Wanna get the delts and lats of a boatman? And planning to purchase a new rower at home? You’re surely going to face the clash of titans between Concept2 vs WaterRower to make the choice.
Well, both of these models are manufactured by world-renowned companies and have almost similar popularity among users. However, there are some specific facts in which they are different from each other.
Consequently, this is the point where a buyer becomes hesitant to pick one of them. Of course, you won’t go wrong by picking any of them, still, each of them has better potential in certain aspects.Therefore, we have come up with our Concept2 vs WaterRower complete comparison article to make your selection easier. So, read through our article to choose the right one for your workout programs.
A Quick Comparison Between Concept2 and WaterRower:
Table of Content
Concept2 vs Waterrower: Which Is The Best Rowing Machine
The fitness market is ruled by both of these premium built machines. However, there are some specific facts to suit certain user purposes, in which they are different from each other.
Consequently, this may be the point where a buyer in general becomes hesitant to pick one of them. Of course, you won’t go wrong by picking any of them, still, each of them has better potential in certain aspects. Let’s now dive into the details to find those potentials.
What is Concept2?
Concept2 is the first air rower that was developed for indoor workout sessions. This is one of the most basic types of rowing machines. Nowadays, many companies are manufacturing other rowing machine options with more technological features. However, most of them are based on Concept 2.
Till now Concept2 is one of the most selling rowers across the world and you can see this rowing machine in most gyms or fitness training centers. The majority of professional rowers are developed using the mechanism of Concept2. This machine is more popular as an “erg or ergometer” rather than a rowing machine or rower.
Key Features of Concept2:
- This machine comes in unassembled condition and assembling this rower is very easy, you just need to place wheels and other components through eight screws.
- It is equipped with an LCD Performance monitor that tracks your progress and helps to select your training options.
- There is a mobile connecting option that allows you to connect this machine with compatible fitness apps or any other tracking devices.
- This is a kind of air-power rowing machine, so the faster you row, you’ll generate more resistance.
- You can control the resistance levels by regulating the airflow. This rower also features an air damper that offers ten different resistance levels.
- The frame of this machine is constructed with a powder-coated finish to ensure the highest durability while the nickel-plated chain is incredibly rust-resistant.
- It can carry up to 500 lbs while the machine weighs less than 60 lbs itself.
What is a WaterRower
The WaterRower was first introduced in 1988 by John Duke. This rowing machine was developed from the basic idea of land workouts. This rower machine is manufactured and marketed by the American company, Waterrower.Inc. The WaterRower comes in a wooden body.
This machine is water-powered that uses flywheel rowing in the water and creates water sloshing sound around you for greater momentum in workout sessions. This rower is considered the best rowing machine for the home gym.
Key Features of WaterRower:
- The frame of this machine is made from premium hardwood and you can store it in your living room without any obstruction
- A water flywheel placed in a large tank that generates resistance using the water
- This rower can load up to 770 lbs weight and the machine itself weighs about 108 lbs.
- This machine is extremely durable.
- The performance monitor displays every single phase of your progress such as distance, speed, calories burned, and speed per hour.
- There is also a connectivity option where you can attach the machine with a heart rate monitor.
- The water tank dampens the stroke and creates no noise without water sloshing sound
5 Facts to Compare Between Concept2 and WaterRower
You may get dazzled at the look of a machine, and get convinced of its built quality. Literally speaking, a matte coat doesn’t guarantee a premium manufacture and a glossy coat a cheap one. So, what facts would experts consider ? We have enlisted them for you:
Fact 1 of 5: Storing and Mobility
Storing a rower can be a daunting task, especially for homeowners as it can take up much floor space. So, you have to make sure you can easily store your rower when it’s not in use.
Alongside, a rower machine that’s easy to move should be your first choice. This way you can transport the machine to your desired place right after your workout session without much hassle.
Storing
If you have a rower that’s easy to fold and store, it can save lots of home space indeed. However, it might not be compulsory if you have dedicated space in your home for workout sessions.
- Storing Concept2:
Concept2 is very easy to store. This becomes possible due to its lockable design. As you know, Concept2 has eight screw points that are easy to attach. So, you can take apart each component of the machine at the end and pack it away to store at your dedicated location.
- Storing WaterRower:
WaterRower is designed for setting up in the place where you’re planning to work out. There is no foldable or lockable design in this rower.
Mobility
Usually, rowing machines are pretty heavy and large in shape, that’s why transporting them to the storage location can be difficult. Many rowers are designed to facilitate better portability. While some others may have built-in wheels for enhanced mobility.
- Concept2 Mobility:
Concept2 is much lighter than most other rowing machines. However, it’s not too less to carry on your hand or dragging it on your floor. The interesting fact is, it comes with built-in wheels at the front that makes it more portable and easy to store wherever you want.
- WaterRower Mobility:
The WaterRower is quite small in size and can make it easy to move. However, it can be pretty heavy as well when filled with water. The WaterRower also has wheels on the front for better portability.
Comparison Table: WaterRower vs Concept2 ‘Storing and Mobility’
| Factors | Concept2 | WaterRower |
| Storing | Very easy to store | No foldable or lockable design. A bit difficult to store |
| Mobility | Comparatively lightweight design and built-in wheels offer better mobility | Built-in wheels and small size make it easy to transport. |
Fact 2 of 5: Training Options and Performance Monitor
While you’re going to purchase a new rowing machine, it’s very important to consider its training options. A rower with various training options will give you a full-body workout through different types of growing.
Depending on particular resistance and rowing pattern, you can target specific muscle groups. Besides, you should carefully check whether it has workout presets or you need to set them manually.
In addition, performance monitors play a crucial role to ease your whole workout session and help you to monitor every stage of your progress towards your goal. If you’re a new rower, a user-friendly performance monitor is very important to observe your progress.
Training Options
A growing machine with multiple pre-programmed training options might be the best choice so far. While you have a rowing machine with multiple training presets, you don’t need to be worried about rowing speed or power or when it should be decreased. At the same time, it provides you specific targets to fulfill.
- Concept2 Training Options:
Concept2 comes with multiple Pre-programmed workouts which make your rowing experience very convenient indeed. Just pick one of the presets and start your workout. Even if you haven’t used it before, you can easily start your workout session. You can also save your previous workout rowing pattern in it. Hence, you won’t need to adjust the setting every time.
- WaterRower Training Options:
WaterRower is also equipped with a memory function and lots of predetermined workouts. In addition, you can save your own workout plan with vital performance information. All of these make it pretty straightforward to use.
Performance Monitor
Performance monitoring is very important to observe your progress. It also shows every basic information including your calories, strokes, time, and rpm. A performance monitor with more in-depth tracking data will help you to achieve a competitive edge or rowing goals.
- Concept2 Performance Monitor:
Concept2 is incredibly popular for its performance monitoring options. At present, it comes with PM5, which is more advanced and loaded with lots of functions.
- WaterRower Performance Monitor:
The latest version of WaterRower uses an S4 performance monitor that tracks various conditions and progressive stages.
Comparison Table: Concept 2 Rower vs WaterRower ‘Training Options and Performance Monitor’
| Factors | Concept2 | WaterRower |
| Training Options | Multiple pre-programmed workouts and memory function | Multiple pre-programmed workouts and memory function |
| Performance Monitor | Versatile PM5 monitor | S4 performance monitor |
Fact 3 of 5: Design and Durability
While it’s about a home gym equipment design plays a vital role to ensure ultimate workout convenience. The design of a rowing machine determines its seat height, display types, portability, aesthetic value as well. However, we have discussed portability before.
Aside from design, durability is another important aspect while choosing a rowing machine. You might not want to invest in something that can be broken or decayed easily.
Design
If we talk about the design, both of these rowing machines are eminent for their design.
- Design of Concept2:
Concept2 rowers are designed specially to facilitate storing in your home or apartment easily. Some models of Concept2 can be separated into two pieces while some have compact designs that are easy to store.
Concept2 features a comfortable height seat that makes it convenient for people, especially those who are suffering from mobility issues.
- Design of WaterRower:
WaterRower is incredibly popular due to its aesthetically pleasing design. You can find WaterRower machines in various designs. When you keep this machine in your home, it’ll surely add an aesthetic value.
At the same time, it takes minimal space, so you can easily store it with your furniture as well.
Durability
As products from two giant manufacturers, each of these rowing machines is carefully constructed to ensure the highest durability.
- Concept2 Durability:
The Concept2 body frame is constructed with industrial-grade metal with a powder-coated finish. The air wheel of this machine is completely air-resistance, so you don’t need to be worried about rust. Besides, the rowing chain is plated with Nickel to make it more durable.
- WaterRower Durability:
WaterRower is manufactured with durable hardwood species. This wood comes from the Appalachian Mountains. This is the point where WaterRower is unique. The premium hardwood frame of this machine is extremely durable and treated carefully to protect it from decaying. Alongside, it has a water-resistance flywheel.
Comparison Table: Water Rowing Machine vs Concept 2 ‘Design and Durability’
| Factors | Concept2 | WaterRower |
| Design | Depending on the model it can either be detachable or compact in design. | Aesthetically-pleasing and minimalistic design |
| Durability | Much more durable | Fewer chances of wood-decaying |
Fact 4 of 5: Resistance Types and Weight Capacity
When you’re in the market in search of a rowing machine, the type of resistance you prefer is one of the most crucial facts. However, there are only a few options available to choose from. Besides, you may find rowing machines with adjustable resistance functions or not.
An adjustable resistance facility allows you to set a specific resistance level and change it according to your need. On the other hand, a machine with non-adjustable resistance changes its resistance level depending on the hardness of pulling.
When you have picked the rower with proper resistance options and functions, you should also check its weight capacity. A machine that can’t bear your weight is nothing but useless.
Resistance Types:
At present, water and air resistance are considered the most effective and well-accepted types of resistance. Thankfully, these two competitors boast each of the resistance options individually.
- Concept2 Resistance Types:
The concept2 comprises the traditional air resistance system. There is an air-sucking flywheel that brings air into the housing and is placed in such a way that it works against. There is a damper located on the side casing that serves as the air adjustment component.
The difficulty of rowing increases with the amount of air that reaches the housing. This is also responsible for the fluctuation of resistance. If you row harder, it will suck more air and resistance will be harder as well.
- WaterRower resistance Types:
As its name suggests, WaterRower uses water instead of air for resistance. While you’re using a WaterRower, it will give you a more realistic feel of rowing. In traditional rowers, you can adjust the difficulty levels by controlling airflow. WaterRower works on the same mechanism.
But, it uses water instead of air. The more water gets into the housing, the more difficult it becomes to row. In addition, you can adjust the difficulty by changing the depth of the stroke.
Weight capacity
Most rowing machines have an optimum weight capacity. The same thing goes for these two machines as well.
- Concept2 weight Capacity:
As heavy-duty workout equipment, Concept2 is pretty lightweight. This machine weighs less than 60 lbs. Despite its lightweight design, it can carry up to 500 lbs, which is more than we need.
- WaterRower Weight Capacity:
The WaterRower is quite heavy compared to the Concept2 rowing machine. This machine weighs about 110 lbs. Consequently, it has a higher weight capacity. This machine can bear up to 70 lbs, which is pretty high compared to most other rowers.
Comparison Table: Water Rower v Concept 2 ‘Resistance Types and Weight Capacity’
| Factors | Concept2 | WaterRower |
| Resistance Types | Air-generated resistance | Water-generated resistance |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 500 lbs | Up to 770 lbs |
Fact 5 of 5: Noise Levels and Comfort
If you’re looking for a rower for your home gym or for working out in an open space, considering the noise level is most important. No matter if it’s your home or open space, the noise produced by rowing machines can be a reason for disturbance indeed.
Aside from this, you have to consider the comforting fact. When you’re going to work out using a rowing machine, you have to sit on the machine for an extended period of time. Without optimum comfort, you may feel exhausted after a few minutes or before achieving your daily target.
Noise Levels
According to experts’ opinions and user experience, water-powered rower machines are much quieter than air-powered rowers. However, let’s check out our two candidates.
- Concept2 Noise Levels:
Generally, Concept2 produces higher noise compared to most other rowers. Due to the fan flywheel, this machine can be extremely loud in certain settings. However, newer models of Concept2 are modified with greater attention in this section.
- WaterRower Noise Levels:
Well, WaterRower might not be as quiet as magnetic rowers. However, WaterRower produces minimal noise compared to its nearest competitor.
Comfort
Both of these two rowers are carefully crafted to ensure optimum comfort. However, let’s check it out in detail.
- Comfort in Concept2:
Concept2 features an ergonomic handle that is specially designed with a 10-degree bend to prevent back pain. The seat is padded and glides smoothly. Alongside, the footplates have a larger area and foot straps are easy to adjust. All of these make it comfortable for both short and long-legged people.
- Comfort in WaterRower:
The seat of the WaterRower is much more comfortable, even more so than Concept2 and the seat also glides very smoothly. Its rubber-covered handle protects hands against blisters. Besides, the footplates are quite large.
However, if you have longer legs, it can be slightly hard to work out. Because, due to the placement of its footplates, your knees tend to come into your chest.
Comparison Table: Concept2 vs WaterRower ‘Noise Levels & Comfort’
| Factors | Concept2 | WaterRower |
| Noise Levels | Produce much noise | Produce less noise |
| Comfort | Ergonomically greater but provides a bit less comfort in sitting position | Can be a bit hard for long-legged people but the sitting position is very comfortable |
When Should You Go For Concept2?
There are certain perspectives that match Concept2. In other words, Concept2 is most suitable in certain aspects. So, you should go for a Concept2 rower when you –
- want more advanced tracking facility for every phase of your performance
- want to connect other gadgets wirelessly
- have no worries about noise levels
- want a rower that’s is easy to store and transport
Types of Users Who Need Concept2:
Concept2 is loaded with a bunch of advanced features that make it one of the most suitable rowers for both professional and novice athletes. Concept2 is very easy to store due to its lockable design.
So, if you have limited space in your home and want to store it somewhere else after workout sessions, this rower could be the best option so far. Besides, it is easy to transport, which means, if you want to work out in your lounge or in front of your home, just take it with you.
Besides, it has many connectivity options. So, if you want to connect your smartphone or other gadgets to it while working out, it might satisfy you.
When Should You Go For WaterRower?
Like other rower machines, WaterRower has some specialty too. That means it is most suitable for certain aspects. So, Waterrower would be a great choice when you:
- prefer aesthetic value over many other things as this rower is incredibly beautiful
- want more realistic feeling while rowing
- feel irritated by noise and prefer something quiet
- have a dedicated space in your home for a workout
Types of Users Who Need WaterRower:
When we’re talking about the WaterRower, every time its outstanding aesthetic feature comes to our mind. And of course, this is the biggest plus point where it remains one step ahead.
So, if you love something with a great aesthetic appearance, you can just choose Waterrower without any thought. At the same time, if you like a quiet environment during workouts, WaterRower could be a better option for you.
Lastly, if you want a more realistic feel, for instance like rowing a boat on a river, the WaterRower is a greater option so far. Besides, you can choose this rower, if you have dedicated workout space at your home.
6 Benefits of Concept2 Over WaterRower:
- The PM5 performance monitor of this rower is highly functional where you track every single phase of your progress.
- This rower offers more control over resistance, speed, and stroke.
- It’s very easy to store and transport anywhere
- It is constructed with industrial-grade metal with a solid finish
- There are multiple connectivity options
- Highly adjustable
Things that Are Not As Good As WaterRower:
- Produce much noise while rowing
- The seat is not as comfortable as its competitor
- relatively expensive compared to its features
Quick Tips:
Take this rower for your home apartment unless noise is a big deal for you. There are certain settings on which it may produce less noise, you can prefer them.
6 Benefits of WaterRower over Concept2:
- It provides a quieter and more relaxing workout
- It is aesthetically pleasing
- The seat is quite comfortable
- Not much loud as its competitor
- Series 4 performance monitor
- Gives you a realistic rowing feel
Things that Are Not As Good As Concept2:
- This rower is not as durable as Concept2
- The performance monitor is not much functional
- There is no connectivity option.
Quick Tips:
If you have limited space in your home to store this machine, just place it along with your furniture. It will dramatically mix up with your furniture without interrupting room decor.
Concept2 vs WaterRower – Which Rowing Machine Is the Winner?
At the end of Concept2 vs WaterRower battle, one thing is absolutely clear that both of them are praised in their own class. Nevertheless, choosing one among them depends on your personal preference. We have tried to clarify when and why you should prefer one of them.
FAQs
- How does WaterRower compare to Concept 2?
While it’s a comparison between Waterrower and Concept2, WaterRower remains one step ahead in terms of aesthetic value, noise reduction, and seat comfort. Whereas, Concept2 beats WaterRower in terms of high functionality, portability, and connectivity options.
- Is WaterRower easier than Concept 2?
Generally, WaterRower is heavier than Concept2, in this sense, moving WaterRower is not much convenient.
- Are fluid rowers better than Concept 2?
It depends on your personal preference. None of them is better in every single aspect. You can check out the one-by-one comparison above.
- Is Concept2 the best rowing machine?
It’s hard to declare Concept2 as the best rowing machine for every user. However, there is no doubt it is one of the best rowing machines available in the market.
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