The Concept2 RowErg is essentially the Model D with a new name — same air flywheel, same PM5 monitor, same trusted athlete pedigree. The WaterRower Classic is a hand-crafted ash wood rower with a water flywheel that replicates the feel of rowing on open water. One is utilitarian athletic equipment. The other is a piece of furniture that also happens to be a very good rowing machine. This is a values question as much as a performance question.
Concept2 RowErg
The Concept2 RowErg wins for performance tracking, athletic training, and cost. The WaterRower Classic wins for aesthetics, the unique water resistance feel, and for buyers who want a rowing machine that doesn't look out of place in a living room. Both are excellent. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize athletic metrics or the experience of rowing itself.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Concept2 RowErg | WaterRower Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type | Air flywheel | Water flywheel |
| Monitor | PM5 | Series 4 Performance Monitor |
| Frame Material | Steel/aluminum | Solid ash wood |
| Machine Weight | 57 lbs | ~117 lbs (with water) |
| Max User Weight | 500 lbs | 700 lbs |
| Upright Storage Footprint | ~27" x 27" | 21" x 22" |
| Price | ~$900 | ~$1,150–$1,300 |
Resistance Feel
Air resistance on the RowErg scales with effort in real time. Pull harder, feel more resistance instantly. This is the defining characteristic that competitive rowers prefer — it accurately simulates on-water effort. The PM5's real-time watts and split data let you train with precision.
WaterRower's water flywheel creates resistance through actual water in a polycarbonate tank. As you pull harder, the water moves faster and creates proportionally more resistance — similar logic to air, but with a distinctly different feel. Users on r/rowing describe it as 'softer' and 'more fluid.' The sound of water sloshing is the most calming noise in any home gym. Garage Gym Reviews noted the water resistance feel is unique and genuinely enjoyable.
Build and Aesthetics
The RowErg is steel and aluminum — functional, utilitarian, and built to last decades. It looks exactly like what it is: serious athletic equipment. The monorail design is efficient. The legs fold flat for storage. Nothing about the design is intended to impress anyone aesthetically.
The WaterRower Classic is built from solid ash wood, hand-finished with Danish oil. It genuinely looks like furniture — which is why it appeared in the Netflix series House of Cards. Multiple wood species are available. When stored upright, it takes up about 21" x 22" of floor space and looks like a piece of art. For home gym spaces that double as living areas, this matters enormously.
Performance Tracking
The Concept2 PM5 is the definitive rowing monitor. It tracks split time, stroke rate, distance, calories, watts, and pace per 500m with precision validated by competitive rowing organizations. It connects via Bluetooth and ANT+ to heart rate monitors and the ErgData app. Every major virtual rowing platform — Rowvival, CityRow, Dark Horse Rowing — supports the PM5 natively.
WaterRower's Series 4 Performance Monitor is solid but secondary-tier compared to the PM5. It displays the core metrics but lacks the watt-level precision and ecosystem connectivity that serious rowers rely on. WaterRower has released an app, but the community around Concept2's logbook is vastly larger.
Durability and Maintenance
The RowErg needs essentially no maintenance. The chain should be oiled every 50 hours of use. The PM5 takes two D batteries. Concept2 has replacement parts available for machines made decades ago. Expected lifespan in home use is effectively unlimited.
The WaterRower requires occasional water changes — Concept2 recommends annually — and you add a WaterRower purification tablet to prevent algae. The wood needs to be kept away from direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent warping. The water tank seals are durable but represent a potential failure point that the RowErg doesn't have.
Concept2 RowErg Strengths
- PM5 monitor is the gold standard for rowing metrics
- Air resistance scales precisely with effort
- Lighter (57 lbs) and separates for easier storage
- Massive competitive rowing community and platform support
- Lower cost (~$900)
WaterRower Classic Strengths
- Water resistance has a uniquely fluid, enjoyable feel
- Ash wood construction looks like furniture
- Calming water sound during rowing
- Stores upright elegantly in 21" x 22" footprint
Concept2 RowErg Weaknesses
- Air flywheel is louder than water resistance
- Industrial appearance doesn't suit all home spaces
- PM5 monitor is functional, not beautiful
WaterRower Classic Weaknesses
- Series 4 monitor lacks PM5's precision and ecosystem
- Heavier (~117 lbs full with water)
- Wood requires protection from sustained sunlight
- Water tank requires annual maintenance
- ~$300 more expensive than RowErg
Best For
- a: Athletes, competitive rowers, and anyone who wants precision metrics and a no-maintenance workhorse
- b: Home gym owners who want the rowing experience to feel meditative, and buyers who prioritize aesthetics in a shared living space
FAQ
Is the WaterRower Classic as good a workout as the Concept2?
Yes. The cardiovascular and muscular training load is equivalent. The difference is resistance feel and data precision, not workout quality. You can get an elite rowing fitness on either machine.
Can the WaterRower tank leak?
Leaks are rare but not unheard of. WaterRower uses a polycarbonate tank rated to handle the water pressure, but users on r/homegym occasionally report slow leaks at the tank fittings after several years. Keep a towel under it and inspect seals annually.
Does Concept2 RowErg connect to Apple Watch or Garmin?
Yes. The PM5 connects via Bluetooth and ANT+ to the ErgData app on iOS, which syncs with Apple Health. Garmin Connect integration is also available through third-party apps like CrewNerd.