It’s easy to recommend the Concept2 RowERG to everyone. I don’t think there has been more agreement about which product is the best in any cardio machine category. The Concept2 RowERG was the first rowing machine I used, and it was easy to fall in love with it. Then I tried a LOT of other rowing machines, and I revised my opinion on the RowERG–just a little.
The Concept2 RowERG has a fatal flaw. If it’s a problem for you, there’s no overcoming it. I can’t hide what it is from you because you won’t be able to hide this flaw from anyone if you buy the Concept2 RowERG: it’s loud.
But before you come at me with pitchforks for saying that the top rowing machine isn’t the best, you should read all the good things I have to say about it. Welcome new and experienced rowers! This is a great place to start, so let’s go!
Concept2 RowErg Review: Bottom Line
Concept2 RowErg vs Similar Rowing Machines
During our testing, we also compared the Concept2 to other rowers like the Hydrow, NordicTrack RW900, and Ergatta, as well as other air rowers.
 Concept2 RowErg |  AssaultRower Elite |  NordicTrack RW900 |  Hydrow Wave |  Ergatta |  Rogue Echo Rower | |
| Price (MSRP) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | ||||||
| Bottom Line | The Concept2 is regarded as the best rower with the most accurate monitor and competition-level performance. | The AssaultRower Elite is one of the most comfortable air rowing machines on the market, but it still packs a punch with its unlimited air resistance for a difficult workout. | A quiet, interactive magnetic rower that streams trainer-led workouts and automatically adjusts the resistance with an iFIT subscription on the large touchscreen. | The Hydrow Wave’s magnetic resistance and training content create the most realistic on-the-water feel with a lighter frame and lower price than other machines in Hydrow’s lineup. | The Ergatta Rower makes rowing fun with aesthetic games and competitions, while the wooden frame and water tank are nicely made and wonderful to look at. | This folding air rower from Rogue is for homes, garages, commercial gyms, and competitions |
| Awards Earned | ||||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Concept2 RowErg | AssaultRower Elite | NordicTrack RW900 | Hydrow Wave | Ergatta | Rogue Echo Rower |
| Workout Experience | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Specs / Features | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 8 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 6 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Build Quality | 10 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Overall Score | 92 | 87 | 83 | 90 | 88 | 88 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 12 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | N/A | $39/month | $44/month | $28/month | N/A |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | N/A | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, PlutoTV, iHeart Radio, Audible, and Amazon Music | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Display | PM5 Console | Battery-powered digital console | 24” HD pivoting touchscreen | 16” HD touchscreen | 17.3” touchscreen | 4.7” backlit LCD |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 96” L x 24” W x 14” H | 92" x 20" x 49" | 80.1" L x 21.8" W x 52.7" H | 80" L x 19" W 43" H | 86” x 23” x 40” | 99” L x 26” W |
| Storage | Vertical, horizontal, in two pieces | Horizontal, vertical | Horizontal, vertical | Horizontal, vertical | Horizontal, vertical | Foldable, vertical, horizontal |
| Rower Weight | 57 lbs | 157 lbs | 158 lbs (in box) | 102 lbs | 105 lbs (with water) | 72.6 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 500 lbs | 350 lbs | 300 lbs | 375 lbs | 500 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Resistance Type | Air | air | magnetic | magnetic | water | Air |
| Max Resistance | Unlimited | unlimited | 26 levels | 300 (drag factor) | unlimited | Unlimited |
| Height Limit | 38” (inseam) | 6’5”+ | 6’5”+ | 36” (inseam) | 40” (inseam) | 38” Inseam |
| Warranty | 5 years on frame; 2 years on moving parts and console | 5-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame; 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 5-year frame; 12-month parts, screen, and labor | 5-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year tablet | 5-year frame, 2-year moving parts & monitor |
| Additional Features | 10-level damper, chain drive, device holder | Comfortable seat, single-handed grip option, Bluetooth | SmartAdjust, Bluetooth speakers, belt drive | Belt drive, Bluetooth, frame color options | Wooden frame, Bluetooth, live races | Quick-release foot straps, turf tires, 10-level damper |
Dimensions/Storability
The full footprint of the Concept2 Model D is 96″ long but only 24″ wide. It sits only 14″ high, but account for your own height sitting on the rower when finding the right place for it. When it’s separated into two pieces, the dimensions are 33″ L x 25″ W x 54″ H.
When open, the rower is 96″ L x 24″ W x 14″ High.
The Concept2 folds in half vertically to reduce the amount of floor space needed when not in use. The rower only weighs 57 pounds, and has caster wheels that allow it to easily be rolled. You can quickly tuck this into a corner or even a closet.
Concept2 recommends a space 9 feet long and 4 feet wide to properly operate the rower. 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 standing behind the rower, placing one foot on the seat, and then allowing that leg to open laterally for a deep side lunge), so more area may be needed depending on your planned usage.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
Performance Monitor 5 (PM5)
The PM5 display screen will light up as soon as you start rowing. The monitor is powered via the rowing motion and uses batteries as supplemental power. This backlit screen looks simple but actually has extended functionality.
The PM5 is an easy-to-use console with a lot of capabilities.
There are several screens you can use on the PM5. The home screen labels the buttons as ‘Just Row,’ ‘Select Workout,’ ‘Connect,’ ‘Memory,’ and ‘More Options.’
Rowing Programs
The programs are 2000m, 5000m, 10000m, 30:00, and 500m/1:00r. You can also create your own or re-row previous workouts to compete against yourself.
The games make for an engaging rowing experience.
The games include the ‘Fish Game,’ ‘Darts,’ ‘Target Training,’ ‘Racing,’ and ‘Biathlon.’
It’s easy to see your metrics on the PM5.
The PM5 shows time, strokes per minute, strokes per 500 m, time for 500m, split meters, split per 500m, and projected finish time.
Users can save and then access previous workouts sorted by type, date, and summary. The LogBook data is stored in the internal memory or on a USB memory stick. Concept2 provides utility software that allows users to upload data to their online logbook or transfer data to a personal Mac or PC. It is compatible with FAT and FAT32 USB formats only.
The workout details include 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.
The console also includes information on the drag factor, how to row, console instructions, and more information on the available programs and games.
The PM5 takes two D-cell batteries. During a workout, the monitor is powered by the spinning flywheel to extend battery life.
Bluetooth
The PM5 is Bluetooth-compatible with heart rate chest straps. You can also sync your Concept2 Model D with your phone to upload your workout data to the ErgData app.
Accessories
There is no powered fan on the Concept2. The flywheel moves air, but not directly toward the rower, so this does not provide a lot of cooling airflow.
There is a phone clip that lifts from the top of the PM5. This will hold a phone horizontally while you row for easy visibility.
Build Quality
Frame
The Concept2 RowErg is a commercial-grade rower designed to withstand the constant use of big box and studio gyms. It has aluminum front legs and steel rear legs that suspend an aluminum monorail with a stainless steel track. It will support users up to 6.6 feet tall and up to 500 pounds of user weight. The Concept2 Model D comes in either a black or gray frame.
Our tallest reviewer is 6’5″ and can use the Concept2 comfortably.
The Concept2 RowErg has been designed to last. It is the first air rower manufactured for indoor use, and it has set the standard for all subsequent models and companies. There are many rowers on the market these days (with more being released regularly), but none are compared to the Concept2 for design, ergonomics, consistency, and durability.
The Concept2 rower sets the time standards for the USRowing Indoor National Championships and is the rower used for the World Rowing Indoor Championships.
The Concept2 Model D requires minimal maintenance and is incredibly durable. The rower frame includes the legs, monorail, footboards and pedals, flywheel, and damper. The handle and chain connect to the flywheel, and the PM5 monitor sits on an adjustable arm that extends in front of the user’s view for easy reach.
Pedals
The pedals are supported by a solid footboard underneath and a molded pedal that holds your shoe securely. The double layer provides stability underfoot while still allowing for a gentle toe flex as you row.
A wide adjustable strap secures the user’s feet into position. The adjustable molded overlay is ridged at the top to keep your foot from sliding forward and has several notched positions that shift the heel support upwards to accommodate all shoe sizes.
The pedals are easy to adjust, and the straps hold your feet in place.
Handle
The Model D handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable hold with over-molded 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 comfortable handle allows users to complete longer rowing routines without hand or shoulder fatigue. The seat slides right up to the junction between the pedals and the handle for a comfortable catch position. The handle position keeps your spine in alignment as you row. It also keeps the knees upright in the proper position.
The handle is sweat-resistant and can be easily wiped down to sanitize.
Seat
The seat height is 14″ high, and it glides along a 54″ monorail.
The Concept2 seat is ergonomically designed with contoured areas for your legs and tailbone.
Since users lean back through the drive and finish, the scooped-out back section on the seat reduces the likelihood of your tailbone rubbing on the saddle.
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 300 lbs may want to swap out for a larger seat.
Flywheel
The enclosure that protects the flywheel is composed of a hi-impact, ABS Thermo-plastic that can withstand both the heat and power of high air speeds. Concept2 has a built-in “Quiet Cog” system that reduces rowing sound by damping the chain noise with a urethane washer on each side of the cog.
The Concept2 flywheel is very sturdy.
The idler and traveling pulleys are also comprised of a Thermo-plastic elastomer for increased durability and noise reduction. The flywheel sits up above the monorail, so the rower is slightly elevated, and you don’t feel too low to the ground during the workout.
Noise Level
As mentioned, all air rowers create noise as air passes through the flywheel blades. The Concept2 has included several features to reduce overall noise, and this is certainly quieter than previous models or other air rowers. In a gym or other dedicated space, you don’t notice the noise.
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.
Damper
The Concept2 has ten damper levels. These do not regulate resistance as much as control how the stroke feels through the catch, drive, and finish. The damper settings correspond to the “Drag Factor,” which is related to how the stroke feels rather than how hard it is.
The damper is a lever on the side of the flywheel that controls how much air passes through the flywheel with each stroke.
For example, if the damper is set low, between 1 – 3, the rowing stroke feels similar to rowing a sleek racing shell. If the damper is set high, between 7 – 10, the rowing stroke feels heavier, like you are rowing a lumbering row boat.
Either way, the amount of air resistance is determined by your pull power, and the damper just modifies how it feels. When the damper is set to 10, the maximum amount of air is allowed through the flywheel vents (the rower produces a bit more noise at higher damper levels since more air is passing through).
Stronger rowers can set the damper between 5 and 10. New rowers should set it below 5 to begin. Since the damper is not actually controlling the resistance, users of any strength can set the damper low and still create maximum resistance through the drive with body power. The Concept2 PM5 monitor has a setting you can adjust to display the drag factor if desired.
Air Resistance
Air resistance is easily created and measured. Water resistance is harder to measure since even the tiniest amount of difference in water volume will change the resistance. Magnetic resistance is easily measured but doesn’t feel as fluid through the drive and finish.
The air resistance provides a very effective workout on the Concept2.
Air resistance is the perfect balance of unlimited resistance that is modifiable with a damper but can still be accurately measured for consistency. One of the reasons the Concept2 machines are used worldwide for authorized rowing events is that the Concept2 rowers are incredibly consistent.
The only drawback to air resistance is it is noisier than magnetic resistance. However, the noise of the air moving through the flywheel has long been touted as a rhythmic, flowing sound that helps rowers get into the “zone” — where they are able to find a comfortable rhythm and slip into a mindful state where the rowing becomes relaxing and enjoyable.
Warranty
The Concept2 RowERG is backed by a two year warranty on moving parts and the PM5 monitor. The RowERG is also covered with a five year warranty for frame parts.
Along with this warranty there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Should You Buy the Concept2 RowErg
The Concept2 Model D rower is the best indoor air rower on the market. It is consistently the top rower used by gyms, CrossFit studios, and professional training facilities worldwide. Concept2 rowers are the gold standard for timed trials, competitive events, rowing contents, and other events.
The Model D is the most commonly used model in the Concept2 lineup, although the Model E is roughly the same rower but just a bit larger. The Model D rower uses unlimited air resistance to provide a rowing challenge that responds instantly to each rower’s pull stroke.
With a comfortable seat, handle, and pedals, the Concept2 makes rowing enjoyable. The PM5 console also adds more features, such as games, rowing challenges based on distance or time, instructions, and a USB port for saving or uploading your workouts. You can compete against yourself or others and upload your workout to the Concept2 system for competitions.
The Model D folds in half when not in use and is lightweight. It will support up to 500 pounds, making it one of the best training tools available. We highly recommend that users look at the Concept2 Model D to enhance their training on a sturdy rower that provides a full-body workout.
Concept2 RowErg FAQ’s / Q&A’s
Is the RowErg the same as the Concept2 Model D?
Yes, the RowErg is the same rowing machine as the Model D.
Is the Concept2 rowing machine worth the money?
Yes, we think that the Concept2 RowErg is worth every penny. Compared to competitors, it is priced very well. We consider it one of the best value rowers available.
How long do Concept2 rowers last?
Concept2 rowers are famous for lasting years and years. Concept2 makes it super easy to buy new parts to keep your rowing machine in commission. You won’t have to entirely replace your rowing machine for a long time.
Does the Concept2 RowErg require a subscription?
The Concept2 RowErg does not require a subscription. There are subscription-based rowing platforms compatible with the RowErg, but you retain all of the Concept2 RowErg’s features without using them. The ErgData app, Concept2’s app, is free, too.
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