NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower Review – High-Tech Rowing with Immersive Workouts

The NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower is a premium, high-tech rowing machine designed to provide an immersive and effective full-body workout. As one of the flagship models in NordicTrack’s rower lineup, the RW900 combines technology, comfort, and performance to create a workout experience that’s engaging and results-driven. Featuring a 22-inch HD touchscreen, interactive iFit workouts, and smooth magnetic resistance, this rower aims to bring a connected fitness experience right to your home.

With the RW900, users can access live and on-demand rowing workouts, join instructor-led classes, and row through beautiful virtual waterways. It’s not just a rowing machine—it’s a fitness system designed to keep you motivated, engaged, and progressing toward your goals. In this review, we’ll dive into the features, standout elements, and what users are saying to help you decide if the RW900 is worth the investment for your home gym.

Features

The NordicTrack RW900 comes packed with advanced features aimed at providing a seamless, engaging workout experience. Here’s an in-depth look at its core features:

    22-Inch HD Touchscreen: The massive 22-inch HD touchscreen is the centerpiece of the RW900. This display delivers crystal-clear visuals and allows users to interact with the iFit platform, stream live and on-demand workouts, track progress, and immerse themselves in virtual environments.

    iFit Integration: With an iFit subscription, the RW900 gives users access to thousands of live and on-demand rowing classes. Whether you’re looking to follow a structured program or explore scenic water routes across the globe, iFit offers diverse workout options for all fitness levels. The interactive training includes real-time resistance adjustments controlled by the instructors, making each session dynamic and challenging.

    Dual Resistance System (Air + Magnetic): The RW900 features a dual resistance system that combines air resistance with 26 digital magnetic resistance levels. This hybrid approach provides the natural feel of air resistance with the precision control of magnetic resistance. Users can easily adjust the resistance level via the touchscreen, allowing for a customizable workout experience.

    Ergonomic Seat and Footrests: The rower’s seat is ergonomically designed for comfort, ensuring users can row for longer periods without discomfort. The footrests are adjustable to fit various foot sizes, helping maintain proper posture and form throughout the workout.

    Space-Saving, Foldable Design: The NordicTrack RW900 is designed for convenience in home gyms. Its SpaceSaver design allows users to fold the machine vertically, drastically reducing its footprint when not in use. Built-in transport wheels make it easy to move and store the rower when necessary.

    Silent Magnetic Resistance: Thanks to its magnetic resistance system, the RW900 offers whisper-quiet operation, making it ideal for early morning or late-night workouts. The air resistance adds a natural rowing feel without significantly increasing noise levels.

    iFit Family Membership (30-Day Trial): The RW900 comes with a 30-day free trial of iFit Family, which allows up to 5 users to access live and on-demand workouts, making it ideal for households with multiple fitness enthusiasts.

Standout Features

    Immersive iFit Workouts: The RW900’s integration with iFit is one of its strongest selling points. iFit offers a massive library of workouts ranging from rowing to strength training, yoga, and even virtual scenic rowing routes. The interactive coaching feature, where instructors can control your resistance remotely during live classes, adds an immersive and dynamic element to your workout.

    22-Inch HD Touchscreen: The large 22-inch touchscreen not only enhances the visual experience of your workouts but also makes it easy to interact with the iFit platform. Whether you’re adjusting resistance, exploring new workout programs, or tracking progress, the intuitive interface makes it all easily accessible.

    Dual Resistance System: Combining air and magnetic resistance, the RW900 offers the best of both worlds. The air resistance provides a smooth, natural rowing feel, while the magnetic resistance allows for precise, adjustable intensity. With 26 levels of digital resistance, users can dial in their preferred difficulty with just a tap on the screen.

    Quiet and Smooth Operation: Despite its power, the RW900 operates quietly, making it perfect for home environments where noise might be a concern. The magnetic resistance keeps things whisper-quiet, and even the air resistance operates at a manageable sound level.

    Space-Saving Design: The ability to fold and store the RW900 is a huge advantage for those with limited space. Its SpaceSaver design ensures that even users with smaller living areas can make room for a premium rowing machine without sacrificing too much space.

What People Are Saying

The NordicTrack RW900 has garnered widespread praise from users, with most reviewers highlighting its high-tech features, smooth operation, and engaging workouts. Below is a summary of the feedback from users:

Positives:

    Immersive iFit Classes: Many users love the interactive workouts offered by iFit, noting that they feel more motivated and engaged compared to standard rowers. The variety of classes and scenic routes keeps workouts fresh, and the ability for trainers to adjust the resistance adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement.

    Large, High-Quality Screen: The 22-inch touchscreen is frequently mentioned as a game-changer. Users appreciate the crisp visuals, whether they’re rowing through scenic rivers or following along with a trainer-led class. The touchscreen’s responsiveness and ease of use are also praised.

    Smooth and Quiet Rowing: Users consistently mention how smooth the rowing experience is, thanks to the combination of air and magnetic resistance. The quiet operation is a big selling point for those who live in apartments or don’t want to disturb others in their home during early morning or late-night workouts.

    Durable Build: Many users highlight the rower’s sturdy construction, noting that it feels solid and stable even during intense workouts. The overall build quality is regarded as premium, which justifies the higher price point for most.

    Space-Saving Design: Several reviewers appreciate the foldable design, which allows them to store the rower easily when not in use. This feature is especially useful for those with limited space or multi-purpose rooms.

Negatives:

    iFit Subscription Cost: While iFit is often praised for its quality and variety, some users find the subscription cost to be a bit high after the 30-day free trial expires. For those who are not interested in the live classes or prefer offline workouts, the ongoing subscription may feel like an added burden.

    Price: Although most users agree that the RW900 offers excellent value for its features, a few reviewers mention that the price point is on the higher side. For users seeking a more budget-friendly rower, this model might be out of reach.

    Assembly Complexity: A handful of users have reported that the assembly process can be somewhat complex and time-consuming. While the instructions are generally clear, the large size and number of components may require two people to complete the setup.

Conclusion

The NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower is an exceptional piece of fitness equipment that delivers an immersive, connected workout experience. The combination of iFit’s live and on-demand classes, a stunning 22-inch HD touchscreen, and the dual resistance system makes this rower stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for challenging, dynamic workouts or a beginner who wants guidance and motivation, the RW900 has something for everyone.

The machine’s quiet operation, sturdy build, and space-saving design make it particularly suitable for home use, ensuring that you can fit a premium workout experience into your home without sacrificing comfort or space. While the initial price and iFit subscription might be higher than other rowers, the value it provides—through interactive features, quality design, and long-term durability—justifies the investment for most users.

If you’re serious about rowing and want a high-tech, interactive machine that can keep you motivated and progressing, the NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower is one of the best options on the market. It blends the latest in fitness technology with the practical features needed for an effective at-home workout, making it a top choice for users who want more from their cardio sessions.