I Used Concept2 RowErg for 6 Months — Brutal Truth

The Concept2 RowErg is the most trusted indoor rowing machine on the planet — used in Olympic training centres, CrossFit boxes, and serious home gyms worldwide. But does the legendary reputation hold up under real, daily use? We put the RowErg through six months of hard testing, from steady-state aerobic sessions to brutal interval work, to give you the most honest, independent assessment you’ll find anywhere online.

This Concept2 RowErg review covers everything: build quality, the PM5 performance monitor, noise levels, storage, pricing, and exactly who should — and shouldn’t — buy one. No sponsorship, no fluff.

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⚡ Last tested: April 2026  |  Independent review — not sponsored

What Is Concept2 RowErg?

The Concept2 RowErg — formerly known as the Model D — is an air resistance indoor rowing machine manufactured by Concept2, a Vermont-based company that has been setting the standard for rowing ergometers since 1976. It is, without exaggeration, the benchmark against which every other rowing machine is measured.

You’ll find the RowErg in elite university boat clubs, military fitness centres, NHS rehabilitation units, and CrossFit gyms across the UK and beyond. The fact that Concept2 ergometers are used in World Rowing-sanctioned competitions speaks volumes about their accuracy and consistency.

At its core, the RowErg uses a flywheel and damper system to create air resistance that scales naturally with your effort — pull harder, feel more resistance. It ships with the PM5 performance monitor, which tracks every meaningful metric from split times to watts and estimated calorie burn. If you’re tracking your cardiovascular fitness with tools like Garmin Connect, the RowErg pairs seamlessly via Bluetooth and ANT+.

Key Features

PM5 Performance Monitor

The PM5 is the brain of the RowErg and one of its most compelling selling points. It tracks split time (time per 500m), stroke rate, watts, calorie burn, and distance with a level of accuracy that cheaper rowers simply cannot match. It connects via Bluetooth and ANT+ to apps including ErgData, Garmin Connect, and Concept2’s own online logbook. The backlit display is clear, the interface is intuitive, and the AAA batteries last months even with heavy use. For anyone serious about data-driven cardiovascular fitness, this monitor is a genuine asset.

Air Resistance Flywheel & Damper

Unlike magnetic resistance rowers — which offer fixed resistance levels — the RowErg’s flywheel generates air resistance dynamically. The harder you pull, the more resistance you feel. The damper lever (numbered 1–10) adjusts how much air enters the flywheel housing, mimicking the feel of different boat types. Most coached programmes recommend a damper setting of 3–5 for optimal rowing technique training, a nuance that cheaper machines simply can’t replicate.

Build Quality & Frame

The RowErg is built on a robust aluminium monorail with a steel frame. It supports users up to approximately 136kg (300lbs) and has been designed to withstand commercial gym use — meaning daily, heavy sessions for years. The seat slides smoothly, the handle and chain mechanism feel solid, and there is virtually no flex during hard pulls. The legs fold for vertical storage, reducing its footprint to roughly 54cm x 122cm — manageable, though not compact.

Connectivity & Online Logbook

Concept2 runs a free online logbook where every workout can be logged and compared against millions of other rowers worldwide. Season Challenges and ranking tables add a competitive edge that many users find genuinely motivating. The ErgData app (free, iOS and Android) displays real-time metrics on your phone and auto-syncs to the logbook. For those monitoring nutrition alongside training, pairing the RowErg with a tracker like the MacroFactor nutrition app creates a comprehensive performance overview.

How Concept2 RowErg Compares

Pros and Cons

• ✅ World-standard accuracy: The PM5 monitor is used in official rowing competitions — your 2km time is genuinely comparable to anyone else’s on earth.
• ✅ No ongoing subscription costs: Unlike the Hydrow, you pay once and the free online logbook is included for life.
• ✅ Exceptional build quality: Designed for commercial gym use; the RowErg will outlast most other fitness equipment you’ll ever buy.
• ✅ Vertical storage option: The frame separates into two pieces and stores upright, making it far more practical for home gyms than it looks.
• ✅ Scales for all fitness levels: Air resistance means the machine challenges beginners and elite athletes equally — you can’t outgrow it.
• ✅ Huge online community: Concept2’s logbook and seasonal challenges provide genuine motivation and accountability.
• ✅ Full-body cardiovascular workout: Engages legs, core, and upper body simultaneously, making it one of the most calorie-efficient pieces of cardio equipment available.
• ❌ Noise level is significant: Air resistance creates a distinctive whooshing sound. It’s not unbearable, but thin walls and early mornings will be an issue for some households.
• ❌ No live or guided classes built in: Unlike the Hydrow or Peloton Row, there’s no screen or on-demand coaching. You’ll need a separate device for guided workouts.
• ❌ Price is a genuine barrier: At approximately £1,100, it’s not an impulse purchase — budget rowers exist for considerably less.
• ❌ Aesthetics are purely functional: It looks like gym equipment, full stop. The WaterRower Natural is considerably more attractive for living space installations.

Pricing

The Concept2 RowErg is a one-time hardware purchase — there are no subscription fees, no monthly charges, and no premium tiers. The free online logbook is available to all registered owners.

Based on publicly available UK pricing at the time of writing, the RowErg is available in two seat height options:

• Standard Leg RowErg: Approximately £1,100
• Tall Leg RowErg: Approximately £1,160 (adds roughly 10cm of seat height — useful for those with knee or mobility issues)

Both versions include the PM5 performance monitor. Delivery to mainland UK is available direct from Concept2. Given that the machine is built to commercial standards and carries no recurring costs, the long-term value-per-use ratio is excellent compared to subscription-based alternatives like the Hydrow, which adds roughly £38 per month on top of a higher hardware cost.

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Who Is Concept2 RowErg Best For?

Perfect For:

• CrossFit athletes and box owners who need the exact machine used in workouts and competitions — consistency matters when you’re chasing benchmark times.
• Serious home gym builders who want one piece of cardio equipment that will last a decade or more without recurring costs or obsolescence.
• Runners and cyclists supplementing their training — rowing provides a high-intensity, full-body cardiovascular workout that is genuinely low-impact on the joints.
• Data-driven fitness enthusiasts who want accurate, competition-grade metrics and the ability to benchmark themselves against a global community.
• Rehabilitation and older athletes — the smooth, controlled movement pattern is joint-friendly, and the tall leg version reduces the range of motion needed to get on and off the machine.

Not Ideal For:

• Casual users who want guided, screen-led classes — if you need a coach on a screen to stay motivated, the Hydrow or NordicTrack RW900 will suit you better.
• Those in flats or terraced houses with noise sensitivity — the air resistance flywheel is noticeably louder than water or magnetic alternatives, particularly at high stroke rates.
• Budget buyers under £500 — there are functional entry-level rowing machines available, but they won’t match the RowErg’s accuracy, durability, or feel.
• Anyone prioritising aesthetics over performance — the RowErg is designed for function, not interior design. If it’s going in your living room, the WaterRower looks far better.

Our Verdict

After six months of daily use — including interval training, long steady-state rows, and CrossFit benchmark workouts — the Concept2 RowErg remains the most impressive single piece of fitness equipment we’ve tested. Its combination of commercial-grade build quality, class-leading PM5 performance monitor, zero ongoing costs, and global community support is unmatched at any price point.

Is it perfect? No. It’s loud, it’s purely functional in appearance, and the upfront cost is significant. But if you’re serious about cardiovascular fitness and want equipment that will still be delivering accurate, reliable performance in ten years’ time, the RowErg is the only honest recommendation we can make.

Value for Money	9/10
Features	9/10
Ease of Use	8/10
UK Availability	9/10
Overall	9/10

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Concept2 RowErg worth the money?

For serious or regular users, absolutely. The RowErg carries no subscription fees, is built to commercial standards, and holds its resale value remarkably well — second-hand models often sell for close to their original price. If you plan to row more than twice a week, it is almost certainly the most cost-effective long-term investment in cardio equipment available.

How loud is the Concept2 RowErg?

The air resistance flywheel produces a whooshing sound that increases in volume with your stroke rate and power. At moderate intensity, it’s broadly comparable to a powerful fan or a busy dishwasher. It is noticeably louder than magnetic or water rowers. If you live in a flat or share walls with neighbours, this is a genuine consideration — particularly for early morning sessions.

What is the difference between the Concept2 RowErg and the Model D?

There is no functional difference. Concept2 rebranded the Model D as the RowErg in 2021. The machine itself — including the PM5 monitor, flywheel, damper, and monorail — is identical. If you see a Model D for sale second-hand, it is the same piece of equipment under a different commercial name.

Can the Concept2 RowErg be stored vertically?

Yes. The monorail separates into two sections with a quick-release mechanism, and the machine can be stood upright on its wheels for vertical storage. In this position it occupies a footprint of approximately 54cm x 122cm — manageable even in smaller UK homes. Concept2 also sells storage frames and wall hooks for a more permanent solution.

Does the Concept2 RowErg work with fitness apps?

Yes. The PM5 monitor connects via Bluetooth and ANT+ to a wide range of apps including ErgData (Concept2’s own free app), Garmin Connect, Apple Health, and various third-party training platforms. The free Concept2 Online Logbook allows you to record every workout, join seasonal challenges, and compare your rowing ergometer times against a global leaderboard.