Concept2 Model E Rower Review – 2024

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Last Updated: May 5, 2023

The Concept2 rowers are well known as the best indoor air rowers on the market. Concept2 rowers are used worldwide in big box gyms, professional training facilities, CrossFit boxes, studios, and home gyms. Concept2 rowers are commercial grade and designed to withstand repeated use by strong, heavy competitors. The Model D is the most popular Concept2 rower, but the Model E has been designed for larger users who want a bit more substance beneath them and a higher seat height. Identical in nearly every way to the Model D, the Model E is just the larger older brother. This quality rower is ideal for larger athletes or those with limited mobility issues who may prefer a rower that sits up higher off the floor. While the Model D seat is just 14” high, the Model E seat is 20” high which makes it much easier to get on and off. The Model D weighs 57 pounds and the Model E is 65 pounds due to a fully welded steel frame. The Model E rower will support up to 500 pounds (as tested by Concept2) which makes it an excellent training tool for athletes and novice users of any size.

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Who It’s For: Rowing enthusiasts who want the excellence of a Concept2 rower on a slightly larger frame

The Model E rower is a great option for users who:

• Want to sit up higher on an elevated monorail and seat
• Are looking for a sturdier frame comprised of welded steel
• Have a room with enough space for rowing since the rower requires a bit of floor space
• Are able to bend knees to sit on a seat that is 20 inches high
• Can stand up on their own from a height of 20 inches
• Want all the quality of the Concept2 Model D rower with compatible PM5 display
• Are able to sit and lean forward while exercising
• Want to increase core, back and arm strength in addition to the leg muscles
• Want a durable machine that doesn’t require electricity to operate

Quick Summary

The Concept2 Model E rower uses the same quality components and design features as the ever-popular Model D with a heavier frame and higher seat. The Model D is the standard rower found in most gyms and professional training facilities worldwide. However, Concept2 knows that rowing is one of the best full body exercises you can do, so they designed the Model E for those who may need to exercise sitting down and appreciate a higher seat height.

In Depth Review of the Concept2 Model E Rower

Construction

Frame

The Concept 2 Model E is a commercial-grade rower. Concept2 products are designed to hold up to the constant use of both big box and studio gyms. A few differences between the Model D and Model E are the E has a single leg design in both the front and rear for more stability. The frame is slightly heavier (65lb vs. 57lb on the Model D) and the seat is higher at 20” instead of 14”. Other that that, the Model E is the same length and width as the Model D and also folds up when not in use.

Geometry

• Footprint: 96” L x 24” W x 20” High
• Folded footprint: 47” L x 27” W x 54 in” High
• Seat height: 20” high
• Monorail length: 54” long
• Pedals: Wide and supported with an adjustable strap
• Saddle: The saddle is molded for comfort with leg contours on the front and a cutout for your tailbone on the back

Pedals

The Model E and Model D use the same pedals. These are wide and supported by a sturdy footboard underneath. The pedal is flexible to allow your foot to flex slightly during the drive and they are textured along the top so your foot doesn’t shift forward. An adjustable strap holds your shoe in securely with plenty of lateral width. The molded overlay has several notched positions to accommodate all shoe sizes.

Handle

The Model E handle is comfortable with overmolded soft rubber grips. The handle is sweat resistant and can be easily wiped down to sanitize. The handle has five vents in the center so you can wrap your fingers through the center of the handle with one hand to row unilaterally. The position of the handle in relation to the pedals also keeps knees upright in the proper position.

Seat

The Concept2 seat is ergonomically designed with contoured areas for your legs and tail bone. The scooped out back section on the seat reduces the likelihood of your tailbone rubbing on the saddle during the drive and finish. The seat slides gently along the monorail on large rollers. The surface of the seat is gently padded and sweat resistant. Like the handle, it can be wiped down to sanitize. The seat is wide enough for most users, but those above 300lbs may want to swap out for a larger seat or add a pad for comfort.

FlyWheel

The Concept2 flywheel is composed of a hi-impact, ABS Thermo-plastic that can withstand both the heat and power of high air speeds. Concept2 has also added a “Quiet Cog” system that reduces rowing sound by dampening the chain noise with a urethane washer on each side of the cog. The idler pulleys and travelling pulley is also a Thermo-plastic elastomer for increased durability and noise reduction. The flywheel is positioned above the monorail so users can sit upright and look forward rather than have to lean down during the catch or recovery.

Damper

The damper is the lever on the side of the flywheel with marked levels from 1 – 10. Most new rowers misunderstand how the damper works and assume it is a resistance lever. It is not. The damper controls how much air flows through the fan blades. When set to 10, the maximum amount of air is allowed through. When set to 1 a minimum amount of air passes through. However, resistance is commiserate with each rower’s strength and the force of each stroke. The damper simply changes the way the stroke feels. When set to 10, the stroke is much heavier and simulates rowing a large, heavy rowboat. When set to 1 the stroke is lighter, similar to the feel of a sleek rowing shell. However, either way, the person rowing can generate tremendous amounts of power in the row stroke; the damper just changes what is referred to as the “drag factor.” The drag factor can be displayed on the PM5 screen by changing the settings. Most rowers should set the damper between 3 – 5. New rowers should hold it between 1 – 3. Only experienced, strong rowers need to set the drag factor to 8 or higher. Many people, when they first sit on the rower, immediately turn the damper all the way up to 10 assuming that is maximum resistance. Then, the drag factor is so heavy they experience low back discomfort and/or wear out early. Instead, we recommend holding the drag factor below 5 for most of your rowing sessions to get the most out of each stroke. Keeping the drag factor at a reasonable level also helps new rowers learn and develop good form. Over time, with enhanced muscle development and experience, rowers can then increase the drag factor to higher levels.

Air Resistance

The Model E is an air resistance rower. There are several advantages to air resistance rowers. First, air resistance is easy to calibrate and measure. Concept2 has dialed in their rowers to be so precise that these rowers are considered the gold standard for rowing challenges and contests. Air resistance is also inexpensive and does not require electricity. Air resistance is also unlimited — which means, the harder you pull, the more resistance is generated by the flywheel. This makes it so the Concept2 rowers generate a sufficient challenge for those who are new to rowing as well as experienced athletes competing in the CrossFit games. There is literally no max resistance on a Concept2 rower. One drawback to air resistance is it is noisy. When the damper is set to 10 quite a bit of air passes through the flywheel fan and the motion of the chain moving in and out along with the flow of air produces some background noise. Water rowers are comparatively noisy but harder to calibrate (since even the slightest difference in water level will change the resistance). Magnetic rowers are quiet and precise but do not feel as fluid through the rowing stroke.

Console/Controls

Performance Monitor 5 (PM5)

Display

The PM5 display screen is battery operated and will light up as soon as you start rowing. The monitor is also powered from the rowing motion as a backup which extends battery life. This backlit screen looks simple but actually has extended functionality. There are several screens, customization options and workouts you can use on the PM5. The home screen displays:

• Just Row
• Select Workout
• Connect
• Memory
• More Options

Rowing Programs

1. Standard List of Rowing Distances or Time (under the Just Row screen)

• 2000m
• 5000m
• 10000m
• 30:00
• 500m/1:00r

2. Custom List allows users to change the preset goals for personalized training

3. ReRow allows users to race against previous workouts in the saved memory list

4.Games:

• Fish Game
• Darts
• Target Training
• Racing
• Biathlon

5.All Data screen displays:

• Time
• Strokes per minute
• Strokes per 500/m
• Time average per 500/m
• Split meters
• Split per 500/m
• Projected time for completion

6.New Workout brings up options for:

• Single Distance
• Single Time
• Intervals: Distance
• Intervals: Time
• Intervals: Variable

Memory

Users can save and then access previous workouts sorted by type, date, and summary. The LogBook data is stored on the internal memory or from a USB memory stick (if you plug your USB into the back of the monitor). Concept2 provides utility software that allows users to upload data to their online logbook or transfer data to a personal Mac or PC. Compatible with FAT and FAT32 USB formats only.

The workout detail includes total time, split times, meters, pace (500m), stroke rate, and heart rate if stored. The memory feature allows users to compete against each other by storing and using custom workouts on their own USB memory sticks — or you can upload your data when competing in rowing competitions, etc.

More Options

• Drag Factor
  • Drag factor is determined by the damper level.
• Heart Rate
  • If you use a compatible chest strap heart rate monitor, the PM5 will display and store your HR data with your workout. The PM5 is compatible with Bluetooth, ANT+, Garmin and Suunto devices.
• Information
  • Overview
    • A brief description of how to use the PM5 monitor. We highly recommend viewing this the first time since the PM5 does more than you would expect.
  • PM5 Details
    • Information about buttons, data, graphic displays, workouts and the USB flash drive
  • How to Row
    • A short rowing lesson that includes pointers on technique with rowing animation
  • Drag Factor
    • A quick explanation of how to use and interpret the drag factor
  • More
    • Information about games, racing, battery, heart rate
• Utilities

Bluetooth

The PM5 is bluetooth enabled to sync with heart rate chest straps. The Concept2 ErgData app will also sync with the rower to upload and store your workout data. The ErgData app will sync with any Concept2 machine: rower, bike, skier, etc.

Power

The PM5 requires two D cell batteries. Monitor power is supplemented by the spinning flywheel to extend battery life.

Accessories

The fan inside the flywheel creates quite a bit of air flow, more of which is generated when the damper is set higher. However, this doesn’t provide the same level of cooling power as an electric fan directed right on you.

Noise Level

As mentioned, all air rowers create noise as air passes through the fan blades. The Concept2 Model E has several features to reduce noise, and this is certainly quieter than previous models or other air rowers. But this isn’t a machine you can use while someone works, reads or sleeps in the same room without them noticing. However, the Concept2 rower is such a quality machine that it is worth the value to have a commercial grade rower even if it makes a bit of noise when in use.

Storage / Folding

Like the Model D, the Model E will separate into two pieces for easy storage. The monorail disconnects from the junction between the pedals and the seat and rail portion can be stored in a vertically folded position in front of the flywheel. Make sure that the locking mechanism is completely engaged when reattaching the monorail. To detach, release the locking mechanism and the monorail will separate. The Model D and Model E use the exact same design for separating.

In some gyms, we’ve seen Concept2 rowers stored vertically without separating the monorail. Since the frame is light enough to lift, many people assume you can simply pivot the end of the monorail upwards and store vertically as one single piece. Concept2 does not recommend this as the rower is not stable in this position and can fall over. This could damage the rower itself or possibly injure people or equipment in close proximity.

When open, the rower is 96” long, 24” wide and 20” tall. Concept2 recommends a space 9 feet long and 4 feet wide to properly operate either the Model D or Model E rowers. Make sure you have enough space to the sides and rear of the rower since you lean back through the finish. Do not place the rear of the rower directly in front of a wall. Also, there are some combination exercises you can do off the rower (such as stand behind the rower, place one foot on the seat, and then allow that leg to open laterally for a deep side lunge), so more area may be needed depending on your planned usage.

Concept2 also sells ladders that sit under the rower and allow the frame to gently slide forward and back during your row stroke which simulates rowing on the water. These can be purchased directly from Concept2 and add a fun element of reality to your rowing practice.