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The value of a high-quality rower cannot be stressed enough for your home gym. It offers a well-rounded, full-body workout experience that is ideal for maintaining good health throughout the year. Whether it’s working out in short bursts or long-winded sessions, choosing the right indoor rower is a must.
With this in mind, it’s essential to look at two standout options in the form of the NordicTrack RW and Concept2 Rower.
This review is going to take a look at what each machine has to offer, how they work, and which one is the right fit for your situation.
Features Head-to-head: What NordicTrack & Concept2 Have to Offer
1. NordicTrack RW Rowers
- RW200
The RW200 offers soft-touch ergonomic handles with pivoting pedals, a gorgeous backlit display, and a classic foldable design that’s ideal for smaller spaces. It is one of the premier indoor rowing machines made by the company and works well due to its exceptional design.
This power-packed indoor rower is an ideal, minimalistic solution that has all the perks a person needs when it comes to working out.
- RW500
The RW500 is a complex rowing machine with a machine capacity of 250 lbs. and a long list of elite features. It provides a beautiful 5″ backlit display, an adjustable console, a flexible seat, and 26 resistance levels for users to toggle through.
Being able to workout with a purpose has never been easier than it is with this powerful machine backing you every step of the way. It also comes with transport wheels making it easier to move around from point A to point B.
- RW600
The 10″ Smart HD touchscreen is a joy to behold with the RW600 and illustrates the beauty of this rowing machine. It is an all-encompassing machine that is power-packed with incredible features including real-time resistance controls and up to 26 resistance levels.
This ensures users can easily customize their workout session to get it to deliver incredible results every time.
It also includes a space-saving design that is easy to manage in tight spaces while still looking robust.
- RW900
When it comes to a well-rounded rowing machine in NordicTrack’s line of rowers, it is time to look at the RW900 because it offers a long list of high-value features including a space-saving design, two types of resistance (Adjustable Air Resistance & Silent Magnetic Resistance) providing added customization, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity.
This is a unique rower that is a perfect addition to any home and comes with an eye-catching 22″ Smart HD Touchscreen Display.
See all NordicTrack Rowing options at Amazon.
2. Concept2
- Model D
This compact rowing machine offers a comprehensive set of usable features including quick-release frame lock mechanisms, adjustable footrests, a robust nickel-plated chain, and a flywheel resistance system making it a joy to use when working out.
If the goal is to get a good sweat in without compromising on relaxation then this is a world-class rower. It has everything a person needs to remain relaxed while working hard.
- Model E
The performance monitor with Model E offers an exceptional selection of data including stroke rate, watts, and pace making it a fascinating addition to any workout routine. It is also easier than ever before to make use of the machine’s Bluetooth connectivity when connecting a device including third-party apps.
The flywheel resistance system is comprehensive and easy to toggle through when it is time to ratchet up the difficulty during a workout routine.
The machine also includes a nickel-plated chain for a smoother rowing experience.
- Dynamic
The Dynamic model is a unique one and offers a wide array of high-value features including the impressive performance monitor, floating footrest for complete versatility, and a high-strength drive cord for impressive resistance.
This is ideal for a more authentic rowing experience that mimics the nuances of rowing out in the water. Just being able to go through a workout session with this machine is truly dynamic.
See all Concept Rowing options at Rogue Fitness
Workout Head-to-Head: Which One Brings the Heat?
1. NordicTrack w/iFit
- Trainer Created Workouts
The iFit program is wonderful because you are going to gain access to trainer created workouts. These are workouts that are specifically crafted for users that are going to be one of these machines. The amount of customization is impossible to beat and it is something that will draw you in.
- Immersive Experience
The immersive nature of the workouts is powerful because it is going to mimic what rowing is all about. These immersive qualities make toggling through the resistance levels a joy.
You can fully personalize how the workout session is and continue to make changes along the way.
- Full-Body Training
The beauty of working out on one of these machines has to do with the iFit program and its full-body emphasis. This means you are going to be working out a wide array of muscles.
These include:
- Back
- Shoulders
- Core
- Legs
Just being able to do this is powerful and illustrates the value of the iFit membership.
- Studio Training
The studio training component is valuable as it is a high production setup. Everything is done by seasoned professionals detailing how to use the machine and how to build your workout.
This is key information that beginners can take advantage of.
See all iFit workout options at Amazon
2. Concept2
- Regatta
It all starts with the Regatta app because this is a powerhouse option. This is a third-party app that works in unison with the Concept2 machines and offers a tremendous set of features.
If you are planning on working out on the machine, you will want this app by your side.
The app provides a long list of features including live classes, workouts, and more ensuring your rowing machine is used wisely. This is wonderful for those who don’t know how to get started or want to keep things as fun as possible.
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- Live and On-Demand Classes
The Concept2 machine can be combined with live and on-demand classes through the Regatta app. This is perfect for those who want to make sure they are optimizing their workout routine.
You also get to learn from some of the best instructors on the planet and they go through comprehensive workouts detailing how the machine needs to be used.
This can be beneficial information for those who want to sweat things out and get fitter.
- Real-Time Metrics
Data is the name of the game with workouts through the Concept2 machine. You are getting to toggle through a wide array of data due to the built-in performance monitoring. This ensures you can play around with the resistance to hit specific metrics.
This is all happening in real-time, which can be a game-changer for those who are serious about getting the most out of a workout session.
- Off-Machine Workouts
The beauty of using the Concept2 machines comes down to the off-machine workouts. The Regatta app is great in this regard and that is what makes it a fun-filled addition to your fitness-friendly lifestyle.
You can toggle through the app and go through a wide array of workouts whether it involves the machine or doesn’t.
This is powerful and truly showcases the well-rounded nature of the workouts especially when combined with the Concept2 rowing machine.
See all Concept workout options
Pricing Comparison: Which Rower is Cheaper?
1. NordicTrack RW Rowers
- RW200 – $799 + Shipping + Taxes
- RW500 – $999 + Shipping + Taxes
- RW600 – $1,299 + Shipping + Taxes
- RW900 – $1,599 + Shipping + Taxes
2. Concept2
- Model D – $900 + Shipping + Taxes
- Model E – $1,100 + Shipping + Taxes
- Dynamic – $1,250 + Shipping + Taxes
These are the prices to focus on when it is time to choose which model is best for your needs. Please note, these prices may change and are dependent on what the manufacturer believes is best at the time.
In general, both brands have a wide array of price points on offer depending on what a user is looking for.
Summary: Final Tips for Deciding if Concept2 or NordicTrack is Best for You
Both companies offer a wonderful selection of rowing machines that deliver a unique set of features. It comes down to understanding your requirements as a user and ensuring the new machine adds value to your home gym.
Keeping this in mind, it is all going to come down to what you want.
The NordicTrack machines are great due to their foldability, multiple resistance levels, iFit program integration, compact design, and overall build quality. If you are someone that wants a storable solution that won’t get in the way then it is best to go through and choose one of these models.
The Concept2 machines are great due to their performance monitoring, third-party compatibility, smooth ride quality, immersive cord, and build quality. If you are someone that is looking to focus on the finer details of performance and want to work with different third-party apps then it’s best to look at one of these models.
In the end, you can’t go wrong with either and both have a good list of benefits to offer – but did they make our top rower of the year? See our top-rated rowing machine below:
