Whenever I use a rowing machine in my workouts, I’m looking to hop on for maybe 10-20 minutes—if I’m rowing continuously and not adding it into my interval training. Rowing is a challenging and technical exercise, and I also get bored quickly. There are a few rowers that can keep me rowing longer, the NordicTrack RW900 being one of them.
Why do I find myself rowing on the RW900 longer? iFIT. iFIT features trainer-led workout classes that this trainer loves. iFIT has thousands of workouts on all kinds of machines, but the rowing workouts are extra special because they take place on the water. The instructor rows outdoors on lakes and rivers all over the world while providing rowing guidance.
Another reason why I like using the RW900 is that it’s smooth and quiet. The magnetic resistance and belt drive make this rower suitable to use almost anywhere. So, if you’re like me and you’d love to have a Concept2 RowERG but can’t deal with the noise, then keep reading why the NordicTrack RW900 might be the best alternative.
NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review: Bottom Line
NordicTrack RW900 vs. Similar Rowing Machines
Here is a quick overview of how the RW900 compares to other popular rowing machines.
 NordicTrack RW900 |  Hydrow Wave |  Concept2 RowErg |  Aviron Strong |  NordicTrack RW700 | |
| Price (MSRP) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The NordicTrack RW900 uses iFIT for automatic resistance adjustments that make varying your intensity easier than it is on any other rowing machine. | The Hydrow Wave’s magnetic resistance and training content create the most realistic on-the-water feel with a lighter frame and lower price than other machines in Hydrow’s lineup. | The Concept2 is regarded as the best rower with the most accurate monitor and competition-level performance. | The Aviron Strong Rower turns your workout into a game, entertains you with streaming apps, and guides you with trainer-led workouts. | The NordicTrack RW700 supports iFIT’s vast library of content, allowing athletes to train alongside top coaches in studio and outdoor settings. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | NordicTrack RW900 | Hydrow Wave | Concept2 RowErg | Aviron Strong | NordicTrack RW700 |
| Workout Experience | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Specs / Features | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 8 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Build Quality | 7 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Overall Score | 83 | 90 | 92 | 82 | 82 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 2 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 2 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | $39/month | $44/month | N/A | $29/month | $39/month |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | Netflix, Prime (in beta-testing) | N/A | N/A | YouTube, Max, Disney+, Hulu, Prime, Spotify, Paramount+, Netflix | Netflix, Prime (in beta-testing) |
| Display | 22” HD touchscreen | 16” HD touchscreen | PM5 Console | 22” HD touchscreen | 10” HD touchscreen |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 82" L x 22" W x 54" H | 80" L x 19" W 43" H | 96” L x 24” W x 14” H | 84” L x 27” W x 48” H | 81.5" L x 21" W x 49" H |
| Pedal Type | |||||
| Storage | Horizontal, vertical | Horizontal, vertical | Vertical, horizontal, in two pieces | Vertical, horizontal | Vertical, horizontal |
| Rower Weight | 163 lbs | 102 lbs | 57 lbs | 114 lbs | 146 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs | 375 lbs | 500 lbs | 507 lbs | 250 lbs |
| Resistance Type | magnetic | magnetic | Air | Hybrid magnet & air | magnetic |
| Max Resistance | 26 levels | 300 (drag factor) | Unlimited | 16 magnetic resistance levels | 26 resistance levels |
| Height Limit | 6’5”+ | 36” (inseam) | 38” (inseam) | 6’8” | 6’5”+ |
| Warranty | 10-year frame; 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 5-year frame; 12-month parts, screen, and labor | 5 years on frame; 2 years on moving parts and console | 10-year frame, 1-year parts | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor |
| Additional Features | Automatic resistance adjustments, Bluetooth, pivot & tilt screen | Belt drive, Bluetooth, frame color options | 10-level damper, chain drive, device holder | Belt drive, air ventilation, tall seat | Automatic resistance adjustments, tilt & pivot screen, Bluetooth |
Dimensions/Storability
This design of the NordicTrack RW900 Rower doesn’t fold up. It can be stored upright, however. Plus, there are two wheels on the front, so it can be moved around if needed. Keep in mind that there isn’t a way to collapse the screen or fold it inward, so you need to factor in some extra floor space for the screen and the arm post that holds the screen when you store the RW900 upright.
We wish the screen could be folded inward to take up less space when it is stored upright. The rower’s dimensions are 82” L x 22” W x 54” H. To store it upright, be sure to factor in the 82” in height and 54” in length for ceiling and floor clearance.
To accommodate the rower being stored upright, be sure that your ceilings are high enough; this rower is pretty long and stands up high when tilted up.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
The NordicTrack RW900 has a touchscreen attached, so it comes with subscription training content. If a rower has a touchscreen, it more than likely includes training content or some kind of entertainment beyond just tracking your workout metrics.
iFIT Subscription
iFIT is a complete training platform that offers thousands of trainer-led workout classes. The classes are available to take on-demand, and iFIT is enabled on equipment from brands like NordicTrack and ProForm.
We highly recommend subscribing because iFIT certainly enhances this rower’s overall experience. However, you can use the RW900 without a subscription, which I’ll get into a little later. First, here’s an overview of what you can expect with an iFIT subscription on the RW900.
iFIT’s classes are filmed indoors in professional studios and outdoors in water locations all over the world. Indoor classes feature a trainer in front of you and often with other participants who are rowing alongside them. The trainers provide cues for form and guide you through the workout.
The outdoor classes are where the experience on the RW900 is really enhanced. These classes take place on the water, and the instructor guides you through the workout while you are rowing. Often, the camera pans to the surrounding landscapes so you can kind of feel like you’re there, too.
The quality of the graphics and outdoor training content is impressive.
Compared to other rowing machines with subscription content, iFIT definitely provides a wide variety. Not only can you utilize the RW900’s screen while rowing, but you can also access mat classes like strength training, yoga, and meditation. So, when you’re done with a rowing session, you can follow it up with some yoga with iFIT.
Other rowers like the Hydrow and Hydrow Wave have their own training platform that also features outdoor rowing content led by instructors. The biggest difference I’ve noticed between the two subscriptions is the direction in which the camera is placed.
Hydrow points the camera at the instructor as they row backward so they can talk to the camera versus mainly seeing the perspective of the instructor or having a side profile view of the instructor.
I like how both are filmed and don’t have a personal preference of which view I like to see. Both add a lot of value to each of these rowers. iFIT is a bit more versatile in the variety of content offered because you can take classes on other types of machines, as well as on the mat.
Onboard Workouts
Without a subscription to iFIT, a featured iFIT workout and manual mode are available. You can certainly use the RW900 without iFIT, but to get the most out of the rower, we highly recommend subscribing. iFIT is the reason why I spend more time on this rower than many other machines.
Console
The console pretty much entirely consists of the 22” touch screen. It’s important to note that all of the functionality of the RW900 Rower is within the screen. The screen is where you’ll access iFIT, manual mode, and the onboard workouts. It’s also where you adjust the magnetic resistance and speaker volume.
You can also adjust the volume of the iFIT content and iFIT music just below the screen in between the front-mounted speakers. These speakers are nice and loud, so you shouldn’t have any problem hearing the content on the screen. You can also connect your Bluetooth headphones to the speakers.
The 22” touch screen tilts so you can avoid any overhead glare and keep the screen within eye level while using the RW900. The screen also rotates, so you can use it for iFIT classes off the rower, like Pilates and strength training, as I mentioned earlier.
I really like the pivoting touchscreen because it makes the iFIT content more accessible and the rower more functional, adding versatility to your training.
For additional accessories and storage options, the NordicTrack RW900 Rower doesn’t come with any. There isn’t a fan or a tablet holder attached to the console. This is another reason why I suggest getting a subscription to iFIT. There also isn’t a place to put your water bottle, like most home rowers.
Build Quality
We are impressed with how solid and sturdy the NordicTrack RW900 is. The RW900 has received a small facelift this year, but it really maintains the same design and stability as the previous model.
We are a little disappointed that it only has a 250 lb weight capacity. Other rowers, like the Concept2, have a 500 lb limit. Even the Hydrow has an impressive 375 lb weight limit. Users up to the 250 lb limit should be able to use the RW900 rower just fine, though.
Frame
The large, stable design is mainly due to the steel stabilizers and oversized steel monorail. This makes the RW900 feel incredibly stable when you’re on it. Underneath the front and rear stabilizers are adjustable leveling feet to plant the rower firmly on the floor and eliminate any movement of the machine.
The largest difference between the previous model and this new model of the RW900 is the monorail. It still slightly slopes downward to the front to help encourage you back into the recovery and catch from the finish. The base below the rail is now thick. It still functions the same as the previous model, and it feels smooth and stable, but comparing the rowers side by side, you can see this difference.
This rail is nice and wide to support your weight as you row. It’s thicker at the end than the previous model.
There’s also minimal noise from the seat as it moves over the steel rail. This rail is more heavy-duty than the ProForm Pro R10 Rower, but it doesn’t fold up as the ProForm does.
Geometry/Dimensions
- Footprint: 82″ L x 22″ W x 54″ H
- Pedals: 13” L
- Monorail: 53” L x 15” H
- Saddle: 12” wide x 10” deep
- Belt Drive: 29” from where the belt feeds out to the ground
Footboard & Pedals
I’m a fan of the velcro foot straps. They’re easy to adjust, and I’m able to put them on and take them off very quickly. They keep your feet secure when in use. The pedals also help to secure your feet in place. They’re adjustable to fit your foot size, and the back holds your heels in place. The pedals allow some ankle flexion while keeping your shoe gripped.
They work well with any type of athletic shoe.
I did find the pedals to be a little sticky to adjust at first, but it gets easier with use. The footboards are nice and large enough to accommodate a wide variety of users.
Handle
The handle on the NordicTrack RW900 is pretty straight and has a nice texture that doesn’t feel slippery. It isn’t completely round but more of an oval shape, so it doesn’t allow for other gripping options or single-armed rowing like the Concept2.
It would be nice if it was a little longer; our largest reviewer wished he could have a little wider grip on it. I prefer a rounder handle like the Hydrow Rowers, but I didn’t have any problems using the RW900 handle. My hands didn’t get fatigued or uncomfortable after working out, either.
The handle is a nice size, so it should work well for most users.
Seat
The seat is lightly padded and minimally contoured. The Hydrow has more contouring for tailbone support, which we prefer. The padding on the RW900’s seat is enough, though, so I don’t find it too hard or uncomfortable to sit on.
The NordicTrack RW900 Rower sits pretty high off the ground. This makes it ideal for those with mobility issues that inhibit them from sitting low on the ground. It’s also easy to get on and off. The seat is 19” high from the top of the seat to the floor when measured in the middle of the rail. In comparison, the Concept2 air rower seat sits about 14” high off the ground. This makes the NordicTrack RW900 a little more convenient to get on and off.
The seat does shift a little bit from side to side if you shift your body this way while sitting. It’s pretty typical for most home rowers and doesn’t affect your positioning or the stability of the seat while rowing, though.
It would be nice on a future model if the seat was a little wider.
Flywheel
The RW900 Rower uses a belt that’s attached to the flywheel and the handle. This is where you get the tension to pull from. The belt is a significant reason why the RW900 is so quiet to use. Other rowers use a chain drive, which can make a clanking noise when rowing.
Most rowers that we recommend for homes have belt drive systems. Belts typically require little to no maintenance and make each stroke feel really smooth.
When rowing, the belt makes no noise.
The flywheel is inertia-enhanced, so it keeps the entire stroke smooth, too. We noticed that the belt lost a little bit of tension in the recovery after the finish. There isn’t slack in the belt like the ProForm Pro R10 Rower gets when stronger users row, but it doesn’t keep the tension quite as much as either of the Hydrow Rowers.
This isn’t a huge problem, but we do discourage advanced and really strong rowers from using the RW900. This shouldn’t be an issue for more beginner and intermediate users. The former might be able to out-row the magnetic resistance as well.
Resistance
The NordicTrack RW900 uses adjustable magnetic resistance. This makes it extremely quiet to use. It is actually quieter than the original Hydrow, which also uses this type of resistance. As mentioned above, some users might not find the tension from magnetic resistance enough to row against.
If this is the case for you, we recommend checking out air and water rowers. The harder you pull with these rowers, the more tension you get, and air rowers offer unlimited resistance.
Air rowers are loud, though, and might not be suitable for some spaces. The RW900 is perfect for any home setting because it makes little to no sound. The only sound is from the speakers when you’re using iFIT or the preprogrammed workouts.
The magnetic resistance has 26 levels of resistance. You can adjust this on the screen in manual mode and in any of the iFIT workouts. The 26 levels provide a good range of resistance to pull against.
Warranty
NordicTrack offers a 10-year warranty for the frame, a 2-year warranty for parts, and a 1-year warranty for labor on the RW900 Rower.
Should You Buy The NordicTrack RW900 Rower?
The NordicTrack RW900 feels incredibly stable to use. All of our reviewers found the RW900 to be comfortable and solid. It performed well for us as well. We do feel like this rower is best for beginners and intermediates. The magnetic resistance has a maximum resistance which might not be suitable for some users. It also only has a 250 lb weight capacity, so we don’t recommend it to be used by people over that limit.
The RW900 is very quiet, and iFIT really adds to the overall experience. If you’re looking for a quiet rower that’s interactive, I would consider this one.
NordicTrack RW900 Rower Q&A / FAQ
Can you use the NordicTrack RW900 without iFIT?
You don’t need to subscribe to iFIT to use the RW900. Without iFIT, you can use manual mode to take a featured iFIT workout.
Does the NordicTrack RW900 fold up?
The RW900 doesn’t fold up, but it can be stored upright. The touchscreen doesn’t fold down, so you still need to keep a decent amount of floor space clear. However, it’s nice to be able to store it upright to save space.
Is our review paid?
We were not paid to create this review. NordicTrack sent us the RW900, but we weren’t paid to write this. We work with a wide variety of brands, including NordicTrack, to test fitness equipment and create these reviews. This allows us to recommend the best equipment because we’ve tested it.
We get paid through our affiliate links. We receive a commission when consumers make a purchase through our links. If you found this review to be helpful and if you’re ready to buy, we’d appreciate you using our links. This allows us to keep creating informed reviews.
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