When it comes to indoor rowing, the Concept2 Rower is often considered the gold standard by athletes, coaches, and fitness professionals worldwide. I have been testing the Concept2 RowErg with PM5 monitor from Rogue Fitness, and this review is based on first-hand use, combined with a detailed look at the scientific research behind rowing training.
This isn’t just another casual fitness product write-up. The following review is grounded in peer-reviewed scientific evidence, biomechanical analysis, and my own training sessions on the Concept2. By the end, you’ll understand why this machine has earned its reputation, whether it is worth investing in for your training, and how it stacks up in terms of real-world performance.
If you’re already convinced, you can get the Concept2 Rower directly here:
Buy the Concept2 Rower from Rogue Fitness
Why the Concept2 Rower Is the Standard
Built for Athletes, Trusted by Science
Concept2 launched its first indoor rower in 1981 and today partners with World Rowing to present the World Rowing Indoor Championships. The machine is also used at major competitions like CRASH-B, making it the benchmark device for both sport and science.
Unlike cheaper machines, the Concept2 measures performance in watts, pace (time per 500m), calories, and distance, all validated with laboratory precision. Independent testing shows the PM5 is accurate within roughly 0.2–1.9% once rowing is steady, with minor underestimation in the first few strokes. This makes it reliable not only for competitive athletes but also for scientific studies on rowing physiology.
My Testing Experience
Assembly and Build
Straight out of the box, assembly took less than 20 minutes. The frame is steel and aluminum, with a nickel-plated chain that feels bombproof. At 96 inches in length, it is large, but the quick-release frame lock means it separates into two pieces for storage.
The overall feel is robust: during intense intervals, there was zero wobble, unlike many budget machines I’ve tested.
The PM5 Monitor
The PM5 performance monitor is where the Concept2 shines. It provides real-time data, Bluetooth connectivity, and ANT+ for heart rate straps. What impressed me most is the consistency of metrics across different machines. I rowed on another Concept2 at Falcon 1 CrossFit, and my splits matched almost exactly (it was human fitness error that couldn’t make them perfectly align).
That standardization is possible because the PM5 calculates drag factor by measuring flywheel deceleration, making results comparable across all machines regardless of damper setting.
The Rowing Stroke Feel
The flywheel resistance system simulates the drag of water extremely well. Resistance is not a preset “level,” but adjusted by the damper setting (1–10), which changes airflow. On an air-braked erg, drag torque rises roughly with the square of flywheel speed, and the power required rises with the cube of speed. This physics model underpins the PM5’s accurate conversion of power to pace.
When rowing, the drive and recovery phases felt natural. I could hold a steady stroke rate of 24–28 with smooth consistency, and the handle mechanics encouraged proper form, unlike cheaper models that often encourage jerky pulls.
Scientific Benefits of Training with the Concept2
Cardiovascular Adaptations
Rowing is among the most effective full-body aerobic exercises. A 30-minute session can raise heart rate into the 70–85% max HR zone, providing cardiovascular stimulus comparable to running or cycling. Studies show that rowers achieve VO2max scores comparable to elite runners, demonstrating rowing’s efficiency as a conditioning tool.
Full-Body Strength and Power
Unlike cycling or running, rowing engages both upper and lower body muscles. Most stroke power comes from the legs, with substantial contribution from the trunk, and a smaller share from the arms. The exact distribution varies depending on technique, but the key point is that rowing develops both endurance and strength across the entire posterior chain.
Low Impact, High Output
Rowing is a non–weight-bearing, low-impact exercise, making it accessible for athletes recovering from injury or those avoiding high-impact stress on joints. Knee loading is highly technique-dependent, but when form is correct, rowing is widely recognized as joint-friendly compared to running or plyometrics.
Calorie Expenditure
Rowing is also highly efficient for calorie burning. According to the Compendium of Physical Activities, rowing at 150–199 W equates to 11.0 METs (~810 kcal/h for a 70 kg athlete), while rowing at ≥200 W equates to 14.0 METs (~1030 kcal/h). This means athletes can burn between 600–1000+ kcal per hour, depending on power output and body weight.
How the Concept2 Rower Stacks Up Against Other Machines
Versus Cheaper Rowers
Most entry-level rowers use magnetic resistance, which feels artificial and doesn’t provide performance-standard data. They also tend to be unstable under high power outputs. During testing, I pushed the Concept2 to 1:30/500m intervals with full force—something I wouldn’t risk on a $300 machine.
Versus Water Rowers
Water rowers provide a realistic “whoosh” and aesthetic appeal, but the resistance curve often feels inconsistent at different stroke rates. More importantly, they lack the calibrated, competition-standard PM5 monitor, which makes structured training and data comparison impossible.
Versus Air Bikes and Treadmills
Compared to the Assault Bike, rowing distributes load across more muscles, making it more sustainable for longer efforts. Versus treadmills, rowing is lower impact and safer for athletes with joint issues.
Who Should Buy the Concept2 Rower
- Competitive athletes: Used at CRASH-B and WRICH, with standardized data for fair racing.
- CrossFit athletes: Concept2 has a long history in CrossFit training and events; while CrossFit now uses the Rogue Echo Rower for official Games competition, the Concept2 remains the most widely used air rower worldwide.
- General fitness enthusiasts: If you want one piece of cardio equipment that works the whole body, this is it.
- Rehab patients or older adults: Low impact, adjustable intensity, and easy-to-learn mechanics.
If you fall into one of these categories, you can shop the machine here.
Downsides to Consider
No review is complete without acknowledging limitations:
- Size: At over 8 feet long, it requires space.
- Noise: As an air rower, it is louder than magnetic machines.
- Price: It’s not the cheapest, but it’s built to last decades.
For me, these trade-offs were minor compared to the training benefits and reliability.
Final Verdict
After weeks of training, intervals, and steady-state rows, I can confidently say the Concept2 Rower is worth the investment. It delivers a scientifically validated workout, robust durability, and world-class accuracy. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a beginner looking for a long-term cardio solution, it’s the best choice available.
Order the Concept2 Rower from Rogue Fitness
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Accurate PM5 data | Competition-standard, reliable metrics | Boyas et al., 2021 |
| Full-body workout | Major contribution from legs, plus trunk & arms | British Rowing Coaching Resources |
| Cardiovascular efficiency | Comparable to running & cycling | Ingham et al., 2002 |
| Low joint stress | Non–weight-bearing, low-impact exercise | British Rowing, 2024 |
| High calorie burn | 810–1030 kcal/h at moderate–vigorous effort | Ainsworth et al., 2024 |
| Durable build | Trusted by elite athletes worldwide | WRICH and CRASH-B use |
Bibliography
- Ainsworth, B. E., Haskell, W. L., Herrmann, S. D., Meckes, N., Bassett, D. R., Tudor-Locke, C., Greer, J. L., Vezina, J., Whitt-Glover, M. C., & Leon, A. S. (2024). 2024 Compendium of Physical Activities. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 56(1), 1–19.
- Boyas, S., Nordez, A., Cornu, C., & Guével, A. (2021). Validity of the Concept2 ergometer for estimating mechanical power output. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 3, 666082.
- British Rowing. (2024). Indoor Rowing Technique Guide. London: British Rowing.
- Ingham, S. A., Whyte, G. P., Jones, K., & Nevill, A. M. (2002). Determinants of 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance in elite rowers. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 88(3), 243–246.
- Secher, N. H. (1993). Physiological and biomechanical aspects of rowing. Sports Medicine, 15(1), 24–42.
About the Author
Robbie Wild Hudson is the Editor-in-Chief of BOXROX. He grew up in the lake district of Northern England, on a steady diet of weightlifting, trail running and wild swimming. Him and his two brothers hold 4x open water swimming world records, including a 142km swim of the River Eden and a couple of whirlpool crossings inside the Arctic Circle.
He currently trains at Falcon 1 CrossFit and the Roger Gracie Academy in Bratislava.
image sources
- Rowing: Photo Courtesy of CrossFit Inc
- Rowing-WODs: Photo Courtesy of CrossFit Inc
