NordicTrack RW600 Review (2024): Row Your Way To Better Health With iFIT Programming

One thing that amazes me about the world of strength and conditioning is that there are endless ways to progress your performance. I have some tried-and-true methods that I adhere to for my fitness routine, but I recently had nagging knee issues that kept me from running and walking for long durations. The good news for me—and anyone else who has experienced knee pain— is that there are a variety of ways to get a challenging, heart-pumping cardio workout, and indoor rowing is one of them.

I love rowing machines for this reason. Regardless of how my knee is feeling on a given day, the rower is always there for me to give me a solid, fully-body, low-impact workout. In this NordicTrack RW600 review, I’ll cover the good and the bad about this entry-level rower from the company so you can go forth and decide if it will be your next home gym addition.  

We Know a Good Erg

We know our way around a rowing machine because our product testers are a group of fitness fanatics with experience to back up the passion. Our team of testers is made up of athletes, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, certified personal trainers, and nutrition coaches.

Although we haven’t gotten our hands on the NordicTrack RW600 for the full experience, we have tried the RW700 and RW900. Based on our experience with NordicTrack, the two models we’ve tested, and iFIT interactive programming, we’re going to provide you with the most accurate information so you can make an informed decision on the best rower for your home gym. 

NordicTrack RW600

NordicTrack RW600 Rowing Machine

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Interactive rowing machine
• 10-inch smart HD monitor
• 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR), dual air resistance
• Two 2-inch digitally amplified speakers
• iFit compatibility with a 30-day free family membership
• Oversized adjustable foot pedals
• Auxiliary audio port, Bluetooth audio connectivity
• 250-pound max weight capacity
• Rower can be folded vertically to save space
• Two front-mounted transport wheels

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Hybrid resistance system (air and magnetic)
• Space-saving, folding design
• Interactive programming via iFit
• 30-day free iFit family membership
• Ergonomic feet
• Adjustable pedals

Cons

• Requires iFit membership past the 30-day trial
• Only supports up to 250 lbs
• Small touchscreen

Bottom Line

NordicTrack’s RW600 rowing machine is engaging and offers an interactive rowing experience on a high-quality machine for a reasonable price.

A Quick Look at the NordicTrack RW600

The NordicTrack RW600 is the base model in the NordicTrack rowing machine series, followed by the RW700 and RW900. All three models offer iFIT-enabled touchscreens, 26 levels of resistance, and auto-adjust technology that allows trainer-led classes to manipulate the resistance levels based on the coaching cues so you don’t have to pause a minute of your workout. 

The main difference on the NordicTrack RW600 is that there are two forms of resistance: Air resistance and silent magnetic resistance. Although we haven’t tried this dual resistance machine to give you all the gritty details, we’ve read it’s actually pretty quiet because the main form of resistance is the magnetic. 

My Tips

• The additional iFIT subscription will elevate your workout experience, but will cost you a monthly fee.
• Dual resistance gives you a more customized feel in between the defined magnetic resistance levels. 

If you want tips on saving your cash, check out our NordicTrack promo code page.

Is the NordicTrack RW600 Worth It?

If you are a fan of iFIT or interactive programming in general, you’ll probably think the RW600 is worth it. It’s the base model rowing machine for NordicTrack but it has a solid build and has a bonus feature: It folds with NordicTrack’s spacesaver design. 

Is it the best NordicTrack rower? Read on to find out.

NordicTrack RW600 Specs

Customer Reviews

NordicTrack typically doesn’t disclose individual reviews on products, so I turned to Google reviews and found a pretty positive 4.2-out-of-5 star rating for the RW600. The customers who had issues were mostly having trouble with iFIT and the Android-integrated tablet. 

What to Expect on the NordicTrack RW600 

The RW600 blends two different types of resistance we normally see in ergs: air and magnetic. We have a whole explanation of the difference between air and magnetic resistance, so I won’t get too into detail for this rowing machine review. 

But, to give you a better idea about how this unique dual-resistance machine works, I turned to our GGR editor and erg expert Amanda Capritto to find out more about the rowing experience. “Generally, dual resistance is more versatile than just one or the other,” she says.  

“The major benefit is that you get more resistance options due to the unlimited amount of air resistance between the defined magnetic resistance levels,” Amanda explains. “The dual resistance is certainly not silent, but it’s not as noisy as a regular air rower.”

Amanda also noted that this dual resistance isn’t common, but she’s had hands-on experience with the same set up in the Aviron Tough Series Rower. In comparison, the RW600 comes in at a drastically more budget-friendly price. 

What’s more about the dual resistance: When you use the interactive programming, the iFIT trainer can auto-adjust your resistance based on the cadence of the workout. Within these auto-adjustments of the magnetic resistance, you’ll still be able to fine-tune your output based on how hard you row against the air resistance. 

Interactive iFIT Workouts

Although we haven’t tested the RW600, we have many hours of experience with iFIT interactive programming. With iFIT, you’ll have access to hundreds of studio and on-demand classes led by world-class personal trainers and athletes. You’ll be able to use the app for rowing workouts in addition to strength and yoga sessions off the rower, which gives you a lot of versatility in your training.

The iFIT membership is an additional monthly fee after your free 30-day trial included with purchase of the RW600 ends. Here is what you can expect to pay for iFIT programming depending on your membership and billing frequency: 

• iFIT individual membership: $15 per month or $180 per year
• iFIT family membership: $39 per month or $39 per year 

The 10-inch built-in touchscreen is run with an Android processing system and is enabled to solely run the iFIT app. That said, we’ve found with other NordicTrack fitness equipment, it’s a lot harder to use the machine without an iFIT subscription. We like to mention this in case you’re interested in the machine but on the fence about iFIT in general.

Footprint and Portability

Folding rowers don’t come along very often, so we like to know all the details when we find one. The NordicTrack RW600 measures 87 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 47 inches tall, and when it’s folded, it’s nearly half that. The folded position basically hinges the machine in the middle and folds the rower in half, in an upright vertical position. 

NordicTrack’s sister company, ProForm, makes the ProForm Pro R10 erg that has a nearly identical folding mechanism. What we liked about the folding mechanism is that the handles are perfectly placed to fold it on your own. Plus the front-mounted transport wheels make it easy to roll into storage. 

Construction of the RW600 Rower

We like the alloy steel construction of the frame and monorail on the RW600. What we don’t like is that this erg has a user weight capacity of 250 pounds, which is the minimum we like to see in home rowers; some of the best rowing machines go up to 400 pounds. 

Based on our experience with the ProForm Pro R10, which has a similar weight capacity, we can assume that the RW600 will offer a similar amount of stability. The R10 was not shaky at all, even with a foldable frame. 

Comfort and Ergonomics

Firstly, we appreciate that the console is attached to an adjustable arm, making it customizable for your eye level and reachability. Based on our experience with NordicTrack and ProForm rowers, we’ve noticed you can keep your feet strapped into the pivoting pedals and still reach the console to change programs or resistance levels. 

Amanda mentioned that in her experience on the NordicTrack RW900, the oversized and pivoting pedals (which also featured on the RW600) are almost too spacious. This factor certainly will not affect all potential buyers, but it’s worth mentioning. 

The rowing handlebar comes with “soft touch” cushioning so you can hold on for longer durations. The seat is also ergonomic and molded to create a saddle rather than a stiff board, which is another helpful feature for longer bouts of rowing. 

NordicTrack RW600 vs ProForm R10 vs Concept2 RowErg

For this comparison, we have machines all priced under $1,400 and a variety of similar features. We’re putting the NordicTrack RW600 dual-resistance rower up against a silent magnetic resistance rower and a traditional air rower. The ProForm Pro R10 has an ultra similar build, and the Concept2 RowErg (formerly known as the Model D) is a cult-favorite workhorse without the interactive programming. 

ProForm Pro R10

ProForm Pro R10 Rower

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Product Highlights

• 24 levels of digital resistance
• Ergonomic, molded seat with oversized, steel seat rail
• Multi-position adjustable handlebars
• Pivoting pedals with adjustable straps
• Front transport wheels
• 10-inch smart HD touchscreen, 
• Audio auxiliary port
• Folding design
• Purchase includes a 3-year iFit family membership

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free 3-year iFIT family membership included
• 24 levels of resistance
• Trainer-led automatic resistance control
• 90-inch pull strap
• Multi-position handlebars
• Comfortable seat

Cons

• Paltry warranty
• Reports of the belt losing tension at full extension
• Only a 250-lb weight capacity

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a tech-enhanced, high-quality, interactive rower, the ProForm Pro R10 may be for you.

Concept 2 Model D

Concept2 RowErg

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• Priced around $1,000
• Uses air resistance generated by the fanned flywheel
• Advanced PM5 Performance Monitor
• Low impact full-body workout fitness machine
• Lightweight and easily portable
• Can be broken down into two pieces for storage
• Can also be hung for storage

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Best-selling rowing machine in the world
• Easy assembly
• Accommodates users up to 6.6 feet tall and 500-pound weight
• Ergonomic seat and handlebar
• Seat is 14”
• 10-degree angle on handle for natural grip
• Air-resistance
• Adjustable airflow
• Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) monitor
• Nickel-plated steel chain
• Adjustable footrests
• Easy to store
• Limited 5-year warranty

Cons

• Priced around $1,000
• Few built-in workouts

Bottom Line

The Concept 2 Model D Rower is the best rowing machine we've tested and reviewed, including those that are much more expensive like the WaterRower. There's a reason you can find Concept 2 products in nearly every gym in the world, including CrossFit Boxes, and home gyms. After having the Model D for over two years, we are still as satisfied with it as we were on day one.

Customer Experience 

If you’ve read some of our other NordicTrack rower reviews, you might know NordicTrack is notorious for spotty customer service. There is a live chat function, which can be good for simple questions, but for more complex issues, you’ll need to call iFIT customer support or drop an email, which we’ve experienced firsthand to take up to a week for a response. 

That said, for the affordable price and touchscreen technology, we like that you’ll have a 10-year frame warranty back up with this purchase. You’ll also have a two-year warranty on parts and one-year warranty on labor. 

Ordering and Assembling the NordicTrack RW600

When ordering directly through the NordicTrack website, you’ll have the chance to see if you qualify for 0% financing, or you can choose to pay for the machine upfront. 

Based on the reviews we read on Google, assembly isn’t that hard. Based on our experience with NordicTrack, we suggest allotting at least an hour and asking for another set of hands to help. 

Final Verdict of Our NordicTrack RW600 Review

Overall, the NordicTrack RW600 rower offers a lot of value to home gym owners. If you don’t mind paying for an iFIT subscription, we think this rower will help keep you engaged and excited for your next low-impact, indoor rowing workout. 

We like the iFIT-enabled touchscreen and the foldable, space-saving design. What we think could be better is the user weight capacity and more ability to use the rower without iFIT.

NordicTrack RW600 Rating

NordicTrack RW600

This base model NordicTrack rower delivers on iFIT programming and a foldable design. Find out what else we like in this NordicTrack RW600 review.

Product Brand: NordicTrack

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 999.00

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.9

NordicTrack RW600 FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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