This is really nice! I think the rowing feeling is much better when air resistance is involved than when there's only magnetic. It feels much smoother.
This is great when it works. Mine came delivered with the clicking ticking sound. Still haven't heard back from any support regarding the return I want to start. Been 5 days so far...
Just used mine for the first time and am super disappointed. Every time I row I can hear a clicking noise as well and the wheel inside seems extremely unbalanced and vibrates pretty bad. Everything seems well built except the actual rowing part. Pity, going back tomorrow.
@@aguysworld we did have a tech come out and check the motor, etc. The tech basically said that's just how the resistance is. Not much of a difference between the low and high setting it seems.
Is there a noticeable difference between the different levels? When I have mine set to 1 or 26, the resistance is the same as far as I can tell. Should I be noticing a big difference?
Hi, Does the air resistance gauge not feel any different depending on which # you set it at for anyone else? This rower feels significantly harder to pull than my in class rowers i've used over the past 2 years. It's a big difference for me, not sure why the pull is so much harder on low settings.
I purchased the RWR600 last week. Display not working. Told to take apart to troubleshoot the sensor. Got it to work, But plastic molding next to impossible to put back together. Was excited to use but told this may have to be adjusted regularly. Nope. Not going to spend 2-3 hours to fix; especially when its brand now. So disappointed. BTW customer service was horrible. Techs not empowered to do anything, Returning and go to C2 like I should have to begin with.
I finally received my rower a month after ordering. The LCD screen will not function at all or even turn on. NordicTrack said they would send me a new power cord. I have my doubts and am anxious to start. Any ideas?
Did you put it together? There's a chance the wires inside the monitor didn't get attached correctly - since you don't have any power at all. I'd maybe recommend reassessing your assembly to trouble shoot any issues while you wait for a new power cord. Sorry you're having issues :(
@@TreadmillReviewGuru I rechecked the attachment to the power board and it seems attached correctly and secure. I did put it together myself. Thank you.
1 more question. The strap only retracts back to the point of the rest stop. The customer support at Nordic Track said that was normal. It looks like in the video, yours retracts much further.
@@karlafoster9560 that is frustrating. It sounds like you have an electric issue somewhere inside the console. It could be the main power cord, but it's hard to know. Hopefully the replacement cord from Nordictrack will solve the problem. Our cord retracts just a bit passed the point of the catch but there isn't too much slack.
Hi guys - thanks for the detailed review. I have set up my RW500 rower and digital display is working but when i start to row it doesn't capture any movement or time etc. Am I doing something wrong? thanks in advance for help
If the LCD screen isn't displaying your row data, it's most likely that the wires inside didn't get fully connected so the screen works but it isn't receiving data from the flywheel. If you attached the console, we recommend following the instructions in reverse to remove the console and check the wires. If that doesn't work, then contact NordicTrack directly. The LCD screen should display your metrics when you row.
@@TreadmillReviewGuru Hi thanks for the reply. I just unplugged the wires and connected again, same thing now. The digital console is live and it changes display when i select any option but doesn't capture anything when I start to row. Can you please advise what would be the best way to get in touch with Nordic Track. They have given a customer service contact here in Canada and its hard to reach them, stayed on wait for +30 mins but nothing came through. thanks in advance
No, it can’t, and also just as a warning as i had have this for a month, is that the resistance isn’t that highly for stronger people, even with the magnetic resistance. I would highly recommend getting a base model concept 2 rower as i traded mine in for as it has a higher range of resistance.
Thank you for this. I really do appreciate this great review. I tried a Concept 2 and with no resistance, i can pull with barely any effort. I can pull with my light fingers on the handle. - My RW500 I have to use 2 hands, use my arms more and feel it in my forearms. Instead of using my legs! This is with the fly wheel being at at the lowest setting at 2. Is this normal? I don't notice much resistance when changing the settings. I want to compare it to another RW500 but nothing in Portland. I have issues my shoulders and my PT has me rowing on a Concept 2 and it feels so much smoother and easier than this machine. I feel like I just tossed $1k in the garbage.
That's frustrating. We get comments that say the RW500 is too easy to row, but it sounds like yours is too hard. I'd recommend contacting NT customer service about that -- there is a way to adjust the magnetic settings to recalibrate the resistance levels.
I have been looking for reviews on exercise equipment and you do a great job, two suggestions, at times you can talk a bit fast but thankfully we can repeat on youtube! also it would be cool if you made vid play lists by type of equipment so I can just filter out the treadmills or the rowing machines etc. Looking at all the videos at a whole with them all looking the same starting frame it is tricky to figure out what ones are the ones I am interested in. And good luck amazing information and love that you have a written review as well!
The large carriage rollers under my Nordictrack RX 800 seat are a bad design. There are only 12 tiny ball bearings on each roller. 6 on each side. Have to change them at a cost of £10 Sterling each plus postage+packing on a regular basis. They should be pin bearings.
Nice review. One question. I live in an apartment with wooden floor ? Would it make a lot of vibration on the floor. Hate to have my downstairs hating me.
There would be some ambient "whoosing" noise as the flywheel moves, but it would be less than a treadmill. There's no thudding or impact from the rower.
@@TreadmillReviewGuru really looking forward into ordering the Nordic track RE600. But I notice it’s a bit different from the one you use. The display is only the build in touchscreen. It that the updated version?
@@johnlam169 the RW600 is the updated version. Nordictrack doesn't sell the RW500 on their website anymore. You can get it through private retailers, so we have left the review up for info. The updates on the RW600 make it easier to use.
We probably wouldn't recommend the RW500 since the weight limit on this one is 250lbs. Have you considered the Concept 2 model D or model E rowers? They both have a 500lb weight capacity which should work great for you. The Concept2 rower is arguably the best air rower on the market. Unfortunately, due to COVID manufacturing delays, there is a waitlist for the Concept 2 rowers, but they are worth the wait. Here is a link to our reviews: www.treadmillreviewguru.com/concept2-model-d-rower-review/ th-cam.com/video/yUVC-iP0NNU/w-d-xo.html
My problem with all Nordic Track rowers is that the point at which the chain/belt goes into the resistance mechanism is set is too low. When pulling back on the stroke the chain/belt should be higher so that your arms are pulling back at a straighter level. As it is your hands and arms will get more or a lowered pull due to the lower incline of the belt/chain going into the resistance mechanism housing. Nordic Track really needs to redesign their rowers so that the chain/belt entry to the resistance mechanism is higher.
Hello, which rowing machine is better in terms of resistance force and other properties; Nordictrack RX800 rower or Schwinn rower? Both are the same price, which one is worth it price?
This is really nice! I think the rowing feeling is much better when air resistance is involved than when there's only magnetic. It feels much smoother.
Thanks for posting this, it really helped me choose a rower! Just arrived this weekend without any problems after setup
I really like your straightforward factual presentations
Thanks Loren!
Thanks for going in depth on the console and connectivity.
This is great when it works. Mine came delivered with the clicking ticking sound. Still haven't heard back from any support regarding the return I want to start. Been 5 days so far...
Just used mine for the first time and am super disappointed. Every time I row I can hear a clicking noise as well and the wheel inside seems extremely unbalanced and vibrates pretty bad. Everything seems well built except the actual rowing part. Pity, going back tomorrow.
Same here. Noticed a clicking sound coming from flywheel. Otherwise great machine. Let me know if you find a solution for the clicking.
What’s the power cord for this rower
Does anyone have information on what the in-built workouts actually do?
Hello. How does this compare to the proform 750r. What one do you recommend a the better of these two.
I just found your channel. I was just wondering if you know anything about the Norder track RW 300. I do not know how to set the Monitor
Good review. Thank you!
We have the RW900 rower but we’re not feeling any significant change in resistance when switching the preset modes.
Same here. Don’t notice the difference. Maybe it’s too small of a resistance?
I have the same problem. Did you ever get it to work
@@aguysworld we did have a tech come out and check the motor, etc. The tech basically said that's just how the resistance is. Not much of a difference between the low and high setting it seems.
Is there a noticeable difference between the different levels? When I have mine set to 1 or 26, the resistance is the same as far as I can tell. Should I be noticing a big difference?
i have the same issue.......not sure how to tone down resistance it's much harder than any rower I've ever used
Hi, Does the air resistance gauge not feel any different depending on which # you set it at for anyone else? This rower feels significantly harder to pull than my in class rowers i've used over the past 2 years. It's a big difference for me, not sure why the pull is so much harder on low settings.
This was an excellent video.
Great review! Good job. 😃
I purchased the RWR600 last week. Display not working. Told to take apart to troubleshoot the sensor. Got it to work, But plastic molding next to impossible to put back together. Was excited to use but told this may have to be adjusted regularly. Nope. Not going to spend 2-3 hours to fix; especially when its brand now. So disappointed. BTW customer service was horrible. Techs not empowered to do anything, Returning and go to C2 like I should have to begin with.
Is the tablet sound supposed to come out the console speaker. I can't get mine to play out the console
It should, but you need to pair it with your console via Bluetooth like you would a pair of headphones.
I finally received my rower a month after ordering. The LCD screen will not function at all or even turn on. NordicTrack said they would send me a new power cord. I have my doubts and am anxious to start. Any ideas?
Did you put it together? There's a chance the wires inside the monitor didn't get attached correctly - since you don't have any power at all. I'd maybe recommend reassessing your assembly to trouble shoot any issues while you wait for a new power cord. Sorry you're having issues :(
@@TreadmillReviewGuru I rechecked the attachment to the power board and it seems attached correctly and secure. I did put it together myself. Thank you.
1 more question. The strap only retracts back to the point of the rest stop. The customer support at Nordic Track said that was normal. It looks like in the video, yours retracts much further.
@@karlafoster9560 that is frustrating. It sounds like you have an electric issue somewhere inside the console. It could be the main power cord, but it's hard to know. Hopefully the replacement cord from Nordictrack will solve the problem. Our cord retracts just a bit passed the point of the catch but there isn't too much slack.
Hi guys - thanks for the detailed review. I have set up my RW500 rower and digital display is working but when i start to row it doesn't capture any movement or time etc. Am I doing something wrong? thanks in advance for help
If the LCD screen isn't displaying your row data, it's most likely that the wires inside didn't get fully connected so the screen works but it isn't receiving data from the flywheel. If you attached the console, we recommend following the instructions in reverse to remove the console and check the wires. If that doesn't work, then contact NordicTrack directly. The LCD screen should display your metrics when you row.
@@TreadmillReviewGuru Hi thanks for the reply. I just unplugged the wires and connected again, same thing now. The digital console is live and it changes display when i select any option but doesn't capture anything when I start to row. Can you please advise what would be the best way to get in touch with Nordic Track. They have given a customer service contact here in Canada and its hard to reach them, stayed on wait for +30 mins but nothing came through. thanks in advance
Thanks for the review! Do you know if the tablet can be connected to a tv so it can be used as a bigger screen?
No, it can’t, and also just as a warning as i had have this for a month, is that the resistance isn’t that highly for stronger people, even with the magnetic resistance. I would highly recommend getting a base model concept 2 rower as i traded mine in for as it has a higher range of resistance.
I connect my phone with TVmirror app
Thank you for this. I really do appreciate this great review. I tried a Concept 2 and with no resistance, i can pull with barely any effort. I can pull with my light fingers on the handle. - My RW500 I have to use 2 hands, use my arms more and feel it in my forearms. Instead of using my legs! This is with the fly wheel being at at the lowest setting at 2. Is this normal? I don't notice much resistance when changing the settings. I want to compare it to another RW500 but nothing in Portland. I have issues my shoulders and my PT has me rowing on a Concept 2 and it feels so much smoother and easier than this machine. I feel like I just tossed $1k in the garbage.
That's frustrating. We get comments that say the RW500 is too easy to row, but it sounds like yours is too hard. I'd recommend contacting NT customer service about that -- there is a way to adjust the magnetic settings to recalibrate the resistance levels.
I have been looking for reviews on exercise equipment and you do a great job, two suggestions, at times you can talk a bit fast but thankfully we can repeat on youtube! also it would be cool if you made vid play lists by type of equipment so I can just filter out the treadmills or the rowing machines etc. Looking at all the videos at a whole with them all looking the same starting frame it is tricky to figure out what ones are the ones I am interested in. And good luck amazing information and love that you have a written review as well!
Thanks Bret! I'll pass along that suggestion. That's a good idea.
The large carriage rollers under my Nordictrack RX 800 seat are a bad design. There are only 12 tiny ball bearings on each roller. 6 on each side. Have to change them at a cost of £10 Sterling each plus postage+packing on a regular basis. They should be pin bearings.
Excellent review- thank you!
Nice review. One question. I live in an apartment with wooden floor ? Would it make a lot of vibration on the floor. Hate to have my downstairs hating me.
There would be some ambient "whoosing" noise as the flywheel moves, but it would be less than a treadmill. There's no thudding or impact from the rower.
@@TreadmillReviewGuru really looking forward into ordering the Nordic track RE600. But I notice it’s a bit different from the one you use. The display is only the build in touchscreen. It that the updated version?
@@johnlam169 the RW600 is the updated version. Nordictrack doesn't sell the RW500 on their website anymore. You can get it through private retailers, so we have left the review up for info. The updates on the RW600 make it easier to use.
@@TreadmillReviewGuru great to know. I was in fence on the echelon row-s. But the Nordic track sounds much better.
Hello, great video, but I'm 300 lbs, can still purchase this Rower? Please let me know. Thanks!
We probably wouldn't recommend the RW500 since the weight limit on this one is 250lbs. Have you considered the Concept 2 model D or model E rowers? They both have a 500lb weight capacity which should work great for you. The Concept2 rower is arguably the best air rower on the market. Unfortunately, due to COVID manufacturing delays, there is a waitlist for the Concept 2 rowers, but they are worth the wait.
Here is a link to our reviews:
www.treadmillreviewguru.com/concept2-model-d-rower-review/
th-cam.com/video/yUVC-iP0NNU/w-d-xo.html
If this is the machine you really want, consider putting some support blocks under the hinge area to support your extra weight
My problem with all Nordic Track rowers is that the point at which the chain/belt goes into the resistance mechanism is set is too low. When pulling back on the stroke the chain/belt should be higher so that your arms are pulling back at a straighter level. As it is your hands and arms will get more or a lowered pull due to the lower incline of the belt/chain going into the resistance mechanism housing. Nordic Track really needs to redesign their rowers so that the chain/belt entry to the resistance mechanism is higher.
Hello, which rowing machine is better in terms of resistance force and other properties; Nordictrack RX800 rower or Schwinn rower?
Both are the same price, which one is worth it price?
We haven't tested either one of those, sorry.
Very helpful. Thank you!