The Concept2 RowErg is the rowing machine other rowers are measured against. It uses an air flywheel, a PM5 performance monitor, a 500 lb user rating and a simple, rugged design that has changed little in decades. It is used in gyms, boat clubs and CrossFit boxes, and it has a 4.9-star average on Amazon.
In this review we look at what makes the RowErg so well regarded, who it suits and where it falls short, then compare it with six alternatives, including the tall-legs version, the WaterRower S4 and air and magnetic rivals, on resistance type, weight rating, monitor and price.
Below are our verdict, a comparison table, detailed reviews and a buying guide. For related reading, see the air rowing machines for home gym, air vs magnetic rowing machines and best rowing machines.
Top 3 Rowers in This Review
- Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10
- PM5 performance monitor
- About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user
- Splits in two for storage
Concept2 RowErg with Tall Legs
- Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10
- PM5 monitor
- 20-inch seat height, 500 lb max user
- Splits in two, needs about 9 x 4 ft
WaterRower with S4 BLE Monitor
- Original WaterFlywheel design
- Handcrafted in the USA
- S4 BLE monitor
- Stands upright for storage
Concept2 RowErg vs Alternatives
| Rower | Best For | Key Specs | Amazon Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Concept2 RowErg | Best Overall | Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10; PM5 performance monitor; About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user | 4.9/5 | Check Price |
| 2. Concept2 RowErg with Tall Legs | Best Tall-Legs Version | Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10; PM5 monitor; 20-inch seat height, 500 lb max user | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| 3. WaterRower with S4 BLE Monitor | Best Water Alternative | Original WaterFlywheel design; Handcrafted in the USA; S4 BLE monitor | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 4. YOSUDA R2 Air Rower | Best Air Alternative | Air resistance, one-piece airbox; Self-powered monitor (no batteries); 350 lb max user, 65.5 lb | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| 5. MERACH R50 Pro Air Rower | Best Value Air Rower | 32-blade fan, 10 damper levels; 440 lb max user, 72 lb; 95″L x 24″W | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| 6. YOSUDA H-185 Magnetic Rower | Best Magnetic Alternative | Magnetic, 16 levels; 350 lb max user weight; 64.57″L x 17.72″W x 28.35″H, 54 lb | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| 7. Merach RS3 Scull Rower | Best Scull Rower | Scull-style arms with 120-degree motion; Up to 80 lb magnetic resistance, 16 levels; 350 lb max user, 58 lb | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
1. Concept2 RowErg – Best Overall
- Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10
- PM5 performance monitor
- About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user
- Splits in two for storage
Pros
- ✓ The standard erg for racing, CrossFit and online rankings
- ✓ 4.9 stars on 13,000+ ratings
- ✓ PM5 data is consistent across machines
Cons
- ✗ About $990
- ✗ Needs roughly 9 x 4 ft of floor
- ✗ Louder than magnetic rowers
The Concept2 RowErg is our top pick because it combines a smooth air flywheel, an accurate PM5 monitor and a 500 lb user rating with a design that lasts. It averages 4.9 stars and sells for about $990, which is fair for a machine that holds its resale value.
Concept2’s RowErg is the standard erg for racing, CrossFit and online rankings, with an air flywheel and damper from 1 to 10, a PM5 performance monitor and a roughly 500 lb user rating, in a 96 by 24 inch frame that splits for storage.
Its PM5 data is consistent across machines, and more than 13,000 ratings average 4.9 stars.
It costs about $990, needs about 9 by 4 feet of floor and is louder than magnetic rowers.
The air flywheel adds resistance as you pull harder, so the stroke feels natural for everyone from beginners to elite rowers. The PM5 monitor tracks pace, watts, stroke rate and distance, and pairs with apps and training software. It separates into two pieces for storage and stands upright. The trade-offs are noise, which is louder than magnetic or water rowers, and a basic look. For nearly everyone who wants one serious rower, it is the benchmark.
Best for: Serious rowers and anyone wanting a benchmark erg
May not fit: Noise-sensitive apartments
2. Concept2 RowErg with Tall Legs – Best Tall-Legs Version
- Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10
- PM5 monitor
- 20-inch seat height, 500 lb max user
- Splits in two, needs about 9 x 4 ft
Pros
- ✓ Same race-standard erg as gyms, raised 6 inches
- ✓ Easier to get on and off for older or less mobile users
- ✓ 4.8 stars on about 570 ratings
Cons
- ✗ About $1,550, roughly $560 more than the standard RowErg
- ✗ Taller frame is harder to store under things
- ✗ Same fan noise as any air rower
The RowErg with tall legs raises the seat to 20 inches, making it easier to get on and off, with a 4.8-star average.
Concept2’s RowErg with tall legs is the standard erg raised to a 20 inch seat height, with the same air flywheel, PM5 monitor and 500 lb user rating.
It is easier to get on and off and averages 4.8 stars on about 570 ratings.
It costs about $1,550 and the taller frame is harder to store.
On paper, you get air flywheel with damper 1 to 10, pm5 monitor, 20-inch seat height, 500 lb max user. Its biggest strengths are same race-standard erg as gyms, raised 6 inches and 4.8 stars on about 570 ratings; keep in mind about $1,550, roughly $560 more than the standard rowerg before ordering.
Best for: Taller users and those with mobility needs
May not fit: Compact storage
3. WaterRower with S4 BLE Monitor – Best Water Alternative
- Original WaterFlywheel design
- Handcrafted in the USA
- S4 BLE monitor
- Stands upright for storage
Pros
- ✓ The classic water rower
- ✓ Commercial-grade components
- ✓ 4.7 stars
Cons
- ✗ About $1,324
- ✗ Does not fold, stands upright
- ✗ Heavy
The WaterRower S4 has a water tank and a 4.7-star average, with a quieter, more natural sound.
WaterRower’s classic S4 uses the original WaterFlywheel design, hand-built in the USA with commercial-grade components and an S4 Bluetooth monitor, and stands upright for storage.
It is the reference water rower, with 555 ratings averaging 4.7 stars.
It costs about $1,324 and does not fold.
The specifications to note are handcrafted in the usa, s4 ble monitor, stands upright for storage. In daily use the advantages are commercial-grade components and 4.7 stars, and the drawbacks are does not fold, stands upright and heavy.
Best for: Rowers wanting a quiet, attractive machine
May not fit: Budget buyers
4. YOSUDA R2 Air Rower – Best Air Alternative
- Air resistance, one-piece airbox
- Self-powered monitor (no batteries)
- 350 lb max user, 65.5 lb
- 95″L x 24″W, 53.7″ rail
Pros
- ✓ Self-powered monitor never needs batteries
- ✓ Long 53.7-inch rail for tall rowers
- ✓ Concept2-style layout for about $600
Cons
- ✗ Only about 10 ratings so far
- ✗ Monitor data is not comparable to a PM5
- ✗ 95-inch length needs room
YOSUDA’s R2 is an air rower with a one-piece airbox and a self-powered monitor for about $600.
YOSUDA’s R2 is an air rower with a one-piece airbox, a self-powered monitor, a 350 lb user rating and a long 53.7 inch rail at 65.5 lb.
The monitor never needs batteries and the layout resembles a Concept2 for about $600.
Only about 10 ratings and its monitor data is not comparable to a PM5.
Key details include air resistance, one-piece airbox, self-powered monitor (no batteries), 350 lb max user, 65.5 lb. Buyers most often praise that it is self-powered monitor never needs batteries and long 53.7-inch rail for tall rowers, while the main trade-offs to weigh are only about 10 ratings so far and monitor data is not comparable to a pm5.
Best for: A Concept2-style layout for less
May not fit: Buyers wanting many reviews
5. MERACH R50 Pro Air Rower – Best Value Air Rower
- 32-blade fan, 10 damper levels
- 440 lb max user, 72 lb
- 95″L x 24″W
- Backlit monitor + MERACH app
Pros
- ✓ High 440 lb user rating
- ✓ Backlit monitor with 20+ training modes
- ✓ Arrives about 90% assembled
Cons
- ✗ About 55 ratings
- ✗ App data is not Concept2-comparable
- ✗ About $560
MERACH’s R50 Pro has a 32-blade fan, 10 damper levels and a 440 lb rating.
MERACH’s R50 Pro is an air rower with a 32-blade fan, 10 damper levels, a 440 lb user rating, a backlit monitor and 20-plus training modes at 72 lb.
It arrives about 90% assembled with a high weight rating.
Only about 55 ratings and the app data is not Concept2-comparable.
On paper, you get 32-blade fan, 10 damper levels, 440 lb max user, 72 lb, 95″l x 24″w. Its biggest strengths are high 440 lb user rating and arrives about 90% assembled; keep in mind about 55 ratings before ordering.
Best for: Budget air rowing
May not fit: Concept2-comparable data
6. YOSUDA H-185 Magnetic Rower – Best Magnetic Alternative
- Magnetic, 16 levels
- 350 lb max user weight
- 64.57″L x 17.72″W x 28.35″H, 54 lb
- Bluetooth app
Pros
- ✓ 4.5 stars on 2,500+ ratings
- ✓ Heavier 54 lb frame feels steadier
- ✓ Narrow 17.7-inch width
Cons
- ✗ About $260
- ✗ Not as smooth at high stroke rates as air
- ✗ Monitor lacks watts
YOSUDA’s H-185 has 16 magnetic levels and a 350 lb rating, with more than 2,500 ratings.
YOSUDA’s H-185 is a magnetic rower with 16 levels, a 350 lb user rating and a 64.6 by 17.7 inch frame at 54 lb, with a Bluetooth app.
It has a 4.5-star average on more than 2,500 ratings and a steadier frame.
It is not as smooth as air at high stroke rates and the monitor lacks watts.
The specifications to note are 350 lb max user weight, 64.57″l x 17.72″w x 28.35″h, 54 lb, bluetooth app. In daily use the advantages are heavier 54 lb frame feels steadier and narrow 17.7-inch width, and the drawbacks are not as smooth at high stroke rates as air and monitor lacks watts.
Best for: Quiet home rowing
May not fit: Hard-training athletes
7. Merach RS3 Scull Rower – Best Scull Rower
- Scull-style arms with 120-degree motion
- Up to 80 lb magnetic resistance, 16 levels
- 350 lb max user, 58 lb
- MERACH app with 1,000+ classes
Pros
- ✓ Real sculling motion
- ✓ 4.7 stars
- ✓ Single and dual-arm modes
Cons
- ✗ About $360
- ✗ Wider footprint
- ✗ Different feel from a standard erg
Merach’s RS3 is a scull-style rower with a 4.7-star average.
Merach’s RS3 uses scull-style arms with 120 degrees of motion and up to 80 lb of magnetic resistance in 16 levels, with a 350 lb user rating and 1,000-plus app classes.
It offers a real sculling motion with single and dual-arm modes, with 4.7 stars.
It costs about $360, has a wider footprint and feels different from a standard erg.
Key details include scull-style arms with 120-degree motion, up to 80 lb magnetic resistance, 16 levels, 350 lb max user, 58 lb. Buyers most often praise that it is real sculling motion and 4.7 stars, while the main trade-offs to weigh are about $360 and wider footprint.
Best for: Rowers wanting a realistic stroke
May not fit: Beginners wanting simplicity
How to Choose a Water Rowing Machine
Understand how water resistance works
A water rower uses paddles spinning in a tank, so resistance rises smoothly the harder you pull. This produces a natural, quiet stroke with a sound many rowers love. The amount of water you add changes the feel, usually from a light, quick stroke to a heavier, slower one. There are no settings to dial, which keeps things simple.
Check the tank design and size
Tanks vary in size, material and visibility. A larger tank gives a heavier feel and more stable resistance, while a compact tank saves space. Look at whether you can see the water, which many people enjoy, and whether the tank is easy to fill and drain with a hose or pump.
Look at the frame and storage
Wooden frames look good and feel solid, while steel frames are lighter and cheaper. Many water rowers fold or stand upright for storage, which matters in small rooms. Check the folded dimensions against your space, and make sure the rail and seat glide smoothly without wobble.
Compare monitors and tracking
A basic monitor tracks time, strokes, distance and calories. Better monitors add stroke rate, split time and Bluetooth, and some connect to apps. If you want to compete or track progress, look for a monitor that reports accurate pace and syncs data.
Match weight capacity and seat comfort
Weight capacity ranges from about 250 to 400 pounds. Check the seat height, padding and foot straps, because comfort decides how long you will row. Taller users should look for longer rails and extension, and shorter users should check that the seat is not too high.
Set a realistic budget
Water rowers range from about 250 dollars for compact folding models to over a thousand for premium wooden machines like the WaterRower. Spend more for build quality, a quieter stroke and a better monitor, and less if you want occasional cardio in a small space.
FAQ
Is the Concept2 RowErg worth it?
Yes, for most serious rowers. It is durable, accurate and holds its value.
How much does the Concept2 RowErg cost?
About $990 on Amazon, with the tall-legs version near $1,550.
Is the RowErg loud?
It is louder than magnetic and water rowers, mostly from the air flywheel at high effort.
What is the weight limit?
The user weight rating is 500 lb.
Does it fold?
It separates into two pieces and stands upright for storage.
What are the best alternatives?
The WaterRower S4 is the best water alternative and YOSUDA’s R2 is the best air alternative.
Final Verdict
The Concept2 RowErg remains the best rowing machine for most serious rowers, with a smooth air stroke, an accurate monitor and a build that lasts. The tall-legs version is better for taller users and those who want an easier seat.
Choose the WaterRower S4 for quiet, YOSUDA’s R2 for a cheaper air rower and the H-185 for a quiet magnetic option. See rowing machines for home for more.
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