Concept2 RowErg
The rowing machine every other rowing machine is compared to, and the only one whose numbers mean the same thing everywhere.
Specs
| Resistance | Air, flywheel with damper |
|---|---|
| Damper settings | 1 to 10 |
| Monitor | PM5 |
| Seat height | 14 in standard, 20 in tall option |
| Maximum user weight | 500 lb |
| Storage | Separates into two pieces without tools |
| Footprint in use | Approx. 8 ft x 2 ft |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and ANT+ |
These figures are copied from Concept2’s own published specs and were last checked on 2026-08-30. Manufacturers revise products without notice, and variants differ. Confirm anything your decision depends on with Concept2 before you buy.
Choose this one if
- You want your split times to be comparable to everyone else’s, including at competitions
- You need to store it upright or in two pieces between sessions
- You expect to still be using it in fifteen years and want parts to exist
The detail
The RowErg’s real feature isn’t the flywheel, it’s the fact that a 2:00 split on one is a 2:00 split on every other one. Concept2’s monitor is the de facto standard for rowing, which means your numbers compare directly against training partners, online leaderboards, and competition machines. No other cardio equipment category has this property.
Air resistance means the machine is self-scaling — pull harder and it pushes back harder. The damper setting isn’t a difficulty dial; it changes how much air enters the flywheel housing, which changes the feel of the stroke rather than the work required. Most people should leave it between 3 and 5 and stop thinking about it.
Practicality is why it wins in home gyms. It separates into two pieces in a few seconds without tools and stands on end in a corner, so an eight-foot machine occupies about two square feet when you’re not on it. The PM5 runs on D-cell batteries and works with no app, no subscription, and no account.
Two caveats. It’s loud — air resistance always is, and a downstairs neighbor will know when you’re rowing. And a 14-inch seat height is low for anyone with knee or hip restrictions; the tall option exists specifically for that and is worth the surcharge if you’re unsure.