Concept2 RowErg or water rower: what is the difference?
Written by Erik Martens, co-founder of Fitnessdepot
Choose the Concept2 RowErg if you want to measure, compare, and train hard; choose a water rower if you want a quieter, more natural rowing stroke and need the equipment to look good in your living space. The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 costs € 1,195, and the DKN water rowers H2OAr and WR 180 cost € 1,495 and € 1,795.
In our showroom in Ranst, we always let customers try both. After ten strokes, most people know which feel suits them best. These are the differences that determine your choice.
Air resistance vs water resistance: how does it work?
The Concept2 RowErg uses a fan flywheel: the harder you pull, the more air is displaced and the heavier it gets. With the damper (10 settings), you can adjust the rowing feel, from light and fast to heavy and explosive.
A water rower uses paddles in a water tank. Here too, the resistance increases with your effort, but the build-up feels smoother and you can hear the water moving. With the H2OAr, the resistance is entirely user-driven, featuring a vertically placed tank that, according to DKN, provides 18% more resistance than a horizontal tank. The WR 180 also features 16 adjustable resistance levels.
Concept2 vs DKN water rowers: the comparison
| Feature | Concept2 RowErg PM5 | DKN H2OAr | DKN WR 180 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | € 1.195 | € 1.495 | € 1.795 |
| Resistance | air, damper with 10 settings | water, user-driven | water, 16 adjustable levels |
| Max. user weight | 227 kg | 150 kg | 150 kg |
| Monitor | PM5: watts, pace/500 m, force curve, games | speed, distance, time, strokes, calories, race program | time, distance, SPM, time/500 m, race and recovery program |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart and ANT+, ErgData, Strava, Kinomap | wireless heart rate (5 kHz), Kinomap | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Dimensions | ± 244 x 61 cm | not specified | 202.5 x 81 x 100 cm |
| Storage | splits into two parts | store upright | foldable |
| Power required | no | not specified | not specified |
Why the Concept2 RowErg is the standard
The Concept2 RowErg is the equipment used by rowers, CrossFit boxes, and physiotherapy practices. There is a practical reason for this: the PM5 monitor measures consistently, so your 2,000-meter time is comparable to someone else's on a different Concept2. Via the ErgData app, you can sync your sessions with the Concept2 Online Logbook.
Another thing we see with customers: the RowErg does not need a power outlet (the flywheel powers the PM5), splits into two parts to store upright against the wall, and supports users up to 227 kg. The downsides: it is long (± 244 cm, with a recommended space of 275 x 122 cm) and the fan makes an audible rushing sound. For an apartment with thin floors, this is something to consider.
Why choose a water rower?
A water rower feels closer to rowing on the water: the stroke has a natural rhythm and the sound is a gentle swishing instead of a fan. Customers who train at home in the living room or bedroom often choose this.
The H2OAr has an elevated seating position, which makes getting on and off easier for taller users or people with stiff knees or hips. It is certified according to ISO 20957 Class H and can be stored upright. The WR 180 is the choice if you prefer to set the resistance per level (16 levels) and want a recovery program that analyzes your heart rate after training. It weighs 56.7 kg, is foldable, and has transport wheels.
Keep in mind that a water tank contains water that you occasionally need to maintain according to the manual, and that a water rower does not have the measurement accuracy and worldwide comparability of a PM5.
Prices: how much does a rowing machine cost?
At Fitnessdepot, you will find rowing machines starting from € 995. For comparison:
- DKN R-600: € 995
- Concept2 RowErg PM5: € 1,195, or with high legs for € 1,425
- DKN H2OAr water rower: € 1,495
- DKN WR 180 water rower: € 1,795
All models can be found in the rowing machines and ergometers collection.
Which one should you choose?
- You train for performance, practice CrossFit, or want to compare your times: choose the Concept2 RowErg. No other machine measures as consistently.
- You train in your living room, bedroom, or an apartment: choose a water rower. The sound is quieter, and the equipment looks less like fitness gear.
- You want easy access: choose the DKN H2OAr with a raised seat, or the Concept2 with high legs (51 cm seat height).
- You want to adjust the resistance per level and use a recovery program: choose the DKN WR 180.
- You weigh more than 150 kg: choose the Concept2 RowErg, which is tested up to 227 kg.
- You are setting up a corporate gym or studio: the Concept2 is the safe choice because many athletes already know it.
Also read: our rowing machine buying guide, the comparison Sole F80 vs F85, and all equipment from Concept2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a water rower better than a Concept2?
Not better, just different: a water rower feels more natural and sounds quieter, whereas the Concept2 measures more accurately and supports heavier users.
Does a Concept2 RowErg make a lot of noise?
The fan produces an audible rushing sound, and in an apartment, we recommend a rubber underlay to dampen impact noise.
How much space do you need for a Concept2 RowErg?
The RowErg is approximately 244 x 61 cm, and Concept2 recommends 275 x 122 cm of free space for comfortable rowing.
Does a rowing machine need a power outlet?
The Concept2 RowErg does not: the PM5 runs on batteries in standby mode and is powered by the flywheel while rowing.
What is the maximum user weight for a water rower?
The DKN H2OAr and the DKN WR 180 both support users up to 150 kg.
Ready to choose? View the rowing machines or schedule a visit to the showroom and try out air and water side by side.
