Concept2 Rower Reviews – A Top Choice for Serious Rowers

The Concept2 rower is well known in the fitness community for its uncompromising attention to detail and its line of highly engineered indoor rowing machines.

If you’re looking for strong performance, durability and long-term value, Concept2 rowers are often one of the first options people consider. These machines are widely used in gyms, training facilities and by serious rowers for a reason.

Part of the appeal of Concept2 rowing machines is their focus on performance over flash. The company was founded by Olympic rowers who initially designed racing oars before expanding into indoor rowing machines in 1981.

Over time, the Concept2 name has become closely associated with reliability and consistency. Each machine is built in the USA and shipped directly to the customer, which helps maintain quality control.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different Concept2 models — including the Model D, Model E and Dynamic — so you can decide which one is right for you.

High Quality, Durable Machines

The Concept 2 rower uses an air resistance flywheel that is perfectly calibrated and balanced for one of the smoothest performances around. The harder you pull, the greater the resistance, but it’s a truly seamless transition.

Performance is gauged by actual power supplied by you rather than revolutions, so you’ll get a more accurate evaluation of your stamina and improvement across time.

Check Current Pricing on Concept2 Rowers

These are also easy to care for machines, and consumer reviews back this up. You should periodically wipe down the monorail with a soft cloth and put a bit of oil on the chain, but otherwise there’s no real upkeep required.

You’ll like the looks of these machines as well; the Concept 2 rowing machine is sleek and solid, with no extra trim or needless parts to mar the lines of your equipment.

A Look at the Current Concept 2 Rower Lineup

Although you’ll pay more for a Concept2 rower than you will for a basic model, you’re definitely getting what you pay for — and then some. Notable features include comfort-focused details like padded handlebars, a smooth-gliding seat and heel cups to help keep your feet secure during longer workouts.

The weight capacity is also impressive at 500 lbs, which is rare for a machine in this weight range.

There are currently three main models to choose from: the Concept2 Model D, the Model E and the newer Dynamic model.

(There was also a Model C that has been discontinued, but you may still come across it secondhand.)

Let’s take a closer look at how these rowers compare.

The Model D, typically priced around $990-$1,100 on sale, is the most popular model and one of the best-selling rowing machines available today.

It’s available in light gray or black and includes the PM5 monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, smooth and quiet flywheel operation, a nickel-plated chain and a highly durable, adjustable frame.

The Model E, usually around $1,100-$1,250, is similar to the Model D with a few key differences. It sits higher off the ground (about 20 inches vs. 14 inches), making it easier to get on and off — especially for users who prefer a more chair-height position.

The chain is also enclosed for added protection, and the monitor arm is longer and fixed, compared to the shorter, adjustable arm on the Model D.

The Dynamic is the newest model in the lineup and is typically priced around $1,200-$1,300. It’s designed more for competitive rowers and differs from the Model D and E in that the footrests move with you rather than staying fixed.

This allows your upper body to stay more stable while your feet move in and out, creating a motion that more closely replicates rowing on water.

So your upper body stays in a very controlled range of motion, while your feet move out and in.  This most closely replicates the feel of rowing on the water.

What's the best option for your home gym?

For most home users, the Model D and Model E are the best choices due to their balance of performance, durability and ease of use.

For more serious or competitive rowers, the Dynamic offers a more specialized experience that better mimics on-water rowing.

The PM5 Performance Monitor is A Cut Above the Rest

One of the most talked about features in Concept2 rower reviews is the PM5 performance monitor, which comes standard on the Model D, Model E and Dynamic.

This is one of the key areas where Concept2 separates itself from the competition, as it delivers more accurate and consistent workout data than most rowing machines on the market — even many higher-priced models.

While the PM5 may look fairly basic at first glance, it’s actually one of the most advanced and reliable performance monitors available.

For starters, it’s very easy to use. It powers on automatically when you begin rowing, and the menu system is straightforward so you can quickly get into your workout. The backlit display also makes it easy to read in different lighting conditions.

You’ll get all the key metrics you’d expect, including calories, watts, pace, distance and strokes per minute. You can also view your data in multiple formats, including full data display, force curve (power output), bar chart, large print and pace boat (rowing against a target).

One of the biggest advantages of the PM5 is its connectivity.

It supports both Bluetooth and ANT+, allowing you to pair heart rate monitors, smartphones and tablets. You can sync your workouts with the Concept2 ErgData app, which has become a major part of the overall experience.

With ErgData, you can:

• Automatically track and log workouts
• Sync data to the Concept2 Online Logbook
• Join challenges and compare results with other users
• View additional stats and workout history
• Connect to platforms like Strava and other third-party fitness apps

You can also connect to a wide range of external apps, including training and racing platforms, which gives the PM5 far more flexibility than most built-in consoles.

For those who prefer a more direct approach, you can still use a USB flash drive to store and transfer workout data.

This makes it easier to track your progress, set goals and monitor improvement over time. You can also monitor heart rate wirelessly for more accurate training.

The PM5 also includes built-in games and the ability to race against previous workouts or other users, adding a competitive element if you want it.

Overall, you get more functionality and more accurate data than you’ll find on most other rowing machines, even if the interface itself is more performance-focused than entertainment-driven.

Concept 2 Rowers Get Top Honors

Concept2 rowers stand out for their combination of build quality, performance and long-term value. They’re easy to use, highly durable and designed to deliver a comfortable, consistent rowing experience.

One of the more unique aspects of the Concept2 lineup is the strong online ecosystem. Through the Concept2 Logbook and community features, you can track your workouts, join challenges and even compete with other users around the world.

Concept2 machines also tend to hold their value extremely well. In many cases, used models sell for prices close to new, which says a lot about their reputation and reliability.

If you’re deciding between models, the Model D and Model E are the most popular options for home use.

The main difference is seat height. The Model E sits higher off the ground, making it easier to get on and off — especially for taller users or those with mobility concerns.

Otherwise, performance between the two is very similar, so the decision often comes down to comfort and preference.

Both models are solid, smooth and low-maintenance, and include Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitoring and syncing your workouts with fitness apps.

Concept 2 Rower Model Reviews

Here are reviews of the current Concept 2 rowers, so you can get a little more in-depth information on each one to help you decide which one makes sense for your home gym.

On these pages you'll find specs, details, what users and experts have to say about the machines as well as buying tips and other information.  If you don't find something that you are looking for please feel free to contact us.

Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower - The best rower ever built, and it’s the same one you will find in health clubs and professional sports team facilities.

Concept 2 Model E Indoor Rower - Equally as good as the Model D, this one has a higher seat height, longer monitor arm and enclosed chain housing.

Concept 2 Dynamic Rower - the newest rowing machine in the lineup, with floating footrest that more closely resembles an on water experience.  Ideal for competitive training.