Overview
Features
Quality
Performance
Value
Rating
Overall Score
4.9
Overview
Features
Quality
Performance
Value
Rating
Overall Score
4.7
WaterRower vs Concept 2
Because they are two of the biggest brands in the space, it makes sense to look directly at the WaterRower vs. Concept 2 rowing machines. Many people and gyms compare them both and we aren’t surprised to hear either come up in conversation.
But why rowing machines in the first place? Well, this is one of the only machines that activates every muscle in your body. You’ve got the core, legs, arms, and glute’s all working simultaneously alongside your heart, too. Not only are you building strength everywhere, but you’re also getting an effective cardio workout to build your stamina.
With many workouts, there’s always the risk of injury, as some exercise can often put a lot of strain on your body. But due to the low-impact element of rowing machines, your joints aren’t threatened. This makes a rowing machine the perfect companion for anyone of almost any age, even if you’re older or unfit and require some light exercise.
Something as simple as combining an indoor rowing workout, plenty of sleep, and making sure to drink enough water could be enough to begin to making a meaningful change in the way you feel in your own body.
Let’s take a look at some of the great ways you can use a rowing machine to get fitter:
What Is the WaterRower?
When we compare the WaterRower vs Concept 2, the WaterRower’s ethos is to provide attractive pieces to fit within your home so they can take pride of place. No need to concern yourself about storing it away—although it’s easy to do so with its compact frame.
It uses water resistance to mimic the sound and feel of rowing, creating a smooth ride. This improves your focus and motivation by limiting the potential distractions surrounding you.
Let’s take a closer look at the best and worst elements of the WaterRower, when we compare the WaterRower vs Concept 2:
Pros
- Easily storable and compact
- Great aesthetic with a wood finish
- Durable and long-lasting
- Performance monitor
- Scuff-proof railings
- Absorbs sounds and vibrations
- Minimal noise
- Limited maintenance required
- Register for a 3-year warranty for parts and 5 years for the frame
- Lovely sound of rushing water produced when in use
Cons
- Requires the water to be purified every so often
What Is the Concept 2?
Concept 2 was first introduced to the world by Olympians Dick and Pete Dreissigacker in 1976. In 1981, they came up with their first indoor rower, which went on to become the best-selling rowing machine on the market.
Not only do they produce oars and rowing machines, but they also specialize in other ergs (air resistant products), such as bicycles and ski machines. Their aim is to make these sports accessible to the masses, as they’re absolutely fantastic ways to get fitter at home.
But what is the real difference between the WaterRower vs Concept 2? Well, unlike the WaterRower, the Concept 2 rowing machines harness the power of air to create their resistance. This provides a smooth ride, which you can tailor to yourself—you can speed up when you want, and slow down when you need to.
I want to give the WaterRower vs Concept 2 a fair fight, so let’s see what I think about it in further detail:
Pros
- Scratch-protection, durable finish
- Money-back guarantee within 30 days of purchase
- 2-year warranty on parts and 5 years on the frame
- Air resistance
- Nice height so you won’t feel cramped in a gym setting and your knees won’t be as strained
- Performance monitor
- Nickel-plated chain for durability
- Easily storable and mobile
- Adjustable flywheel airflow
- Smooth operation
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Air rowers can be noisier than water rowers
- Not as strong
WaterRower vs Concept 2
Now that we know a little more about the two brands, WaterRower vs Concept 2, let’s break it down. Below, I have listed the key elements that I think a rowing machine should adhere to, and we’ll see who takes first place.
Durability: WaterRower
Both the WaterRower vs Concept 2 are known for their durability—they’re praised for it by happy customers. Both are made using metal aluminum and steel rails, which limits the possibility of scratches and marks.
However, I think the one that really trumps it here is the WaterRower. Made with sustainable wooden resources, their products are built to last. The wood also absorbs the vibrations made, as a little bonus, so you can rest assured that you’ll get a really smooth, quiet ride.
Also, through the use of water resistance, this actually limits the strain put on the flywheel mechanism within the machine. This way, the mechanism will last longer, so your money will definitely be put to good use.
Resistance: WaterRower
The type of resistance used when we compare the WaterRower vs Concept 2 is probably their biggest difference. WaterRower uses water, and Concept 2 uses air. So which one’s better?
Well, as we’ve already seen, the use of water actually increases durability by limiting the strain put on the inner mechanism. That said, both air and water allow you to tailor the workout to you, so you can row at your own pace, increasing the resistance the faster you go.
But air rowers are a lot noisier than water ones. In fact, the WaterRower not only provides a smooth operation, but it actually mimics the sound of oars in water, which many people love. Both resistances are great, but when it comes to less noise, water wins.
Storage: WaterRower
When putting together a home gym or workout station, space is often a big factor. Most people don’t have a spare room lying around to house huge pieces of equipment. That’s why storage is a key factor when it comes to any machinery.
Most rowing machines these days are foldable, so they can be wheeled out of sight until the next use. This makes it ideal for anyone who doesn’t have a room specifically made for working out and instead uses their rowing machine in front of the TV, for example.
When we look at the WaterRower vs Concept 2, both rowing machines are foldable and storable. The Concept 2 can even be separated into two parts, which means both can be removed from any space easily.
So I guess it’s mainly down to their overall size that will be the decider between the WaterRower vs Concept 2, here. In this respect, the WaterRower is much slimmer and folds smaller than the Concept 2, making it the clear winner.
I think what really sets the WaterRower apart, though, is its beautiful design. Due to the wooden exterior, it acts as almost a decoration piece and wouldn’t look out of place in a study or workroom. So you might not even want to store it away.
Mimics Rowing: Concept 2
Rowing on water is really very different from rowing on a machine. This is because the rowing machine doesn’t account for the movement of the boat, which requires a lot of core strength. It also doesn’t require you to reset your body into the start position after each stroke.
Although the WaterRower uses water resistance to mimic the sound and feel of rowing in water, the Concept 2 nips this in the bud. How? Well, they have their Dynamic Indoor Rower, which has been specifically designed for it.
Made for rowing athletes, the Concept 2 Dynamic Indoor Rower limits the movement of your body weight through each stroke. This makes it the closest comparison to real rowing.
Customer Service: WaterRower
One of the biggest elements of customer service is the warranty. Why? Well, the longer the warranty, the better faith the company clearly has in their product, invoking trust in the customer.
In this regard, both companies excel, with a maximum 5-year warranty. So when it comes to customer service, we have to look at the other end of the spectrum—the post sale support.
Concept 2 is actually known for this, and customers have recommended them as a true connoisseur of customer service. However, both companies provide excellent service here, providing almost unlimited information on how to care for your rower.
So then I guess it comes back down to the warranty as the overall decider between the WaterRower vs Concept 2. Concept 2 has just a 2-year warranty on parts, whereas WaterRower has a 3-year one. That settles it then.
Verdict
When we take a look at the WaterRower vs Concept 2, both companies and products are really great. With two Olympians backing Concept 2, it is a great product. This makes Concept 2 a fantastic, trustworthy brand that provides really well-constructed products.
But when we take a look at our list above, it’s clear who the winner is: WaterRower
I think what gives the WaterRower the edge is its flawless design. Not only is it smaller than the Concept 2, making it easily storable, but the beautiful wooden exterior makes it attractive enough that you probably won’t want to.
Also, the use of water resistance creates a smoother and quieter ride than air. The noise reduction is reduced by the use of wood, which absorbs the vibrations and sounds.
For a really durable, effective machine that will last you for years to come, you can trust the WaterRower.
