NordicTrack RW700 Review: Smart Features Meet Smooth Performance

A Premium Rower That’s Easy to Overlook

I really can’t understand why the NordicTrack RW700 Rower isn’t more popular. Okay, it’s still one of NordicTrack’s best sellers, but the RW900 outsells it almost 2 to 1, and that’s mainly because of the larger touchscreen.

Both the RW700 and RW900 are almost identical in build quality and features. They’re virtually the same rowing machine apart from the screen size, yet the RW900 costs nearly $1,000 more.

The 10″ HD touchscreen of the RW700 is more than enough for me, and I think it will be for most people. With a price tag of under $1,500, it is by far the best value of the two.

Built to Feel Solid

Yes, the NordicTrack RW700 offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a heavy-duty machine weighing over 100 lb.

It’s a sturdy rower that feels solid when you’re rowing. There’s no annoying wobble or movement putting you off your rowing stroke. All that weight keeps this thing planted firmly to the floor, and those wide front and rear stabilizing feet add even more stability. It’s a solid machine that’s worth taking seriously.

The RW700 is one of those rowing machines that I feel really deserves a closer look. It offers more than most, and I think it’s well worth finding out what it has to offer.

So in today’s NordicTrack RW700 review, we’ll cover everything it has to offer, including any drawbacks. At the end of the review, I’ll also compare it with another favorite of mine in this price range, the SOLE SR550. They’re both rock-solid rowers, so it’ll be interesting to see how these two match up.

But first, let’s take a quick look at the NordicTrack RW700’s specs, pros, and cons!

Specs

Why Do We Like The NordicTrack RW700 Rower?

Let’s take away the tech for a minute and have a proper look at the rowing machine itself. It’s heavy, weighing 107lb, and this is exactly what you want. The weight of a rowing machine gives us a good clue to the overall quality of the parts used in the build; generally, the heavier, the better.

Built to Feel Solid

That weight also gives the RW700 that premium, solid feel we all want from a home rower. It’s not quite commercial grade, but it’s about as close as you’re going to get for under $1,500. It’s a lot of rowing machine for the money.

I also like that NordicTrack chose to use a heavy 15 lb flywheel. A heavier flywheel helps keep the rowing stroke smooth and consistent, while also ensuring there’s plenty of resistance in those all-important upper levels.

Whisper Quiet & Surprisingly Strong

And the resistance strength is one of this rower’s biggest selling points. It’s not lacking, there’s enough there in the top levels for some seriously intense sessions. Even advanced users will get something from the RW700.

It’s not a rowing machine you’re going to outgrow anytime soon. It’s a machine that will grow with you.

Plus, it’s so quiet it’s almost silent in operation, and that’s thanks to the combination of the silky smooth magnetic resistance system, the heavy 15lb flywheel, and the belt drive. Put all three together, and you have one of the smoothest and quietest rowing strokes you’ll find on any type of rower.

So yeah, what really sells this rowing machine isn’t just the tech or the app. The build quality, the resistance strength, and that silky smooth rowing stroke are the real standout features.

Click here to check price of the RW700 Rower on Amazon

I’m Liking The Oversized Slide Rail

Slide rail design is more important than many people think, and it’s something a lot of companies get wrong. Thankfully, NordicTrack really knows what they’re doing when it comes to their rowers, and they got their slide rail right with the RW700.

I like that it’s oversized. You want that, but most of all you want a wide slide rail, and thats what you get with the RW700: a wide rail just gives that extra stability, and the seat glides so smoothly on it.

Also, they thought to give the rail a slight incline, which is something I prefer. The reason I like an inclined rail is that it adds something extra to the workout. An inclined rail gives the muscles in the legs a harder workout, and in turn that’s going to burn more calories too.

Also, it’s a pretty long rail, making the RW700 a great choice for taller users. And the seat is contoured, and yes, they’ve even thought to raise the back lip of the seat just a little higher, which stops your butt slipping too far back in the push phase of the rowing stroke.

I like that the seat isn’t so hard it feels uncomfortable or so soft it causes stability problems. Users have mentioned it feels just right and suitable even for long marathon sessions on your rower.

Pivoting 10″ HD touchscreen

I feel the 10″ screen is big enough for a rowing machine. You can view all your workout stats clearly while rowing, and follow the workouts with ease. It doesn’t leave you wanting.

Yes, the upgraded 24″ is nice, but it costs an extra $800 for the privilege, and in my opinion is a little overkill for the rower. The 10″ screen of the RW700 feels right and should be large enough for most people.

The screen is adjustable so you can tilt and pivot it. You can also adjust all 26 levels of resistance from the touchscreen, which is nice and easy.

And if you choose to subscribe to iFIT, which is really a must for NordicTrack gear, you’ll have access to thousands of workouts, the AI coach, and cool features like Smart Adjust, which adjusts each workout to your fitness level. iFIT really is an impressive fitness app. But it comes at a cost of around $300 a year.

No Issues With Stability

One of the things I like most about the RW700 rower is how stable it is. People often overlook stability when buying a rower, but really it’s one of the most important features you should look out for.

You dont want a wobbly rower, they’re off-putting, and you dont want a rower that slides on polished floors either. Design is so important.

What I like with the RW700 is that the stabilizing feet are nice and wide. This really helps keep the rower stable. Also, the feet are capped with rubber, which will prevent any slippage. Plus, most importantly, the NordicTrack RW700 is a heavy beast of a rower, weighing over 100lb, this machine stays planted to the floor.

It’s rock solid when rowing, and thats what you want, it’s been designed to be stable, and that 107lb weight just gives it that extra premium, solid feel.

And the ergonomic seat is the icing on the top, it keeps your butt firmly in place while rowing.

Drawbacks of The NordicTrack RW700 Rowing Machine

I didn’t find any major drawbacks with the RW700. It’s one of those rowers where I feel you actually get a little more than what you pay for. It’s that good.

The only minor drawback is how pricey iFIT is. But it’s a polished fitness app. NordicTrack has put so much work into it over the years. It really is second to none, and I think a lot of you will get so much out of it.

So yeah, it’s difficult for me to call iFIT a drawback because I actually think it’s one of this rower’s biggest strengths. It’s just a little expensive.

Will I need a Rowing Mat?

Most people buy a rowing mat to protect hard floors from scratches and prevent slippage on polished floors. With the RW700, you shouldn’t need a rowing mat as the stabilizing feet of the rower are capped.

The only other time you might need a rowing mat is if you live in an apartment or in shared housing, as using a rowing mat will help soak up the vibrations for your workouts. A really good idea if you want to keep your neighbors happy.

I’ve found the best low cost rowing mats are made by Sunny Health & Fitness. I leave a link here in case you might need one: Sunny Health Fitness equipment mats Amazon

Easy To Store

The NordicTrack RW700 doesn’t come with a folding system like many of the larger rowers. Instead, the RW700 can be stored vertically, which I actually prefer.

A lot of the folding systems I review on rowers are fiddly and annoying to use. With vertical storage, all you have to do is tilt the rower, roll it on the built-in transport wheels, and store it against a wall. It’s quick and easy.

Also, vertically stored rowers take up less space than a folding rower. When stored vertically, the rower’s footprint is reduced by 80%, compared to just 50% when folded, which is quite a big difference.  So for anyone tight on space, vertical storage is the best option.

Final Verdict

What’s going to sell the RW700 to most people is the quality. NordicTrack didn’t cut any corners with this one. All the essentials are there. It’s a solid, premium rowing machine with a whisper-quiet, smooth rowing stroke. I love that these guys used a heavy 15lb flywheel, as it helps keep those upper resistance levels nice and strong, which is important.

I couldn’t really find any faults with this rowing machine, bang for your buck, the RW700 is a winner, and certainly I’d put it in my top 3 magnetic rowing machines.

Okay, iFit is quite expensive, and yes, you do really need to subscribe to it to get the most from this machine. But it’s an excellent fitness app and something that will keep you coming back to the rowing machine for more.

How Does The NordicTrack RW700 Compare To The Sole SR550?

Sole SR550 Rowing Machine

The Sole SR550 is another premium rower and one I’ve been impressed by for many years. And I really like it for the same reasons I’m impressed with the RW700. The Sole SR550 is heavy-duty; it feels solid, and the rowing stroke is smooth and consistent.

And just like the RW700, it’s a heavy rower weighing over 100lb. You know it’s made from high-quality materials. That weight gives it the sturdy, premium feel you want. It doesn’t feel cheap and unstable. It’s a tank of a rower, and it’s built to last.

And you get that feeling from most of Sole’s fitness gear. These guys are known for their solid builds and durability. They’re a company that gets the essentials right first. And then focus on the tech.

And it’s the tech where the Sole SR550 lags behind the NordicTrack RW700 somewhat. The Sole+ app isn’t as polished as iFIT. It doesn’t come with as many features. It’s still a good app with 100s of workouts to follow, but there aren’t the high-end features like Smart Adjust or AI coach.

Still, there’s plenty in the Sole+ app to keep you challenged and coming back, and one of the big selling points of the Sole SR550 rowers is that the SOLE+ app is free. There’s no costly monthly subscription to pay. Which is going to save you a lot of money over the years.

So overall, yes, an excellent rower from Sole- well made, durable, and solid. The rowing stroke isn’t quite as smooth as the RW700 because the SR550 is a hybrid rower, but it’s a minor drawback; hybrid rowers just take a little longer to get used to.

But a great choice if you want a premium rower without the commitment of a paid subscription.

Still comparing rowing machines? Read Next: Best Magnetic Rowing Machines

NordicTrack RW700 Rowing Machine FAQs