Concept2 RowErg Review (2024): Is This CrossFit Staple Your Ticket To Total-Body Burns?

A favorite of experienced rowers, the Concept2 RowErg has long held its place among the best rowing machines on the market. Chances are, even those uninitiated with the whirr of this air rower will have seen it in the gym or CrossFit box. As more and more app-connected rowing machines introduce themselves to the mainstream, the RowErg remains a go-to training option for Olympic, professional, and collegiate rowers.

For newbies and seasoned vets alike, we think the RowErg’s smooth feel and approachable price point make it ideal for rowers of all experience levels. As a former collegiate rower myself, it was my training partner for four years, but multiple members of our team also boast years of experience with this renowned air rower. Check out our Concept2 RowErg review to see how it’s held up.

Main Takeaways

• Beloved by many experienced rowers and CrossFit athletes as one of the best air rowing machines for everyday training. 
• The aluminum and steel build that can support users up to 500 pounds — between 150 and 200 pounds more than the average rower. 
• It can sync via Bluetooth with fitness trackers and heart rate monitors to track your workout data and history.

Concept2 RowErg Highlights

When it comes to air rowers, the Concept2 RowErg is where the pros go. As a former collegiate rower myself, I can attest to its popularity among professionals and Olympic athletes. Chances are, if you’ve ever peeked inside a CrossFit box, you’ve seen one there, too.

Among the four types of resistance — magnetic, water, hydraulic, and air — air and magnetic rowers are often preferred by professional rowers because being able to adjust the resistance levels makes for more precise training. But you don’t have to be a pro to take advantage of the low-impact, total-body burns that make these machines a favorite of our expert reviewer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto.

“Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout,” Capritto says. “I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance.” (1)

[Related: Benefits of Rowing Machines]

“Getting situated is as simple as taking a seat and strapping in,” adds BarBend editorial member Rosie Borchert. “I always like to make sure the air damper setting, which controls the air resistance, is set to a level 5 out of 10 — a nice middle settling which allows me to pull fairly quick against a good amount of resistance.”

You won’t find a built-in touchscreen like you would on some pricier models. Instead, the RowErg has an LCD display that displays your metrics and includes preset programs. If you’re someone who benefits from rowing along to trainer-led studio classes, you can always slot your phone or tablet in the integrated device holder and follow along that way. 

This isn’t the quietest machine — the flywheels on air rowers generate a lot of noise. If you’re in a tight space with lots of housemates, you may want to take a look at some of the best magnetic rowing machines, as they are the church mice among rowers. 

Speaking of tight spaces, the RowErg is a solid option for those in apartments or smaller gyms, as it can be split into two pieces by simply lifting the handle between the foot pedals. And that may be necessary when storing it since it measures 95 inches in length (about 8 feet). It does, however, weigh just 57 pounds, which is below average for rowing machines. 

After four years of refining my stroke through near-daily training on the Concept2 RowErg, we’ve become old pals. It’s light on tech, but that’s what allows its price tag to stay below $1,000. 

Training With the Concept2 RowErg

After four years of being my land-bound rowing trainer, it’s safe to say I’m familiar with this air rower. Multiple members of our team also have extensive experience onboard the RowErg. All told, the BarBend team of competitive rowers, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit coaches have tested more than 20 different rowing machines, assigning scores of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 11 categories. We’ve done the same for RowErg, using our real-life experience to assign ratings for durability, tech capabilities, value, and more.

For more information on how we test all our products, check out BarBend’s Equipment Testing Methodology.

Air Resistance

“There are several types of rowing machines, including water rowers, air rowers, magnetic rowers, and hydraulic rowers, and each type offers a different experience,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. 

The RowErg features 10 levels of resistance that you can adjust with a damper on the flywheel. As far as air rowers go, this is a standard range. One reason it’s been my rowing companion for so long is because it can handle different types of workouts. If you’re trying to build muscle, set your resistance within the 7 to 10 range. If you want to work on your endurance, levels 3 to 5 should do the trick.

Something that separates air rowers from the other three is the noise generated by the flywheel. It has a “Quiet Cog” system that works to reduce the sound by damping the chain noise, but regardless, the flywheel is still going to generate a whirr. If you’re looking to stay quiet, magnetic rowers are typically the best rowing machines for apartments or other noise-sensitive environments. 

Onboard Technology

Higher-priced rowers we’ve tested often include glistening touchscreens for streaming virtual workouts, but we’re impressed by RowErg’s PM5 performance monitor and Bluetooth connectivity. “This rowing machine lacks the visual appeal of other indoor rowing machines, [but] I do appreciate the level of detail its monitor provides during training,” said BarBend editorial member Ben Emminger. Tech capabilities earned a 4 out of 5 from our team. 

No matter which of the five training modes you choose, the display illuminates as soon as you take your first stroke. After picking between Just Row, Select Workout, Connect, Memory, or More Options, the monitor will display your distance, speed, stroke rate (pace), calories burned and watts on the screen. From “Select Workout,” you can choose from five options based on distance and time, plus there are five games to choose from — Fish Game, Darts, Target Training, Racing, and Biathlon. 

Along with tracking our stats, all of us appreciate the Bluetooth connectivity, which expands that data tracking even more. From Garmin to Apple Watch, the RowErg can sync with many of the best fitness trackers. It’s also compatible with over 30 different apps, like the ErgData app and Zwift. 

Its Bluetooth capability also allows you to connect a compatible heart rate monitor — ANT+, Garmin, or Suunto — then display that data on screen for you. This small, but mighty monitor garnered a 4.25 out of 5 from our team.

Durability

The Concept2 RowErg is a commercial-grade, heavy duty rower. The front legs and monorail are made from aluminum, while the rear legs and track are forged from steel. All this steel and aluminum is built to withstand consistent daily use. In college, we had a boathouse full of these rowers and in four years, despite nearly round-the-clock use from multiple crews, we never had to replace one. Our team’s score of 5 out of 5 for durability was a no-brainer.

We think the aluminum I-beam monorail and stainless steel track create a smooth drive and recovery. They can also support users up to 500 pounds — another indication of its durability. For context, the average rower has a weight capacity around 300 to 350 pounds. We’ve used a handful of rowing machines that reach up to 500 pounds, but we think the RowErg is easily one of the best rowing machines for heavy people.

Ergonomics and Comfort

From the catch and drive through the finish and recovery, the RowErg’s chain-belt drive system provides a comfortable and smooth stroke. Gripping the 10-degree bend in the handle is made easier by the molded rubber grips, which also help absorb a bit of sweat. 

Rowing rookies may experience some blisters at first, but, as with guitarists and marathon runners, calluses will build up in time. At the other end, the adjustable foot pedals allow for pretty much all foot sizes, but they don’t pivot like some more advanced rowing machines. 

BarBend editorial member Rosie Borchert and I also have similar beef with the seat. There are contoured areas for your legs and tail bone, so the design is pretty good, but there is very little booty cushion. “My only complaint is that the seat hurts my butt bones, but for $3.50 you can invest in a cushioned seat pad from the Concept2 website,” Borchert said. 

I’d also add that the original seat is also a little narrow, so if you find you need a bit more width, you can swap it out for a larger size.

Value

With the Concept 2, you’re paying for quality, durability, and reliability. We definitely think this rower is worth its $990 price tag, but you can find higher-tech options for a few hundred dollars more. But with the Bluetooth capabilities and PM5 monitor, it’s not completely tech-averse.

Many of the best water rowing machines, magnetic rowers, and air rowers cost around $1,000 to $1,500. The RowErg lands near the bottom of that range and our team scored its value 4.5 out of 5. 

Chain-Drive System

The “erg” has an aluminum I-beam monorail and stainless steel track that creates a smooth drive and recovery. That smooth glide was a big factor in our 4.75 out of 5 rating for its construction. It also stood out to BarBend editorial member Ben Emminger. “I especially enjoy the nickel-plated steel chain that showcases a great sense of durability and glide regardless of which dampener I have the resistance set to,” he said. 

While a chain drive can last longer than a belt drive, they do require more maintenance than other types of rowing machines. We recommend that you oil the chain after every 50 hours of use. You may also find that, as you hone your form, the chain can bounce on the way in. This can be annoying as you learn how to use a rowing machine, but as your rowing technique improves, that floppiness and extra noise will subside. 

What to Consider Before Buying the Concept2 RowErg

As our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto points out, athletes everywhere are wising up to the benefits of rowing. “Once reserved for rowing athletes as a way to train indoors, rowing ergs have made it mainstream, and that’s for a lot of good reasons,” she says. “Rowing is an effective form of exercise, engaging most of the body’s muscles and significantly working the cardiovascular system.” Before you bring home the Concept2 RowErg, there are a few important factors to consider.

Type of Resistance

While water rowers may better simulate the feel of IRL rowing, air rowing machines are preferred by experienced rowers because their adjustable resistance allows for precise training. 

Before you commit to an air rower, Capritto recommends learning how each type of resistance works. “The flywheel mechanism dictates the rower type: Air rowers use fan flywheels; water rowers use fan flywheels against the resistance of water in a tank; magnetic rowers use electromagnetic resistance; and hydraulic rowers, which are less expensive but functionally limited compared to the other three types, use hydraulic cylinders in the handles to create resistance.”

The fan flywheels in air rowing machines like the RowErg are the noisiest of the bunch. They are also generally the least expensive because there’s not much to the design. Like the best air bikes, a big fan is generally the peak of their onboard technology, which helps keep them relatively affordable.

Intended Training

Capritto also loves rowing machines like the RowErg for her clients (and herself) because of the variety of training they afford. “Rowers are also versatile pieces of equipment: You can use them for high-intensity interval training and steady-state cardio exercise,” she says. “They can also be used for some strength-training exercises, like pikes, for added versatility.” 

Not only can rowing help improve your cardiovascular health, it can help build strength. (1) The 10 levels of resistance on the RowErg provides a wide enough range for muscle-building workouts, along with endurance training. If you’re looking to build muscle, hang around the 7 to 10 range. Then, if you want to work on your endurance, set the resistance at 3 to 5.

Since you are using most muscle groups — around 85% of the muscles in your body — in each stroke you take on a rowing machine, form is super important. (2) The rowing stroke can be a pretty complicated movement. If you’re not bracing your core to protect your back during your stroke, you can end up with a lower-back injury — I learned that the hard way my first year rowing.

Tech Capabilities

When it comes to rowing machines, Capritto says there are basically two options. “You can also choose between a smart rowing machine and a “not smart” one, meaning one that has a fancy screen that streams stuff or one that has a simple LCD screen that reads out basic metrics,” she says. “Smart rowing machines are more expensive and usually require a monthly subscription to access full functionality.”

With its PM5 monitor and Bluetooth connectivity, the RowErg has plenty of technology to help you track your workout data, but not to stream the immersive virtual workouts available on the best fitness apps, like Peloton or Aviron. 

You can, however, slide your phone or tablet into the built-in device holder to watch or stream whatever you want. Plus, you’ll find a handful of preset workouts and training modes on the monitor. But before bringing the RowErg home, consider how important dynamic programming and immersive touchscreens are to your training regimen. 

Noise

Rowers like the RowErg that use fan flywheels for resistance are going to be rather loud. Take into account any ornery neighbors or napping children before you add this rowing machine to your living room or home gym. If you are living with others and are looking to keep your workouts from disturbing the whole household, you may be better off with a magnetic rower.

Available Space

As Capritto reminds us, bringing an 8-foot long piece of fitness equipment into your home requires a bit of planning. “Size, weight and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,” she says. “And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit!” 

Being able to split the RowErg into two segments or raise it to store vertically makes it one of the best compact rowing machines we’ve used.

Concept2 RowErg Vs. The Competition

Wading through the specs and features of any piece of fitness equipment can be frustrating. We lined up the Concept2 RowErg against some of the best rowers we’ve tested. Check out the below chart to see where the RowErg lands among these quality rowing machines.

	Concept2 RowErg	AssaultRower Pro	Aviron Strong Rower	Hydrow Wave Rower
Price	$990	$999	$2,199	$1,695
Resistance	Air	Air	Magnetic and Air	Magnetic
Product Weight	57lbs	109lbs	114lbs	102lbs
Weight Capacity	500lbs	350lbs	507lbs	375lbs
Product Dimensions	95” L x 24” W	92” L x 22” W x 45” H	84” L x 27” W x 48” H	80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ H
Display	PM5 performance monitor	LCD monitor	22” HD touchscreen	16” HD touchscreen
Warranty	5-year frame, 2-year parts and console	7-year frame, 3-year moving parts	10-year frame, 1-year moving parts	5-year frame, 1-year parts and labor

The first stop on our tour is probably your top concern — price. In terms of its build quality and resistance mechanisms, the RowErg offers a lot of value for $990. Its closest comp, the $999 AssaultRower Pro, was a close second to the RowErg when we rounded up the best CrossFit equipment. As much as we like it, though, the RowErg’s superior weight capacity and lighter overall weight gives it an edge. 

Pricier rowers, like the Hydrow Wave, tend to favor magnetic resistance over air. Machines like these are geared toward newer or more casual rowers. They require less maintenance and operate more quietly, but are more complex than rowers utilizing air resistance, which tends to make them more expensive.

Their big selling point? Crystal-clear touchscreens with virtual studio classes and scenic rows at the ready. This programming often requires an additional monthly subscription — the Hydrow and Aviron apps cost $44 and $29 a month, respectively. 

If the preset training options on the RowErg or AssaultRower Pro are sufficient for your training, you can save a little coin by opting out of these costly subscriptions. 

Places to Buy the Concept2 RowErg

You can buy the Concept2 RowErg through the Concept2 website, Rogue Fitness, and Amazon.

Customer Experience

When you order through the Concept2 website, your RowErg typically ships within three business days. Your warranty includes five years of coverage for the frame, as well as two years for parts and the console. With only about eight screws to secure, assembly took our team around 20 minutes. We scored its delivery and setup a 5 out of 5. 

Warranties

With your purchase, you’ll get five years of coverage on the frame and two years on moving parts and the console.

Company Information

Concept2 started in 1979 when two Olympic rowers decided to make their own oars. Six years later, they built the first indoor rower, which not only became the best-selling rower in the world, but set the standard for all future indoor rowers to come. Olympians still favor it today, and the company has grown to manufacture the Concept2 SkiErg and BikeErg. You can reach their customer care team at 802.888.7971 or info@concept2.com.

In Conclusion

For those well-versed in rowing or CrossFit, the Concept2 RowErg likely needs no introduction. Our team thinks even rookie rowers will find its budget-friendly price point and smooth feel appealing. Being able to simulate the experience of gliding through water during training by adjusting the air resistance has made the RowErg the gold standard among professional and collegiate rowers for decades.

Its durability and versatility have made it a staple of boathouses and CrossFit boxes everywhere. Whether you want to take on some HIIT workouts, steady-state cardio, or strength training, the word is out on rowers like the Concept2 RowErg. After years of hands-on, feet-on, and booty-on experience with this classic rower, we think it could be a match for athletes of all fitness levels.

Concept2 RowErg Review FAQs

References

1. Relationships among muscle characteristics and rowing performance in collegiate crew members. The Sport Journal. (2022, January 14). https://thesportjournal.org/article/relationships-among-muscle-characteristics-and-rowing-performance-in-collegiate-crew-members/
2. Ian Gee, T., Caplan, N., Christian Gibbon, K., Howatson, G., & Grant Thompson, K. (2016). Investigating the Effects of Typical Rowing Strength Training Practices on Strength and Power Development and 2,000 m Rowing Performance. Journal of human kinetics, 50, 167–177.