints, this little machine could be a great addition to your home gym. So far, I'm really enjoying it – I jump between this rower and a bike trainer hooked up to Zwift throughout the week.

Primarily I was looking for value and function in the $500 price range for a rower. I had never used a water rower and only used magnetic type at a gym. The Sunny Hydro Rower came in a sturdy box mostly assembled. The water tank and surrounding front frame are already put together. Although I found the visual instructions lacking enough detail, it was not a hard assembly that took about 40 minutes. It would be less if you are less patient. Along the way the only concern was when I unpackaged what they call the meter or the computer. Immediately there was a small rattle and after taking off the battery door and rolling it around a bit, a small screw did appear.I filled the tank as instructed for the first use at about half the maximum. More water means more resistance. I advise starting with the minimum if you are a beginner like me and work your way up as you build strength.Using video training through Apple Fitness I've gone through about 5 workouts of 10-30 minutes each. I find the instructors indication of strokes per minute match up well to the on board meter indicating it is at least pretty accurate.Again, as a beginner following the trainer's guidance on proper technique of 60/20/20 or 60% energy from the legs, 20% from core and 20% from arms, I am feeling a fairly even workout. The water resistance is much better, in my opinion than magnetic and I'm pleased to have gone this route. The only strain I am feeling so far is in my lower back. This could be technique, lack of core or positioning/adjusting with the machine.There are adjustments for foot position, front and rear round rubber screw type feet. One important feature I learned from a video instructor (on YouTube) was to have a machine with full range for the handle position. This machine allows for a return of the handle past the handle saddle/lock. Some cheap machines have the strap for the handle only go as far as your foot position, thus not allowing a full range. I am 6' 1" with long arms so full range was important to me.All the functions, including the meter work as advertised and I am very pleased with the initial quality. The welds look solid and there are no leaks. On the initial uses I see no issues with the foot rests or straps as some have mentioned but we'll see over time. I can see this on most moderate priced machines being something subject to replacement over time.Finally, but importantly, I want to applaud Sunny customer service. After my first few uses I started a ticket on Sunny's site sharing the loose screw from the meter and my concern that over time this could be an issue. The response from an actual agent was within a day and they considered this a warranty replacement and have mailed me a replacement meter/computer.I do recommend this machine for persons like me that want to have a rower, might not be a daily user and are newer to the exercise. I hope to have it for several years of good rowing!