Assault Rower Vs Concept 2: Which Is Better?

Choosing the right rowing machine will improve your workout routine and fitness. So today, we will compare the Assault Rower Pro and Concept 2. 

Both are great indoor rowing machines. But which is better? Find out in this Assault Rower vs Concept 2 review.

Being a personal trainer, I have used rowing machines dozens of times. It’s going to give your major muscle areas a good exercise. Rowing is a heavy cardio activity, but it can also be low impact.

Having one of those rowers at home will help you improve your cardio and strength. However, only purchase a rower if you are REALLY going to use it. 

Why do I say that? I have some clients with a rowing machine who end up never using it. Because rowing alone in your home gym can be hard and boring. 

So make sure you also have other equipment and bring variation into your workouts. 

After using the Assault Rower Pro, I found it offers a challenging setup. The harder I row, the stronger the resistance I feel. That means I can control the resistance while I’m actually rowing.

Meanwhile, the Concept 2 RowErg is good for those who want smooth, consistent rowing. I can adjust the damper and either add or lessen its air intake. Just like shifting a bike’s gear. The higher the level, the heavier the rowing.

However, weight capacity is also important. For example, the Assault Rower can hold up to 350 lbs (158 kg), while the RowErg 500 lbs (227 kg). That means if I already weigh 400 lbs, I could use the RowErg.

No matter what rowing machine you pick, what’s important is how motivated you will feel to be consistent with your workout plan.

To help gauge their differences, keep reading.

Table of Contents

• Features Assault Rower Vs Concept 2
  • Resistance
  • Construction
  • Console
  • Workout Programs
  • Weight Capacity
  • Noise Level
  • Maintenance
  • Price and Warranty
• Assault Rower Vs Concept 2: The Winner
• Which rower is best for YOU?
  • Which rower is best for your budget?
  • Which rower is best for beginners?
  • Which rower is best for your fitness level?
• What to do next?

Features	Assault Rower Pro	Concept 2 RowErg
Dimensions	Length: 92 in (233 cm) Width: 22 in (55 cm) Height: 45 in (110 cm)	Length: 96 in (243 cm) Width: 24 in (60 cm) Height: with standard legs 14 in (35 cm), with tall legs 20 in (50 cm)
Monitor	LCD with buttons	PM5
Power Requirement	No electricity	2 D cell batteries
Resistance	Air	Air
Noise Level	Noisy	Fairly noisy
Material	Steel and aluminum	Steel and aluminum
Maximum User Weight	350 lbs (158.75 kg)	500 lb (227 kg) as tested by Concept2. 300 lb (135 kg) as tested per European Stationary Fitness Equipment Testing Standard EN 20957-7.
Product Weight	109 lbs (49.44 kg)	With standard legs 57 lb (26 kg), with tall legs 68 lb (31 kg)
Storage	Can be stored upright Has front wheels for transport	Can be separated into two parts
Warranty	7 years for frame 3 years for parts	5 years for frame 2 years for parts 30-day money-back guarantee

Features Assault Rower Vs Concept 2

Resistance

Both the Assault Rower and Concept 2 have air resistance systems. This allows you to row at different speeds based on your desired workout. That means when you row harder, the row itself gets harder, too.

When it comes to the flexibility of the resistance, Assault Rower is better. It uses a three-fan “infinite” or “variable” resistance. It means you can adjust your rowing intensity by simply rowing hard or smoothly. Thus, it’s best for experienced rowers, although beginners can occasionally give it a try.

Meanwhile, Concept 2 comes with a 10-level damper that sets how much air you need in the flywheel. Still, your rowing intensity determines the resistance felt. Both beginners and experts can increase or decrease their intensity as they wish.

Construction

Assault Rower Pro is relatively new in the market. Meanwhile, Concept 2 is “made by rowers for rowers” of all levels, and trusted by many for a long time.

The Assault Rower Pro’s solid aluminum and steel frame comes with a black charcoal finish. This guarantees durability from daily use and corrosion. Thus, it weighs twice as much as the Concept 2.

The Rower Pro takes about 30-45 minutes to assemble. It also comes with a secure packaging, and a set of instructions that may take just one person to assemble. Still, it’s a guaranteed easy assembly.

Rower Pro’s monorail glides the seat well and doesn’t snag during each pull and recoil. The handle is ergonomic and simple. 

Rower Pro’s seat is comfortable, so butt fatigue will not be an issue. It also comes with a seat locking pin, so you can row with your seat in place.

Meanwhile, RowErg comes with aluminum front legs & steel rear legs. Also, it has an aluminum monorail, and a stainless-steel seat track. By this combination, it has guaranteed efficiency and durability in one machine.

Concept 2’s lightweight design comes with ease of assembly. It only takes one person to finish setting up the Concept 2 for about 10-20 minutes. You can separate the monorail and the flywheel for storage, which saves space for small home gyms.

The monorail has a stainless-steel seat track that allows smooth seat gliding. The rubberized handle’s placement is ergonomic. The RowErg’s grip is lower than the Assault Rower Pro. 

RowErg’s seat is also comfortable and durable, but it also hardens over time due to use.

Console

Assault Rower Pro has a very basic LCD monitor, which is Bluetooth compatible. You can use this to measure your pace, heart rate, calories, and other metrics. 

Rower Pro also comes with other features. It also has eight inbuilt workout programs, and goal settings. Its simple analog design means it has no backlight display.

Meanwhile, Concept2’s Performance Monitor (PM5) has a backlight display. It looks very simple and straightforward. 

Many rowers like the PM5. It tracks a wide range of stats, like distance, time, strokes per minute, watts, calories and many more. Thus, it’s easier to manage and use.

RowErg’s PM5 is also Bluetooth-compatible. With an added device holder, you can set up any workout routine through your tablet or smartphone.

The added device holder underneath the PM5 allows you to attach your phone or tablet there. You can also listen to music through a wireless headset. Or you can even watch a coaching session or rowing video.

Workout Programs

Assault Rower Pro has eight built-in programs. Since it’s suitable for all levels, you can follow their basic program or do your own.

Meanwhile, Concept 2 has plenty of apps that you can use with your phone or tablet. You can check your ranking, workout history on their website. Previous challenges in your Online Logbook are also available.

Through the ErgData mobile app, you can sync your PM5 stats and compare it with other rowers online. You can also join live virtual events by using the Regatta Fitness app.

Weight Capacity

Assault Rower Pro can hold up to 350 lbs (158 kg). This indeed suits the average weight of all kinds of users. This capacity is best for stronger rowers with lighter body weight.

Concept 2 RowErg’s weight capacity can hold up to 500 lb (227 kg), despite its lightweight frame and design. It was also tested to the European Stationary Fitness Equipment Testing Standard (EN 20957-7). They reported RowErg can hold up to 300 lb (135 kg).

Noise Level

Both the Assault Rower Pro and Concept2 have air resistance mechanisms. That means they will be noisy every time you row. The flywheel then spins, which needs to displace the air in front, and that causes the noise. So, the faster you row, the noisier the fan gets.

There will be times when you’ll hear the Assault Rower Pro more than the Concept 2. That’s because the Assault Rower Pro has a 3-fan “variable” resistance mechanism.

Maintenance

Assault Rower Pro needs little to no surface cleaning. It has an anti-corrosion coating. The nickel-plated chain needs little oiling, but might be more frequent if used daily.

Concept 2 RowErg needs cleaning, depending on how frequent the use will be. Oiling the chain can also be frequent. Lastly, you can separate the machine into two parts. So, keeping it when unused is space-friendly.

Overall, RowErg is fairly easy to maintain and keep.

Price and Warranty

The Assault Rower Pro rower is more expensive than many other rowing machines. It comes with a 7-year warranty for the machine itself. There’s also a 1-year warranty on parts, and 1-year warranty for labor and repairs.

Concept2 is more affordable and an excellent long-term investment. Due to their durability and performance, your money can go a long way. It comes with a 5-year warranty on the frame. There’s also a 2-year warranty on the parts, and a 30-day trial period.

Assault Rower Vs Concept 2: The Winner

Between the two rowing machines, Concept 2 takes the bag as the winner. Despite its little setbacks, it allows you to set your intensity and pacing.

Here are my reasons why Concept2 is the winner in the Assault Rower vs Concept 2 review:

• It has a stronger, yet lightweight in framing and design.
• It comes with accessibility to any device.
• It has many workout programs to choose from.
• It has a higher maximum weight capacity.
• It is well-known among users to be durable on long-term use.
• It is a bit more affordable.

Which rower is best for YOU?

If you are looking for a hardcore rowing with long-term use, Assault Rower is your best bet. That’s because it applies to all levels of workout. It’s particularly suited for intense rowing.

If you want easy, comfortable rowing, Concept2 is your best choice. What makes this easy to use is how comfortable its feel of rowing would be.

Which rower is best for your budget?

At the time of writing, Concept 2 is a little cheaper. At the same time, Assault Rower will guarantee high quality at a one-time cost. Take note that prices change regularly.

You may incur an additional cost for the Assault Rower Pro. It has encountered some issues before, as other users confirmed.

But if you want a machine that’s good for its worth, Concept 2 RowErg won’t let you down.

Which rower is best for beginners?

Concept 2 is the best rowing machine for beginners. It has a smooth and consistent resistance. I would recommend Assault Rower Pro for those who want an advanced rowing exercise.

Which rower is best for your fitness level?

It all depends on what fitness level you classify yourself in. If you are looking for an intense workout, go with Assault Rower. The resistance it offers matches the effort of your rowing intensity. It’s very simple to operate, and its build will last a long time.

But if you want a flexible workout, Concept2 is your best bet. As the gold standard of rowing machines, it is made “by rowers for rowers” of all levels.

What to do next?

Ultimately, the rowing machine that’s best for you is the one that suits your fitness goals. Both machines will provide a solid workout. Take note that they still differ in experience, feel and cost.

Since both brands are still upgrading their features, you can expect improvements in the coming years.

If you want to check out the Assault Rower Pro or Concept 2 RowErg, you can click their respective links.