Concept2 RowErg Review: Is This Legendary Air Rower Still the Best?

Four Decades at the Top, and Still Going Strong

For over a decade, I’ve been reviewing rowing machines, and I still haven’t come across a better all round rower than the Concept2. Okay, the old school design may look a little dated, especially next to high tech rowers like the Hydrow.

But old school works. Top Olympians still use the Concept2 to train, commercial gyms are still full of them, and they’re an essential bit of kit in a lot of garage gyms too.

So yes, it’s a design with roots going back to 1981. That’s over four decades at the top, and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon. And that’s what really sells the Concept2 for me.

It’s a rowing machine that’s stood the test of time. People are still praising this thing years after buying it.

Built to Last a Lifetime? 

I’ve heard of users who’ve owned one for 25 years, and it’s still going just as well as when they bought it. Even spare parts are available for older models decades later. Now, come on, there aren’t many companies that offer that sort of service.

When you buy a Concept2, you know it’s built to last. You might never need to replace it. This thing is designed for heavy commercial use, and it’s probably the most durable rowing machine on the market right now.

The Concept2 certainly deserves a closer look, so let’s get stuck into the review and see everything this rowing machine has to offer, including any drawbacks.

I first reviewed the Model D version of this rower almost a decade ago, and I was seriously impressed back then. I have a feeling I’m going to be just as impressed with the RowErg. Let’s find out!

Later in the review, I’ll also compare the Concept2 with the MERACH NovaRow R50 Pro, an air rower I reviewed recently and was really impressed with. It’ll be interesting to see how these two stack up, especially considering the difference in price.

But first, let’s take a quick look at the Concept2’s specs, pros and cons!

Specs

Why Do We Like the Concept2 RowErg?

As I already mentioned, what has always convinced me that the Concept2 is unbeatable in the rowing machine market is its history.

It’s been around for over four decades and has long been the No. 1 choice for commercial gyms, Olympic rowers, and just about anyone who takes their rowing seriously.

Nobody has really designed anything better. Companies like Rogue have come close, but for me, they still haven’t quite hit the mark.

The Concept2 wasn’t designed just for durability. They’ve got the rowing mechanics right too. The seat height is spot on, the rowing stroke is smooth and responsive, and the frame is incredibly sturdy without being so heavy that moving it around becomes a workout in itself.

The design has been tweaked over the years, but Concept2 has always got the essentials right.

There’s very little I could fault about the important stuff, and that’s exactly why people keep buying these machines. They know they’re built to last, and they know they’re getting a rowing machine trusted by the best in the world.

And there’s something special about having one in your home gym. It almost feels like a privilege. It really is an impressive bit of kit.

Still, it is pretty loud. That noisy fan and chain drive certainly push the decibels higher than most magnetic rowers, and that’s probably its biggest drawback. If you’ve got a garage or basement gym, it’s less of a concern, but apartment owners might want to think twice.

And That Rowing on Water Feel

And of course, one of the best features of an air rower is its dynamic resistance system.

The harder and faster you pull, the more resistance the flywheel generates. That responsive feel is what makes air rowers so good, and it comes much closer to rowing on water than the constant resistance settings on basic magnetic rowers.

For the more serious rowers out there, the Concept2 also has a 10 position damper. A higher setting gives you a heavier feel at the handle, while a lower setting feels lighter.

But remember, these aren’t ten resistance levels. The damper changes the drag factor and how the stroke feels, while your effort determines the power you’re producing.

Click here to check price of the Concept2 on Amazon

Wide Rail and a Contoured Seat

The slide rail is more important than a lot of people think, and I always recommend looking for a rower with a wide, stable rail. That extra width adds a little more stability, and you feel much more confident when rowing hard.

Rail length is just as important, especially if you’re a tall guy. You want to make sure you can achieve a full rowing stroke with a little room to spare.

Thankfully, the Concept2 has a generous 54-inch slide rail, which should comfortably suit users up to around 6’6″. And if you’re even taller, Concept2 offers an extended rail. Always good to hear.

And lastly, the seat is nicely contoured, with a slightly raised lip at the back. This is a nice touch, as it helps stop your butt from sliding too far back during the drive phase of the rowing stroke.

No HD Screen, but Has Everything You Need – PM5 Monitor

Now, don’t let the old school display fool you. The Concept2 might not have a fancy 22-inch HD touchscreen, but its PM5 monitor is one of the best in the business, especially if you’re serious about rowing.

And here’s why. Accuracy. The PM5 gives you reliable workout data that you can actually compare from one session to the next, or even against other Concept2 users around the world.

That’s a big deal if you’re training seriously and want to know whether you’re getting faster or just having a good day.

You’ve got all the important stuff right in front of you, including pace per 500 meters, distance, watts, stroke rate, calories and time. You can also set up interval workouts, race against a pace boat and store previous sessions. There’s plenty here to keep even experienced rowers happy.

Over 40 Compatible Apps

And this is where the PM5 gets really interesting. Thanks to Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, the Concept2 works with over 40 compatible apps. That’s an impressive amount of choice for a rowing machine that doesn’t even have a color screen.
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Concept2’s own ErgData app is completely free, and it’s a good one. You can track your workouts, analyze your performance, join online challenges and compare results with other rowers through Concept2’s Online Logbook. No expensive monthly subscription needed.

And if you fancy something a little more entertaining, there are apps offering virtual racing, coached workouts, scenic rowing and even games.

You can use the Aviron app, and yes, Ergatta also offers a compatible upgrade package for the Concept2 RowErg. So there’s plenty of modern technology available if you want i

What I really like is that none of this is forced on you. You can keep things simple and just row with the PM5, or connect your phone or tablet and turn the Concept2 into something much more interactive.

And for me, that’s exactly how it should be. Spend the money on a brilliant rowing machine first, then choose the technology you actually want.

Any Drawbacks to the Concept2 RowErg?

There’s very little to complain about with the Concept2, especially when it comes to the important stuff. But no rowing machine is perfect, and there are a few things worth knowing before you spend around $1,000.

• It’s pretty noisy. That powerful fan and chain drive can make quite a racket when you’re rowing hard. Not ideal for apartments or shared living spaces.
• The seat is fairly firm. Fine for shorter workouts, but some users may want a seat pad for longer sessions.
• No built-in touchscreen. The PM5 is excellent, but you’ll need your own phone or tablet if you want immersive workouts or virtual rowing.
• It’s expensive for occasional use. If you’re only rowing for 15 minutes a few times a week, a decent $500 air rower might be all you need.

Easy to Store, Even in Smaller Home Gyms

For a commercial quality rowing machine, the Concept2 is surprisingly easy to store. It weighs just 57lb, so moving it around isn’t going to break your back, and you’ve got transport wheels at the front to make life easier.

And here’s the clever bit. The Concept2 separates into two pieces without needing any tools. It takes just a few seconds, and you can store the two sections upright, taking up far less floor space than when it’s fully assembled.

I much prefer this to rowing machines that make you wrestle with awkward folding mechanisms. It’s simple, practical, and there’s very little to go wrong. Just make sure you’ve got somewhere safe to store both sections.

Assembly: Nice and Straightforward

Thankfully, Concept2 hasn’t made assembly complicated either. Most of the machine comes ready to go, so there’s very little work involved.

• Assembly time: Around 20–30 minutes for most people
• Tools: The necessary assembly tool is included
• Main job: Attach the front legs to the flywheel section
• Instructions: Clear, illustrated instructions are provided
• Two people needed? Nope, most people should manage it comfortably on their own

Final Verdict

It’s no surprise that I still love this rower. Nothing much has changed since I first reviewed it all those years ago.

The monitor has improved, but all the important stuff, the build quality, the smooth rowing stroke and that excellent damper system, is still there. And everything about this machine is just as impressive today, if not more so.

And I’m not surprised the Concept2 is still one of the most popular air rowers out there. Because for around $1,000, I honestly don’t think you’ll find anything better.

The real appeal of the Concept2 is its timeless, solid design. No gimmicks, no unnecessary extras, just a rowing machine that’s been getting the important stuff right for decades.

But what really sells it for me is how versatile it is. It’s just as appealing to someone buying their first rowing machine as it is to a serious rower training for competition.

Whether you’re kitting out a commercial gym or simply want a cracking rower sitting next to your power rack in the garage, the Concept2 is still the machine I’d choose.

For the money, I can’t fault it. Four decades on, and it’s still the rowing machine everyone else is trying to beat.

How Does The Concept2 RowErg Compare With MERACH’s New R50 Pro Air Rower?

Concept2 RowErg vs MERACH NovaRow R50 Pro

Now, this is an interesting comparison. I’ve recently reviewed the MERACH NovaRow R50 Pro, and I was genuinely impressed.

For around $500, you’re getting a serious bit of kit with a sturdy steel frame, long slide rail, chain drive and the same type of dynamic air resistance that makes the Concept2 so good.

And that’s what makes the MERACH such an attractive option. For roughly half the money, it gets a lot of the important stuff right. If you’re buying your first air rower or just want something decent for your garage gym, I’d have no problem recommending it.

But the Concept2 still has the edge where it really matters for serious rowing. The PM5 monitor is in another league, the performance data is trusted worldwide, and there’s that legendary build quality and long term parts support. You’re not just paying for a rowing machine. You’re buying into decades of proven reliability.

So which would I choose? If I had the $1,000, I’d buy the Concept2 every time. But if my budget stopped at $500, I wouldn’t lose any sleep over buying the MERACH. It’s a cracking air rower for the money, and that’s what makes this comparison so interesting.

Concept2 RowErg FAQ’s