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The Concept2 RowErg is an air-resistance indoor rower built around a flywheel, a steel chain and the PM5 performance monitor. Gyms, rowing clubs and CrossFit boxes use it, and many home users do too. This Concept2 RowErg review is for U.S. shoppers deciding whether a $990 machine with no touchscreen makes sense for their home. It covers price, specs, PM5 features, noise, comfort, storage and maintenance, and how it compares with connected rowers.
Quick Verdict
- Price: $990 with standard legs, $1,155 with tall legs (Concept2, checked September 2026). Prices can change.
- Resistance: Air (flywheel), adjustable with a damper lever.
- Monitor: PM5 with Bluetooth, included.
- Maximum user weight: 500 lb as tested by Concept2 (300 lb under the European EN 20957-7 standard).
- Dimensions: 96 in long, 24 in wide.
- Legs: Standard (14 in seat) or tall (20 in seat).
- Main strength: Consistent, comparable performance data with no mandatory subscription.
- Main drawback: The machine is audible, has no built-in screen, and takes real floor space.
- Best for: Buyers who want measurable, technique-driven training rather than guided entertainment.
Concept2 RowErg Specifications
The table below is manufacturer data from Concept2’s official RowErg page.
| Spec | Standard legs | Tall legs |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $990 | $1,155 |
| Resistance | Air flywheel, damper lever | Same |
| Overall size | 96 x 24 in | Same |
| Seat height | 14 in | 20 in |
| Machine weight | 57 lb | 68 lb |
| Max user weight | 500 lb (Concept2 testing) | Same |
| Monitor | PM5, two D batteries | Same |
| Monorail length | 54 in | 54 in |
| Chain | Nickel-plated steel | Same |
| Storage size (split) | 25 x 33 x 54 in | 27 x 47 x 54 in |
| Space recommended | 8 x 2 ft assembled, 9 x 4 ft for use | Same |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ heart rate | Same |
| Warranty | 2 years moving parts and monitor, 5 years frame | Same |
Shipping listed by Concept2 for the lower 48 states is $55 (standard legs) or $85 (tall legs).
What Is the Concept2 RowErg?
The RowErg is Concept2’s current indoor rower. Rowers who still say “Model D” are describing the same design under an older name, and Concept2 groups the RowErg, Model D and Model E under one warranty document. Concept2 says it introduced its first rower in 1981 as a winter training tool for rowers. The company says the machine is now used from home gyms to elite programs.
Performance
Air resistance. The flywheel spins faster the harder you pull, so resistance rises with your effort. Concept2 says this design lets you control intensity, which makes one machine usable for easy and hard sessions.
Damper setting. The damper is a lever on the flywheel, and it is not a resistance dial in the usual sense. Concept2’s PM5 guide explains that the monitor measures drag factor and recalculates it on every pull. A new RowErg reads roughly 90 or less at damper 1 and 200 or more at damper 10. Because of this, results stay comparable across machines and damper settings.
Stroke feel (analysis). Air rowers tend to feel smooth and direct because the flywheel responds immediately to your pull. Beginners often find that a higher damper number doesn’t automatically mean a better workout. Concept2 also notes that a faster stroke rate doesn’t necessarily mean higher intensity, since power per stroke matters more.
Training uses. The setup suits steady-state work (long, even pieces), interval sessions and timed tests. It also works for muscular endurance, since each stroke uses legs, back and arms. Rowing can be tough on tired muscles, so some people look at recovery tools such as those in our guide to the Benefits of Massage Guns for Athletes.
PM5 Monitor Review
The PM5 is the core of the Concept2 RowErg PM5 experience. According to Concept2’s PM5 guide, it tracks:
- Pace per 500 meters, plus watts and calories, switchable at any time
- Stroke rate, time, distance and splits
- Force curve, bar chart and a PaceBoat display for pacing against a target
- Heart rate through ANT+ or Bluetooth chest belts
Workouts. You can just row, or program single distance, time or calorie pieces, plus intervals of up to 50 segments. There’s also “undefined rest,” which CrossFit-style rowing workouts use. Memory holds over 1,000 workouts.
Apps and games. Bluetooth links the PM5 to ErgData, Concept2’s free iOS and Android app, and to 40+ other apps. The monitor also has Fish, Darts and Target Training games, and wired racing between machines.
Limitations. The calorie figure is based on a 175-pound person, so it is an estimate for other body weights. Harvard Health notes that equipment readouts like this tend not to be entirely accurate. The screen is monochrome and functional, with no classes, video or streaming. For a fuller comparison, see the smart-rower section below.
Concept2 RowErg Noise
Noise is the drawback readers raise most often. Concept2 does not publish a decibel rating, so we won’t invent one.
Here is our analysis. The sound comes mostly from the spinning fan and the chain. Because resistance is effort-driven, a gentle row is quieter than a hard sprint interval, and the machine gets louder as the flywheel speeds up. Smooth technique tends to produce a steadier sound than jerky strokes.
For apartments and shared walls, timing matters. Choose workout hours carefully, and put the machine on a solid, non-hollow floor if you can. A firm mat under the machine can reduce floor vibration, but check that it doesn’t let the rower shift.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The seat, handle and adjustable footrests are the contact points. Because a single machine fits many users, footrest adjustment matters more than the seat itself. (Reviewer observation: long sessions are where seat comfort shows up, so beginners may want shorter pieces at first.)
| Standard legs | Tall legs | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 14 in | 20 in |
| Price | $990 | $1,155 |
| Best for | Most users | Easier getting on and off |
Concept2 says tall legs help users with tired knees or mobility considerations, though taller users don’t need them. Both versions fit inseams up to 38 inches. Users with longer inseams should check Concept2’s guidance about the extra-long monorail before buying.
Assembly and Storage
Concept2 ships the machine with tools, illustrated instructions and a device holder. The product page doesn’t state a fixed assembly time, so we won’t guess one. The RowErg splits into two pieces without tools, and caster wheels help you move it.
Plan for the machine in use, not just in storage. Concept2 recommends 8 x 2 feet when assembled and 9 x 4 feet with clearance for use. Storage dimensions are 25 x 33 x 54 inches for standard legs and 27 x 47 x 54 inches for tall legs. That is compact for storage but still large for a small room.
Maintenance and Durability
Concept2 lists a light routine on its maintenance page:
- After use: wipe the monorail with a cloth or non-abrasive pad.
- Every 50 hours: oil the chain with a teaspoon of mineral oil, 3-IN-ONE or 20W motor oil, then wipe off the excess. Don’t use solvents such as WD-40.
- Every 250 hours: check the chain, handle connection, shock cord, screws and monitor arm, and look for dust in the flywheel.
Concept2 advises genuine parts only. The RowErg carries a limited warranty of two years on moving parts and the monitor and five years on frame parts, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. That guarantee covers factory-direct sales in the U.S. and Canada, and the buyer pays return shipping.
Concept2 says the machine is engineered to last a lifetime, which is a manufacturer claim. Independent long-term evidence varies by user and use. Regular chain care and part checks are how you’d protect that durability.
Who Should Buy the Concept2 RowErg?
- Serious home-gym users who want a machine built for heavy, repeated use.
- Rowing enthusiasts who want data comparable with other rowers and online rankings.
- CrossFit and HYROX athletes who need a standardized erg with interval and undefined-rest options.
- Cardio users who prefer a low-impact machine without a subscription.
- Data-minded exercisers who like tracking pace, watts and splits.
- Beginners willing to learn technique. Harvard Health warns that the rowing motion may feel unfamiliar and that some people find it hard on the back, so learn the stroke properly.
Who Should Skip It?
- Buyers who want a large touchscreen and on-screen entertainment.
- People who want guided, subscription-style classes. The RowErg doesn’t include them, though third-party apps exist.
- Apartment users who are very sensitive to noise.
- Anyone with very limited floor space.
- Shoppers on a tight budget. At $990, this is not an entry-level rower.
Concept2 RowErg vs Smart Rowers
The Concept2 RowErg vs Hydrow question mostly comes down to what you’re paying for. Our Hydrow Rower Review covers that model in depth.
Hydrow states that its rowers cost roughly $1,995 to $2,295, plus $600 a year for membership, with the monthly plan at $50 plus tax. Hydrow also describes its electromagnetic drag mechanism as smooth and whisper-quiet. Verify current pricing before buying, since it changes. How Much Does a Hydrow Cost? – Hydrow +2
| Concept2 RowErg | Hydrow (smart rower) | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance tracking | PM5, open data, ErgData | HydroMetrics inside the app |
| Screen and entertainment | Basic monitor, phone/tablet holder | Built-in touchscreen |
| Subscription | Not required | Membership needed for full features |
| Training ecosystem | Third-party apps, logbook, community | Own classes and content |
| Noise | Air, audible | Manufacturer claims very quiet |
| Price | $990 | Higher upfront plus ongoing membership |
Neither is universally better. The RowErg is stronger on performance tracking, cost and simplicity, and Hydrow is stronger on guided content and quiet.
Concept2 RowErg for Weight Loss
Rowing can add to your overall physical activity and calorie use, but weight loss depends on overall energy balance and lifestyle, not the machine alone. The CDC’s adult physical activity guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening on two or more days. Depending on effort, a rowing session can count toward either aerobic target. If strength work is part of your plan, pair it with tools like the Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms. For other options, see the Best Home Rowing Machines for Weight Loss. Talk to a clinician before starting a program if you have health concerns.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable construction with a proven design
- PM5 performance tracking and a strong app ecosystem
- 500 lb user weight capacity (Concept2 testing)
- Separates in two for storage
- No mandatory subscription
- Two- and five-year warranties
Cons
- Air resistance is audible
- No built-in touchscreen
- Premium price
- 96-inch length
- Requires learning proper technique
FAQ
Is the Concept2 RowErg worth it in 2026?
It can be, if you value measurable training and durability over a screen. Harvard Health reminds buyers that equipment only helps when used regularly.
How much does the Concept2 RowErg cost?
$990 for standard legs and $1,155 for tall legs on Concept2’s site, plus shipping. Check for changes.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes, if you’ll spend time learning the stroke. It has no guided lessons built in.
Is the Concept2 RowErg loud?
It makes audible fan and chain noise that rises with effort. No official decibel figure is published.
What does the PM5 track?
Pace, watts, calories, stroke rate, time, distance, splits, force curve and heart rate with a compatible belt.
Can it help with weight loss?
It can contribute to activity and calorie use, but results depend on your overall habits.
What’s the difference between standard and tall legs?
Seat height (14 vs 20 inches) and price. Tall legs make getting on and off easier.
How much space do you need?
About 8 x 2 feet assembled and 9 x 4 feet with clearance, per Concept2.
Final Verdict
The Concept2 RowErg is worth considering if you want a durable, data-rich rower and you’re comfortable with noise, a monochrome display and a technique learning curve. Buyers who want guided classes, a large screen or a quieter machine should look at smart rowers instead. Prices change, so confirm the current cost on Concept2 before buying.
Notes for you (not part of the article):
- Length: the draft is roughly 2,000 words with tables and FAQ, a bit above your 1,500–1,800 target. I can trim the FAQ or the who-should-buy sections if you need it tighter.
- Disclosure: I wrote a generic affiliate line because I don’t have your exact policy text. Swap in your standard wording and link.
- Harvard source: that page is dated 2012, so I used it only for general cautions (technique, back strain, readout accuracy). I didn’t use its piston-vs-pulley advice because it doesn’t map cleanly onto the RowErg.
- Hydrow figures: these come from Hydrow’s own 2024–2025 posts. Recheck them before publishing, since Hydrow pricing has changed before.
- Internal links: I skipped the two walking-pad links and the leg-recovery-boots link because they didn’t fit naturally. The massage-gun link is the loosest fit, so drop it if it feels forced.
- Left out on purpose: assembly time, a decibel figure and any numerical rating, because none were available from a reliable source.