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The Concept2 RowERG is regarded worldwide as the benchmark among rowing machines – from rehabilitation centres to Olympic training facilities. After several months of practical testing, it is clear why this timeless classic is a purchase for life for many people.

Anzeige:The manufacturer provided me with the product for this review at my request. This had no influence on the content of my review. The review is written freely and reflects solely my personal experiences.

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The Concept2 RowERG is, without exaggeration, the global benchmark for rowing machines. This became clear to me after just a little research into suitable rowing machines for my training.

What other piece of fitness equipment can claim to be the first choice in both rehabilitation clinics and Olympic training centres? This incredible versatility is one of the biggest secrets behind the RowERG’s success. It has been an indispensable training device for top athletes for decades.

Over the past few months, I have been able to thoroughly test what makes the RowERG so special. I have already written about my experiences training with the Concept2 – now it’s time to talk about the rowing machine itself.

Delivery and assembly

The Concept2 RowERG was delivered in a single box weighing 32 kg. It was just manageable enough that I could carry it down to the basement on my own.

Thanks to the clear instructions and the few steps required, the RowERG was set up much faster than I would have thought. Basically, you just need to attach the base with a few screws. The rest is mostly pre-assembled.

After 20 minutes and without breaking a sweat, the rowing machine was ready for use.

The special features of the Concept2 RowErg in detail

When assembling it, you can already see how well thought-out and high-quality the Concept2 is. But the true class of this rowing machine lies not only in its construction, but in the sum of its long-proven features.

The core: air resistance and authentic rowing feel

There are basically three systems for generating resistance when rowing: water, electricity (via magnets) and air. All have their particular advantages and disadvantages, but the air resistance system is said to simulate rowing on water most realistically.

The flywheel is therefore the heart of the Concept2 RowERG. This wind wheel generates variable resistance that dynamically adapts to the user’s pulling force. The harder you pull, the higher the air resistance of the RowERG.

A key feature here is the air damper setting. This does not directly control resistance, but rather the “feel” of the stroke. Low settings feel like a fast, sleek racing boat, while high settings correspond to a slow, heavy boat.

This is more a matter of preference and can be adjusted individually. The general recommendation is to start in a middle position and only later try out other settings.

The brain: The PM5 Performance Monitor

The PM5 Performance Monitor is the brain of the rowing machine and a central element for any data-driven training programme. It records all relevant metrics, including distance, 500m split (speed), time, strokes per minute, calories and watts.

But its true strength lies in its unrivalled reliability. This precision is the foundation of the global Concept2 community, because without it, the comparability of the machines in competition formats would not be possible and global online rankings would be meaningless. Here, the PM5 is the official standard.

Even in the age of giant touch screens, the PM5 stands out thanks to its simple, intuitive operation and functionality during training. I find it particularly exciting that the power for the device is generated by the rowing strokes themselves. In addition, the PM5 can connect to your mobile phone via Bluetooth and thus to a variety of apps that can significantly enhance the rowing experience.

Connectivity and community

By the way: the free ErgData app is part of Concept2’s digital ecosystem. It allows your smartphone to connect to the PM5 to display live data or create workouts.

All training sessions are stored in the Concept2 Logbook and can be seamlessly synchronised with services such as Strava. It is this ecosystem that provides the real motivation boost: the daily “Workout of the Day”, the hunt for “distance awards” or racing against other users in the “Real Time Loop” turn a solitary workout into a global sporting experience. And what’s more, there’s no subscription model!

Built to last: durability and maintenance

The durability of the RowERG is certainly one of its strongest selling points. This is based, of course, on its basic construction, which consists of an aluminium frame with steel legs designed for a maximum load capacity of 227 kg – so there should be enough buffer. Otherwise, the rowing machines would not be able to withstand the relentless continuous use in rowing clubs or gyms so easily.

However, I think the availability of spare parts is much more important. Concept2 offers virtually every part that you could replace yourself as a spare part at reasonable prices. And not just for the current models, but also for “ancient devices” such as the Model A from the 1980s.

This means that even second-hand devices remain very stable in price and popular: hardly anything can break, and if in doubt, original parts are available that are easy to replace yourself. There is also a large support section where, for example, maintenance is explained clearly and simply.

Practical experience with the Concept2 RowERG

I have been using the rowing machine for over six months and have integrated it into my training routine. Of course, there have been more and less active phases, but the bottom line is that I have a very clear picture.

It just works

Unlike a treadmill or exercise bike, using the RowERG couldn’t be easier: no preparation is necessary, no workouts need to be synchronised in advance, no buttons need to be pressed during training, and you don’t even need to be familiar with the PM5. Just sit down and pull on the rowing handle – that’s all there is to it.

Speaking of the rowing handle: it seems to be so ergonomically well designed that other manufacturers and third-party suppliers are copying it…

Simply practical

A tablet holder is installed directly below the PM5. This means that this step has already been thought through and all you have to do is attach your device. The size is so variable that even a mobile phone can be used. Alternatively or additionally, there is a clip-on mobile phone holder available as an inexpensive accessory.

If the length requirement of approximately 2.50 m is an obstacle, the RowERG can be stored away to save space in one simple step thanks to the central joint. The parts can be reconnected just as quickly.

What’s more, no cable is required. This means you can choose wherever you want to set it up, even in the garden during the summer. The castors on one of the legs also make it easy to move around.

Conclusion