Concept2 Rower Review (2024 Update)
Concept2
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Key Features:
- Durable steel and aluminum frame
- Supports up to 500 pounds
- ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible performance monitor
- Comes apart for storage
Concept2 was founded in 1976 by Dick and Pete Dreissigacker—two brothers who had just finished training for Olympic rowing. They started with an idea for lighter, faster oars, which later grew into the Concept2 indoor rower. They called their machine the Erg, and launched it in 1981.
Fast forward to today, and the Concept2 rower is still a bestseller around the world.
While Concept2 also makes skiergs and bikeergs (exercise bikes that have the same flywheel and performance monitor as the indoor rowers), the brand is most well known for its rowing machines.
The Concept2 indoor rowing machine has changed for the better over the years, going through multiple iterations. Today, there are two versions available for purchase: the Concept2 Rowerg (formerly the Model D) and the Concept2 Dynamic.
In this Concept2 rower review, we’ll dive into the features and pros and cons of the RowErg, which is the brand’s most popular machine. We’ll also highlight who it’s best for and who should skip it, as well as answer commonly asked questions about this top tier cardio machine.
What is the Concept2 Rower and How Do You Use It?
Concept2
The Concept2 Rower is an air rower that relies on a fan flywheel to create resistance. The flywheel is connected to a chain that’s attached to the rowing handle. When you pull the handle, it spins the flywheel, moving air over the fan. This creates air resistance while still keeping the exercise low impact. The faster you row, the more resistance is created.
Concept2 rowing machines also have an adjustable damper, which is a lever on the side of the flywheel housing. While it doesn’t control the resistance directly, the damper manipulates how much air gets into the flywheel. Higher damper settings allow more airflow into the flywheel, which makes it more difficult to pull. Lower damper settings allow less air into the flywheel, which makes it easier to pull. Concept2 compares it to bike gear settings: Different gears change the feel of the pedal, but they don’t directly control resistance.
While it can take some time to familiarize yourself with the damper settings if you’re new to the Erg, the Concept2 rowing machine is really easy to use. You strap your feet into the adjustable footrests, grab the ergonomic handle and pull. You can follow along with the metrics displayed on the integrated performance monitor or connect a tablet via Bluetooth. The Concept2 comes with the Ergdata app, which is free to use, or you can sync the machine with any other fitness app that’s compatible with rowing. You can also connect a heart rate monitor.
Concept2 Rower Pros
- Durable construction
- Lightweight design
- Has a damper
- Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible
- Warranty is transferable
- Fair price
Concept2 Rower Cons
- Basic performance monitor
- Comes apart instead of folding
Concept2 Rower Specs
- Dimensions: 96 inches long x 24 inches wide
- Seat height: 14 inches (standard), 20 inches (tall legs)
- Rail length: 54 inches
- Machine weight: 57 pounds (standard), 68 pounds (tall legs)
- Max user weight: 500 pounds
- Display: PM5 performance monitor (dimensions not listed)
- Frame: Aluminum and steel
- Data displayed: Elapsed time, total meters, average pace, split meters, strokes per minute, time per 500 meters, projected finish, heart rate (if monitor is connected)
- Pre-programmed workouts: Five standard workouts, five custom workouts
- Bluetooth?: Yes
- Foldable?: No, but comes apart for storage
- Warranty: Two-year limited parts, five-year limited frame
- Price: $990 with standard legs, $1,155 with tall legs
Who Should Buy the Concept2 Rower
Concept2
The Concept2 Rower is an excellent option for anyone looking to add a high-quality rowing machine to their home gym. Originally designed for Olympians, professional rowers and elite athletes, this rowing machine has become the gold standard in CrossFit boxes and home gyms. As such, it’s built to withstand continuous, heavy use, so it’s a good fit if you plan to use it as your main source of cardio.
You may want to consider the Concept2 if your home gym is in your garage or doesn’t have easy access to an electrical outlet. The performance monitor operates on batteries, and the flywheel works with air resistance, so it doesn’t require an external power source.
It’s also a good compact rowing machine for small spaces. While the rower doesn’t fold in half, it does quickly come apart in two pieces (no tools required) for easy storage. Because of this, you can pull it out into your space when you need it and stow it away when you’re not using it. Keep in mind that the dimensions of Concept2 rower are long, and will require eight feet of space lengthwise.
The Concept2 rower also accommodates larger bodies, maxing out at a 500-pound weight capacity. For reference, the Hydrow Rower has a weight limit of 375 pounds, and the NordicTrack RW900 maxes out at 250 pounds.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Concept2 Rower
If you’re looking for a fancy LCD screen with immersive Peloton-style workouts, you won’t find it in the Concept2. It does have a backlit performance monitor that displays basic metrics like time, total meters, split meters, stroke rate (strokes per minute), average pace and projected finish. There are also a handful of preprogrammed workouts or a manual program called “Just Row”—you simply start rowing, and the monitor will track your data as soon as it registers movement.
However, that’s where the functionality ends. You can’t connect with fitness or rowing apps or follow along with live or on-demand workouts unless you connect your own tablet. If you like smart or connected fitness equipment, you may want to check out the Hydrow Rower instead.
Those who want a quiet rowing machine should also skip the Concept2. This machine relies on air resistance, so it’s noisier than other models. If you want a near-silent machine, you’re better off with a magnetic resistance rower.
What Customers Have to Say About the Concept2 Rower
The Concept2 is one of the most highly rated rowing machines on the market. While the brand’s site doesn’t publish consumer reviews, the RowErg has racked up almost 12,000 reviews on Amazon. It has an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars—an impressive rating for exercise equipment—with 94 percent of customers giving it five stars. There are few complaints, but some of the most common are the noise and lackluster performance monitor.
Concept2 Rower Warranty
Concept2
The Concept2 Rower is backed by a limited warranty that applies to models with both standard and tall legs. The frame parts are covered by a five-year limited warranty, while the remaining parts are protected for two years.
If any of the frame parts—which include the flywheel assembly, seat, seat frames and rear leg assembly (among others)—break down in the first five years, Concept2 will repair or replace them. Damage to the machine’s finish is not covered.
The two-year portion of the warranty covers any other part of the machine, excluding the monitor’s batteries. If anything goes wrong within two years of your purchase, Concept2 will repair or replace the parts as necessary.
One important thing to note is that the warranty has a maintenance clause in it. To keep coverage active, you must lubricate the chain at least every 50 hours, and if used in a commercial setting, it must be lubricated once a week. You also have to keep the monorail clean, which helps prevent premature breakdown of the seat rollers.
What really sets Concept2’s warranty apart is that it’s transferable to subsequent owners. Most warranties apply only to the original owner, but Concept2 will cover the machine for the full two to five years, even if you sell the machine or give it away.
Concept2 Rower FAQs
Is the Concept2 Rower noisy?
The Concept2 Rower is an air rower, which is louder than magnetic resistance rowers, but about the same noise level as water rowers. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but you will hear it, especially when you’re using it at higher speeds.
How long does the Concept2 Rower last?
The warranty backs the Concept2 Rower up for two to five years (depending on the specific parts), but many reviewers say the build quality extends the rowing machine’s lifespan way beyond this. As an added perk, the warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners if you sell the rowing machine.
Can I keep a Concept2 Rower in the garage or outside?
You can keep your Concept2 rower in the garage as long as it’s clean and dry, but the brand doesn’t recommend storing it outside. Water and other outdoor elements can break the machine, which is designed for only indoor use.
Does the Concept2 Rower rust?
The body of the Concept2 Rower is made of powder-coated steel and aluminum, so when stored properly, it's unlikely to rust. However, the chain can rust without proper care, and neglecting to maintain it can void the warranty. Concept2 recommends lubricating the chain every 50 hours of use (or once a week in commercial settings) and thoroughly inspecting it every 250 hours.
Does the Concept2 Rower need power?
The Concept2 Rower doesn’t need an external power source. The performance monitor needs two D-cell batteries, which are included with your initial purchase, but will need to be swapped out as needed.
How do I keep my Concept2 Rower from sliding?
There are rubber caps on the Concept2’s legs to reduce sliding, but if they get dusty—or there’s dirt or dust on your floor—it can interfere with their grip. If your rower is sliding, try cleaning the grips and the floor. If that doesn’t work, you may want to lay down an exercise mat or rug.
Can the Concept2 Rower help you lose weight?
Rowing is a low-impact cardio workout that can help you lose weight when combined with an overall healthy lifestyle. “The rowing machine burns a lot of calories by way of a full body effort, and it also requires a lot of intent in what you are doing,” says kuudose Celeb Trainer, Joey Thurman, CES CPT FNS. “You have to think about the leg drive, pulling the elbows through your torso and keeping a strong trunk and core. This all leads to a huge calorie burn, added muscle tissue, better insulin sensitivity, more power and increased calorie burn (EPOC) after your session to put you in a calorie deficit (given you are eating well).”
Can you build muscle with a Concept2 Rower?
While rowing is a cardio exercise at its core, it provides a full-body workout that can help you build muscle, especially when you first start. “The row machine is one of the most muscular engaging forms of cardio, as it involves the legs in a modified squat position and engages the posterior chain of the back and hits the biceps to a good degree,” says Thurman. “Most cardio machines only burn calories and lack the posterior chain engagement.” He also adds that rowing is a good warmup before weight training to activate the legs and posterior chain.
Final Thoughts
The Concept2 Rower is a well-built machine that can accommodate heavy use and larger bodies. It’s pretty basic as far as features go, but if your goal is to improve your fitness or your rowing technique, it’s one of the best machines for the job. While it doesn’t come with a touchscreen for immersive workouts, you can hook up a tablet and connect to your favorite fitness app via Bluetooth.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
