NordicTrack RW900

Overview

The NordicTrack RW900 sits at the top of the brand's rowing range and pairs a large connected display with a hybrid resistance system. It blends a quiet inertial air component with a magnetic brake, giving 26 digital resistance levels that iFit trainers can adjust automatically as a class progresses, so you can let the program drive the difficulty or override it manually. The 22-inch HD touchscreen rotates, which opens up the off-machine strength and cross-training sessions in the iFit library, and the workouts filmed in scenic locations are the main reason to choose this over a data-only rower. The frame folds upward after rowing, cutting the floor space roughly in half, a genuine advantage in a multipurpose room. The catch here, as with most NordicTrack equipment, is that the screen is locked into the iFit subscription: cancel it and you lose the studio content and much of the interface, leaving a fairly basic manual mode. The build quality is good without feeling premium, and the magnetic-assisted stroke is smoother and quieter than a pure air machine. For a guided, foldable rower under the price of the big connected names, it is a strong value.