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The AssaultRower and Concept 2 RowErg are two popular air rowing machines. Find out their differences and whether the choice is really that hard.
Some of the main differences between the AssaultRower Elite and Concept 2 RowErg are that the Concept 2 RowErg has a higher weight limit, has more damper settings, is lighter, is foldable, has the option to add a device holder, and is more budget-friendly.
On the other hand, the AssaultRower Elite is heavier which can feel better and it has a seat that is somewhat higher off the ground.
If you really like the heavier feel of the AssaultRower or its higher-positioned seat, you could consider investing a bit more in this option.
That being said, it is very likely that you will prefer the features of the Concept 2 RowErg.
This article will also give an overview of the smaller differences and common features between these two rowing machines. Additionally, you can find some of the differences explained in more detail.
Most important differences AssaultRower vs Concept 2
At first sight, the AssaultRower and Concept 2 RowErg look similar. Even so, there are a few important differences that will likely influence your decision.
Some of these differences are more important than others. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most relevant to most people.
| Feature | AssaultRower Elite | Concept 2 RowErg |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 350 Pounds (158 kg) | 500 Pounds (227 kg) |
| Resistance Options | 1 Setting | 10 Damper Settings |
| Weight | 143.3 Pounds (65 kg) | 57 Pounds (26 kg) |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Device Holder | No | Optional Paid Addition |
| Seat Height | 18″ | 14″ |
| Price Category* | $$$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category difference at the time of writing
Other features AssaultRower and Concept 2 RowErg
Before choosing either the AssaultRower Elite or Concept 2 RowErg, you may also want to know about the smaller differences and common features.
| Feature | AssaultRower Elite | Concept 2 RowErg |
|---|---|---|
| Type Of Resistance | Air | Air |
| Drive Type | Chain & Belt | Nickel-Plated Steel Chain |
| Requires Electric Power | No | No |
| Screen | Small Monitor | Small PM5 Monitor |
| Screen Mobility | Can Tilt Up And Down | Can Move Up, Down, Forward, And Backward |
| Workout Programs | 8 Standard Programs | 5 Standard Workouts, 5 Custom Workouts |
| Inseam Range | Not Mentioned | Up To 38″ (96.5 cm) |
| Dimensions | 92.5” L x 20.1” W x 48.6” H | 96” L x 24” W |
| Recommended Usage Space | Not Mentioned | 108″ x 48″ |
| Folded Storage Space | Does Not Apply | 25″ L x 33″ W x 54″ H |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Display On Screen With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device | Display On Screen With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device |
| Bluetooth Function | Yes | Yes |
| Warranties* | 5 Years Frame Warranty, 3 Years Non-Wear Parts, 1 Year Labor Warranty | 5 Years Frame Parts, 2 Years Other Parts |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences AssaultRower vs Concept 2 explained in detail
Even if you are relatively new to rowing machines, a look at the differences between the AssaultRower and Concept 2 RowErg could be enough to make a decision.
That being said, you may still be somewhat unsure about how important certain features are for your personal situation.
Weight limit
Weight limit sounds and is a straightforward rowing machine feature but it matters in multiple ways. First of all, your rowing machine can simply break down if you put it under more pressure than it can hold.
Even if it does not break down, going over the weight limit can speed up wear and tear and void your warranties.
Additionally, the weight limit is some indication of how sturdy the materials and construction of the rowing machines are.
The Concept 2 RowErg positively stands out in terms of its high weight limit of 500 pounds (227 kg).
A downside of many other air rowing machines that try to mimic the Concept 2 RowErg is that they are not able to copy the same sturdiness. The same applies to the AssaultRower with a weight limit of 350 pounds (158 kg).
This is still sturdy enough for most people and uses but it is clear that the Concept 2 RowErg does better in this area.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
Resistance options
Similar to other workouts, rowing machines can be great for your health because they challenge your body. Doing this to the right extent can start a variety of internal processes that can make you fitter and happier in the long term.
On the other hand, you also don’t want to challenge your body too much. This can reduce the effectiveness of your workout and can potentially lead to injuries.
To offer workouts that are challenging enough but not too challenging, rowing machines typically come with some way or another to adjust the resistance.
The same goes for the Concept 2 RowErg. This machine has 10 damper settings that influence how much air the fan has to turn against.
Something unusual about the AssaultRower Elite is that it does not have the ability to adjust resistance. You simply have one setting.
It is true that air rowers become more challenging the harder you row but even then, this is rather lacking for a machine in this price range.
Since different resistance settings are so valuable for keeping your rowing workouts at the right challenge level and keeping things interesting, this is a big advantage of the Concept 2 RowErg.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
Weight
Weight is another straightforward feature but it may be unclear how any differences change your experience of a rowing machine.
Before going into these consequences, the AssaultRower Elite has a total weight of 143.3 pounds (65 kg). The Concept 2 RowErg is a lot lighter at 57 pounds (26 kg).
Both the AssaultRower Elite and Concept 2 RowErg have transport wheels. The first way weight changes things is that it influences how easy it is to move each rowing machine around.
On the other hand, you may enjoy the more sturdy feel of a heavier weight. This makes it at least somewhat harder for your machine to move around during rowing sessions.
In short, the big weight difference between these rowing machines will likely influence your decision to at least some extent.
Whether you prefer the heavier AssaultRower Elite or the lighter Concept 2 RowErg depends on what you want to do with each machine and your personal strength level.
Winner: AssaultRower Elite if you prefer the sturdier feel of a heavier weight
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg if you like the mobility of a lighter weight
Foldable
Most people have at least some limit when it comes to how much space they have to work out.
Even if you have a separate home gym that does not get used for other activities, you likely have other equipment you want to fit in there.
The design of the Concept 2 RowErg takes this into account. You can put it on its side and disassemble it into two parts relatively easily.
On the other hand, AssaultRowers do not have this option.
How much this difference matters depends on where you plan to use the rowing machines and what other exercises and activities you plan to do there.
That being said, having the option to “fold” the Concept 2 RowErg and put it on its side only offers positive effects.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
Price
In terms of features, the Concept 2 RowErg tends to take the upper hand. Something to keep in mind is that this also often comes at a higher price.
The exact price of each rowing machine depends on where you get it and can change over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the Concept 2 RowErg is a decent amount more budget-friendly than the AssaultRower Elite.
This in combination with the feature differences makes it so most people will prefer the Concept 2 RowErg over the AssaultRower Elite.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
User reviews
Looking at the differences in features and prices is a good way to get an idea about whether the AssaultRower Elite or Concept 2 RowErg is the right option for you.
Even so, sometimes customer reviews uncover unexpected downsides or trends in quality control issues.
In the case of the AssaultRower Elite vs the Concept 2 RowErg, the customer reviews are very positive for both options.
There are some mentions about the small monitor and noise of the air fan from the Concept 2 RowErg but these things will also apply to other air rowers like the AssaultRower Elite.
Besides these small notes, customers tend to be very happy with their investments. This applies to both the AssaultRower Elite and the Concept 2 RowErg.
Is the AssaultRower or Concept 2 RowErg better?
In short, the AssaultRower Elite has a higher weight which can feel sturdier and has a seat that is higher off the ground.
On the other side, the Concept 2 Rowerg has a higher weight limit, more damper settings, a lighter weight, the option to fold, the option to get an additional device holder, and a more budget-friendly price.
While there will be a few individuals who prefer the sturdier feel and higher seat of the AssaultRower Elite, most people will like the features and price of the Concept 2 RowErg a lot more.
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