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Concept2 created the unique rowing ergometer in 1981 as a training tool for competitive athletes. It quickly became among the finest rowing machines for the athletic population, and because of CrossFit, it’s a good more popular training device than ever.

During my years as a private trainer, I used the Concept2 rower myself and for dozens of clients. Collectively, the Breaking Muscle staff also has a long time of experience using this rower of their home gyms, CrossFit boxes, and other industrial gyms. We’re well-equipped to offer this in-depth Concept2 rower review and speak to its key features, pros, cons, specifications, and the way it compares to other popular rowing machines.

Key Takeaways

• The Concept2 rower, now called the RowErg, is identical machine because the Model D (the rower with a 14-inch seat height) and Model E (the rower with a 20-inch seat height). Concept2 modified the machine’s name in May 2021. The Model E rower has been discontinued. Nonetheless, the RowErg is out there with either a 14-inch seat height or a 20-inch seat height.
• With a clean and effective design, the Concept2 Rower is engineered for smooth operation, easy maintenance, and long-lasting performance. This commercial-grade rowing machine includes a nickel-plated steel chain, aluminum front legs, and steel rear legs to make sure a durable, long-lasting construct. 
• The Concept2 Rower comes with a PM5 performance monitor that tracks stats equivalent to pace, strokes per minute, estimated calories burned, and watts (power output). The monitor also connects via Bluetooth to numerous apps, including ErgData.

Concept2 RowErg

4.5

• Frame is product of heavy-duty aluminum
• Ergonomic handlebar and seat
• PM5 monitor comes with Bluetooth capabilities
• Accomodates users as much as 6’6 and 500 kilos
• Comes with a limited five-year warranty

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Concept2 Rower Pros

• The Concept2 Rower uses air resistance, which adjusts to your stroke rate and power. Air resistance also provides smoother motion in comparison with magnetic and water-based rowers. I can attest to this, as I actually have used each air and magnetic rowers. 
• The Concept2 can hold users as much as 500 kilos. Other brands like NordicTrack, Peloton, and Hydrow can only accommodate users as much as 250 to 375 kilos. 
• You possibly can quickly break down the rower using the quick-release feature and even mount it to the wall. Concept2 doesn’t sell a mounting tool for the rower, however the Rogue Fitness wall hanger is out there for around $32.50.

Concept2 Rower Cons

• Since it is an air rower, it may possibly be loud. The harder you row, the louder the machine becomes. It’d deter those that use it of their home gym and don’t want to disrupt their members of the family or roommates.
• The Concept2 RowErg costs around $990 before taxes and shipping. While cheaper than other rowers in the marketplace with numerous high-end tech features (like touchscreen monitors and on-screen workout classes, which Concept2 doesn’t offer), it still won’t be ideal for those in search of an ultra-budget-friendly machine.
• The Concept2 rower may be very long, reaching a complete length of 96 inches (eight feet) when assembled. Those with limited workout space at home might have to have a look at more compact rowing machines.

Concept2 Rower Overview

The Concept2 rower is arguably the preferred rowing machine currently available that’s suitable for each home and industrial use. In 1981, Concept2 became the primary brand to create an indoor rowing machine. Since then, it has turn into an iconic brand within the fitness industry. As a private trainer who has worked in several industrial gyms equivalent to Life Time Fitness and Anytime Fitness, I can attest to the ubiquitousness of the Concept2 Rower.

The Concept2 RowErg arrange on the Breaking Muscle testing facility

In CrossFit, the Concept2 rower is one among the popular cardio machines for each casual and competitive athletes. CrossFit values the Concept2 rower since it offers a whole full-body workout, making it an efficient tool for assessing overall fitness levels. It accommodates users as much as 500 kilos, so it may possibly be suitable for people of various sizes and fitness levels. Plus, its sturdy construction and minimal maintenance requirements mean it may possibly withstand heavy use in CrossFit boxes.

The Concept2 rowing machine includes a nickel-plated steel chain, aluminum front legs, and steel rear legs. While its price of just below $1,000 places it within the mid-range of rowing machine options, it offers exceptional value for its performance and sturdiness. It operates on air resistance, so it replicates the texture of open-water rowing and matches your intensity as you row.

Who Should Buy a Concept2 Rower

• This indoor rower could possibly be good for individuals who need a full-body workout to check each muscular and cardiovascular endurance.
• The functionality of the Concept2 rower is great for individuals who are especially into CrossFit-style training. Concept2 is the popular brand for rowing machines within the CrossFit community.
• The Concept2 RowErg could possibly be a superb low-impact cardio machine for individuals who suffer from joint pain. Unlike running, rowing doesn’t place an enormous amount of stress on the knees, hips, and ankles.

Who Should Not Buy a Concept2 Rower

• The Concept2 rower won’t be ideal for individuals who are anxious about noise. That is an air resistance rower. The harder you row, the more air moves across the flywheel, which makes the machine louder.
• Despite the fact that the Concept2 RowErg offers a 20-inch-high seat, individuals with severe mobility restrictions should find it too low.
• Using this rower could possibly be tough for those with limited space. When fully assembled, the Concept2 rower machine is 96 inches long. Depending in your setup, you may not have enough room to suit the erg comfortably and work out safely.

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Concept2 Rower In-Depth Review

The review below is predicated on insights I’ve gathered through my very own use of the Concept2 RowErg and feedback I’ve received from the Breaking Muscle staff, which comprises CrossFitters, certified personal trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches. We then used a proprietary scoring system to rank the machine on a scale of 1 to 5 in various categories, equivalent to cost, the standard of the materials, tracking capabilities, and assembly.

Price

The Concept2 RowErg with the 14-inch seat height costs around $990 before taxes and shipping. Should you go for the 20-inch seat height, it should cost around $1,155. While the value could possibly be a drawback for anyone on an excellent strict budget, we still gave it 4.8 stars. The general value is high attributable to the machine’s commercial-quality construction and sturdiness. Also, this rower machine is less expensive than other options, just like the Peloton or Hydrow rowers, that are double the value (or more).

Materials, Construct, and Construction Quality

The Concept2 rower consists of aluminum front legs, steel rear legs, a nickel-plated steel chain, an aluminum monorail, and a chrome steel seat track.

As a consequence of this heavy-duty construction, we rated the construct a 4.9 out of 5. Based on my experience with the Concept2 rower, it may possibly tackle heavy abuse. Even in industrial gym settings, it’s so strong it might never have to get replaced.

A Breaking Muscle team member training on the Concept2 rower

Amanda Dvorak, Breaking Muscle’s Reviews Editor who began CrossFit in 2015 and now uses a Concept2 rower in her garage gym, can attest to its durability. She mentioned that even after banging it on her squat rack unintentionally (on multiple occasions) while moving it round her garage, she’s never noticed a difference in the way it looks or performs. The CrossFit gyms she’s trained at previously also never had any major issues with these rowers, despite them getting used six to seven times a day for years.

Delivery and Assembly

After the erg arrived at our testing facility, our team ranked the delivery and assembly process a 5 out of 5. There was no damage upon delivery.

I actually have built many pieces of home gym equipment, including the Stamina Elite rower I take advantage of at home. I can truthfully say that one among the most important issues with all of my purchases is that it takes without end to construct them. The Concept2 rower, nevertheless, only required just a few minutes of sunshine effort from our testing staff before they were capable of hop on and begin rowing.

Amanda Dvorak, an editor on the Breaking Muscle team, agrees with the product testing staff’s assessment. There was also no damage to her machine when she received it at home, and she or he and her husband were capable of put the erg together in around 10 minutes.

Performance

The Concept2 rower’s performance is strictly what you’d expect from a commercial-grade piece of kit. The seat slides over the monorail effortlessly, and the chain doesn’t snag in case you maintain it properly by oiling it after every 50 hours of use.

Subscription Options

It’s hard to offer the Concept2 rower a rating on subscription options since it doesn’t provide any. That is one among the drawbacks to this device, as other products just like the Peloton or Hydrow rower provide subscriptions for access to live and on-demand classes. All of the Concept2 offers is a PM5 monitor. As I’ll discuss below, it tracks a number of information, however it’s not as fancy as a high-tech monitor that allows you to stream classes.

One good thing in regards to the lack of subscription options is that it may possibly prevent money. The subscriptions you’ll find on Hydrow, Peloton, or NordicTrack rowers, for instance, can cost $30 or more monthly. It’s an added cost you have got to think about when buying a rowing machine.

To make up for the shortage of subscription options, the Concept2 row erg features a device holder that may hold your smart device. You possibly can then stream workouts from an app of your alternative — but be mindful that this will be an additional monthly cost.

Ergonomics

Our team rated the ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5. The handle includes a 10-degree bend to permit for a natural grip, and it’s covered with molded rubber to assist absorb sweat. Nonetheless, it may possibly cause skin discomfort, especially for brand new rowers.

Amanda Dvorak, Breaking Muscle Reviews Editor, hadn’t used a rower in over a yr before she bought a Concept2 erg for her home gym. Despite already having calluses on her palms from lifting weights, her hands blistered often once she began rowing again.

Nonetheless, now that Amanda has been using the rower no less than once per week, her tailbone discomfort has lessened, and her hands now not blister. If you have got similar experiences while you first start rowing, we expect it’s protected to say that you simply’ll adjust to the rower after a few months of consistent use. If not, you may wear workout gloves or buy a padded seat cushion online to make your rowing experience more nice.

Foot Pedals

The pedals accommodate a big selection of foot sizes. We’ve seen users with size 13 feet have the ability to make use of the rower comfortably. The pedals don’t pivot like they do on other rowers, equivalent to the NordicTrack RW600. Nonetheless, they’re designed to show you how to achieve a vertical shin angle for the catch phase of the row (when your knees are bent, your arms are straight, and the seat is closer to the front of the machine). This is very useful for rowers with poor ankle mobility.

An in depth-up of the foot pedals on the Concept2 RowErg

Heart Rate Monitoring

I’d rate the guts rate monitoring capabilities of this rowing machine a 4 out of 5, because it doesn’t offer a direct way of monitoring heart rate. The one approach to accomplish that is to have a compatible device to sync with using ANT+ and Bluetooth, equivalent to an Apple watch or a digital chest strap.

PM5 Monitor, Display, and Stats Tracking

While the monitor may appear easy, it provides a ton of knowledge tracking capabilities. In comparison with the older monitor (the PM4), the PM5 provides Bluetooth connection capabilities to trace your workouts. Overall, we rated the monitor itself 4.7 out of 5 stars and the display 4 out of 5.

The PM5 monitor tracks a variety of metrics including time, pace, distance, strokes per minute (SPM), watts, calories burned, and heart rate (with a compatible device).

We love its ability to save lots of all of our workout history, so we are able to see how we’re progressing and improving over time. And, as mentioned, it may possibly connect with potentially 30 different compatible apps. ErgData is a favourite amongst the Breaking Muscle staff since it allows us to create custom workouts, program the Concept2 Workout of the Day into the machine, and more. Nonetheless, you may as well use other apps like Regatta, RowHero, and Fiit.

Despite the impressive amount of knowledge the monitor can show, the actual display is pretty basic. The monitor can also be quite small, measuring just seven inches diagonally. The scale pales as compared to the NordicTrack RW900, for instance, which has a 22-inch monitor.

Considered one of the redeeming qualities, though, is the backlit display, which didn’t exist on previous iterations of the monitor. Breaking Muscle Editor Amanda Dvorak says it’s one among her favorite things in regards to the PM5 monitor. She trains early within the morning and hates turning on brilliant lights during her workouts. The backlit display makes it easier for her to read the screen when she’s understanding before sunrise.

Included Workouts

For the included workouts, we rank this feature a 4.8 out of 5. The Concept2 rower comes with multiple preset workouts, equivalent to distance training for two,000 meters or interval training modes with 500 meters of labor and one minute of rest. The preset options are great for beginner rowers who may not know how you can start or advanced athletes who need to follow structured programs.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Concept2 rower’s PM5 monitor supports Bluetooth connectivity to compatible heart rate monitors. You can too sync workout data to Concept2’s ErgData app or dozens of other apps to trace your workout history.

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Concept2 Rower Specs

When considering the Concept2 rower, it’s essential to know the specifications and features that make it stand out. From the essential dimensions to the electrical requirements, we’ll break down the important thing details that outline it and set it apart on this planet of rowing machines.

Rower Type

The Concept2 rower is an air rower. The air resistance works through using the handles and the machine’s fanwheel. While you pull the handle, the flywheel traps air inside to offer resistance. The resistance then adjusts to your stroke rate and power output.

Based on our experience, air rowers emulate the sensation of rowing on open water more authentically than magnetic rowers. That is one among the numerous explanation why skilled rowers often complete their indoor training on a Concept2 erg.

Overall Dimensions

The Concept2 rower is 96 inches long, 24 inches wide, and either 14 or 20 inches high. The peak relies on whether you purchase the usual model or the one with taller legs.

Track Length

The track length, also referred to as the monorail length, is 54 inches. This length helps to accommodate athletes as much as 6’6.

Seat Height

The RowErg comes with a 14-inch seat height. Should you think this might be too low for you, you have got the choice of buying an erg with taller legs that elevate the seat to twenty inches. Nonetheless, the taller rower changes the associated fee from about $990 to about $1,155.

Weight Capability

The burden capability of the Concept2 rower is 500 kilos, which is well above other rowing machines just like the ones from NordicTrack and Peloton. All three rower models from NordicTrack have a weight capability of 250 kilos, while the Peloton rower has a weight limit of 300 kilos.

Resistance Levels

The Concept2 rower offers variable resistance. The resistance depends on the forcefulness of every row. That is different from magnetic rowers, which offer fixed resistance levels, and water rowers, whose resistance levels change based on how much water is in a water tank attached to the machine.

Concept2 rowers also utilize a damper setting. The damper is an adjustment that lets you provide “more” or “less” resistance based on the provision of airflow. The damper ranges from one to 10 — one means the flywheel is totally closed, and 10 means it’s fully open. While you increase the damper setting, you open the damper and permit more air into the flywheel. The next damper setting leads to a faster deceleration of the flywheel, making the rowing motion harder to perform.

Electrical Requirements

This rower machine takes two D-cell batteries, that are included together with your purchase. There’s no must situate the rower near an outlet, so you may move it around any room in your home or take it outdoors (something the Breaking Muscle staff members like to do when the weather permits).

Noise Level

The Concept2 rower might be loud since it is an air resistance rower. The rower recruits air from the fan flywheel, and the more air it recruits, the louder the sound becomes. A web based review indicates that the Concept2 rower has a decibel level between 67 and 74, barely quieter than a vacuum cleaner.

Amanda Dvorak, one among Breaking Muscle’s editors, often brings her rower indoors when her garage gets too cold within the winter. Her husband, who’s a light-weight sleeper and frequently still in bed when Amanda works out within the morning, has claimed that the noise doesn’t hassle him in any respect. Nonetheless, Amanda keeps the rower on the primary level of her home, while her husband sleeps of their bedroom on the second level. Should you live in a one-story home or a small apartment, the noise could also be more bothersome to other people.

Portability

The Concept2 RowErg features two roller wheels on the front for portability. There is no such thing as a handle on the back, but because the machine weighs just 57 to 68 kilos (depending on whether you get the usual height or the tall legs), it’s easy to position your hand under the monorail to lift it up.

The rower also breaks down into two pieces in case you don’t have enough room to go away it fully assembled on a regular basis. The house gym owners on the Breaking Muscle staff do that often and note that it takes just just a few seconds to disassemble the rail from the flywheel piece and reconnect them again when needed.

Breaking down the Concept2 rower on the Breaking Muscle testing facility

Warranty

Every Concept 2 rower features a five-year warranty for the frame and a two-year warranty for all other components, which we consider pretty standard for the industry. Some rowers we’ve tested, just like the Echelon Row-S, only have a 12-month warranty. Nonetheless, other rowing machines, just like the CITYROW GoMax, offer a five-year frame warranty like Concept2 does.

Concept2 Rower vs. NordicTrack Rower

When comparing the Concept2 rower and the NordicTrack rowers, several key differences stand out. While the Concept2 RowErg has an easy display with no video classes, NordicTrack rowers include interactive monitors. These monitors range from 10 to 22 inches and offer instructor-led live and on-demand classes. These programs might be engaging and motivating for users who enjoy structured workouts and following together with an instructor.

To access this library of workouts, you’ll need an iFit subscription for about $39 a month. You don’t necessarily need the subscription to make use of NordicTrack rowers, but you might be very limited in using all of the features of your interactive screen.

Each brands’ rowers also use air resistance, which provides a smooth and dynamic rowing experience. Nonetheless, NordicTrack rowers add an additional layer of versatility with 26 digital resistance levels. Concept2 doesn’t have traditional resistance levels; the resistance relies on how much air you permit into the flywheel based in your damper setting and the way hard you row.

By way of size, the Concept2 rower is 94 inches long, while NordicTrack rowers range from 82 to 87 inches long. The Concept2 rower excels in strength, because it supports users of as much as 500 kilos. That is twice the burden capability of the NordicTrack rowers.

The Concept2 rower also comes at a more cost-effective price than the NordicTrack RW700 and RW900, which cost around $1,499 and $1,999, respectively. Nonetheless, as of this writing, the NordicTrack RW600 is on sale for around $900, about $90 cheaper than the Concept2 rower.

NordicTrack RW600

Dimensions: 87.02″ L x 22.0″ W x 47.24″ H

Storage: Folds in half for vertical storage

Resistance: Air and magnetic

Weight capability: 250 kilos

Display: 10-inch smart HD touchscreen

Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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Concept2 Rower vs. Peloton

Considered one of the primary noticeable differences between the Concept2 rower and the Peloton is the interactive monitor screen. Peloton’s rowers feature a large 23.8-inch swivel interactive monitor, which lets you engage in video-led sessions. Nonetheless, accessing these classes requires a monthly subscription fee of around $44.

This may be very different from the PM5 monitor provided by Concept2, which doesn’t have video-led sessions or subscription requirements. If interactive workouts and access to an unlimited library of coaching content are your priorities, the Peloton rowers may be more appealing.

Each rowers share similar dimensions, ensuring a consistent rowing experience when it comes to space requirements and overall setup. Nonetheless, the Concept2 rower has a remarkable weight capability of as much as 500 kilos. The Peloton rower, in contrast, has a lower weight capability of 300 kilos, which could limit its suitability for people with greater body weight.

By way of price, Concept2 is the more budget-friendly option. The Peloton rower costs around $2,995, nearly thrice the associated fee of the Concept2 erg.

Peloton Rower

Dimensions: 7’10” L x 24” W

Storage: Stores upright with the Upright Wall Anchor (included with purchase)

Resistance: Electronically controlled

Weight capability: 300 kilos

Display: 23.8-inch 1080p HD touchscreen

Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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Concept2 Rower vs. Hydrow

One other great brand of rowing machines is Hydrow. Hydrow’s original rower and the more compact Wave rower offer an enjoyable ride attributable to their use of magnetic resistance. Like Peloton, Hydrow rowers have built-in monitors for streaming engaging, motivating workout classes.

Hydrow’s advanced technology and immersive experience include the next price tag. Their rowers start at just below $1,900. The Concept2 rower offers a more budget-friendly option starting at about $990. So as to access Hydrow’s library of workouts, you furthermore mght must pay a monthly subscription of around $42.

Like Concept2, Hydrow’s rowers offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect with heart rate monitors and sync with fitness apps. By way of dimensions, the Hydrow rower measures 86 inches in length, 25 inches in width, and 47 inches in height, making it barely more compact than the Concept2 rower. It also has a lighter weight capability of 375 kilos. This doesn’t come near the strength of the Concept2 rower, which has a weight capability of 500 kilos.

Hydrow Wave Rower

Dimensions: 80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ H

Storage: Stores upright

Resistance: Magnetic

Weight capability: 375 kilos

Display: 16-inch HD touchscreen

Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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Concept2 Rower Customer Reviews

On 4 sites, including Amazon, the typical rating for the Concept2 rower is 4.8 out of 5 stars. Many individuals praised it for its durability, quick setup, and storage capabilities. 

Despite all the praise, some customers did note just a few drawbacks. Just a few customers found the noise level concerning for at-home workouts. Others also noted the limitation of the PM5 screen and would favor to have a bigger monitor that provided instructional videos as a substitute.

Final Verdict: Is the Concept2 Rower Value It?

When you concentrate on all of the features of a top-tier rower, the Concept2 rower is among the finest. Concept2 has built a solid fame of quality and dependability with competitive rowers, the CrossFit community, and residential gym users who want equipment that won’t stop working after just a few months.

Through an in depth evaluation by our expert team, it’s clear that the Concept2 rower might be well definitely worth the investment. It provides a smooth, realistic rowing experience. It is straightforward to construct and may last for years, especially in a house gym. Knowing that this product exists in lots of homes and multiple industrial gyms, it’s hard to search out one other rower that may push the Concept2 rower off the highest of the rostrum.

FAQs

Is the Concept2 rowing machine definitely worth the money?

The Concept2 rowing machine is definitely worth the money, as this piece of fitness equipment provides a smooth, authentic rowing experience. Maintenance is straightforward, and the machine is built to last for years. This can likely be the one time you’ll have to buy a rowing machine.

Why are Concept2 rowers so expensive?

The Concept2 rower is pricey attributable to its tough and sturdy design. It features a nickel-plated steel chain, aluminum front legs, and steel rear legs to make sure a sturdy and long-lasting construct.

Is Concept2 rowing any good?

The Concept2 rower is arguably one of the best rowing machine available. This brand pioneered the primary RowErg that was built by rowers, for rowers, to offer a full-body, low-impact workout. It’s been utilized by casual gym-goers, CrossFitters, Olympians, and elite-level athletes. It is unquestionably a superb product that many consider the gold standard.

Are you able to reduce weight with a Concept2 rower?

Using a rowing machine just like the Concept2 rower is an important approach to reduce weight. Since it offers a full-body workout, it has the flexibility to expend more calories than other types of cardiovascular training. Remember, though, that weight reduction may also rely upon your weight-reduction plan, your activity levels outside of the gym, and other lifestyle aspects.