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There are clearly differences between the Proform Sport RL Rower and the Concept 2 RowErg. Discover the most important ones and which rowing machine is the best for you.
The main differences between the Proform Sport RL Rower and the Concept 2 RowErg are that the Proform Sport RL Rower has magnetic resistance, comes with a 30-Day iFIT Family Membership, comes with a device holder, has auto resistance adjustment in certain premium IFIT workouts, and is initially more budget-friendly.
On the flip side, the Concept 2 RowErg has a higher weight limit, air resistance, workouts available without subscription costs, and the ability to connect to a variety of workout apps and devices.
If you are on a tight budget, prefer the silence of the magnetic resistance, and/or like the automatic resistance adjustment in certain premium IFIT workouts, you can consider the ProForm Sport RL Rower.
That being said, if you don’t mind the air resistance, you will likely prefer the durability and flexibility of the Concept 2 RowErg.
This rowing machine can be connected to a variety of workout apps and devices (including IFIT) and typically lasts for many years without any issues.
You can still use the ProForm Sport RL Rower without IFIT but if you want Bluetooth-connected workouts, you do need the premium subscription.
Most important differences ProForm Sport RL Vs Concept 2
The ProForm Sport RL Rower and Concept 2 RowErg are not only from different brands. They also vary in many important features. This will influence what option is the best choice for you.
Some of these differences are more important than others. In the first table below, you can find some of the ones that most people find important when choosing a rowing machine.
| Feature | ProForm Sport RL Rower | Concept 2 RowErg |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 253 Pounds (115 kg) | 500 Pounds (227 kg) |
| Type Of Resistance | Magnetic | Air |
| Workout Programs | 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included | 5 Standard Workouts, 5 Custom Workouts |
| Screen | 5” High-Contrast Display | Small PM5 Monitor |
| Device Holder | Yes | Optional Paid Addition |
| Resistance Options | 24 Digital Resistance Levels (Auto Adjust With Premium IFIT) | 10 (Damper Settings) |
| Inseam Range | 46″ (117 cm) (Distance Center Seat To Center Pedal) | Up To 38″ (96.5 cm) |
| Requires Electric Power | Yes To Use All Functions | No |
| Price Category* | $$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category difference at the time of writing
Other features ProForm Sport RL Vs Concept 2 Rower
Sometimes the smaller differences and common features of the ProForm Sport RL Rower and the Concept 2 RowErg matter too. You can find these in the table below.
| Feature | ProForm Sport RL Rower | Concept 2 RowErg |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Belt | Nickel-Plated Steel Chain |
| Seat Height | Not Mentioned | 14″ |
| Weight | 105.8 Pounds (48 kg) | 57 Pounds (26 kg) |
| Dimensions | 87” L x 22” W x 46.9” H | 96” L x 24” W |
| Recommended Usage Space | Not Mentioned | 108″ x 48″ |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Folded Storage Space | Not Mentioned | 25″ L x 33″ W x 54″ H |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Connect To IFIT With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device | Display On Screen With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device |
| Bluetooth Function | Connects To Compatible Devices Through IFIT | Yes (Including To IFIT) |
| Warranties* | 2 Years Parts, “Labor And Frame Guarantee Upon Warranty Registration” | 5 Years Frame Parts, 2 Years Other Parts |
| Screen Mobility | Can Move Up And Down | Can Move Up, Down, Forward, And Backward |
| Speakers | Yes | No |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences ProForm Sport RL Vs Concept 2 explained
If you know a thing or two about rowing machines and what you want in them, the table of differences between the ProForm Sport RL Rower and the Concept 2 RowErg and a quick look at the prices could be enough to make a decision.
On the other hand, you may also be unsure about what certain features mean and why they are important. To help you make a better decision, some of the differences are explained in more detail below.
Type of resistance
Rowing machines are helpful pieces of fitness equipment because they make the rowing movement harder to do.
By moving more actively and against resistance you start a variety of internal processes that can make you healthier and happier in the long term.
While all rowing machines work on this principle, the way they do it can be different. For example, the ProForm Sport RL Rower works with magnetic resistance whereas the Concept 2 RowErg has air resistance.
Your choice of resistance type influences a few things.
The magnetic resistance of the ProForm Sport RL Rower tends to be more silent. A nice addition is that certain premium IFIT workouts automatically adjust the resistance throughout the session.
The main downside of the ProForm Sport RL Rower in this area is that it requires electricity to function.
On the other side, some people really like the feeling of air rowers. Additionally, they don’t require any electricity besides a few batteries if you want the monitor to work.
The main downside of air rowers is that they can be a bit noisy. Any apartment neighbors or family members may not like this.
In short, the ProForm Sport RL Rower has magnetic resistance. The Concept 2 RowErg has air resistance. Which one is the best varies from person to person and situation to situation.
Winner: Personal preference and situation
Workout programs
Basically any normal way of using a rowing machine offers health benefits. That being said, certain sequences of intensities and time periods are more effective for this than others.
You may also prefer certain sequences or just prefer switching up your training from time to time. For these things, different workout programs can be useful.
At first sight, the ProForm Sport RL Rower may look better in this area. It comes with a 30-day free trial of an IFIT Family Membership. This is a big library with rowing workout classes, scenic rows, and other workouts.
On the other hand, the Concept 2 RowErg “only” comes with 5 standard workouts and the option to set up 5 custom workouts.
However, there are some important things to note about these workout options.
First of all, after the initial 30-day free trial, the IFIT membership comes at a subscription cost. Additionally, while you can still use the ProForm Sport RL Rower without IFIT, you can not connect it to other workout apps.
The workouts that come with the Concept 2 RowErg stay available without subscription costs. On top of that, this rowing machine is compatible with a variety of other workout apps (including IFIT).
You do likely want to invest in a device holder but even with this in mind, this flexibility is a big benefit of the Concept 2 RowErg for many people.
If you plan to use IFIT either way, this difference between the ProForm Sport RL Rower and the Concept 2 RowErg is not that relevant. If not, the Concept 2 RowErg definitely has the advantage.
Winner: Concept 2 RowErg
Price
Even after looking at all of the differences and more in depth explanations, you may be unsure about whether the ProForm Sport RL Rower or the Concept 2 RowErg is the right choice for you.
Something that can sometimes make the decision easier is any price differences. These will of course depend on where you get the machines and can change over time.
That being said, at the time of writing, the ProForm Sport RL Rower is a nice amount more budget-friendly than the Concept 2 RowErg.
Keep in mind that you do need the paid IFIT subscription after the initial trial to do Bluetooth-connected workouts with the ProForm Sport RL Rower.
This also applies to any premium workout apps you want to combine with the Concept 2 RowErg.
If you like the idea of an air rower but find the price of the Concept 2 RowErg too high, there are alternatives that could suit your needs better.
Winner: ProForm Sport RL Rower not considering IFIT subscription
User reviews
The feature differences between the ProForm Sport RL Rower and the Concept 2 RowErg are helpful to get an idea about what rowing machine is the best option for you.
That being said, sometimes customer reviews uncover unexpected downsides and trends in quality control issues.
It is hard to compete against the Concept 2 RowErg in this area. There are a few notes about the small monitor and the sound of the air resistance but overall customers are extremely happy.
On the flip side, the ProForm Sport RL Rower does have some complaints.
These are mainly related to how confusing it can be to get to the point where you can use the rowing machine without the IFIT premium subscription.
This is not the end of the world but does reduce the overall experience of the cardio machine.
Besides that, customers are still relatively happy about the ProForm Sport RL Rower. At the same time, people definitely enjoy the Concept 2 RowErg more.
Is the ProForm Sport RL or Concept 2 RowErg right for you?
In short, the ProForm Sport RL Rower has magnetic resistance, a 30-Day iFIT Family Membership, a built-in device holder, auto resistance adjustment with premium IFIT workouts, and a more budget-friendly initial price.
The Concept 2 RowErg is sturdier, has air resistance, comes with 5 free workout programs, does not need electricity to function, and connects to a variety of workout apps and devices (including IFIT).
Individuals who are on a tight budget, prefer the more silent magnetic resistance, and/or like the automatic resistance adjustment in certain premium IFIT workouts may find the ProForm Sport RL Rower the right choice.
You can also check out the full ProForm Sport RL Rower review if you want a more detailed explanation about what situations this can be the right rowing machine for.
On the other side, for individuals who don’t mind the air resistance, the Concept 2 RowErg can offer amazing rowing workouts for many years to come.
Additionally, while you don’t get the automatic resistance adjustment, you can still combine a premium IFIT subscription with the Concept 2 RowErg if this is something you are interested in.
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