NordicTrack RW600 Rower Review | Learn to Row with iFIT

Dimensions/Storability

The NordicTrack RW600 rowing machine measures 82.5” x 25.5” x 44” and can be stored upright or horizontally. Although you do not have to secure the rower to store it upright, it could be a good idea if you have pets or children who might overturn it and get hurt.

It weighs 129 lbs as it comes shipped. We aren’t sure of its exact weight without a box, but it is fairly easy to move around. It has transport wheels that make rolling it easy. The screen doesn’t fold down like on the Ergatta rowers, so be careful not to bump it into anything.

Most exercisers should be able to store and move the NordicTrack RW600 on their own.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

iFIT provides all of the training content for the NordicTrack RW600. Thus, iFIT is incredibly important when working out on the NordicTrack RW600. You can use the rowing machine without an iFIT subscription, but you are limited to the manual mode and one featured rowing class.

To access the one featured iFIT class without a subscription, you need a Wi-Fi connection and a free iFIT account. The only training option without Wi-Fi is the manual training mode. You cannot store your training metrics for review later.

iFit

A subscription costs $39 per month to train with iFIT on the RW600’s touchscreen display. A Pro membership supports up to five profiles, so the whole family can train together. There is another iFIT subscription option—the Train option—but it does not give you access to iFIT content through the RW600’s touchscreen.

iFIT offers thousands of classes for all sorts of exercise equipment, including studio and on-the-water rowing classes. Unlike Echelon or Peloton, iFIT currently offers only on-demand classes—no live classes. A trainer leads each class, guiding you through the workouts while AutoAdjust changes your resistance automatically.

The classes suit all ability levels, particularly beginner and intermediate users. There are also challenges and series to join to help you continue your fitness journey. These series often follow a single trainer in one location, or they follow a theme. You can learn a lot about rowing from these classes and series. I like them a lot for beginners who need help improving their form.

Music is not a central part of the iFIT experience like it is on Peloton or Echelon rowing machines. Instead, you can choose from a selection of genre radio stations to back the instructor’s audio. You can control the volume of each separately.

If you don’t feel like taking an iFIT class, you have a few options. First, the Google Maps feature allows you to set a route anywhere in the world. The route will follow a slideshow of photos taken on Google Maps Street View. It’s strange to virtually row down a road, and I think the feature works a lot better on the treadmill.

The second option you have is very new. iFIT is beta testing support for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. If you have an active iFIT membership, you can watch either of these two services on the RW600 screen. We don’t know if this feature will stick around long term, but we are hopeful as it is available on most equipment.

Console

The console is not my favorite for viewing iFIT content while off of the machine because the screen is rather small and lacks rotation. The console also does not fold down for storage as many other rowing machines do. The fixed makes the console take up a little more space when the rower is stored upright.

The console has volume and resistance buttons. The quick-adjust buttons do not represent every resistance level, but you get 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26. If you need to make a finer adjustment, there are plus and minus buttons to adjust the resistance one level at a time.

Screen

The NordicTrack RW600 has a 7-inch touchscreen display that tilts slightly to give you the perfect viewing angle. However, the screen size isn’t the best for viewing. I can see everything, but it doesn’t provide the most immersive training experience compared to the higher-end RW700 and RW900.

The touchscreen is responsive, but I sometimes have trouble hitting the right button in the middle of training. Fortunately, the auto features reduce my need to interact with the screen once I have my chosen class set up.

Speakers

Two front-facing speakers sit at the bottom of the console. The audio level is good, if not quite as crisp as that of more expensive machines. I had no trouble hearing the iFIT class audio or music.

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth connectivity serves two purposes. First, it allows users to connect Bluetooth headphones to listen to iFIT training content quietly. Second, you can pair a Bluetooth heart rate monitor to the display to view your heart rate during your workout. I find it very easy to pair headphones or my watch with the RW600.

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Build Quality

We’ve reviewed almost every NordicTrack machine. Thus, we are very familiar with how they are built and the quality we can expect.

Frame

The NordicTrack RW600 has a steel frame and rail. It has two substantial stabilizers with a total of four feet to keep the machine secure on your floor. The frame itself feels very stable and supportive while you are rowing.

I wasn’t impressed by the 250-lb weight capacity on the RW600. Typically, we want to see a weight capacity of 300 lbs or greater. NordicTrack does not supply a height or inseam limit for the RW600, but our testing suggests it is sufficient for users over 6 feet tall.

Seat

The RW600’s seat could use a little improvement. It’s small at 9.5” x 11.5”, and though you should be moving straight back and forth while rowing if you move side to side some, the seat feels slightly wobbly.

I like the height of the seat. It measures about 14 inches tall, with some variation because of the slope of the monorail. It’s not the tallest rowing machine seat we have measured, but it is a lot more comfortable and easy to sit onto than rowers like the Ergatta that are on the floor. It’s a good choice for exercisers who have trouble getting up and down from the floor.

Rail

The steel monorail is about 47 inches long. The rail sits about 11 inches off the ground and slopes down about one inch from its distal end to the catch. The slope helps with the recovery phase of your rowing stroke, making it feel more passive.

The rail has a black glossy coating, and while I like the look, the coating seems a little uneven. The seat doesn’t glide as smoothly as I would like. Considering how quiet the resistance is, I would have appreciated a very smooth rail for an even quieter performance. Still, the sound is very subtle and not disruptive. After rowing for a while, I didn’t even notice the unevenness.

Handle and Strap

A belt drive feels smoother and sounds quieter than a chain drive, so I’m happy to report that the RW600 uses a belt drive. If you want a grittier feel, air rowers are likelier to have a chain drive. The Concept2 RowErg or AssaultRowers might be a better option for you.

The handle on the RW600 is plastic with a soft coating to make it feel more comfortable in your hands. My hands didn’t feel sore while rowing with this handle. The handle should be comfortable for most users unless you have broad shoulders and want to space your hands out more. The grips are about 6 inches long each and spaced about the same distance apart.

The handle holder is really sleek, allowing the handle to fit snuggly to the body of the rower. Yet, fixing the handle to the holder took a little longer. It’s minimally disruptive to my rowing experience, and I might be a little nitpicky in pointing it out.

Pedals

The NordicTrack RW600 has basic footboards and stretchers. They have large velcro straps, which keep your feet secure and make it easy to get in and out of the pedals quickly. There are multiple adjustment levels, which should accommodate most athletic shoes easily.

The pedal spacing is beginner-friendly—not too narrow. The geometry of the RW600 is overall very comfortable.

Warranty

NordicTrack’s warranty is generally the same across all its equipment. A 10-year warranty covers the frame, a 2-year warranty covers the parts, and a 1-year warranty covers labor. This warranty length meets industry standards and is good for the RW600’s price point.

However, be wary of storing the RW600 in a garage. NordicTrack’s smart equipment is meant for climate-controlled environments.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack RW600

To sum up the findings of the NordicTrack RW600, I suggest this rowing machine for exercisers who already subscribe to iFIT and own other NordicTrack equipment. I also like it for new to intermediate rowing athletes who want subscription training content but don’t want to pay too much for the rowing machine.

Another strength of the NordicTrack RW600 is how quiet the powerful magnetic resistance is. Magnetic rowing machines are quieter than air or water rowers, but we have found NordicTrack rowing machines to be particularly quiet. Additionally, I like the automatic adjustments to the resistance level during iFIT classes for a unique, hands-free training experience.

The NordicTrack RW600 sits at the crossroads of affordability and high-tech features. It’s a great start to a connected home gym or the perfect addition to one you have already started.

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NordicTrack RW600 Rowing Machine Q&A / FAQ

Does the NordicTrack RW600 work without an iFIT subscription?

Yes, you can use the NordicTrack RW600 rower without an iFIT subscription, but you are limited to the manual training mode and one iFIT class. You can train in manual mode with or without Wi-Fi. You need a free iFIT account and a Wi-Fi connection to access the featured iFIT class.

Does the NordicTrack RW600 have Bluetooth?

Yes, the RW600 has Bluetooth. You can connect Bluetooth headphones and a heart rate monitor to the RW600.

How much does the RW600 weigh?

The RW600 weighs 129 lbs as it comes shipped. The rowing machine weighs a few pounds less by itself. It has rolling wheels and is easy to transport when lifted by its rear stabilizer and rolled.

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