Rogue Echo Rower Review: The New & Improved Concept2?

Dimensions/Storability

Rowers are long pieces of equipment that require a decent amount of floor space to use. Although the Rogue Echo Rower is storable, it is longer than most rowers. Its dimensions are 99” L x 26” W.

It folds in half to only be 38” long. A handle says “lift” between the footboards to lift and fold the rower in half. The monorail folds toward the front end of the rower. From here, you can move the Echo around pretty easily, thanks to the turf tires.

I can’t think of any other rower with turf tires, just air bikes. These allow you to transport the Echo more easily over surfaces like turf, grass, mats, concrete, carpet, etc.

The Echo is lightweight at 72.6 lbs. The fact that it folds and has large turf tires means that the Echo should be pretty easy to move around and convenient to store. The console also folds down for easier transporting.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

The Echo Rower doesn’t require electricity, so you won’t find a touchscreen attached to it. Put the Rogue Echo down for cardio, but don’t count on it having guided workout content. If you’re looking for a rower with subscription training content, check out the Hydrow Wave, Aviron Strong, or Ergatta rowers.

Onboard Workouts

Based on the product images, it’s hard to determine how many onboard workouts are available on the Echo’s console. My guess is around 10. There is a Just Row program, preset distances like 2000 and 5000 meters, custom interval settings, and single distance, time, and calorie options.

The workouts look standard and similar to rowers like the Concept2 and Assault Rowers.

It’s Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible and connects with the KinoMap, EXR, Asensie, and Regatta apps.

It also has a memory feature to keep track of your workout history.

Console

The console reminds me of the PM5, just with fewer buttons. It’s a 4.7” backlit LCD console. It looks like it should be pretty easy to use, and it was also designed to be just as accurate and consistent as the PM5.

Along with all of the workout options for customized training, I like that it is rated to handle temperatures from -4 up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. I doubt most people will be training in temperatures as extreme as those, but it’s nice that the Echo was made to handle various temperatures, in case your garage gym is hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

The console consists only of the LCD screen and the device rack, which is said to hold up to 3.45” wide devices, such as phones. You’ll need to put your water bottle on the ground nearby; there isn’t a holder on the rower.

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Build Quality

The build quality is where the Rogue Echo needs to be sure it rises to the standards that the Concept2 has set. For a lightweight rower, the C2 is made to handle everything, and I have a feeling that the Echo Rower is, too.

Its 500-lb weight limit is a good indication that it’s as durable as the C2. However, it has a few other features in the build that might make it better than the “Gold Standard” of rowing machines.

Frame

The frame is made of aluminum. I like the front stabilizers, which extend out in front of the rower. These and the rear stabilizer should support the rower and keep it from rocking.

Besides aluminum, the Echo has high-quality materials, is built to last, and can handle a lot of rowing—at least, I assume so, considering Rogue’s reputation and my experience with the brand using various equipment.

The monorail is 50.5” long and is made for a maximum 38” inseam, like the Concept2. It should accommodate most sizes and heights. Our team ranges from 5’0” up to 6’5”, and we can all fit comfortably on the Concept2, so we assume we will on the Echo, too.

Geometry/Dimensions

• Dimensions: 99″ L x 26″ W
• Folded: 38″ L x 26″ W
• Monorail: 50.5” L
• Seat: 17” H

Footboard & Foot Stretchers

The footboards seem long to push off from and spaced decently wide without being too wide. In our experience, narrower foot stretchers are commonly found on water rowers. This design is more traditional to outdoor rowing and can be more advanced.

For most body types and rowing ability, the slightly wider stance of the footboards and foot stretchers should make the Rogue Echo better for the masses. They also look to be about the same distance apart as the RowErg.

The foot stretchers have nylon straps to secure your feet. With Rogue’s Quick Release Foot Straps, you can adjust the straps to fit over the tops of your shoes and then use the Quick Release to clip in and out of the foot stretchers more quickly.

I prefer Velcro straps, but I think this design makes sense. You don’t have to deal with loosening and tightening the straps every time you get on and off the rower, which could be especially helpful if you plan on using the Rogue Echo Rower for cardio intervals.

Handle

The handle design makes sense. It’s a versatile handle that allows for single-arm rowing. Instead of finger-webbing like the Concept2, the middle of the handle is open. I like this better since I have fairly small hands.

The handles look to be round with a smooth coating over the top. I prefer rounded handles, so I think I’ll like them.

Once we have this rower in for testing, we’ll measure the width of the handle. It looks about the same length as the C2, so those with broader shoulders should find it wide enough.

Seat

The seat seems fine, but it’s a little hard to determine how comfortable it is before we actually use it. It has nice contouring on the front for your legs and a lot of contouring at the back for your tailbone.

I would have liked to see the seat on Assault’s rowers or a similar one on the Rogue. We’ve seen the same seat used on other brands, like CityRow. It’s one of the most comfortable rower seats I’ve used.

Flywheel

This is an air rower, so the flywheel is a fan with fan blades to move against the air as you row. It looks to be the same size as the Concept2. I’m unsure how many fan blades the fan has though.

A chain connects the handle to the flywheel so you feel resistance when you row.

Since this is an air rower, keep in mind that it will be loud. The C2’s main flaw is that it’s loud, and the Echo most likely is just as loud. The chain drive system also adds to the noise. You’ll be able to hear the chain grinding as well as feel it throughout the stroke.

I prefer smoother belt drive systems, but some people prefer chains. Chains do require some tightening and lubrication from time to time, so just be aware of this.

Rogue states that the flywheel is precision-calibrated. This ensures that each rower is calibrated for competition standards.

Resistance

The resistance is unlimited because the Rogue Echo uses air. How the air resistance works is the harder you row, the more air that gets sucked into the vents to provide more resistance.

On air rowers, your intensity can contribute to how much resistance you feel. The resistance isn’t quantifiable, so you won’t see resistance levels on the console. The Echo does have a damper to control how much air gets sucked into the fan. The damper lets you adjust the resistance a little bit.

It has ten levels. One is most likely the lightest because the least amount of air is let into the fan, and ten allows for maximum air to be let in.

Warranty

Rogue Fitness includes a 5-year frame and 2-year moving parts and monitor warranty with the Echo Rower. This warranty is the same as Concept2’s. We prefer to see at least ten years for the frame from brands.

Should You Buy the Rogue Echo Rower?

The Concept2 has been in a league of its own, but I think the Rogue Echo is just the rower challenge. Rogue knows conditioning equipment, and the Echo has been calibrated to be just as consistent as the C2 for use in competitions.

The Rogue Echo is currently priced lower than the Concept2 RowErg while including a lot of the same features as well as some improvements. The foot straps that are designed for faster strapping in and out of the rower are intriguing and should be convenient for interval training.

I’m excited that this rower folds up and features turf tires. It should be easy to move and store. This is an air rower, so it’s loud and won’t be appropriate to use in some homes.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the “Gold Standard” that will save you some money while providing more convenience, I highly suggest looking into the Rogue Echo Rower. I think we’ll see this rower in gyms and competitions very soon.

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Rogue Echo Rower FAQ’s / Q&A’s

How often should I use the Rogue Echo Rower?

The Rogue Echo Rower is made for a lot of use. You can use it every day. If you plan on using it daily, I suggest varying your effort levels. Instead of rowing hard on it every day, some days you can more lightly or moderately row as active recoveries.

Incorporating rest and recovery in your workout routine is important to avoid overuse and burnout in your fitness.

Can you change the resistance on the Rogue Echo Rower?

The resistance isn’t displayed as specific levels because this is an air rower. The fan has a damper to adjust the airflow into the fan while rowing. The damper and the intensity of your stroke are the only ways to adjust how much resistance you get. The resistance is unlimited on this rower, too.

What apps are compatible with the Rogue Echo Rower?

The Echo Rower is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible with KinoMap, EXR, Asensie, and Regatta apps. All Garmin, Suunto, and ANT+/ Bluetooth heart rate monitors are compatible to track your heart rate.

Is this review paid?

This review was not paid for. We created this review, as we do with all others, to provide our insight into this rower to help consumers learn more before buying. We have affiliate links; this is how we’re paid. If you purchase through our links, we receive a commission.

If you found this review helpful, we’d appreciate it if you could use our link if you’re ready to make a purchase. This allows us to keep making reviews.

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