NordicTrack Indoor Rower RW Series differences

Redesigned and Updated 2023/24

Starting in 2023, NordicTrack brought a wave of updates and redesign to their best-selling RW-Series rowing machines. Since the first NordicTrack RW900 indoor rower was released in 2018, NordicTrack has continued to enhance its range of excellent connected-fitness indoor rowers powered by iFit, with some obvious and some not-so-obvious differences with the latest 2024 model.

We compare differences between the original (old) and new series and point out specific notable model features along the way. Certain Nordictrack models you can purchase at Amazon, with Prime delivery, and others exclusively from NordicTrack.

Below is a Quick Chart comparing the key differences to help your maybe.yes.no decision regarding which NordicTrack rower would be your preferred choice.

Our Take. You Can’t Go Wrong.

First, our biggest take, is that you cannot go wrong with a NordicTrack rower powered by iFit. One of the best implementations of rowing connected-fitness workouts, the iFit app is closely integrated across all models supporting fantastic trainer-led rowing sessions, in-the-studio, and on waterways at interesting waterways across the globe.

By far, the majority of our readers, who specifically wanted a rower to support their fitness goals, whether for weight loss, increasing fitness and stamina …overwhelming, reported better than good experiences and were happy with their NordicTrack rowing purchase decision.

Second, regardless of NordicTrack indoor rower model, all are designed around the same series core foundation. Built with an extra-wide sturdy steel rail, enabling a smooth, quiet gliding motion of the seat as you row. When not used all NordicTrack RW rowers can be stood upright (new models) or be folded (original models) to save space.

They all have extra-large footrests with adjustable pedals for comfort and can accommodate most foot sizes. All NordicTrack rowers ship with a comfortable molded seat and ergonomically light-weight designed handle backed by one of the better warranties compared with other brands. And all NordicTrack rowing machines both in the new and original versions of the RW Series support a maximum user weight of 250 lbs.

Last, NordicTrack rowers use electromagnetic resistance, they refer to as SMR, making them super quiet and very smooth to row on. All NordicTrack rowers have 26 digital levels of magnetic resistance.

However, on the Original RW600 to RW900 models, there is an additional 10-levels of air resistance that can be manually adjusted to increase intensity (stroke resistance) even further. This dual-air feature has since been eliminated with the later NordicTrack RW900 and RW700 rowing machine models in favor of an improved digital resistance.

iFit has taken its commitment to its rowers’ integration with iFit rowing sessions to higher level with AutoAdjust — Trainer Live Resistance Control and the recently released, SmartAdjust feature. iFit now supports a broader range of workouts and emulates closer experience when rowing on water with a smoother, strong stroke combined with these updated iFit options.

NORDICTRACK ROWERS — Features Summary

Here are the standout features we like that are common across all three NordicTrack rowers.

■ Quiet
■ Stable, sturdy, durable frame
■ Foldable rower or stands-upright (for space-saving)
■ Digital Silent Magnetic Resistance (Dual Resistance Original models only)
■ Automatic Resistance adjustments by iFit trainers
■ Bluetooth enabled
■ Full HD touchscreen display
■ Touchscreen Sizes. Select from: 7, 10, to 22-inch HD displays
■ 30 Days of iFit Family membership included
■ iFit rowing workouts on the water or in the studio
■ A Full Body workout, using over 85% of body muscles

■ Connects to other apps like Apple Health, Garmin Connect, Strava. You can track all your workouts in one place.

Key Differences of NordicTrack Rowers

From the RW600 model and up all NordicTrack rowing machines ship with Full HD touchscreens. A Key Difference: Screen-size and degree of adjustment for the best viewing angle on and off-the-rower. Another interesting feature is the redesigned console now has forward facing speakers for a fuller sound on the latest NordicTrack rowers.

• RW900 2024 has a wide 22” HD Touchscreen that swivels 360° and tilts.

• RW700 2024 has a 10-inch HD Touchscreen that can also rotate and tilt.

• RW700 2021 has a 14-inch HD Touchscreen - (if available)

• RW600 2021 has a 10-inch Fixed HD touchscreen that only tilts up or down and can be adjust for height but cannot rotate.

On the RW900 and the RW700, the console tilts up and down and can rotate 360 degrees to get the better viewing of off-the-rower workouts or to adjust for screen glare. On both rowers we found the image quality of the HD touchscreens to be sharp and clear even in a well-lit room with lots of windows.

The RW600’s console can be adjusted upward and downward to match your height and the touchscreen display has a limited upward or downward tilt but does not Swivel (rotate), which is fine if your main interest is to only take the rowing classes.

Resistance Controls for all rower models can be accessed via the touchscreen. In addition, on the RW600 there are physical OneTouch Controls along the bottom of the console display to quickly manage resistance, whereas on the 2021 RW700 these same controls are positioned along the sides of the console. The RW900 and the New RW700 do not have console OneTouch buttons. To control resistance on these simply touch the screen to display slider controls or even better just go with iFit AutoAdjust and SmartAdjust options and don’t worry about making changes.

If you decide to use the AutoAdjust and SmartAdjust options one-touch features do not come into play as much, unless you are the one making changes. We found it far more effective when you let your trainer set the pace and make resistance adjustments as you row and get a better workout without interruption to your stroke flow. These smart features are a part what make iFit a great connected-fitness training tool and why we highly recommend it.

Both the latest updated RW700 and RW900 models have a smaller footprint than the original RW series rower models as can be seen below when compared with the 2021 RW600 which is 7-inches longer.

The dimensions of all New NordicTrack RW rowers are the same in length and width, where you are sitting-up 19-inches off the ground. The New RW900 also weighs a bit more at 163 lbs. in the box vs. 117 lbs. boxed for the RW600, and 146 lbs. for the New RW700. The heavier difference for the RW900 is primarily the larger 22-inch HD touchscreen.

ROWER DIMENSIONS:

• 2021 RW600 87" L x 22" W x 47" H

• New RW700 82" L x 22" W x 47" H

• New RW900 82" L x 22" W x 54" H

FOLDABLE vs. STANDS UPRIGHT

A distinguishing feature of the original NordicTrack RW series rowers is that they are foldable rowers which is useful if you are tight on space or need to move it. However, we found the ability to stand the new NordicTrack models upright is even easier and more straightforward do without losing space savings.

CANADA, UK & AUSTRALIA: NORDICTRACK RW900 PRICE & AVAILABILITY

The RW900 can be purchased directly from Nordictrack UK, or NordicTrack Canada and NordicTrack Australia for those of you down under.

SO IN THE END — Final thoughts

NordicTrack rowers are budget-friendly options that deliver an exceptional experience. All models in the RW series of rowers are reliable and durable. The RW600 and the RW700 are perfect for beginners to experienced rowers for a full-body workout. The RW900’s 22-inch screen and rotating console are features worth the extra cost especially if you are financing with a monthly payment of $47 per month with 0% interest.

All NordicTrack rowers come with one month of iFit included with rowing sessions in and out of the studio. You don’t have to join a boutique rowing studio like CityRow or RowHouse – you will get unlimited workouts on and off the water.

One of the best aspects of the RW series of rowers from NordicTrack are the iFit trainers. Professional rowers like Olympian and World Champion Alex Gregory and NYC famed Alex Silver-Fagan take you through the rowing basics one-on-one. They will help perfect your form, providing expert stroke guidance. Via the brilliant iFit integration, they can live control and adjust your resistance so you can focus on your workout session as they gently encourage, motivate, and push you along. All in all, rowing with iFit is fun and a great low impact workout.

The iFit App also offers outstanding value with its massive variety of workouts to choose from on and off-the-rower including, boxing, yoga, meditation, walking, outdoor runs, and much more. Select from various lengths, challenge levels, and destination waterways to row on. 

If your fitness goals are to lose weight and get fit, iFit rowing sessions get the heart pumping and burn the calories giving you a workout without the stress on your body as rowing is a low-impact total body exercise motion.

You get 24/7 access to classes to work out on your schedule. If you’re into running, biking or cross-training, we highly recommend adding a low-impact, full-body NordicTrack rowing machine to your home gym.

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