NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review

by Gary Patterson | Last Updated: May 15, 2021

Sick of gym memberships? NordicTrack provides a wide variety of treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and rowers perfect for your in-house studio.

Designed to simulate real-time events, this health and fitness brand is known for their iFit programs. Throughout their line of products, NordicTrack enables you to achieve your exercise goals without ever leaving the comfort of home. 

Founded by Edward Pauls, NordicTrack was designed as the ‘indoor’ solution when bad weather conditions made it impossible to work out. More specifically, Pauls found it difficult to train for his upcoming cross-country ski race. Met with low visibility, cold temperatures, icy pavements, and a veritable lack of snow- he came up with the idea to kickstart his own exercise equipment company out of pure frustration.

Using his background in mechanical engineering, NordicTrack officially launched in 1975 with its headquarters located in Logan, Utah. Their first ever product was the Original NordicTrack skier machine.

Since its debut, NordicTrack quickly grew in popularity. They are commonly featured in reputable online magazines, such as NBC News, Forbes, USA Today, and Men’s Journal. Amassing an impressive following of 305k on Instagram, NordicTrack is also affiliated with several big-name personalities, including Nick Hounslow, Jillian Micheals, and Hannah Eden. 

NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review

While NordicTrack offers dozens of best-selling models, we will be focusing on the NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine. Part of the brand’s rower collection, this prototype has gained critical acclaim throughout the internet. Praised by PCMag and FitRated as ‘top-of-the-line,’ this $1,600 machine provides a thorough- but luxurious workout experience. 

Looking to buy one for your own? This NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine review will provide an in-depth analysis on product features, functions, quality, and overall value to help you decide if it’s worth the buy. 

But before we get into the specifics, let’s go over some initial pros and cons: 

Pros

• Built with a Smart HD Touchscreen that comes with NordicTrack’s iFit program 
• Offers 26 resistance levels and a live resistance control 
• Provides a convenient solution when exercising outdoors isn’t a viable option 
• Saves money on gym memberships. Users can also workout on their own time 
• Positive customer reviews 
• Offers a monthly financing plan 

Cons

• Pricier than other models 
• Doesn’t include a heart rate monitor 
• Heavy to lift 

Technical Specifications

Just need the specifics? This NordicTrack RW900 review has got you covered. We’ll provide a short list of product details for readers to follow down below:

• Dimensions: 86.5″ x 22.0″ x 50.4″ for overall machine. Display measurements are 22” across 
• Stored Dimensions: 36.2” x 50.4” 
• Weight: Boxed product is 131 lbs. It can accompany 250 lbs during operation
• Material: Steel seat rail, a molded cushion, custom pivot pedals, and foot straps
• Handle: SoftTouch ergonomic handle 
• Monitor/Display: Rotating Smart HD Touchscreen 
• Workouts: rowing, strength training 
• How many videos: includes 1-year iFit membership. There are hundreds of programs to choose from 
• Resistance: air, magnetic, and digital 
• Connections: comes with a power adaptor suited for outlets 
• Heart rate: non applicable 
• Functions: cardiovascular fitness 
• Seat: ergonomic molded seat 
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor 

Resistance Type

The NordicTrack RW900 offers not one, but 26 resistance levels.This machine operates through an automatic trainer control function, meaning that your exercise coach takes the reins on the intensity of each workout session. How is this accomplished? The company uses digital and magnetic tension. Designed to be completely silent and seamless, this prototype ensures a sweat-inducing workout without the slowdown of friction. 

If you’re not a fan of handing over the reigns, users can adjust the resistance of their machine by switching over to the manual air setting. It provides the same experience and can replicate real-time rowing. There’s no need to push any buttons to change tension, program, or pressure, as adjustments can be made digitally through the touch screen, or by its front handle. 

While some air and magnetic resistance types are known to be noisy or too ‘smooth’ in action, the NordicTrack RW900 comes with no caveats. The manual air setting is run by dual resistance control. This means you still get the intensity of the workout, but there’s no need to suffer in terms of racket. 

Price

While the NordicTrack RW900 is known as the cream of the crop of rowers, most health and fitness reviewers agree that it is the most expensive model on the market. It costs a hefty $1,599, plus $199 for threshold delivery. The iFit program is free for one year, however customers will have to pay $396 a year after the trial is over. On Amazon, this prototype costs an abysmal $2,430. For better comparison, the Hydrow Connected Rower is only $2,250.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive model, this NordicTrack RW900 review found out that some rowers retail for as low as $200. However, these machines don’t come with the same features as the NordicTrack RW900. This includes its touch screen monitor, the iFit program, and 26 different resistance levels. But put it this way- working out is a big commitment to make. For those who find themselves slacking off now and then- perhaps an integrated trainee could give the kick you need. 

Fortunately, the NordicTrack RW900 offers a financing option. Customers can pay $47 per month with 0% APR for 39 installments. It also comes with a TD bank Fit Loan– which gives you flexibility to pay over time. Think of it as a temporary gym membership-except users can keep the machine after the subscription is over. 

Shipping & Assembly

Unfortunately, the NordicTrack RW900 does not come with complimentary shipping. Customers must pay $199 for threshold delivery. In terms of duration, it usually takes 7 to 10 business days for packages to arrive. Once the order is near its final destination, the courier will attempt to contact you to set up a timeframe. When delivered, the rower will come partially assembled in a styrofoam-protective box. It will require a bit of hand work to get it fixed. 

The NordicTrack RW900 Rower does come with an instructional manual. And before you start huffing in frustration- the brand does offer a free mobile app that provides a step-by-step guide for customers to use. It’s best that users call in favor, as this rower will need the help of two extra hands. 

The company states that you should have one Phillips screwdriver and one adjustable wrench to help get the job done. NordicTrack is against the use of power tools- as it could damage the machine in the construction process. 

From what this NordicTrack RW900 review has seen so far, assembly seems to be quite straightforward. While there is no time-estimate on how fast you can set up the rower, some customers have stated that most of their troubles came from the heaviness of the equipment. 

Setup

After assembly, users are just one step away from finishing. Once the NordicTrack RW900 is plugged in, customers are to connect to their Wi-Fi network. From there, you must follow the prompts directed on the screen. This includes inputting your weight, height, gender, and other information. 

Once this is finished, it’s time to set up your personal iFit login. As a side note this NordicTrack RW900 review found out their program can accompany 4 different profiles- meaning that you get the whole family involved. As soon as this step is completed, users are treated to a tour presentation on how the NordicTrack RW900 works. And as a final touch, make sure to check for system updates to ensure your machine is operating properly. 

Design and Features

Now it’s time for the real test. How does this rower stand up to its competitors? This NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine review will provide a thorough commentary on the build quality, level of comfort, and capacity to help you make that final decision. 

Build Quality

The NordicTrack RW900 weighs a massive 131 lbs. Built to be durable and sturdy, users can row in peace without any sudden shifts in movement. If you missed arm day, there’s no need to sweat about storage. Integrated with the brand’s SpaceSaver technology, this rower is equipped with front-mounted transport wheels. It’s also designed to be folded vertically– making it non-intrusive for when you want to turn your gym studio back into a living room. 

Comfort

The same can be said for shoes and apparel: if it’s not comfortable, it’s destined to be forgotten. The NordicTrack RW900 comes with an ergonomic molded seat, which cushions your tush as you stroke through digital lake waters and rivers. To keep those feet from flying off, this machine features quick-adjust pedals with adjustable nylon straps. This ensures safety and security during the most intense workout sessions. 

If you tend to bruise easily, the NordicTrack RW900 has a SoftTouch ergonomic handle, which offers grip and support no matter the resistance. Most online reviewers agree that this machine is comfortable to use. The seat and the pivoting paddles are made to be adjustable to accommodate any form or fit. 

Capacity

For those looking to lose a few pounds, the NordicTrack RW900 accommodates up to 250 lbs. To give you an estimate, the average weight for a 5’9” healthy adult male is from 125 lbs to 168 lbs. For women, those with the ‘normal’ height range of 5’3” are expected to weigh 170 lbs. Based on these numbers, this rower seems friendly to use for a majority of people. 

In terms of height, the company doesn’t list the set rail measurements for this rower. The Rowing Machine King made an attempt to reach out to the brand to ask for specifics- in which they stated users measuring up to 6’5” can still use this model. 

From what this NordicTrack RW900 review has learned so far, this prototype offers a standard capacity. Other models such as JOROTO Magnetic Rower and the Stamina Body Trac Glider accommodates the same proportions. 

Display/LCD

What makes the NordicTrack RW900 a contender within the rower market is its list of features. The star of the show- the 22” rotating smart HD touchscreen is equipped with WI-Fi connectivity, which enables users to train alongside the iFIT coach. This program comes with a variety of different exercise programs that are usually located in interesting locations. Looking for an intense rowing session on the beautiful lake waters of Slovenia? Do it at the comfort of your own home with the NordicTrack RW900. 

If that wasn’t already enough, rowers can use the Bluetooth headphone connectivity feature to listen to their training instructors while exercising. Devoid of messy, tangle-prone wires, this nifty component only enhances the virtual reality experience. The NordicTrack RW900 also comes with two 2” digitally amplified speakers and an auxiliary music port so you can play your motivational tunes while stroking. 

Moreover, users can view their calorie count, track the amount of distance made, and their total exercise time. The NordicTrack RW900 doesn’t come with a heart rate monitor, however it is compatible with the brand’s own line of wireless chest straps. In terms of watching Netflix, YouTube, and other programs, some users found luck in ‘hacking’ the machine to play their favorite series. However, the company does not list this as a feature within the product description. 

Membership

With your purchase of the NordicTrack RW900, users are entitled to one year of the iFit program. After this period is over, customers are billed $396 per year with tax. For those waiting for their Rower to arrive in the mail, the brand offers a free 30-day trial on their mobile app- which is available to download on Apple and Google Play. 

There are hundreds of live and pre-recorded workout programs to choose from. This includes rowing, running, walking, cycling, cross-training, strength tests, and yoga. Taught by over 130 iFit trainers, users can exercise with the best- such as Dr. Dale Simpson, Gideon Akande, and Anja Garcia. By signing up, users are also given stats of other people’s progress. Think of it as a motivational push. 
Storage

After an hour well-spent rowing on the digital rivers, stowing away should not be an added workout. The NordicTrack RW900 comes with a handy 4-wheel system to make the storage process easier. Design to fold vertically, users can affix this rower to a vacant corner of their living room or inside a closet. There’s no need to call for help, as this machine involved no heavy lifting. 

Warranty

The NordicTrack RW900 comes with 3 different warranties: this includes a 10-year frame guarantee, a 2-year parts contract, and a 1-year labor warranty. It does not cover commercial use, including health clubs, gyms, retail stores, and spas. Some states do not allow certain time limitations on some policies, so it’s best to check within your given city. 

NordicTrack offers a 30-day return policy for their exercise equipment. They are not responsible for shipping costs, as customers are expected to pay $250 up front. For more details on this and their list of warranties, this NordicTrack RW900 encourages you to check out their website for further specifics. 

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself listing excuse after excuse when it comes to working out, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. While the NordicTrack RW900 is relatively expensive, users are treated to its wide variety of handy features. Their iFit program is something to behold, as it provides a source of motivation and entertainment for the customer. With several programs and destinations to choose from, trainers can simulate the experience of real-time rowing without booking a plane-ticket.

We also need to talk about NordicTrack RW900’s 26 levels of resistance. Designed to provide a smooth and seamless workout session, users can experience the advantage of silent magnetic types, and the friction-free feeling of air rowers. In conclusion, this  NordicTrack RW900 encourages readers to check out this model- and hey- if you find yourself rowing 4 out of 7 days a week, it’s safe to assume that the $2,250 price tag is worth it. 

FAQ

Where can I purchase the NordicTrack RW900 Rower?

Customers can purchase the nordicTrack RW900 rower by heading over to nordictrack.com. You can also find them at select retailers such as Amazon, BestBuy, the Treadmill Factory, Walmart, and Johnson Fitness. 

Is there a NordicTrack RW900 Rower discount?

As of lately, this NordicTrack RW900 review hasn’t come across any promotions or discounts codes for this rower. However, we recommend that you follow their social media platforms for any updates. 

Does the NordicTrack RW900 Rower fold?

Yes, this NordicTrack RW900 review found out that this model can be folded. Designed to be compacted vertically, this prototype is suitable for closets or vacant corners. 

Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?

This NordicTrack RW900 review discovered that users can shed a few pounds using a Rowing Machine. According to many sources online, this type of machine provides a significant calorie burn. 

Is rowing better for you than running?

Many health experts believe that rowing is better than running. This is because rowers involve the movement of your arms and legs, which provides a full-body workout. 

How to contact NordicTrack?

For inquiries unrelated to this NordicTrack RW900 review, you can contact the company through:

• Phone number: 1-800-862-3348
• email: [email protected] 
• using their chat function on their website