The Concept2 RowErg is the air-resistance rower Concept2 sold as the Model D until it renamed it in May 2021. According to the maker, it weighs 26 kg on standard legs, uses a PM5 monitor and lists a user weight of 227 kg as tested by Concept2. Indicative price: around £990 (checked Oct 2026).
This review is based on the maker's published specification; the site does not test products.
Is the Concept2 Model D the same as the RowErg?
Yes. Concept2 explains on its own blog that "in May 2021, we streamlined our product line and renamed our product." It now offers one RowErg with a choice of two leg heights: standard legs (the former Model D, 36 cm seat) and tall legs for "an elevated 20 in seat height (formerly the Model E)". Concept2 states that "all of the features of the RowErg are the same except for the leg construction". Retailers and older articles may still use "Model D", so check that a listing matches the leg option you want.
Specification
| Specification | Maker's figure |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Flywheel with damper setting (1 to 10); nickel-plated steel chain |
| Length x width | 244 x 61 cm |
| Weight | 26 kg standard legs; 31 kg tall legs |
| Seat height | 36 cm standard; 51 cm tall legs |
| User weight | 227 kg as tested by Concept2; 135 kg under EN 20957-7 |
| Monorail | 137 cm (54 in); inseams of 96.5 cm or more may need an extra-long monorail |
| Frame | Aluminium; standard legs have aluminium front and steel rear legs, tall legs have steel front and rear legs |
| Monitor | PM5 with device holder; two D-cell batteries, powered by the flywheel during use |
| Storage size | 63.5 x 83.8 x 137.2 cm standard legs; 68.6 x 119.4 x 137.2 cm tall legs |
| Recommended space | 244 x 61 cm assembled; 274 x 122 cm with clearance for use |
| Noise figure | Not published |
| Warranty | Limited 2-year and 5-year warranty, plus 30-day money-back guarantee |
What is the weight limit of the Concept2 RowErg?
Concept2 states 227 kg as tested by Concept2 and 135 kg under the EN 20957-7 standard. The figure depends on the test method: 227 kg is Concept2's own test, and 135 kg is the standard's rating, so users above 135 kg should read the manual's limits and check with the maker which figure applies.
Who does the specification suit?
Concept2 says tall legs are easier to get on and off, for example for people with tired knees or mobility concerns, but taller users do not need them, and both options fit inseams up to 38 in (96.5 cm). Concept2 lists a limited 2-year and 5-year warranty but the page does not itemise what each covers, so read the full terms before buying.
How does the resistance and monitor work?
Concept2 says the damper, which controls airflow into the flywheel housing, changes the stroke feel but does not directly set resistance. The PM5 measures how quickly the flywheel slows after each stroke and reports that as the drag factor. A new RowErg is about 90 or less at damper 1 and 200 or more at damper 10, and Concept2 suggests starting between 3 and 5. The PM5 uses Bluetooth and connects to the free ErgData app (Real Time Loop, workouts and logbook features); Concept2 says over 40 other apps are compatible. The monitor arm pivots for storage and height adjustment.
How big is the Concept2 RowErg?
It is 244 cm long and 61 cm wide in use. Concept2 recommends 8 ft x 2 ft (244 x 61 cm) for the assembled machine and 9 ft x 4 ft (274 x 122 cm) with clearance for use, and the machine separates into two pieces without tools and has caster wheels. Reasoning from the stored dimensions, the standard-leg version at 137 cm tall can stand in a cupboard or corner, though the 83.8 cm stored depth needs measuring against the space. See the small apartment home gym guide.
Does the RowErg need mains power?
No. The PM5 monitor uses two D-cell batteries and, according to Concept2, draws power from the spinning flywheel during a workout to extend battery life. There is no mains lead, which gives more freedom over where it sits in the room.
What does the specification imply about fit?
These points are reasoning from the maker's figures, not claims about use. A 54 in (137 cm) monorail and the maker's inseam note suggest most adult users fit, with Concept2 advising those with an inseam of 38 in (96.5 cm) or more to contact it about an extra-long monorail. The 36 cm standard seat height is low; the tall-leg option at 51 cm raises it. The 26 kg standard-leg weight is among the lowest of the rowers on this site, though tall legs raise it to 31 kg and change the stored size to 68.6 x 119.4 x 137.2 cm, and tall legs include larger caster wheels.
The nickel-plated steel chain is part of the drive, and Concept2's page does not publish chain maintenance steps, so read the user manual that comes with the machine before oiling or cleaning anything. The page describes the machine as durable and low maintenance without giving a schedule.
What should you check before buying?
- Which leg height the listing is for, and whether the listing is a UK retail price including delivery.
- The full warranty terms on Concept2's warranty page.
- Noise: Concept2's page gives no noise figure.
- Delivery: the maker's own page quotes US shipping terms, so ask the UK seller about carrier, box size and room-of-choice delivery. Concept2 says standard legs ship in one box of about 31 kg.
- Assembly: Concept2 says the box includes tools and illustrated instructions but gives no assembly time.
- Floor protection; see the home gym flooring guide.
- Your rights: GOV.UK's guidance for sellers says online purchases carry a 14-day cancellation period after receipt and that a faulty item returned within 6 months must be repaired or replaced.
Who should skip the RowErg?
Anyone who needs a published decibel figure, who has no room for a 244 cm machine plus clearance, or whose budget is below about £1,000 should look elsewhere. Users with an inseam above 96.5 cm need to contact Concept2 before ordering, and users above 135 kg should confirm the limit with the maker.
What does the maker leave unpublished?
Several things a buyer might want are not on the product page read: a noise level, an assembly time, the contents of the two warranty tiers, and UK delivery terms. Concept2 also gives no flywheel size or weight and no cleaning schedule for the chain. None of this is a criticism of the machine itself, but it means a few questions should go to the seller or to Concept2 before ordering, particularly if the rower will be used in a flat or shared home.
What are the alternatives?
The water-resistance WaterRower Oak costs a similar amount; compare the two in air vs water rowing machines. Lower-priced folding rowers are covered in the budget rowing machine guide, and the best rowing machine for home UK guide lists the wider set. If a bike is the other option, read rowing machine vs exercise bike.
What is the price context?
The indicative price is around £990 (checked Oct 2026). For general activity amounts, the NHS recommends adults aged 19 to 64 build up to at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Prices vary by seller, leg option and delivery, so confirm the current figure on the retailer's page.
