Rowing machines and ergometers
You can buy a rowing machine at Fitnessdepot starting from € 995 for the DKN R-600, up to € 2,995 for the Spirit CRW900 with water resistance. You can test the Endurance R300 air rower in our showroom in Ranst, we will design your space in 3D for free, and our own team will install the rower upon request.
Air, magnetic or water: which rowing machine suits you?
The biggest difference between rowing machines lies in the resistance. There are three types:
- Air resistance (€ 1,195 to € 1,425). A fan slows down the stroke: the harder you pull, the heavier it gets. For example, the Concept2 RowErg or the Endurance R300.
- Magnetic, with or without air (€ 995 to € 2,495). You choose a fixed level, often with buttons in the handlebar. For example, the DKN R-600 or the Sole SR550.
- Water resistance (€ 1,495 to € 2,995). Paddles rotate in a water tank, so the resistance increases with your pace. The feel and sound are close to rowing on open water. For example, the DKN H2OAr or the Spirit CRW900.
Rowing machines compared
All rowers from this table can be tested side by side in our showroom in Ranst.
| Rower | Resistance | Core specs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DKN R-600 | Air and magnetic | 8 levels, aluminium rail | € 995 |
| Concept2 RowErg | Air | PM5 monitor | € 1,195 |
| Endurance R300 | Air | 8 programs | € 1,195 |
| DKN AR Pro | Air | 10 levels, stainless steel rail | € 1,195 |
| DKN H2OAr | Water | Paddles in water tank | € 1,495 |
| Spirit CRW800+ | Air and magnetic | 16 levels, commercial | € 1,595 |
| DKN WR 180 | Water | 16 levels, 500m time | € 1,795 |
| Sole SR550 | Air and magnetic | 25.7 cm touchscreen | € 2,195 |
| DKN AR Pro X | Magnetic | 15 levels, chain drive | € 2,495 |
| Spirit CRW900 | Water | Wooden frame, dual tank | € 2.995 |
This collection also includes the Concept2 BikeErg: an air resistance bike featuring the same PM5 monitor.
What should you look out for?
Damper or level
A damper is not a resistance level. On the RowErg, it regulates the amount of air entering the flywheel: settings 1 to 3 feel light and fast, while settings 7 to 10 feel heavy. Your actual workload is determined by your own strength.
Height and storage
A rower during use easily measures 244 x 61 cm, like the RowErg. This model splits into two parts. The R-600 and AR Pro can be folded, the SR550 and CRW800+ can be folded up, and the CRW900 can be placed upright.
Seat height and long legs
The standard RowErg sits at 36 cm, while the RowErg with high legs sits at 51 cm. The CRW800+ sits at 38 cm and the H2OAr features a raised seat. The RowErg accommodates an inseam up to 96.5 cm, and a longer monorail is available upon request. The rail of the SR550 fits users up to 200 cm tall.
Maximum user weight
The RowErg supports 227 kg and the CRW800+ supports 200 kg. The SR550 and AR Pro X go up to 180 kg, while the R300 and H2OAr go up to 150 kg.
Showroom tip: keep free space behind the seat and in front of the footplates. If you store the rower upright after use, also measure whether it fits under your ceiling in the corner.
Which rowing machine for whom?
- At home: choose based on feel and storage space. If the equipment needs to be put away after use, a foldable R-600 is convenient. See also how to build the ideal home gym.
- PT studio: the RowErg measures pace, watts, and distance in a way that makes times comparable across equipment and gyms. Useful for HYROX, where a 1,000 m row is a standard event. More can be found on fitness equipment for personal trainers.
- Physiotherapy practice: rowing is a smooth, impact-free movement. A higher seat makes getting on and off easier. View fitness equipment for physiotherapists.
- Hotel and corporate gym: the CRW800+ is built for fitness clubs, hotels, and schools, featuring resistance in the handle. See also custom corporate fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: an air rower or a water rower?
That depends on the feel you are looking for: air responds immediately to every stroke, while water feels more natural. If you are in doubt, try both.
Which muscles do you train with a rowing machine?
You train your legs, core, back, arms, and shoulders with every stroke. Most of the work comes from your legs, not your arms.
How quiet is a rowing machine in an apartment?
Magnetic resistance is the quietest, with air you hear the fan, and with water you hear the splashing. For your neighbors, contact noise through the floor matters most: place the rower on rubber tiles.
Do I need a power outlet for a rowing machine?
Most models do not. The PM5 from Concept2 is powered by the flywheel, while the R300 and CRW800+ generate their own power. Only the SR550 requires a power outlet due to its touchscreen and Wi-Fi.
Do you deliver and install the rowing machine?
Yes, delivery within the Benelux is free from € 199 and you have a 30-day trial period. Installation by our own team costs € 75 to approximately € 350 per machine, including assembly and removal of packaging (more about installation).
Can I test a rowing machine first, and what warranty do I get?
Yes, you can test the R300 in our showroom in Ranst, and you get a 2-year warranty on every rowing machine. You can drop by freely from Monday to Thursday from 8 AM to 6:30 PM, Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, or you can make an appointment.
Want to know more? In our guide, we compare air, magnetic, and water resistance in detail.
Read the guideAdvice by Erik Martens, co-founder of Fitnessdepot. Prices updated on October 31, 2026.