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The ProForm 750R Rower and Concept 2 RowErg do not only look different. Their features make them better for different individuals and situations.
Some of the main differences between the ProForm 750R Rower and the Concept 2 RowErg are that the ProForm 750R Rower can connect to IFIT with auto resistance adjustment options, has magnetic resistance, has a built-in device holder, and is initially a bit more budget-friendly.
Do keep in mind that the IFIT Membership requires an extra investment after the initial free trial.
On the other side, the Concept 2 RowErg has a higher weight limit, air resistance, more free workouts, does not require electric power (besides the display batteries) to function, and has more positive customers.
There is also the option to get a separate Concept 2 RowErg device holder to follow other workouts and watch entertainment.
If you like the idea of IFIT workouts with their automatic resistance adjustment and/or don’t like the sound and feel of air rowers, you will likely want to choose the ProForm 750R Rower.
If you don’t mind the air resistance or like it, you will likely want to go for the Concept 2 RowErg. People are generally really happy with the performance and durability of this rowing machine.
On top of that, you can use the Concept 2 RowErg and its free built-in workouts basically anywhere.
Important differences ProForm 750R Rower vs Concept 2
The Proform 750R Rower and Concept 2 RowErg are two very different rowing machines. This influences what machine is the best for what people and situations.
At the same time, some differences are more important than others. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to help you make a decision.
| Feature | ProForm 750R Rower | Concept 2 RowErg |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 250 Pounds (113 kg) | 500 Pounds (227 kg) |
| Type Of Resistance | Magnetic | Air |
| Screen | 5” High-Contrast Display | Small PM5 Monitor |
| Device Holder | Yes | Optional Paid Addition |
| Workout Programs | 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included | 5 Standard Workouts, 5 Custom Workouts |
| Resistance Options | 24 Digital Resistance Levels (With IFIT Auto Adjust) | 10 (Damper Settings) |
| Requires Electric Power | Yes To Use All Functions | No |
| Inseam Range | 46″ (117 cm) (Distance Center Seat To Center Pedal) | Up To 38″ (96.5 cm) |
| Price Category* | $$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Other features ProForm 750R Rower and Concept 2
Before choosing either the ProForm 750R Rower or the Concept 2 RowErg you may also want to know about the smaller differences and common features.
| Feature | ProForm 750R Rower | Concept 2 RowErg |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Belt | Nickel-Plated Steel Chain |
| Seat Height | Not Mentioned | 14″ |
| Weight | 116 Pounds (52.6 kg) | 57 Pounds (26 kg) |
| Dimensions | 86.5” L x 22” W x 45.5” H | 96” L x 24” W x x” H |
| Recommended Usage Space | Not Mentioned | 108″ x 48″ |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Folded Storage Space | 43″ L x 22″ W x 45″ H | 25″ L x 33″ W x 54″ H |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Not Mentioned | Display On Screen With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device |
| Bluetooth Function | Connects To Compatible Devices Through IFIT | Yes |
| Warranties* | 5 Years Frame Warranty, 1 Year Parts And Labor Warranty | 5 Years Frame Parts, 2 Years Other Parts |
| Screen Mobility | Can Move Up And Down, No Tilt | Up, Down, Forward, And Backward |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences ProForm 750R Rower vs Concept 2 explained
People who are more experienced with rowing machines could be able to choose between the ProForm 750R Rower and Concept 2 RowErg by taking a look at the table of differences and the prices.
However, you may also still be unsure about what certain features mean, why they are important, and to what extent they matter in your personal situation.
Some of the differences are explained in more detail below so you can make an informed decision.
Weight limit
The weight limit of a rowing machine is a somewhat straightforward feature but it matters in multiple ways.
First of all, the ProForm 750R Rower has a relatively low weight limit of 250 pounds (113 kg). The Concept 2 RowErg is a lot sturdier with a weight limit of 500 pounds (227 kg).
Most people realize that going over these numbers can simply cause the rowing machine to break down. However, even if they don’t, going over the weight limits can speed up wear and tear and void your warranties.
Additionally, the weight limits are somewhat of an indication of how sturdy the materials and construction of the rowing machines are.
As you can see, the Concept 2 RowErg performs a lot better in this area. This rowing machine is also well-known for how well it does its job for so many years.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
Type of resistance
Many of the benefits of rowing machines come from making certain movements more challenging to do. In turn, this can start a variety of internal processes that can make you fitter and happier in the long term.
This principle applies to all rowing machines but there are different ways to create this resistance.
For example, the ProForm 750R Rower works with magnetic resistance. One of the main benefits of magnetic resistance is that it is silent. You may also like the feeling of this type of resistance.
One downside is that magnetic rowers like the ProForm 750R typically require electricity to use as desired.
On the other hand, there is the Concept 2 RowErg with air resistance. This involves making a fan turn against air resistance. Again, some people really prefer the feel of this specific resistance type.
Additionally, air resistance does not require any electricity which makes it easier to set up and use in different places.
The main downside of air resistance is that it can be a bit noisy. Any family members or other people in the room next to you will not always appreciate this.
In short, both the magnetic resistance from the ProForm 750R Rower and the air resistance of the Concept 2 RowErg have their advantages and disadvantages.
Winner: Personal preference and situation
Screen
Most big cardio machines have some way or another to show you a variety of workout measurements. These can help you find your desired pace and compare your workouts with each other.
The ProForm 750R Rower comes with a relatively simple 5” high-contrast display built-in. This displays things like strokes, time, distance, calories burned, and resistance stats.
Customers mention that these measurements are not always the most accurate.
On the other side, the built-in PM5 Monitor screen of the Concept 2 RowErg is still relatively small but a bit more extensive because of the extra workouts that are built-in (more about this later).
At the same time, you still get measurements like distance, pace, watts, an estimation of calories burned, and heart rate if you connect your own Bluetooth heart rate monitor.
The PM5 Monitor is well-known for its accuracy but some people find it a bit too challenging to read.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg in terms of functionality and accuracy
Winner: ProForm 750R Rower in terms of readability
Device holder
The screens of the ProForm 750R Rower and Concept 2 RowErg may seem a bit lacking for this price point.
However, something important to note is that you can use your own smart devices to improve your exercise experience.
A device holder is built into every ProForm 750R Rower. In the case of the Concept 2 RowErg, you have to get this separately. This device holder is relatively inexpensive but does require some extra attention.
By being able to look at your smart device, you enable yourself to follow more different workouts and watch entertainment if that is something you want to do.
Winner: ProForm 750R Rower, separate attachment for the Concept 2 RowErg
Workout programs
Most normal ways of using rowing machines offer health benefits. However, certain sequences of intensities and time periods will be more effective for this than others.
You may also like certain rowing workouts more and simply changing up your routine can make your exercise routine more fun.
The main options for the ProForm 750R Rower come from its compatibility with IFIT. This is a membership where you get access to a library of workout videos.
These include rowing workout classes, scenic rows, and workout classes of other types of exercise. Keep in mind that this is a paid subscription after the initial free trial.
Additionally, you need your own smart device to be able to follow IFIT.
You could also just follow rowing workouts from other places like Youtube but then you don’t have access to the IFIT resistance auto-adjust feature.
On top of that, your smart device will likely cover the resistance adjustment buttons which is inconvenient.
The Concept 2 RowErg keeps things more simple. This machine has 5 standard workouts and the option to set up 5 custom workouts.
You can also connect the monitor to many workout apps but don’t get automatic resistance adjustment.
In short, most people will enjoy the IFIT workouts of the ProForm 750R Rower the most. However, many people also find IFIT too pricey.
In that case, the Concept 2 RowErg offers more functionality. Additionally, you can also connect your Concept 2 to certain workout apps with classes and scenic rows. These are not the exact same but fun anyway.
Winner: ProForm 750R Rower if you like IFIT and its auto resistance adjustments and don’t mind the subscription cost
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg if you don’t want subscription costs or don’t care about auto resistance adjustments
Requires electric power
The next difference between the ProForm 750R Rower and Concept 2 RowErg was briefly discussed before but deserves a small extra explanation.
To use the ProForm 750R Rower to its full extent you will need to use the machine close to an outlet. On the other hand, the Concept 2 RowErg can be used anywhere with enough room.
This makes the Concept 2 RowErg a lot easier to set up. Both in terms of finding a good spot to put it and the actual installation process.
On top of these things, it is easier to take use your Concept 2 RowErg outside or on the move.
The Concept 2 RowErg is also a popular choice for local gyms for these reasons.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
Price
The ProForm 750R Rower and Concept 2 RowErg both have their advantages and disadvantages. Something that can make choosing a rowing machine easier is any big price differences.
Exactly how much each machine costs depends on where you get them and can change over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the ProForm 750R Rower is a nice amount more budget-friendly than the Concept 2 RowErg.
Do keep in mind that the IFIT Membership requires an extra investment after the initial free trial.
This also applies to any premium workout apps you want to use in combination with the Concept 2 RowErg but this rowing machine also comes with free workouts.
If you like air rowers but the Concept 2 RowErg price tag sounds a bit high, you could consider other alternatives that are lower-quality but more budget-friendly.
Winner: ProForm 750R Rower
User reviews
When deciding between the ProForm 750R Rower and the Concept 2 RowErg the feature and price differences are really helpful.
Even so, customer reviews sometimes uncover unexpected downsides or trends in quality issues.
First of all, it is hard to compete against the Concept 2 RowErg in this area. It is hard to find products where customers are more positive than this rower.
There are some exceptional mentions about the sound of the air rower and the relatively small screen. However, people are generally really happy with their Concept 2 RowErg.
On the other hand, there are a few cases where customers of the ProForm 750R Rower have to deal with faulty parts and fast wear and tear.
Some people also find it challenging to figure out how to use their rowing machine with the free IFIT. Additionally, it can be annoying that the device holder covers the resistance adjustment buttons.
So overall, customers are still relatively happy with the ProForm 750R Rower but users are definitely more positive about the Concept 2 RowErg.
Is the ProForm 750R Rower or Concept 2 better for you?
In short, the Concept 2 RowErg has a higher weight limit, air resistance, more free workouts, and does not require electric power (besides the display batteries) to function.
You can also get a separate device holder to follow workouts from other places with your Concept 2 RowErg.
On the other side, the ProForm 750R Rower has the auto resistance adjust in certain premium IFIT workouts, a built-in device holder, magnetic resistance, and a slightly more budget-friendly price.
Do keep in mind that the IFIT membership requires an extra cost after the initial free trial.
Individuals who are interested in IFIT workouts with the automatic resistance adjustment and/or don’t like the sound or feel of air rowers will likely prefer the ProForm 750R Rower.
People who don’t mind the air resistance will likely prefer the Concept 2 RowErg. This quality rowing machine is very durable, comes with built-in workouts, can be used in different places, and has many really happy customers.
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