The Concept2 RowErg has been the benchmark rowing machine since 1981. It's used in Olympic rowing programs, the NFL Combine, every Crossfit Games event, and virtually every serious athlete's training regimen. At $990, it's not cheap — but is it worth it?
Build and Assembly
The RowErg arrives in two boxes and takes 20–30 minutes to assemble. The seat, chain housing, and foot stretchers are all tool-free adjustments. The monorail separates into two pieces for storage, which brings the footprint to a manageable 25 x 47 inches.
Build quality is immediately apparent. The steel frame, machined aluminum foot plates, and sealed chain casing feel commercial-grade because they are. These machines last 20+ years in the real world.
The Rowing Experience
The air flywheel gives you what no other home rowing machine can: natural, responsive resistance that increases as you pull harder. The harder you row, the more resistance you meet. This makes intervals feel athletic in a way that magnetic rowers simply can't replicate.
The damper setting (1–10 on the side of the cage) adjusts how much air enters the flywheel. Most athletes row at 3–5 — not 10, as beginners assume. Higher doesn't mean harder; it means heavier drag, which slows stroke rate.
The PM5 Monitor
The Performance Monitor 5 is the best rowing computer available. It tracks split time per 500m, stroke rate, watts, calories, and heart rate (with an optional chest strap). It connects to Bluetooth and ANT+ for Concept2's ErgData app, Garmin, Polar, and most rowing apps. The online rankings board lets you compete against the entire global Concept2 community.
The Value Case
$990 sounds steep until you do the math. A 3-year gym membership at $50/month is $1,800. The Concept2 will outlast that by 15+ years. For people who row consistently, it's the cheapest commercial-quality cardio machine per hour of use.
Verdict
If you're a serious athlete, CrossFit enthusiast, or anyone who wants the most complete home cardio machine available — the Concept2 RowErg is the answer. Nothing else comes close.
Rating: 5/5