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Concept2 RowErg Rower - PM5

Concept 2

Concept2 RowErg Rower - PM5

Buy Now · $990.00

The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 is the industry-standard indoor rowing machine, originally engineered by rowers for rowers and now the default choice for home gyms, CrossFit boxes, and competitive rowing programs alike. A fully-enclosed, chain-driven steel flywheel generates air resistance that scales automatically with effort, with a spiral damper (settings 1-10) that lets rowers dial in how heavy or light the stroke feels. The included PM5 Performance Monitor is widely considered the best console on any rower – it self-calibrates, tracks stroke rate, pace, power, and distance, connects wirelessly to heart-rate belts, and syncs to 40+ third-party apps through Concept2’s own ErgData app for logging and virtual racing. Reviewers consistently praise its commercial-grade durability, with gyms running the same units for a decade or more on minimal maintenance, plus quick assembly and a frame that separates into two pieces for compact storage. The main tradeoffs: it costs more than most home rowers, the PM5’s built-in programming is fairly basic next to newer app-driven smart rowers, and the seat can take a break-in period before it’s fully comfortable.

Power Two D-cell batteries, charged by the flywheel during use
Width 24 in
Length 96 in (separates)
Weight 57 lb (standard legs) / 68 lb (tall legs)
Monitor PM5 (Bluetooth/ANT+)
Warranty 5 yr frame / 2 yr parts
Resistance air (spiral damper)
Seat height 14 in (standard legs) / 20 in (tall legs)
Frame material Aluminum with steel components
Weight capacity 500 lb (Concept2 testing) / 300 lb (EN standard)

What is a Rower?

What a rower is

A rowing machine (erg) is a low-impact, full-body cardio piece — legs, back, and arms drive each stroke — making it a favorite for conditioning and steady-state work that spares the joints. Resistance comes from air (a fan; harder the faster you pull, the CrossFit/Concept2 standard), magnetic (quiet, fixed levels), or water (a smooth, swishing feel).

What to look for

A trustworthy performance monitor (pace, watts, distance) is what makes training measurable — the Concept2 PM5 is the benchmark. Also weigh footprint and storage (many rowers stand or separate for storage) and build quality, since the seat, rail, and handle take daily abuse.

How it compares

Concept2 RowErg Rower - PM5 Concept2 Model C Rower Echo Rower Concept2 Model D Rower - PM5
GymRadar rating 4.89/5 4.89/5 4.91/5 4.81/5
Price $990.00 $895.00
Power Two D-cell batteries, charged by the flywheel during use
Width 24 in 24 in 24 in
Length 96 in (separates) 96 in 99 in (folds to 38) 96 in (separates)
Weight 57 lb (standard legs) / 68 lb (tall legs)
Monitor PM5 (Bluetooth/ANT+) PM2/PM2+ (stock; PM3-PM5 retrofit-compatible) LCD (Bluetooth/ANT+) PM5 (Bluetooth/ANT+)
Warranty 5 yr frame / 2 yr parts 5 yr frame / 2 yr parts 5 yr frame / 2 yr parts
Resistance air (spiral damper) air (damper lever) air (10 dampers) air (spiral damper)
Seat height 14 in (standard legs) / 20 in (tall legs) 14 in
Frame material Aluminum with steel components aluminum
Weight capacity 500 lb (Concept2 testing) / 300 lb (EN standard) 500 lb 500 lb

4.9/5 · 52 GymRadar reviews

Reviews by source

Expert 4.89/5 52 reviews
Youtube 4.8/5 2 reviews

The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 draws near-unanimous acclaim as the class-leading rowing machine, with Garage Gym Reviews calling it the best rower they’ve tested – including pricier machines like the WaterRower – and independent YouTube reviewers echoing it as the sport’s “gold standard.” Its standout dimension is functionality: the PM5 monitor delivers unrivaled stroke accuracy and wireless data transfer, connecting to 40+ third-party training apps via ErgData, while a nickel-plated steel chain and commercial-grade aluminum-and-steel frame give it the durability to run in gyms for a decade-plus with minimal upkeep. Its weakest dimension is value: at $990-$1,155 it costs noticeably more than most home rowers, and the built-in monitor programming is fairly basic next to newer app-driven smart rowers – though strong resale value and near-zero maintenance blunt that premium over the machine’s life.

  • +Functionality: PM5 monitor offers unrivaled stroke accuracy, wireless data transfer, and connects to 40+ third-party training apps via ErgData (Garage Gym Reviews; manufacturer)
  • +Durability: nickel-plated steel chain and commercial-grade construction let gyms run the same units for a decade or more with minimal maintenance (Garage Gym Reviews; manufacturer)
  • +Build quality: contoured seat, padded handle, and adjustable footrests accommodate a wide range of body sizes comfortably (Garage Gym Reviews)
  • +Versatility: adjustable damper (1-10) lets rowers dial in resistance feel, and the frame separates into two pieces with a 500 lb weight capacity for easy home storage (manufacturer; Garage Gym Reviews)
  • +Value: excellent resale value that offsets the upfront cost over time (Garage Gym Reviews)
  • −Value: costs more than $1,000, a real premium versus budget home rowers (Garage Gym Reviews)
  • −Functionality: built-in monitor programming is fairly basic compared to newer app-driven smart rowers (Garage Gym Reviews)
  • −Build quality: seat may harden and cause hand blisters during a break-in period for new users (Garage Gym Reviews)
  • −Durability: nickel-plated chain still needs occasional oiling, though less than an uncoated chain (Garage Gym Reviews; manufacturer)

$990.00

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