ReviewFinder Rowing Machines

Sunny Health Obsidian Surge

TLDR: The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is a water rowing machine that offers adjustable resistance levels, a comfortable seating experience, and a space-saving design, making it a great option for home gyms.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Sunny Health Obsidian Surge rank #24 out of 47.
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8.0
Great

The product receives great reviews on average (consumer score 8.0). This is slightly above the median rowing machine score of 8.0.

About consumer score

Price:
We currently don't have any recent price information for Sunny Health Obsidian Surge, so we can't determine how its cost ranks in comparison to other Rowing Machines.
  • Lowest price: $99.99
  • Median price: $519.99
  • Highest price: $2399.99
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Expert consensus

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is a water rowing machine that offers adjustable resistance levels, a comfortable seating experience, and a space-saving design, making it a great option for home gyms.

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is a water rowing machine that offers a unique and dynamic rowing experience. It uses water resistance, with a flywheel and 16 fan blades that interact with water to provide instant resistance. The resistance is adjustable, with six different fill levels, allowing users to customize the intensity of their workouts.

The rowing machine also comes with adjustable foot straps, providing a stable and secure foot placement. It features a fitness meter called the R2 fitness meter, which tracks and displays essential workout data. The monitor is easy to read and well-organized, making it convenient for users to track their progress.

The rowing machine is designed to be space-saving and versatile, with a folding design that allows for easier storage when not in use. It is suitable for various home gym setups and does not require any additional accessories or attachments. The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge offers a comfortable seating experience with its molded and padded seat.

The seat is positioned higher off the ground, which can be beneficial for individuals with back, hip, or knee issues. Adjusting the resistance levels is relatively easy, and the rowing motion is described as smooth and natural. The rowing machine is praised for its sturdy and durable build quality, with a steel frame and anti-corrosion paint.

It can safely hold customers weighing up to 300 pounds. While it may not be on par with more expensive water rowing machines in terms of durability, it is suitable for regular home use. Overall, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge provides a comfortable and realistic rowing experience, making it a great option for individuals looking to incorporate a rowing machine into their home gym.

Features and Technology

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is a water rowing machine that offers a challenging yet smooth workout with adjustable resistance levels and a convenient fitness meter.

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is a water rowing machine that offers a unique and dynamic rowing experience. It uses water resistance, with a flywheel and 16 fan blades that interact with water to provide instant resistance. The faster the fan blades spin, the higher the resistance, creating a challenging yet smooth workout.

The resistance is adjustable, with six different fill levels, allowing users to customize the intensity of their workouts. The rowing machine also comes with adjustable foot straps, providing a stable and secure foot placement. It features a fitness meter called the R2 fitness meter, which tracks and displays essential workout data such as time, strokes per minute, calories burned, heart rate, and ambient temperature.

The monitor is easy to read and well-organized, making it convenient for users to track their progress. The Obsidian Surge is described as the closest you can get to the feel of actual rowing without being on a lake, making it suitable for users who want a realistic rowing experience at home.

What type of rowing machine is the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge?

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is a water rowing machine. It features a flywheel and 16 fan blades that interact with water to provide resistance. According to a product review on Peoples Fitness Advisor, the water performance of this rowing machine offers instant resistance, with the faster the fan blades spin, the higher the resistance. This creates a unique and dynamic rowing experience for the user.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What type of resistance does the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge use?

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge uses water resistance. It has a flywheel that is immersed in a tank of water to create resistance for the user to paddle against. The water-based resistance system replicates the feeling of rowing in real life and provides a smooth and natural workout experience. According to reviews on agymlife.com, The Home Gym, boxlifemagazine.com, and TopFitnessMagazine, water rowing machines like the Obsidian Surge provide a challenging yet smooth workout and are the closest you can get to the feel of actual rowing without being on a lake.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the resistance adjustable on the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge?

Yes, the resistance on the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge Rowing Machine is adjustable. According to product experts from The Home Gym, agymlife.com, and Peoples Fitness Advisor, you can adjust the water level in the tank to adjust the overall resistance provided. The machine has six different fill levels, with 1 being the least resistance and 6 being the most. This allows you to customize the workout intensity according to your preference and fitness level.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge come with adjustable foot straps?

Yes, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge Rowing Machine comes with adjustable foot straps. According to product reviews on Peoples Fitness Advisor, The Home Gym, and agymlife.com, the rowing machine is equipped with large and textured pedals that have adjustable safety straps and heel guards. These foot straps can be adjusted to accommodate most foot sizes, providing a stable and secure foot placement during your workouts.
Based on 6 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge track and display workout data?

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge utilizes a fitness meter called the R2 fitness meter to track and display workout data. According to various product reviews, the monitor on the Obsidian Surge displays essential workout metrics such as total time, 500 M time, strokes per minute (SPM), total strokes, calories burned, heart rate, and ambient temperature. The monitor is described as easy to read and well-organized, making it convenient for users to track their progress during workouts. Additionally, the monitor allows users to personalize their workouts or utilize built-in programmed features to accelerate their fitness goals. It also has a recovery button that can be used to determine the health status of your heart at the end of a workout.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Size and Space

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge rowing machine is a space-saving and versatile option for home gyms, with a folding design and no need for additional accessories.

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge rowing machine is designed to be space-saving and versatile, making it suitable for various home gym setups. It has a folding design that allows for easier storage when not in use, reducing its length by more than half. When stored upright, it is only about 33-1/2 inches long, making it convenient for those with limited space.

It does not come with any accessories or attachments, so there is no need to allocate additional space for them. The rowing machine itself is long at 80 inches, but this can be easily folded and stored when not in use. It is recommended to have a few feet of space around the machine for comfortable usage.

The rowing machine does not have any special requirements for ceiling height, as long as there is enough headroom to row without hitting the ceiling. Overall, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is a space-saving option for those looking to incorporate a rowing machine into their home gym.

What are the dimensions (length, width, and height) of the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge?

The dimensions of the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge Rowing Machine are as follows: According to a product review on Peoples Fitness Advisor, the dimensions of the box in which the rowing machine is shipped are 42.7 inches long, 22.4 inches wide, and 20.5 inches high. However, the actual dimensions of the rowing machine itself are not specified in the available sources.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any additional space requirements or considerations for the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge, such as clearance around the machine or ceiling height?

According to the product review on rowingmachineking.com, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge rowing machine is long at 80 inches. However, it easily folds, reducing the length by more than half. When stored upright, it's only about 33-1/2 inches long. This means that if you need to save space, you can easily fold and store the machine when it's not in use. As for clearance around the machine, it's always a good idea to have some space around the rowing machine for comfortable usage. While there is no specific mention of the exact clearance required for the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge, it's generally recommended to have at least a few feet of space around the machine for unrestricted movement. In terms of ceiling height, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge rowing machine does not have any special requirements. As long as you have enough headroom to comfortably row without hitting the ceiling, you should be good to go. It's worth noting that rowing machines typically have a low profile, so ceiling height is usually not a concern for most users. Overall, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge rowing machine is designed to be space-saving and versatile, making it suitable for various home gym setups.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge have a folding or compact design for easier storage when not in use?

Yes, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge has a folding design that allows for easier storage when not in use. According to a product review on rowingmachineking.com, the rowing machine easily folds, reducing its length by more than half. When stored upright, it is only about 33-1/2 inches long. This makes it convenient for those who have limited space in their homes or gyms.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any accessories or attachments that come with the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge that may require additional space?

According to a product review on Peoples Fitness Advisor, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Obsidian Surge 500 Rowing Machine does not come with any accessories or attachments such as a tablet holder or a water bottle holder. Therefore, you do not need to allocate additional space for any accessories when using this rowing machine.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

User Experience

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge offers a comfortable seating experience, easy resistance adjustment, and a smooth rowing motion, making it a suitable choice for individuals with back, hip, or knee issues.

Based on the expert reviews, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge offers a comfortable seating experience with its molded and padded seat. However, for longer and more intense rowing sessions, it is recommended to use a rowing machine seat cushion for added comfort. The seat is positioned higher off the ground, which can be beneficial for individuals with back, hip, or knee issues.

The seat itself is described as large and padded, providing additional comfort.

Adjusting the resistance levels on the Obsidian Surge is relatively easy, according to the reviews. The rowing machine uses a water tank for resistance, and users can adjust the resistance by adding or removing water from the tank. The machine offers 6 different fill levels, allowing users to customize their workout intensity.

While more expensive water-resistant machines may have a lever for easier resistance adjustment, the Obsidian Surge provides similar features considering its price point.

The rowing motion on the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is described as smooth and natural. The water-based resistance system with an aluminum flywheel submerged in a full tank of water aims to replicate the feeling of rowing in real life. Users can expect a fluid and seamless rowing experience, as mentioned in the reviews.

Overall, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge provides a comfortable seating experience, easy resistance adjustment, and a smooth rowing motion. It is suitable for individuals with back, hip, or knee issues, and offers a realistic rowing experience.

How comfortable is the seating on the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge?

According to a product review on rowingmachineking.com, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge (SF-RW5713) has a molded, padded seat that is reasonably comfortable. However, for long and intense rowing sessions, it is suggested to consider using a rowing machine seat cushion for additional comfort. Additionally, the seat of the Obsidian Surge is positioned higher off the ground at about knee height or slightly higher, which may be beneficial for individuals with back, hip, or knee issues. The seat itself is also described as fairly large and padded for added comfort, according to a product review on TopFitnessMagazine.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to adjust the resistance levels on the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge?

According to the product reviews on agymlife.com, The Home Gym, and rowingmachine-guide.com, adjusting the resistance levels on the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is relatively easy. The rowing machine uses a water tank for resistance, and you can adjust the resistance by adding or removing water from the tank. The Obsidian Surge has 6 different fill levels, with 1 being the least resistance and 6 being the most. However, it's important to note that on more expensive water-resistant machines, adjusting the resistance may be easier with the help of a lever that can be moved during your workout. Nonetheless, considering the price point of the Obsidian Surge, you can expect similar features for adjusting resistance.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

How smooth is the rowing motion on the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge?

According to the product review on boxlifemagazine.com, the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge features a water-based resistance system with an aluminum flywheel submerged in a full tank of water. This design aims to replicate the feeling of rowing in real life, providing an ultra-smooth and natural rowing motion. Additionally, the review from Popular Mechanics mentions that the rowing machine offers a smooth water feel, which suggests that users can expect a fluid and seamless rowing experience.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability and Build Quality

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge Rowing Machine is praised for its sturdy build quality, although it may not be on par with WaterRowers or solid wood water rowing machines.

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge Rowing Machine is praised by experts for its sturdy and durable build quality. The frame is made of lightweight steel, which provides stability and longevity. The steel framework is further reinforced with black anti-corrosion paint, enhancing its durability.

Reviewers mention that the rowing machine can safely hold customers weighing up to 300 pounds, indicating its solid construction. The weight of 91 pounds also contributes to its overall stability. However, experts note that the build quality of the Obsidian Surge is not on par with that of WaterRowers, which are known for their exceptional durability and sturdiness.

The weight capacity of the Obsidian Surge is also lower compared to solid wood water rowing machines. Nonetheless, for regular home use, the build quality of the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge should be sufficient.

What materials are used in the construction of the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge?

The Sunny Health Obsidian Surge Rowing Machine is predominantly made of sturdy and lightweight steel, which comprises its frame. According to a product review on Peoples Fitness Advisor, the frame is further fortified by black anti-corrosion paint for longevity.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do the experts say about the build quality of the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge?

According to the product reviews in ReviewFinder's database, the experts generally agree that the build quality of the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge is sturdy and durable. The rowing machine is predominantly made of lightweight steel, which provides stability and longevity. The steel framework is reinforced with black anti-corrosion paint, further enhancing its durability. One reviewer on agymlife.com mentioned that the rowing machine can safely hold customers weighing up to 300 pounds, indicating its solid construction. Another reviewer on Jay's Home Gym highlighted the rower's weight of 91 pounds, which contributes to its overall stability. However, it's worth noting that the experts also mentioned that the build quality of the Obsidian Surge is not on par with that of WaterRowers, which are known for their exceptional durability and sturdiness. The weight capacity of the Obsidian Surge is also mentioned to be lower compared to solid wood water rowing machines. Nonetheless, for most users, the build quality of the Sunny Health Obsidian Surge should be sufficient for regular home use.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 10 expert reviews of Sunny Health Obsidian Surge.

Expert reviews [10]

84
Total expert reviews: 10
  • with a score: 4
  • without a score: 6
Highest score by Jay's Home Gym
90
Average score based on 10 reviews
84
Lowest score by rowingmachine-guide.com
75

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

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Rowing Machines above are offered because they are in the same price range as Sunny Health Obsidian Surge. To browse more budget and premium rowing machines go to our rowing machine ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all rowing machines.

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Sunny Health Obsidian Surge ranks #20 out of 17 in this month's ranking:
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12 Mar 2021 (3 years ago)
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ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. rowing machines below are at the top of our ranking this April.

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Concept2 RowErg NordicTrack RW900 Hydrow Rower Sunny Health SF-RW5515
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Concept2 RowErg rank #1 out of 62. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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NordicTrack RW900 rank #2 out of 62.
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Price
The Concept2 RowErg is a highly regarded indoor rowing machine known for its durable build, ergonomic design, and versatile features, making it suitable for serious rowers, Olympians, CrossFit enthusiasts, and athletes at all training levels. The NordicTrack RW900 is a top-of-the-line smart rowing machine that offers a premium rowing experience with its wide touchscreen display, adjustable resistance levels, and immersive workout options. The Hydrow Connected Rower is a durable and high-quality magnetic resistance rowing machine that offers a smooth and comfortable rowing experience for users of all skill levels. The Sunny Health SF-RW5515 rowing machine is a magnetic resistance machine that offers smooth and quiet operation, adjustable resistance levels, and a compact design, making it a reliable and efficient option for users of all fitness levels.
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.