SportsTech RSX500 Rowing Machine Review

RSX500 Rowing Machine

Mark’s Update: SportsTech have marked their UK store as no longer accepting orders, and have also disappeared from Amazon.co.uk.

Check out the following pages for deals, reviews and comparisons of the leading rowing machine brands:

 

Summary: One word for the SportsTech RSX500 Rowing Machine – Impressive. This brand is German, with the high-spec, quality engineering that you would expect. What makes the RSX500 rower stand apart is the price / spec balance. I have seen rowing machines in commercial gyms with fewer features. This has a big console, app integration, magnetic fly wheel and it folds away too. The look is sharp (unique) and the quality, well, I will leave you to look at the comments from satisfied buyers if you have any lingering doubts about that.

Check the full spec and gallery (which includes console close-ups) over on this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page now!

One note before I get to the detailed review… this rowing machine is not Kinomap compatible. There was a mix-up (could have been misleading sales info) in the past, so if you are looking only for a Kinomap compatible rower, then you need to look elsewhere.

Sportstech RSX500 Rowing Machine - German Quality Brand - Competition Mode - incl. heart rate monitor (worth: £39,90) 16 programs - magnetic resistance - tablet holder - foldable
✅ 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧 & 𝗘𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚: With the fitness app e-Health and Sportstech you can now start and optimize your next generation training. Experience Home Fitness 2.0 with the App-compatible console + tablet holder! 

Detailed Review of the SportsTech RSX500 Rowing Machine

This is a big, solid rower. It is over 1.5 meters long and weighs in at 32.5kgs. The solid, angled base unit has sharp lines – completely different the ends which curve around that most home rowing machines use. The max user weight is 120kgs, which is almost 19 stone. Taller rowers will benefit from a longer (padded) rowing cord.

There are 16 resistance levels. This rower uses a flywheel with magnetic breaking. The seat uses ball bearings, rather than the usual rollers, for extra smooth action. You can fold up the rail, a big plus for home rowing fans with limited space.

Console, Pulse Belt and Competition Mode

Console SportsTech RSX500It is the console that helps this rowing machine stand apart. It comes with a 5.5-inch console with plenty of functions – though the kicker is that you can use your own tablet or iPad instead.

There are 5 user profiles. These are used to set up your routines and track your fitness / progress. There are 12 pre-programed training routines. 4 are linked to the (included) heart-rate monitor belt. This allows for heart rate-based training. You will also find 500-meter competition mode, with all the key statistics on your routine displayed.

Connect this rower to your smartphone with the ‘e-health’ fitness tracker. You can put your tablet right over the console or control the workout / duration and so on from your smartphone.

Feedback: What Buyers Said About the SportsTech RSX500 Rowing Machine

It always strikes me how many people compliment the German engineering of SportsTech products. Some of the key factors which got a lot of positive feedback with this rower are the overall sturdiness, ease of putting it together and the varied programs available via the integrating programs.

Only major negative was from someone expecting it to connect with the Kinomap app / system. I do not see this on the spec – though it is understandable why someone that bought a machine especially for use with this would be upset.

Overall, incredibly positive feedback – which is in line with the other products from SportsTech.

Feedback can change, so make sure you read the latest comments before you buy (whether this rower or one from any maker).

Summing Up: How Does the SportsTech RXX500 Rowing Machine Compare?

This is a fantastic rower at a mid-range price point. It has German quality engineering (I know, this is a cliché, though for this brand, it is 100% true). Expect quality resistance, smooth action, and varied workouts – whether or not you choose an app or the console.

You might want a mat to go with it, though overall, you will find it hard to find a better rowing machine for the price.

Check out the gallery, full spec, and the comments from previous buyers over on this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page now!

More Popular Home Rowing Machines: