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The RW600 and RW900 are two rowing machines from the NordicTrack brand. Find out their differences and which one is the best choice for you.
Some of the main differences between the NordicTrack RW600 and RW900 are that the NordicTrack RW900 has a screen that is more than twice as big, the option to tilt and pivot this screen, a better sound system, and a lightly compacter frame.
On the other hand, the NordicTrack RW600 is a bit lighter and a big amount more budget-friendly.
What option is the best for you mainly depends on your budget and how much you prefer a bigger screen. One of the main benefits of these rowing machines is the ability to do immersive IFIT workouts.
Since the screen of the NordicTrack RW900 is so much bigger, it will be a lot more pleasant to use and immersive. Budget aside, most people want to choose this model.
Even so, your workout budget may be somewhat more limited. In that case, you have to decide whether the screen of the NordicTrack RW600 is big enough for you.
Differences NordicTrack RW600 vs RW900
The NordicTrack RW600 and RW900 are very similar rowing machines but because they are different models, they do have a few differences. These make one or the other a better choice for your personal situation.
| Feature | NordicTrack RW600 | NordicTrack RW900 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 10” HD Touchscreen | 22” HD Touchscreen |
| Tilt & Pivot Function Screen | No | Yes |
| Weight | 117 Pounds (53.1 kg) Box Weight | 163 Pounds (73.9 kg) Box Weight |
| Speakers | Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers | 30W Premium Sound System |
| Dimensions | 87” L x 22” W x 47” H | 82” L x 22” W x 54” H |
| Price* | $$$ | $$$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price difference at the time of writing
Other features NordicTrack RW600 vs RW900
These two rowing machines from NordicTrack also have many features in common. You can find an overview of the most important ones below.
| Feature | NordicTrack RW600 | NordicTrack RW900 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 250 Pounds (113 kg) | 250 Pounds (113 kg) |
| Resistance Options | 26 Digital Resistance Levels | 26 Digital Resistance Levels |
| Type Of Resistance | Magnetic + Air | Magnetic + Air |
| Inseam Range | Customer Mention Of Up To 36″ | Customer Mention Of Up To 36″ |
| Drive Type | Belt | Belt |
| Seat Height | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Folded Storage Space | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Display On Screen With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device | Display On Screen With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device |
| Bluetooth Function | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Programs | 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included | 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included |
| Warranties* | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 2 Years Parts Warranty, 1 Year Labor Warranty | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 2 Years Parts Warranty, 1 Year Labor Warranty |
| Audio Port | Yes + Bluetooth Headphone Connectivity | Yes + Bluetooth Headphone Connectivity |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences NordicTrack RW600 and RW900 explained in depth
The feature and price differences between the NordicTrack RW600 and RW900 are relatively clear. That being said, you may still wonder just how much you should care about them.
You can find some of the most important differences explained more below together with why and for who they matter.
Screen size
The screen is one of the main reasons why you would get either the NordicTrack RW600 or the RW900. They both have HD touchscreens that are made to display exercise tracking measurements and follow IFIT workouts.
IFIT workouts include a variety of rowing (and other exercise) classes and videos. One thing that stands out in the IFIT library is the option to follow immersive rowing videos in locations around the world with expert instructors.
Most people find following these live and on-demand workouts a lot more exciting than a simple monitor with basic tracking.
This can increase how much you enjoy your workouts and in turn, potentially how consistent you are with your exercise routine.
Screen size is not everything but when you are “rowing” in the Brazilian sea, bigger screens do tend to feel more real which is one of the main goals of these IFIT workouts.
The NordicTrack RW600 “only” has a 10″ screen. The NordicTrack RW900 has a 22″ screen which is more than double as big. The NordicTrack RW900 is clearly the winner in this area.
Winner: NordicTrack RW900
Tilt and pivot function screen
The screen of the NordicTrack RW900 has a tilt and pivot screen. In simpler words, that means it can be turned around and pointed in different directions. The NordicTrack RW600 does not have this option.
There are two main reasons why this can be valuable to you.
First of all, very tall or very small individuals may find the more standard screen angle of the NordicTrack RW600 uncomfortable or at least not perfect.
Secondly, in the IFIT workout library, there are also exercise sessions that do not involve rowing. For example, there are more general workouts that make use of dumbbells.
When doing these it can be helpful if you are able to turn the screen to the side. This way you can stay close to the screen without the rowing machine getting in the way.
In combination with the already smaller screen, the NordicTrack RW600 is not ideal for these other workouts.
Winner: NordicTrack RW900
Total weight
The total weight of the rowing machines is a relatively straightforward feature but at first, it may be unclear why it should play any role in your decision.
Both the NordicTrack RW600 and RW900 are foldable and have transport wheels. These features can be helpful outside of your workouts if you want to move the rowing machines out of the way.
The lighter weight of the NordicTrack RW600, 117 pounds (53.1 kg) box weight, will be a good amount easier to move around than the 163 pounds (73.9 kg) box weight of the NordicTrack RW900.
This weight difference is more relevant for some people than for others. If you plan to never move your rowing machine or you are more than strong enough anyway, total weight is not that relevant.
On the other hand, if you are not that fit but still want to be able to move your rowing machine around easily, the lighter weight of the NordicTrack RW600 can be helpful.
Winner: NordicTrack RW600
Price
Up until now, the NordicTrack RW900 will sound better than the NordicTrack RW600 to most people. Even so, another important factor to keep in mind is the price of each rowing machine.
Exactly how big this price difference is will depend on where you buy your machines and will change over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the NordicTrack RW600 is a big amount more budget-friendly than the RW900.
You also want a paid IFIT subscription to make the most out of both of these rowing machines.
Whether the NordicTrack RW900 is worth this extra investment depends on your budget and how much you value the bigger screen and the ability to tilt and pivot it.
Winner: NordicTrack RW600
User reviews
When comparing two rowing machines of the same brand and product line like the NordicTrack RW600 and the RW900, looking at the features generally tells you most of the story.
At the same time, it can still be helpful to look at the customer reviews. These sometimes uncover unexpected downsides and quality issues.
In the case of the NordicTrack RW600 and RW900, it is hard to say much about this since the number of reviews about the RW600 is rather limited for now.
If these are similar to the reviews of the RW900, you can expect a decent number of cases where the screen and IFIT subscription initially had issues.
Some of these issues include the screen not working and having challenges when it comes to activating the IFIT subscription.
NordicTrack customer support can also definitely do better in terms of response and action speed.
Customers are still relatively happy with their NordicTrack rowing machines but at the same time, there are also higher-rated rowing machines out there.
Is the NordicTrack RW600 or RW900 right for you?
In short, the NordicTrack RW900 has a bigger screen, a screen tilt and pivot option, a better sound system, and a slightly more compact frame.
On the opposite side, the NordicTrack RW600 is easier to move around due to its lower weight and a big amount more budget-friendly.
One of the main reasons why you would consider these NordicTrack rowing machines is their screen with IFIT workout options.
If it fits your budget, the screen of the NordicTrack RW900 which is twice as big will be a lot more immersive in these workouts. Since this is an important point, most people want to go for the RW900.
At the same time, your budget may only allow for the NordicTrack RW600. If that is the case, you have to decide whether the screen is big enough for the rowing machine to be a good investment.
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