Concept2 RowErg – Our Review

There are a lot of niche pieces of equipment in the fitness world.

Peg boards, fat grips, giant vibrating plates (fun story: the first time I saw one of these, some guy was unironically doing a handstand on it so that it would massage his bald head!)…the list goes on.

On the other hand, there are certain items that have withstood the test of time and will (hopefully!) be around for-ev-er.

One such item is the Concept2 RowErg.

You’ve seen it before. Hell, you’ve probably used one before. I know I’ve even seen these in second-rate hotel gyms before (these have usually been pretty old and screwed up, but they were there!).

…but today’s the day you’re finally thinking about biting the bullet and getting one for yourself…a truly commendable and smart decision.

There isn’t much about the RowErg not to like and many (myself included) consider it to be an almost flawless cardio machine. That shamelessly biased take aside…let’s get into it.

Assembly

One of the nicest and underappreciated qualities of the Concept2 RowErg is how easy it is to put together. Of all of the “larger” equipment items (ranging from cardio machines like the rower to less complex rigs and racks) I have ever put together, the RowErg is what immediately comes to mind as the least complicated and least frustrating.

I have put multiple RowErgs together completely by myself and in every circumstance, these processes have taken me 30 minutes or less (I say that conservatively; I think it’s actually closer to 20-25 minutes or less).

Because these more or less come in 2 large pieces that easily snap together and another small piece that quickly and easily screws in, there isn’t much to keep track of. This obviously speeds up the process and ensures that it never feels overwhelming.

The RowErg is what I compare everything else to in terms of assembly. It is the standard in cardio machine assembly complexity…or, more accurately, the lack thereof.

Assembly: 100

Compatibility

Although it’s not really at all related to the previous topic/category, when it comes to compatibility, the RowErg is once again a “gold standard” item.

Now to be clear, when we talk about “compatibility” in this context, we’re referring to how much the machine is in line with the expected calorie and distance (and in some cases, wattage) ergometric statistics referenced in CrossFit workouts. We also consider the degree to which a machine is permitted for use in official CrossFit competitions and qualifiers.

(If you’re not into CrossFit, this probably really doesn’t matter to you…but if you are (and I assume you are since it is…ya know…one of this site’s key pillars), it matters a lot).

You’ll be happy to know that the Concept2 RowErg is the most commonly permitted and referenced rower (for a long time, it was the only permitted rower) for use in the CrossFit Open and the vast majority of other CrossFit events. Additionally, if you follow some type of CrossFit programming (ex. Sentinel Training, HWPO), the RowErg is the assumed rower for use in program metcons and other workouts.

Considering that rowing is arguably the most common cardio element (outside of double-under variations) included in these workouts, you could easily classify the RowErg as the most compatible cardio machine on the market today…and, if you want to be a little more dramatic, you could claim it’s the most compatible of all time.

Compatibility: 100

Functionality

Outside of basic treadmills, there are few pieces of cardio equipment that have as much “get on and go!” as the RowErg does. Like other Concept2 equipment (as well as other machines like the Rogue Echo Bike), users don’t even need to hit an “on” button to get started; simply pulling the handle “wakes” the rower up and it immediately starts counting/tabulating cals or distance.

Taking a couple of seconds to properly orient yourself will most likely lead to more effective (and comfortable) workouts. This involves adjusting the foot straps to any number of levels to properly accommodate your foot and overall size (it matters) and checking the drag factor and adjusting the damper (which controls resistance) accordingly.

(Each of these steps can reasonably be considered to be more “advanced” in nature, although with just a little bit of research, it isn’t difficult to determine the most ideal and advantageous settings).

Besides these more “physical” setting options, the RowErg allows for users to track calories, distance, and wattage on the easy-to-read, albeit not overly interactive monitor. This monitor is also where different programs and workouts (ex. distance intervals, set calorie goals, etc.) can be selected and is also where all data from previous workouts is stored.

I have never rowed on the water, but I have heard from enough industry professionals that the RowErg’s rowing experience, especially when proper damper/resistance levels are selected, is about the best substitute possible. The RowErg’s system of increased intensity creating even greater levels of resistance is an interesting (although not so much in current times) way of creating a unique rowing experience for every single user.

This translates to beginner, less-conditioned rowers being able to challenge themselves as much as the top rowers out there.

Finally, the RowErg functions perfectly as a standalone machine for those who only want to row or as an entity to include in functional training workouts. The interval calorie/distance options are ideal for multi-round CrossFit workouts and the RowErg is included as a station in every official HYROX race.

Overall, the RowErg is going to be able to do pretty much whatever you need it to do, no matter what you’re into and where you’re at in your fitness journey. It is almost infinitely modifiable and is truly appropriate for trainees of all kinds.

Functionality: 100

Programs/Tech

Concept2 may not have the most gear in their lineup (even though all of the stuff they do offer is pretty legit), but what they may lack in this area, they make up for their proprietary programs.

Seriously dedicated rowers can use Concept2’s ErgData app for tracking workouts along with the Concept2 Official Logbook (which also includes virtual rowing challenges and leaderboards). Concept2 also puts out its own workouts of the day (app not required).

Additionally, the Concept2 RowErg is fully compatible with apps like Strava, Zwift, Kinomap, RowPro, EXR Rowing, and Regatta. I admittedly have not used…any of these apps, but a number of them are extremely popular and many are highly-rated apps in terms of overall functionality.

All of the Concept2 machines are really good when it comes to tech options and compatibility, but the popularity of rowing apps puts the RowErg at the top of this already very competitive group.

Programs/Tech: 97.5

Noise

This one is tricky.

I’ve been using RowErgs for so long and am so used to the noise that I’m probably too desensitized to provide a truly accurate take here, but I can say that I’ve definitely worked on louder machines. In many cases, outside of “water rowers”, many of the more “budget” rower options I’ve worked on have been louder than Concept2’s.

…but it’s still not a quiet machine.

Any machine that relies on air resistance is going to have a degree of constant “white noise” humming that can range from almost soothing (for slow, steady rowing) to almost disturbing (for fast, end of workout aggressive pulls). However, with the RowErg, there are the additional noisemakers in the form of the metal chain (which depending on how smooth your pull and recovery pieces are can be almost silent to obnoxiously “slappy”) and even the foot clamps.

I would argue that the sounds from the flywheel itself aren’t terrible, especially for those who row at more or less a steady state and that the handle’s chain can be the truly annoying component. However, this sound is usually masked by the flywheel noise and is only really obnoxious to those in close proximity. Someone in the next room probably won’t care; someone upstairs or inside (if you’re…ya know…in the garage) definitely won’t.

Overall, it’s not an overly loud machine, but there are definitely quieter options (if this is a major priority to you). Worst case, just get the person complaining about the noise into rowing; they’ll stop caring pretty quickly.

Noise: 75

Price

Finding “affordable” rowers isn’t very difficult and the market is actually pretty well flooded with different rowing machine options. With that being said, in the interest of fairness, we’re only going to look at “air rowers” (which generally are a bit higher-priced) when looking at how well the Concept2 rower stacks up, price-wise.

Problem is, even when we narrow down our focus to single out this specific rower type, Concept2’s option remains relatively uncompetitive on price. Just about every alternative option, to include the blatant knock-off options that share the same structure and general “feel” can generally be found for ~$100 to almost $500 cheaper!

In my experience, the majority of the alternatives I’ve used have been deficient in one way or another (to include being structurally less sound), but overall, if you’re after an inexpensive air rower option, you’re going to have to look elsewhere (something else to note, these almost never go on sale; that “everyday price” you see is really the price).

Price: 70

Customer Reviews

One of the best things about reviewing pretty much any piece of Concept2 equipment is that finding other people’s reviews is really easy. Because these machines are used extensively in CrossFit (and other disciplines), user reviews are plentiful.

Even better, the reviews for the Concept2 RowErg, specifically, are really good…like 4.9 out of 5 good…and across multiple platforms at that!

Although you’re not going to find any reviews on the Concept2 main site (let me know if you can!) you can find thousands of them on Rogue and hundreds more on Amazon. Depending on the model, the Amazon crowd is slightly harder on the RowErg than the Rogue crowd is, but the final result is the same.

..and to be fair, these 1-star reviews on Amazon are…terrible:

Why do people have to do this?

Anyways, so if we discount…those issues, (there really isn’t any consistent negative issue otherwise reported), the Concept2 Rower is almost universally adored. Get one and you’re in good company!

Customer Reviews: 98

Customer Service

I don’t have nearly as much experience interacting with Concept2 personnel as I do with Rogue’s staff. I mention Rogue specifically because they are who I bought my rower through and I assume they are where a lot of people buy their rowers through.

With that being said, the little interaction I have had with Concept2 has been both pleasant and impressive…especially considering we live in a world of “you can expect a response within 5 business days” automated responses and insufferable chatbots.

I decided to reach out to Concept2 regarding a small variety of questions I had about their new StrengthErg machine and opted to try out the chat features on the company’s main site. Within seconds, I had bypassed the bot “wizard” and was in contact with a real-life human (confirmed by a later search of the rep’s name on Google)!

This alone was astounding, but the speed in which he gave me legit, un-canned responses to my, admittedly, random inquiries was especially impressive. I would 100 percent be confident in reaching out to Concept2 via this method if I had ordered directly through them and ever had issues with my gear.

Also, the 30-day money back guarantee and twin 2-year/5-year product warranties add an extra degree of confidence when placing your order for a relatively expensive piece of equipment.

Customer Service: 100

How we tested the Concept2 RowErg

Without exaggeration, I’ve been “testing” the Concept2 RowErg for over 10 years and while I haven’t always been…I don’t know…”cognizant” of what I was doing, I have put in the dedicated time and effort to really study and improve my rowing over this time period.

This has included attending a RowingWod seminar with Coach Cam Nichol and getting some online private assessment/coaching from Coach Jack Nunn at Roworx.

(Read the caption on that post…and fix your arms if yours are like mine were!)

All of this is to say that I am pretty well-versed in (most) aspects of the RowErg.

I easily row 3 days a week with usually one dedicated rowing (or mixed cardio machine) session thrown in there and can honestly say that of all of the equipment we’ve ever reviewed on this site, this is the one I’m most experienced/familiar with.

Concept2 RowErg Alternatives

The Concept2 RowErg…still the Gold Standard…

In case you haven’t been able to figure it out, I’m really high on the Concept2 RowErg.

Not on rowing in general (I’ve tried a lot of other, non-C2 rowers over the years), but on this specific machine.

I can’t say that I’ll ever look at rowing, even on the RowErg as a go-to, standalone activity for me (well…never say never…), but I really appreciate the numerous benefits from this solid, cardio activity as well as all of the merits of the machine itself.

CrossFit and Rogue have had a relationship with each other from the early days. As such, it’s not surprising to see the Echo Rower worked into high-level competitions at a more regular clip. However, even with this relationship being what it is, the RowErg is simply too established in the culture and, frankly, too legit to be elbowed out.

You could make the argument that if you’re not into CrossFit or competitive rowing that there are, in some cases, significantly less expensive options (especially if you’re open to non-Air and/or non-ergometric options) out there. However, the tracking capabilities, resistance levels, and general quality just aren’t there with the vast majority of these alternatives.

As cliche as it is, at the end of the day, when it comes to the Concept2 RowErg, it’s a “buy once, cry once” (and you’re really not crying that badly) type of deal…and we think it’s a more than fair deal, at that.