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The Concept 2 Rower and NordicTrack RW900 are two popular rowing machines. Find out their differences and which one is the right choice for you.
Some of the main differences between the Concept 2 Rower and NordicTrack RW900 are that the Concept 2 RowErg is sturdier, is easier to move, does not require electricity, has a slightly bigger inseam range, and is a good amount more budget-friendly.
On the other hand, the NordicTrack RW900 will be slightly more silent and offers immersive IFIT workouts on its big screen.
If you like the IFIT workouts to make your exercise sessions more fun and to improve consistency, the NordicTrack RW900 could be worth the extra investment.
Do keep in mind that you want a paid IFIT subscription to make the most out of this machine. Additionally, every once in a while, customers mention issues with IFIT and the NordicTrack screen.
If you don’t mind the smaller PM5 monitor and just want many amazing air rowing workouts for many years to come at a reasonable price, you will likely prefer the Concept 2 RowErg.
Important differences Concept 2 Rower vs NordicTrack RW900
The Concept 2 RowErg and NordicTrack RW900 are two different rowing machines that vary in many areas. These things influence what option is the best for you.
At the same time, not all of these differences are equally important. In the first table below, you can find some of the features that will likely influence your decision the most.
| Feature | Concept 2 RowErg | NordicTrack RW900 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 500 Pounds (227 kg) | 250 Pounds (113 kg) |
| Type Of Resistance | Air | Magnetic + Air |
| Screen | Small PM5 Monitor | 22” HD Touchscreen |
| Resistance Options | 10 (Damper Settings) | 26 Digital Resistance Levels |
| Requires Electric Power | No | Yes To Use All Functions |
| Inseam Range | Up To 38″ | Customer Mention Of Up To 36″ |
| Price* | $$$ | $$$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price difference at the time of writing
Other features Concept 2 Rower and NordicTrack RW900
You may also want to know about the smaller differences and common features between the Concept 2 RowErg and the NordicTrack RW900. The table below gives you an overview.
| Feature | Concept 2 RowErg | NordicTrack RW900 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Nickel-Plated Steel Chain | Belt |
| Seat Height | 14″ | Not Mentioned |
| Weight | 57 Pounds (26 kg) | 163 Pounds (73.9 kg) Box Weight |
| Dimensions | 96” L x 24” W x x” H | 82” L x 22” W x 54” H |
| Recommended Usage Space | 108″ x 48″ | Not Mentioned |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Folded Storage Space | 25″ L x 33″ W x 54″ H | Not Mentioned |
| 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 |
| Tablet Holder | Optional Paid Addition | No |
| Workout Programs | 5 Standard Workouts, 5 Custom Workouts | 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included |
| Warranties* | 5 Years Frame Parts, 2 Years Other Parts | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 2 Years Parts Warranty, 1 Year Labor Warranty |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences Concept 2 Rower vs NordicTrack RW900 in detail
If you are familiar with rowing machines and know what you want in them, a look at the most important differences and the prices of the Concept 2 RowErg and the NordicTrack RW900 could be enough to make a decision.
It is also possible that you are still unsure about exactly what certain features mean and how much the differences should influence your decision.
You can find some of the most important differences between the Concept 2 RowErg and the NordicTrack RW900 explained in more detail below. This can help you choose the right model.
Weight limit
The weight limit is a relatively straightforward feature but worth mentioning since it is so important. Additionally, the difference between these two rowing machines is relatively big.
More specifically, the Concept 2 RowErg has a weight limit of 500 pounds (227 kg). The NordicTrack RW900 has a relatively low weight limit of 250 pounds (113 kg).
You generally want to stay below these numbers to avoid the rowing machine breaking down, speeding up wear and tear, and warranty void.
Additionally, even if you are nowhere near these weight limits, they are still an indication of how sturdy the materials and construction of the rowing machines are.
The Concept 2 RowErg is famous for its sturdy construction and years of usage without issues. On the other hand, the weight limit of the NordicTrack rower is not very encouraging.
In short, even if you are within the weight limit of the NordicTrack RW900, you likely want to go for the Concept 2 RowErg if you plan to use your rowing machine a lot and intensely.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
Type of resistance
Working out is about challenging your body enough to start a variety of processes that can make it stronger in the long term. To do this, you need some type of resistance. The same goes for rowing machines.
Rowing machines can offer this resistance in different ways. Your choice influences things like the feel of the rowing workouts.
The Concept 2 RowErg completely makes use of air resistance, a fan turning against air. As you pull harder, the resistance increases.
The NordicTrack RW900 also makes use of air resistance but only partly. It also combines air resistance with magnetic resistance.
Which type of resistance is the best for you partly depends on personal preference. However, something to note is that air resistance tends to be louder than magnetic resistance.
On the other hand, using the magnetic resistance on the NordicTrack RW900 does require electricity which makes it less flexible in terms of where you can use the rowing machine.
Winner: Personal preference and situation
Screen
Another important feature that will influence your choice between the Concept 2 RowErg and NordicTrack RW900 a lot is the screen.
You don’t have to look for a long time to see the difference between these two rowing machines in this area. The Concept 2 RowErg has a solid but relatively small PM5 Monitor.
This monitor keeps track of distance, pace, watts, and an estimation of calories burned. You can also connect it to other devices through Bluetooth and connect a wireless heart rate monitor to it.
There are also 5 standard workouts built into the PM5 Monitor and you can create 5 Custom Workouts.
On the flip side, the NordicTrack RW900 has a big 22” HD Touchscreen. This screen can display a variety of workout measurements but the main use is still the IFIT workouts.
These IFIT workouts involve a variety of rowing workout classes and immersive rowing videos from locations around the world.
One of the main goals of the big screen of the NordicTrack RW900 and the IFIT workouts is to make your exercise sessions more fun. In turn, this can also help with staying consistent which offers a lot of benefits.
Something you do want to keep in mind is that after the initial free trial, IFIT is a paid subscription. You do want this subscription to get the most out of your NordicTrack rower.
Additionally, besides workout tracking and the IFIT workouts, the screen of the NordicTrack RW900 is not that great. You can not use it for things like watching TV and browsing the internet.
Winner: NordicTrack RW900 if you like immersive workouts and don’t mind the paid IFIT subscription
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg if you prefer a simple monitor
Price
Up until now, your choice between the Concept 2 RowErg and the NordicTrack RW900 depends a lot on the preference of screen and whether you plan to get the IFIT subscription.
Another factor that influences most people’s decisions a good amount is the investment required for each rowing machine.
The exact price difference depends on where you get your rowing machine and changes over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the Concept 2 RowErg is a good amount more budget-friendly than the NordicTrack RW900.
Especially if you consider the additional IFIT subscription cost of the NordicTrack RW900 which is one of the main reasons why you would get this rowing machine.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
User reviews
The feature and price differences between the Concept 2 RowErg and the NordicTrack RW900 can help you get an idea about what machine is the best for you.
Even so, looking at the customer reviews of each rowing machine can uncover some unexpected downsides and any quality issues that tend to happen.
It is hard to find any product that gets more praise and fewer complaint from customers than the Concept 2 RowErg.
There are a few exceptional mentions about preferring a bigger monitor and the sound of the air resistance but these types of reviews are uncommon.
On the other hand, there are definitely a few areas where NordicTrack and their RW900 rower can improve.
First of all, there are a decent number of cases where the screen and IFIT subscription initially had issues. These range from the screen not working to having trouble activating the subscription.
Secondly, NordicTrack customer support tends to be rather slow in both their responses and actions.
When things go as they are supposed to, customers are happy with the immersive IFIT workouts from the NordicTrack RW900. Even so, customers definitely tend to be happier with their Concept 2 RowErg.
Is the Concept 2 Rower or NordicTrack RW900 right for you?
In short, the Concept 2 RowErg is a sturdier construction, does not require electricity, is easier to move around, has a slightly bigger inseam range, and is a good amount more budget-friendly.
On the other hand, the NordicTrack RW900 has more silent magnetic resistance combined with air resistance and a big screen for immersive IFIT workouts.
Do keep the relatively low weight limit of the NordicTrack RW900 in mind. Additionally, you want a paid IFIT subscription to get the most out of your NordicTrack RW900.
For individuals who weigh less than 250 pounds (113 kg) and who like the idea of immersive IFIT workouts to make exercise sessions more fun and improve consistency, the NordicTrack RW900 could be worth the extra investment.
People who don’t mind the smaller PM5 monitor and just want amazing air rowing workouts for many years to come will find the Concept 2 RowErg an amazing choice.
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