Ever wondered which rowing machine truly delivers a world-class workout? For athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide, the name Concept 2 often comes up first. These machines are famous for their durability and smooth rowing feel. But when you look at the Model D, the Model E, or even the newer Smart Row options, confusion can set in fast. Which one fits your space, your budget, and your fitness goals?
Choosing the perfect Concept 2 rower involves more than just picking the cheapest one. You need to understand the differences in monitor technology, frame height, and intended use. Getting this wrong means you might end up with a machine that collects dust or doesn’t challenge you enough. This guide cuts through the noise.
We break down every key model comparison, explaining the pros and cons in simple terms. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which Concept 2 rower belongs in your home gym. Let’s dive into the details and find your perfect rowing partner!
Top Concept 2 Rowing Machine Recommendations
- Integrated Device Holder allows you to keep your Smart Phone or Tablet securely in place. Compatible with over 40+ apps.
- 14-inch seat height fits most uses. Adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle
- Indoor rowing is an effective full-body and low-impact workout; flywheel design minimizes noise while maximizing a smooth feel
- Includes the Performance Monitor 5, giving you accurate, comparable data for every row. Bluetooth and ANT+ functionality to connect wirelessly to apps and heart rate monitors.
- Easily separates into two pieces for storage. Caster wheels make it mobile. Construction: Aluminum front legs and steel rear legs.
- Full-Body Low-Impact Workout: Indoor rowing provides an effective full-body, low-impact exercise. In just 20 minutes, you can engage over 86% of your major muscle groups, all without needing to go outdoors
- Air Resistance System: 10-level air resistance system with up to 110 lbs of peak resistance, catering to various workout intensities
- Designed for Taller Users: Extended track with durable, high-quality steel construction, supports up to 350 lbs, ensuring both safety and comfort during workouts
- Proper Rowing Posture: Adjustable footplates allow you to fine-tune leg positioning and seating alignment, maintaining pelvic alignment and a natural posture for effective workouts while minimizing injury risk
- Professional Performance Monitor: Delivers accurate workout data and connects via Bluetooth to the Merach APP. Includes a device holder for your smartphone or tablet
- Integrated Device Holder allows you to keep your Smart Phone or Tablet securely in place. Compatible with over 40+ apps.
- 14-inch seat height fits most uses. Adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle
- Indoor rowing is an effective full-body and low-impact workout; flywheel design minimizes noise while maximizing a smooth feel
- Includes the Performance Monitor 5, giving you accurate, comparable data for every row. Bluetooth and ANT+ functionality to connect wirelessly to apps and heart rate monitors.
- Easily separates into two pieces for storage. Caster wheels make it mobile. Construction: Aluminum front legs and steel rear legs.
- Reliable Workout Data : The powerful PM5 Performance Monitor, standard with every RowErg, provides repeatable, comparable data for every workout. The PM5 offers a simple “Just Row” mode or allows you to set up a variety of workouts. The monitor shows you a wide range of data, including pace, watts, stroke rate and Calories and automatically stores this information in either its internal memory or a USB drive.
- Get Connected : One monitor, many training options! Our open-platform Performance Monitor connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet and is compatible with over 30 different apps, including our own ErgData. Whether you’re after online classes, coaching and training programs or virtual racing, there’s an app to suit you.
- Integrated Device Holder : Now it’s easier than ever to use ErgData, or any of your other favorite apps, while rowing. Each new RowErg comes with a device holder that allows you to keep your smartphone or tablet securely in place. The device holder fits everything from small smartphones to large tablets such as the iPad Pro and is easily and quickly adjustable.
- One Machine, Two Height Options : Our standard RowErg has a 14” seat height, while our elevated version has taller legs that provide a 20” seat height. The elevated version is a good choice if you like the convenience and appearance of a taller machine. The increased seat height can also make it easier to get on and off.
- Flywheel and Damper : Our RowErgs use air resistance to respond to your effort on every stroke, so you are in full control of your exertion and resistance at all times. The spiral damper allows you to easily adjust the airflow to the flywheel, so you can change the feel of the stroke to suit your preference. The flywheel design minimizes noise while maximizing a smooth feel.
- MERACH APP: Our App offers various courses and programmed exercises for you, Taking the courses can bring your rowing experience to the next level. Also compatible with KINOMAP APP, immerse yourself in splash, and feel nature even while rowing at home.
- Visualized Workout Data: You can conveniently measure and check your workout data, distance, time, calories burned, speed, heart rate, cadence, and other info by APP. Your achievements are worth being recorded!
- Less Noise While Rowing: Customized smooth and quiet magnetic flywheel system makes the workout extremely quiet. Q1S rower machine for home avoids the worries of bothering other family members.
- The Double-track, Smooth, Comfortable: Our dual slide rail is designed by imitating the wood rowing machine. It is more stable than one rail. It prevents the flip-over when rowing. The maximum weight of 350 pounds allows more exerciser to achieve their fitness goals.
- Easy Assemble: The Merach rowing machine can be easily assembled within 30 mins by most users. It is partially pre-assembled and can be moved around easily.
- Best Experience: Elevate your rowing machine workouts with our Tail Bone Relief Design cushion. Our memory foam pad reduces pressure on the tailbone and other sensitive areas of the body, minimizes numbness and soreness, ensuring a more comfortable and focused workout experience. PS: Add a extra sports headband to minimize sweat dripping down your eyes
- Universal Fit: The rowing machine seat cushion measures 2" in thickness, 13.6" in width, and 10.1" in length. Pefectly fits the Concept 2, Waterrower, Hydro, Ergatta, Peloton, Echelon, and NordicTrack rower machine. Moreover, and is compatible with stationary recumbent bikes as well as various outdoor sculling, kayak, and cano. Simply put the cushion on the seat and use it
- Ergonomic design: Fitense rower seat cushion is designed to contour to the hips for optimal comfort; Its raised front center maintains a forward pelvis tilt, preventing excessive backward lean and alleviating lower back strain. Meanwhile, the rear center indentation alleviates tailbone pressure, delivering balanced support and reducing discomfort during extended workouts
- Double Anti-slip Design: Say goodbye to annoying straps! The bottom side of the row machine seat pad has a unique silicone printing technology that keeps it in place, making it fit all rowing machines without the need for straps. Moreover, extra anti-slip gel factor on the surface of the seat bone area, which better fits the buttocks and reduces slipping
- Double Anti-slip Design: Say goodbye to annoying straps! The bottom side of the row machine seat pad has a unique silicone printing technology that keeps it in place, making it fit all rowing machines without the need for straps. Moreover, extra anti-slip gel factor on the surface of the seat bone area, which better fits the buttocks and reduces slipping
- BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Not only do you get a premium formula to use on your rowing machine but you get immense value with our 8 ounce bottle.
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE: Compatible with nearly all makes and models on the market today, including Concept2 (TM) / Concept 2 Models A, B, C, D and E, Stamina ATS (TM), Sunny Health (TM) SF-RW5515, and more
- PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT: Home exercise equipment represent a major investment in your house hold. This Row Machine Chain Oil is crucial to the longevity of your expensive equipment. By properly lubricating the chain, you can significantly increase the life of your machine, getting every penny rowed out of it!
- Please note: This is an aftermarket product (produced by UniSport). We have no affiliation with or endorsement from any of the manufacturers mentioned
- EASY MAINTENANCE: Just follow the instructions on the bottle and with weekly application you will keep your rowing machine at its absolute best!
- MOST COMFORTABLE ROWING MACHINE PAD: Perfectly fits the concept 2 rowing machine. Works great with Model D, Model E, Stationary Recumbent Bike, WaterRower, and Hydrow. Simply put the cushion on the seat and buckle the straps!
- HIGHEST QUALITY CUSTOM MEMORY FOAM: This Concept 2 seat cushion has 3 inches of CUSTOM memory foam with the PERFECT DENSITY for maximum tailbone comfort even after hours of exercise.
- SUPER NON-SLIP SURFACE WITH STRAPS: This rower seat pad has a high friction rubberized material that prevents the seat cushion from slipping off of the seat while rowing. This rowing pad also has two STRETCH STRAPS AND BUCKLE around the seat.
- MACHINE WASHABLE COVER WITH HIGH QUALITY ZIPPER: The breathable mesh fabric cover on this concept 2 seat pad comes off easily and keeps the cushion clean after every use. The cover is black to prevent sweat stains.
- DESIGNED BY DIVISION 1 COLLEGE ROWER who competed in the National Championships and won Eastern Sprints. I create the highest quality concept 2 rower accessories for all rowing levels. OUR MISSION IS TO EXPAND THE AWESOME SPORT OF ROWING!!
The Definitive Buying Guide for Your Concept2 Rowing Machine
Choosing a Concept2 rowing machine means investing in top-tier fitness. These machines are famous for their feel and long life. This guide helps you pick the right model for your home gym.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a Concept2 rower, focus on these main features. They make a big difference in your workout quality.
1. The Performance Monitor (PM)
The PM is the brain of the rower. Look at which version you get. The newer models come with the PM5. The PM5 offers Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. This lets you track your data easily on apps. Older models might have a PM3 or PM4. These still work great but might need extra accessories for wireless tracking.
2. Resistance Type
Concept2 uses air resistance. This is a key feature. The harder you pull, the more resistance you feel. This mimics real rowing perfectly. Make sure the damper setting works well. The damper adjusts how much air enters the flywheel housing. A lower setting feels like smooth water. A higher setting feels like choppy water.
3. Storage and Footprint
Think about where you will keep your rower. Concept2 machines are built tough, but they take up space. Look for models that fold up. Most modern Concept2 rowers fold in half for easy storage. This is a huge benefit for smaller spaces.
Important Materials and Durability
Concept2 machines last for years. This quality comes from the materials they use.
- Frame Construction: The frame is usually strong aluminum and steel. This keeps the machine stable, even during hard workouts. A solid frame prevents wobbling.
- Chain and Monorail: The chain should be smooth stainless steel. This means less maintenance and a smoother pull. The monorail (where the seat slides) must be straight and strong.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The overall quality of the rowing experience depends on a few things.
What Improves Quality?
A clean, well-maintained chain improves quality. Proper lubrication keeps the action smooth. A newer PM monitor means better data tracking. Also, ensure the seat rollers move without sticking. Good rollers equal a fluid, comfortable stroke.
What Reduces Quality?
Worn-out seat rollers reduce the quality significantly. They cause a bumpy ride. If the flywheel housing rattles, it might need tightening. Rust on the frame or chain reduces the machine’s lifespan. Always check for major wear if buying used.
User Experience and Use Cases
Concept2 rowers suit many different users. They are versatile fitness tools.
For Beginners
The air resistance is very forgiving for new rowers. You control the intensity. The Concept2 Online Community offers many free beginner programs. The machine feels natural, making learning proper form easier.
For Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
Advanced users love the consistency and measurable output. You can easily compare your splits across workouts or against others worldwide. It offers a full-body, low-impact workout. This makes it great for cross-training or injury recovery.
The Concept2 is an excellent investment. It provides gym-quality performance right in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Concept2 Rowers
Q: What are the main Concept2 rower models available?
A: The two main current models are the Model D and the Model E. The Model D is the most popular choice for homes. The Model E sits slightly higher off the floor, which some people find easier for getting on and off.
Q: Is the Concept2 rower loud?
A: Yes, air rowers make noise. The sound comes from the air rushing through the flywheel housing. It is a whooshing sound. It is not silent, but it is consistent and usually not disruptive if you are in a basement or garage.
Q: How much maintenance does a Concept2 rower need?
A: Maintenance is very low. You mainly need to wipe down the frame occasionally. You must keep the chain clean and lightly lubricated. Concept2 provides clear instructions for this simple upkeep.
Q: Can I use my own heart rate monitor?
A: Yes, if you have a newer PM monitor (PM4 or PM5). These monitors support standard Bluetooth or ANT+ heart rate straps. This lets you see your heart rate right on the performance monitor screen.
Q: How much weight can the rower safely hold?
A: Concept2 machines are built very strong. They generally support users up to 500 pounds (about 227 kilograms). Always check the specific manual for the exact weight limit of the model you choose.
Q: What is the difference between the damper setting and the resistance?
A: The damper setting (usually 1 to 10) controls how much air can enter the flywheel. It changes the *feel* of the pull. The actual *power* you generate comes from how hard and fast you row. Higher damper settings feel harder sooner.
Q: Are Concept2 rowers good for tall people?
A: Yes, they are designed for a wide range of heights. The Model D and E offer long monorails. Most users up to about 6’5″ find the Model D comfortable. Taller users might prefer the slightly longer rail and higher seat height of the Model E.
Q: Does the Concept2 rower come assembled?
A: No, it comes disassembled in a box. You must assemble it yourself. However, assembly is straightforward. Most people finish putting it together in under an hour using the included tools and instructions.
Q: What kind of warranty does Concept2 offer?
A: Concept2 usually offers a good warranty. Frames often have a five-year warranty. The PM monitor and other parts usually carry a two-year warranty when purchased new directly from the company.
Q: Can I track my progress without connecting to the internet?
A: Absolutely. The PM stores many previous workouts internally. You can review your recent history right on the screen. You only need the internet connection for syncing data to online platforms like Concept2 Online Logbook.