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While they are in a similar price range, the Octane Ro Rower and Concept 2 RowErg still vary in many areas. Find out what the right choice is for what situations.
Some of the main differences between the Octane Ro Rower and the Concept 2 RowErg are that the Octane Ro Rower will likely be slightly more silent, has a slightly higher seat, and has longer warranties in certain areas.
On the other side, the Concept 2 RowErg has a higher weight limit, an optional device holder (bought separately), more Bluetooth functionality, and customer reviews that are a lot more positive.
If you absolutely want to avoid as much noise as possible, you could consider the Octane Ro Rower.
That being said, you will likely prefer the feeling, durability, and proven track record of the Concept 2 RowErg more.
Important differences Octane Ro Rower Vs Concept 2
The Octane Ro Rower and Concept 2 RowErg do not only look different. These rowing machines also vary in many important areas.
This will influence what model the best option is for your personal situation.
At the same time, some differences will be more important than others. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to play a role in your decision.
| Feature | Octane Ro Rower | Concept 2 RowErg |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Reviews | Somewhat Positive | Very Positive |
| Weight Limit | 350 Pounds (160 kg) | 500 Pounds (227 kg) |
| Type Of Resistance | Magnetic + Air | Air |
| Drive Type | Belt | Nickel-Plated Steel Chain |
| Screen | 7″ Backlit LCD | Small PM5 Monitor |
| Device Holder | No | Optional Paid Addition |
| Bluetooth Function | Only Connects To Heart Rate Monitor | Yes |
| Weight | 129 Pounds (58 Kg) | 57 Pounds (26 kg) |
| Warranties* | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 3 Years Parts Warranty, And 1 Year Labor Warranty | 5 Years Frame Parts And 2 Years Other Parts |
| Price Category** | $$$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Other features Octane Ro Rower and Concept 2 RowErg
Before choosing either the Octane Ro Rower or Concept 2 RowErg, you may also want to know about their smaller differences and common features. These can be important too.
| Feature | Octane Ro Rower | Concept 2 RowErg |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Options | 10 Resistance Levels | 10 Damper Settings |
| Workout Programs | 6 Workout Programs | 5 Standard Workouts, 5 Custom Workouts |
| Seat Height | 17″ (43 cm) | 14″ (35.6 cm) |
| Dimensions | 94” L x 24” W x 47” H | 96” L x 24” W |
| Recommended Usage Space | Not Mentioned | 108″ x 48″ |
| Foldable | No But Can Be Tilted | Yes |
| Storage Space | Around 47″ L x 24″ W x 93″ H | 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 |
| Inseam Range | Not Mentioned | Up To 38″ (96.5 cm) |
| Multi Grip Handlebar | Yes | No |
| Screen Mobility | Can Tilt | Can Move Up, Down, Forward, And Backward |
| Speakers | No | No |
| Requires Electric Power | No | No |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Octane Ro Rower vs Concept 2 explained
A lot of people will quickly notice that the Concept 2 RowErg is a better choice than the Octane Ro Rower for them.
On the flip side, you may still be uncertain about what certain features mean, why they matter, and to what extent the difference should influence your decision.
You can find some of the most confusing features explained in more detail below.
Type of resistance
Cardio machines like rowers can help you challenge your body. Doing this can start a variety of internal processes that make you happier and healthier in the long term.
While all regular rowing machines are based on this concept, they can create the resistance in different ways.
For example, the Octane Ro Rower uses a combination of magnetic and air resistance. As the name implies, magnetic resistance involves slowing down the movement of a wheel with magnets.
Air resistance means your rowing movements make a fan turn against the resistance of the air.
On the other side, the Concept 2 RowErg only uses air resistance.
One of the main benefits of magnetic resistance is that it is silent. Air resistance is mostly helpful because it does not require electricity and because many people like the feeling of this type of resistance.
A downside of air resistance is that it can be a bit noisy.
The Octane Ro Rower will likely be somewhat more silent than the Concept 2 RowErg but in return, you don’t get the complete air resistance experience.
Winner: Octane Ro Rower if you want to be as silent as possible
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg if you want the full air resistance experience
Drive type
The drive of a rowing machine is basically the “cord” that connects the handle to the spinning wheel.
This is not necessarily the most important part of the rowing machine but many people do not realize what is meant by “drive” and why it is important.
The Octane Ro Rower has a drive belt. In simpler words, this means a fabric flat “cord”. Drive belts tend to require less maintenance but not always.
On the flip side, the Concept 2 RowErg has a nickel-plated steel chain. Steel chains can sometimes require extra maintenance on cardio machines like exercise bikes.
However, here and there, customers of the Concept 2 RowErg mention that they have been using their rowing machine for many years without any maintenance.
On top of that, many rowing machine users really like the feeling of a steel chain drive over the feeling of a belt drive.
So while there can be individual differences in personal preferences, the drive of the Concept 2 RowErg is typically considered to be better.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
Device holder
Both the Octane Ro Rower and Concept 2 RowErg come with small screens. These display a variety of workout measurements.
In the case of the Concept 2 Rower, the monitor can also connect to certain workout apps. However, to look at these workout apps, you need to be able to look at a smart device with the app.
Additionally, some people like to watch entertainment on their smart devices while working out. This can make your exercise sessions more fun.
If you want to do one of these things, you need to get the Concept 2 RowErg and the optional device holder.
While you can still put the Octane Ro Rower in front of something like a TV, this rowing machine does not include or offer a device holder.
Many people are happy with just a few basic workouts and workout measurements. These individuals will not care too much about the difference in this area.
On the other side, a lot of people do enjoy workout apps and watching entertainment during their exercise sessions. In that case, it is relatively straightforward to choose the Concept 2 RowErg.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
Price
In terms of features, the Octane Ro Rower and Concept 2 RowErg each have their upsides and downsides. Something to keep in mind is that price typically matters too when choosing a rowing machine.
Exactly how much of an investment each rowing machine requires depends on where you get them and can change over time.
That being said, at the time of writing, the Concept 2 RowErg is slightly more budget-friendly than the Octane Ro Rower. Good deals could swing the difference in the other way.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
User reviews
The price and feature differences of two rowing machines like the Octane Ro Rower and Concept 2 RowErg often give a good idea of what the best model is for your situation.
Even so, customer reviews sometimes reveal downsides that are not in the product description or trends in quality issues.
In this comparison, there is a clear difference in this area. The Octane Ro Rower does not have that many reviews so far but customers currently tend to be a lot more positive about the Concept 2 RowErg.
So far, the main issues of the Octane Ro Rower are parts that arrive broken and a design that some people find uncomfortable.
On the other side, there are a few cases where customers found the Concept 2 RowErg a bit noisy and the screen a bit too small.
That being said, these are definitely exceptions. There are not many cardio machines with more positive customer reviews than the Concept 2 Rowers.
Is the Octane Ro Rower or Concept 2 right for you?
In short, the Octane Ro Rower will likely be slightly more silent, has a slightly higher seat, and has longer warranties in certain areas.
On the other hand, the Concept 2 RowErg has a higher weight limit, an optional device holder (bought separately), more Bluetooth functionality, and customer reviews that are a lot more positive.
Individuals who want to avoid noise at all costs could consider the Octane Ro Rower.
That being said, most people will like the feeling and durability of the Concept 2 RowErg more.
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