Concept2
Concept2 RowErg
$990Cheaper
Released 2003
Best Rowing Machines · head-to-head
Concept2 RowErg vs Aviron Strong Series
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Concept2 RowErg is cheaper at $990. Every spec and price links to its source.
Aviron
Aviron Strong Series
$1999
Released 2022
Which is better: the Concept2 RowErg or Aviron Strong Series?
The Concept2 RowErg wins 2 of the 2 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Concept2 RowErg is the cheaper at $990. The Concept2 RowErg both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Concept2 RowErg | Aviron Strong Series |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $990 | $1999 |
| Brand | Concept2 | Aviron |
| Released | 2003 | 2022 |
| Resistance type | air | hybrid |
| Max user weight (lb) | 500 | 507 |
| Footprint (in) | 96 x 24 | 84 x 27 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Monitor or touchscreen | PM5 Performance Monitor (LCD) | 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen |
| Subscription required | No | Yes |
| Weight (lb) | 57 | 114 |
| Release year | 2003 | 2022 |
Sources — Concept2 RowErg: concept2.com (verified 2026-06-15). Aviron Strong Series: avironactive.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Concept2 RowErg and Aviron Strong Series?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Resistance type: Concept2 RowErg air vs Aviron Strong Series hybrid
- Max user weight (lb): Concept2 RowErg 500 vs Aviron Strong Series 507
- Footprint (in): Concept2 RowErg 96 x 24 vs Aviron Strong Series 84 x 27
- Monitor or touchscreen: Concept2 RowErg PM5 Performance Monitor (LCD) vs Aviron Strong Series 22-inch HD rotating touchscreen
- Subscription required: Concept2 RowErg false vs Aviron Strong Series true
- Weight (lb): Concept2 RowErg 57 vs Aviron Strong Series 114
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Concept2 RowErg
Both whitelisted hands-on testers — Wirecutter and Garage Gym Reviews — rank the Concept2 RowErg the best rower they've tested. Shared praise: a sturdy, commercial-grade build that doesn't feel cheap, clear and reliably accurate PM5 metrics, and strong durability with easy parts replacement. Shared gripe: the roughly $1,000 price and a simple monitor with basic built-in programming. Wirecutter alone credits the secure, non-slip foot holsters and flags loud operation plus having to stop mid-workout to change resistance; Garage Gym Reviews alone notes the seat hardens over long-term use. Noise is the one clear disagreement. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Best rower / best workout experience of all machines tested; Sturdy, commercial-grade build that doesn't feel cheap; PM5 monitor metrics are clear and reliably accurate.
Flagged: Expensive at roughly $1,000; Simple monitor with minimal built-in interactive programming; Loud flywheel — noisiest rower Wirecutter tested.
Aviron Strong Series
Two whitelisted hands-on testers — Garage Gym Reviews and BarBend — both recommend the Aviron Strong Series Rower, praising its gamified 500-plus-workout platform, sturdy 507-lb-capacity build, and heavy adjustable dual air/magnetic resistance for strength work. Both flag the roughly $2,500 machine price plus the subscription needed for full functionality. Neither published lab-measured performance numbers. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Gamified platform with 500-plus workouts across 8 categories keeps training varied and fun; Sturdy, stable build with a class-leading 507-lb weight capacity; Heavy adjustable dual air/magnetic resistance (levels 11-16) doubles as strength work.
Flagged: Expensive at roughly $2,500 for the machine, plus a subscription needed for full functionality; Louder than typical magnetic rowers; Shorter rail length may feel constricting for some.