Imagine this: you’re looking for a workout that’s easy on your joints but still gives you a powerful, full-body burn. A rowing machine might be the answer! But when you start looking at Concept 2 rowing machines, it can feel a bit overwhelming. There are different models, and figuring out which one is best for *you* can be tricky. You might wonder about the differences, what features are important, and how to get the most out of your investment.
Choosing the right Concept 2 rower is a big decision. You want a machine that fits your fitness goals, your space, and your budget. Without the right information, you might end up with a rower that doesn’t quite meet your needs. That’s where this guide comes in handy!
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of the different Concept 2 models. We’ll break down what makes each one special, so you can confidently pick the perfect rower to bring your fitness to the next level. Let’s get rowing!
Our Top 5 Concept 2 Rowing Machine Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Concept 2 Rowing Machine Detailed Reviews
1. Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine – PM5 Monitor
Rating: 8.7/10
The Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine is a fantastic way to get a great workout right at home. It offers a full-body, low-impact exercise that’s easy on your joints. This machine comes packed with features to make your rowing experience enjoyable and effective.
What We Like:
- It has a built-in holder for your phone or tablet, so you can easily use over 40 different apps while you row.
- The adjustable footrests and comfy handle let you get the perfect fit.
- The flywheel design makes rowing smooth and quiet.
- The Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) gives you accurate workout data and connects wirelessly to apps.
- It splits into two pieces for easy storage and has wheels to move it around.
- It’s built tough with aluminum and steel parts.
- It has a good weight limit of 500 pounds and a 5-year frame warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The monitor runs on two D cell batteries, though it does recharge from the flywheel.
The Concept2 RowErg is a solid investment for anyone looking for a high-quality indoor rowing machine. It’s built to last and provides a truly effective workout experience.
2. Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Monitor
Rating: 8.9/10
The Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is a fantastic piece of home fitness equipment. It offers a smooth, quiet workout that’s easy on your joints. The machine is built to last and comes with a great monitor to track your progress. It’s also designed for easy storage, making it a convenient option for any home gym.
What We Like:
- The integrated device holder securely holds your phone or tablet for workouts with over 40 compatible apps.
- The Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) provides accurate, comparable data for every row and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and ANT+.
- Indoor rowing gives you a great full-body workout that’s low-impact.
- The flywheel design is quiet but still feels smooth.
- It easily separates into two pieces for storage and has caster wheels to move it around.
- The adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle offer a comfortable fit.
- It has a 500-pound user capacity and a 5-year frame warranty.
- Assembly tools and instructions are included, making setup straightforward.
What Could Be Improved:
- The monitor requires two D cell batteries, though it does draw power from the flywheel during workouts to extend battery life.
The Concept2 RowErg Model D is a top-tier rowing machine that delivers an effective workout with smart features. It’s a solid investment for anyone serious about their fitness.
3. Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine – PM5 Monitor
Rating: 9.1/10
The Concept2 RowErg Model D is a top-notch indoor rower that brings the benefits of rowing right into your home. It’s designed for an effective, full-body workout that’s also easy on your joints. With its smart features and user-friendly design, it’s a fantastic choice for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
What We Like:
- The integrated device holder keeps your phone or tablet secure, letting you use over 40 compatible apps for engaging workouts.
- The Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) provides accurate data for every row and connects wirelessly to apps and heart rate monitors via Bluetooth and ANT+.
- Adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle ensure a comfortable fit for most users.
- The flywheel design offers a smooth rowing feel while keeping noise to a minimum.
- It easily separates into two pieces for convenient storage, and caster wheels make it easy to move around.
- The 14-inch seat height is comfortable for most people.
- It supports users up to 500 pounds and comes with a 5-year frame warranty.
- Assembly is straightforward with included tools and clear instructions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rower requires two D-cell batteries, though the monitor helps extend their life by drawing power from the flywheel during workouts.
This rower offers a complete and enjoyable fitness experience. It’s a solid investment for anyone looking to improve their health and strength at home.
4. Concept2 Model D Upgraded New Rowing Machine Indoor Rowing Machine for Exercise Control Your Workout Intensity with PM5 Performance Monitor and Bundled with HogoR Cleaning Cloth
Rating: 9.2/10
Take your fitness to the next level with the Concept2 Model D Upgraded New Rowing Machine. This indoor rower offers a powerful workout and precise control, all while being bundled with a convenient HogoR Cleaning Cloth to keep it pristine.
What We Like:
- Reliable Workout Data: The PM5 Performance Monitor gives you accurate and comparable stats for every row, including pace, watts, stroke rate, and calories. It stores your data automatically, so you can track your progress easily.
- Get Connected: The PM5 connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet. It works with over 30 apps, so you can join online classes, get coaching, or race virtually.
- Integrated Device Holder: A sturdy holder keeps your phone or tablet secure while you row. It fits all sizes, from small phones to large tablets, and adjusts quickly.
- Two Height Options: Choose between a standard 14-inch seat height or an elevated 20-inch height for easier on and off.
- Smooth and Quiet Flywheel: The air resistance flywheel responds to your effort, giving you full control. The spiral damper lets you easily adjust the airflow for a comfortable feel. The design also keeps noise down.
- Easy Storage and Mobility: The rower wheels around easily and splits into two parts without tools for compact storage. The elevated version has larger wheels for even smoother movement.
- Comfortable Design: Adjustable footrests fit most shoe sizes. The ergonomic handle has a 10-degree bend for a natural and comfortable rowing position.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup might require some minor assembly.
- While durable, the price point might be an investment for some.
This Concept2 Model D rowing machine provides a top-notch indoor workout experience. It’s a smart choice for anyone serious about their fitness journey.
5. MERACH Rowing Machines for Home
Rating: 8.6/10
The MERACH Rowing Machine is a fantastic way to get a great workout right at home. It offers a full-body, low-impact exercise that works over 86% of your major muscles in just 20 minutes. This machine is built for comfort and performance, making it a top choice for indoor fitness enthusiasts.
What We Like:
- It gives you a full-body workout that’s easy on your joints.
- You can adjust the air resistance to make your workout harder or easier, with 10 levels to choose from.
- It’s designed for taller people, with a long track and strong steel frame that holds up to 350 lbs.
- Adjustable footplates help you keep the right posture to avoid injuries.
- The performance monitor shows your workout data and connects to the Merach app.
- It’s almost fully assembled, so setup is quick.
- The machine folds up vertically for easy storage, saving you space.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a device holder, the app experience could be more engaging.
- The maximum resistance might not be challenging enough for elite rowers.
This MERACH rowing machine makes getting fit at home convenient and effective. It’s a solid investment for anyone looking to improve their health and fitness.
The Smart Buyer’s Guide to the Concept2 Rowing Machine
Thinking about getting a Concept2 rowing machine? That’s a fantastic idea! These machines are top-notch for a full-body workout. Let’s break down what makes them great and what you should consider before you buy.
Why Choose a Concept2?
Concept2 rowers are famous for their durability and smooth feel. They mimic rowing on real water, giving you a realistic and effective exercise. You can get a great cardio workout and build muscle all at once. It’s a smart choice for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
Key Features to Look For
1. The PM5 Performance Monitor
This is the brain of your rower. The PM5 is the latest and greatest. It tracks your distance, pace, power, strokes per minute, and calories burned. It also has built-in games and workouts to keep things fun. Look for models that come with the PM5. It’s a game-changer for tracking your progress.
2. Flywheel Design
Concept2 uses an air resistance flywheel. This means the harder you pull, the more resistance you get. It feels natural and smooth. There’s no clunky resistance adjustment. The air system also makes a satisfying swooshing sound as you row.
3. Ergonomic Seat and Footrests
A comfortable seat is crucial for longer workouts. Concept2 seats are designed for comfort and support. The footrests are adjustable to fit different shoe sizes. This helps you maintain good form and prevent injury.
4. Durable Construction
These rowers are built to last. They are made from strong materials that can handle tough workouts. You won’t have to worry about your rower breaking down after a few months.
Important Materials
Concept2 rowers typically use high-quality aluminum and steel for their frames. This makes them strong yet relatively lightweight. The seat is usually made of a durable, comfortable material. The footrests are also built to withstand repeated use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes it Great:
- Smooth Air Resistance: It feels like real rowing.
- User-Friendly PM5 Monitor: Easy to use and packed with features.
- Solid Build: It’s made to last for years.
- Adjustable Parts: Fits most people comfortably.
What Might Be Less Ideal (But Not Dealbreakers):
- Noise: The air flywheel makes a swooshing sound. Some people find it loud.
- Size: Rowers take up space. However, Concept2 rowers can be stored upright, which saves room.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a Concept2 rower is a fantastic experience. It’s low-impact, which is great for your joints. You can get an amazing workout without jumping or pounding. People use them for:
- Cardio Fitness: Great for improving heart health and endurance.
- Strength Training: It works your legs, core, and upper body.
- Weight Loss: It burns a lot of calories.
- Rehabilitation: Doctors often recommend it for people recovering from injuries.
- Competitive Rowing: Many athletes use them for training.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, a Concept2 rower can help you reach your fitness goals. It’s an investment in your health that pays off in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features of a Concept2 rower?
A: The main Key Features are the PM5 Performance Monitor, the air resistance flywheel, an ergonomic seat, and adjustable footrests.
Q: What materials are Concept2 rowers made from?
A: They are typically made from strong aluminum and steel for the frame, with durable materials for the seat and footrests.
Q: Does the Concept2 rower have adjustable resistance?
A: Yes, the resistance is adjusted by how hard you pull on the handle. This is called air resistance.
Q: Is a Concept2 rower good for beginners?
A: Yes, it’s excellent for beginners because it’s low-impact and the PM5 monitor provides guidance.
Q: How much space does a Concept2 rower take up?
A: It takes up about 9 feet of space when in use. However, it can be stored upright to save space.
Q: Is the Concept2 rower noisy?
A: It makes a swooshing sound from the air flywheel, which some people find a bit loud.
Q: Can I connect my Concept2 rower to fitness apps?
A: Yes, the PM5 monitor can connect wirelessly to many fitness apps and devices.
Q: What are the benefits of using a Concept2 rower?
A: Benefits include improved cardio, strength building, weight loss, and a low-impact workout.
Q: How durable are Concept2 rowers?
A: They are known for being extremely durable and built to last for many years.
Q: Is a Concept2 rower worth the cost?
A: For most people, yes. They offer a high-quality, effective workout and are a long-term investment in fitness.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.