If you're looking to buy a new rowing machine, you're definitely on the right track, because it's one of the most effective types of cardio.
It's a great low-impact workout that targets various muscle groups, strengthens your whole body, and improves your cardiovascular health.
However, there are many different rowing machines out there, with the WaterRower and the Concept2 being two of the leading options.
At Home Gym Supply we have been able to work with both manufacturers and want to share our experience with the WaterRower Natural and Concept2 Model D so you know exactly how they stack up against each other.
The WaterRower Natural
The WaterRower Natural is one of the brand’s flagship models. It uses nothing but water to provide you with resistance, allowing for a very natural feel.
For anybody who wants to mimic the feel of natural rowing on water, then this is the better option to go with.
Moreover, this is a fairly expensive unit, so it is best reserved for those who have a large spending budget.
Furthermore, although the WaterRower is highly functional, it's also aesthetically pleasing.
It's ideal for those who don't just like functional items, but exercise equipment that also looks the part.
Something else worth noting is that the rower is quiet when being used and the swooshing noises are quite therapeutic.
Main Highlights
Let's take a quick look at the main product highlights and features that the WaterRower Natural brings to the table.
- This model is able to stand up straight, which means that you can lean it against a wall to reduce its overall footprint.
- The WaterRower comes complete with an S4 performance monitor LCD screen to provide you with various workout metrics.
- It has a high maximum weight capacity of 700 lbs.
- This model of rowing machine uses water to provide you with resistance, therefore mimicking real-life water-based rowing.
- The WaterRower Is made out of real handcrafted wood, which not only looks good but is also extremely durable.
- This is one of the quietest rowing machines on the market.
The Concept2 RowErg
For this article, we’ll be talking about the Concept2 RowErg specifically. This rower was previously known by two names, Model D and Model E.
The only difference between the two models was the height of the machine. So they have simplified it to being the RowErg that is available in 2 heights.
This unit uses air to provide you with various levels of resistance thanks to the sliding dampener on the side of the air intake. So if you want a tough HIIT session or to have a low-intensity steady rowing session you can do both.
Air resistance is particularly good for adapting to your intensity and this is why it is the rower of choice by many professional sports teams and CrossFit enthusiasts.
If you're short on space at home, then this is certainly a unit to consider as it can be folded in half.
Also worth considering is that the RowErg is slightly more affordable than the WaterRower options.
Furthermore, compared to the above option which requires a decent amount of maintenance, Concept2 requires far less, therefore making it easier to use and more user-friendly over a longer period of time.
Main Highlights
Let's now take a quick look at the main features, benefits, and highlights of the Concept 2 Rowing Machine.
- It features a fanned flywheel to provide you with air resistance.
- This model can be separated into two separate pieces for easy storage.
- The PM5 console might look basic, but has some adanvced metric tracking capabilities and is possibly the best console available for a rower.
- The Concept2 Features a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs.
- This unit is fairly lightweight and portable, making it ideal for small spaces.
WaterRower Natural vs Concept2 RowErg: Shared Similarities
To make an accurate comparison between these two rowing machines, we first need to look at the different similarities that they feature.
Overall, both of these rowing machines provide a fairly similar rowing experience, Although there are some notable differences that we will talk about further below. First, let's take a look at their similarities.
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Cardio Health Benefits
One of the biggest shared benefits of these two rowing machines is that they both provide you with an excellent workout.
So if you are looking for good cardiovascular exercise, rowing is a great choise as it is a full-body workout that targets almost every single muscle in your body.
Plus, it is a low-impact workout that doesn't negatively affect your joints and can increase overall flexibility.
The bottom line is that both of these rowing machines are ideal for people of all fitness levels who want to improve overall health.
The Displays and Monitors
Another similarity shared by both the WaterRower Natural and the Concept2 RowErg is that they both have very good monitors.
The Concept2 PM5 is widely regarded as one the best monitors available as it has some advanced features such as tracking your "drag factor" and allows you to track your workouts easily and offers competitive features such as a paceboat.
We then have the WaterRower S4 monitor which we feel often gets overlooked in comparison to the PM5. It clearly shows all your basic workout information but also allows you to create your own workout programs for distance and time plus save them to easily do the same workout again.
The S4 also has a few more advanced features such as the stroke ratio which compares the drive phase of your stroke to the return.
When it comes to interactive features, the PM5 recently was upgraded and can now connect to interactive apps such as KinoMaps and you can also sync your workout data with other apps.
The standard S4 hasn't quite caught up in terms of interactive features, but you can buy an extra Bluetooth module for the S4 which will then allow you to connect to compatible apps similar to the PM5.
WaterRower Natural vs Concept2 RowErg: Main Differences
Although there are of course shared similarities, as you can see just by looking at them, there are some big differences as well.
Resistance Type
Without a doubt, the biggest difference between these two rowing machines is their type of resistance.
First, the WaterRower uses the water to provide you with resistance. There is a hydrofan that spins around inside a tank of water, which creates resistance as you pull on the handle.
On the other hand, the Concept2 Uses a wind flywheel, which provides you with air resistance. There's also a damper included, which allows you to change how much air comes into the flywheel.
Although this does change the feel of the stroke, it doesn't necessarily affect the resistance level. Overall, however, if you want the feeling of natural water rowing, then the WaterRower is the better option.
The Feel
Related to the above point, the biggest benefit that you get with the WaterRower is that it just feels very natural. These closely mimic what it feels like to row on actual water. It's great for people who are training for actual rowing events.
On the other hand, air rowers aren't quite as smooth, although the resistance they provide you with is still more than enough to be challenging. Interestingly enough, many people actually prefer the feel of air rowers.
Noise
Another big difference between these two rowing machines is their noise level. Although the Concept2 isn't overly loud, it's still loud enough, as this is the case with all wind power flywheels.
They're just a bit noisy, and that can be a problem if you're trying to work out at home while not trying to wake others up or disturb them.
On the other hand, water-based rowing machines are much quieter, and therefore better for situations where limited noise is essential.
Size and Portability
What you also need to consider is that the WaterRower is much more compact than the Concept2, with the former coming in at 82 inches and the latter at 96 inches, making the latter much longer. Now, this makes the former ideal for smaller spaces, with one caveat.
The WaterRower can stand up on one end, which means that you can lean it against a wall, plus it also has a couple of wheels so you can move it around.
It's not the most space-efficient design, but not too bad either. However, the Concept2, although it is longer, is able to separate into two pieces, therefore making it much better in terms of storage.
Overall Construction and Build Quality
Something that you always need to consider when purchasing any kind of cardiovascular exercise equipment is how durable it is and what kind of materials it is made of.
For instance, the WaterRower is made mainly out of solid ash wood. Wood is very durable, looks nice, and is also fairly easy to maintain. It might scratch easily, but it's quite easy to repair on wood. However, there are steel or aluminium options available, but may also cost much more.
Overall, it's a very durable machine, although keep in mind that when full of water, it weighs over 103 lbs. Nonetheless, it is still relatively easy to move most of the weight is from the water tank and has transport wheels. That said, it also has a maximum user weight capacity of 700 lbs.
If we’re talking about the Concept2 RowErg, it’s made mostly of aluminium and steel, which are both very durable. Plus, the aluminium helps keep the frame lightweight making it easier to handle.
Now, what needs to be said is that the metal does need to be wiped down regularly, and if it gets wet and stays wet for too long, it may rust. However, it’s also less prone to damage than wood, particularly gouges and scratches.
While the Concept2 is considerably lighter than the WaterRower Natural, it also has a slightly lower maximum user weight capacity of 500 lbs.
WaterRower Natural vs Concept2 RowErg: Final Verdict
The bottom line here is that if you want something that is aesthetically appealing, mimics the feel of rowing on water, and has a higher user weight capacity, then the WaterRower is the way to go.
However, if you’re looking for something with more advanced console features and easier to maintain, then the Concept2 is likely the better option for you.
