# Concept2 RowErg vs WaterRower Original Series (Oak): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Concept2 RowErg (Concept2) and WaterRower Original Series (Oak) (WaterRower) among rowing machines. Concept2 RowErg is the cheaper of the two at $990.

## Side by side

| Spec | Concept2 RowErg | WaterRower Original Series (Oak) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $990 | $1199 |
| Brand | Concept2 | WaterRower |
| Released | 2003 | — |
| Resistance type | air | water |
| Max user weight (lb) | 500 | 700 |
| Footprint (in) | 96 x 24 | 82 x 22 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Monitor or touchscreen | PM5 Performance Monitor (LCD) | S4 Performance Monitor (LCD) |
| Subscription required | No | No |
| Weight (lb) | 57 | 67 |

## Key differences

- Resistance type: Concept2 RowErg air vs WaterRower Original Series (Oak) water
- Max user weight (lb): Concept2 RowErg 500 vs WaterRower Original Series (Oak) 700
- Footprint (in): Concept2 RowErg 96 x 24 vs WaterRower Original Series (Oak) 82 x 22
- Monitor or touchscreen: Concept2 RowErg PM5 Performance Monitor (LCD) vs WaterRower Original Series (Oak) S4 Performance Monitor (LCD)
- Weight (lb): Concept2 RowErg 57 vs WaterRower Original Series (Oak) 67

## What reviewers say

**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.)

**WaterRower Original Series (Oak)** — Three whitelisted testers (Wirecutter, BarBend, Garage Gym Reviews) hands-on reviewed the WaterRower Original/Classic series and broadly recommend it as a quiet, beautiful, sturdy water rower. All praise its meditative whooshing sound and compact vertical storage; all flag a bare-bones monitor with paid tech add-ons (no built-in Bluetooth). Wirecutter warns its distance/time readouts run optimistically fast. GGR's spec card lists an Oak frame with the S4 monitor while its body copy calls the unit the 'WaterRower Natural' — the same machine mechanically. (3 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Concept2 RowErg: https://www.concept2.com/ergs/rowerg (concept2.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- WaterRower Original Series (Oak): https://www.waterrower.com/us/products/waterrower-oak-rowing-machine-with-s4-monitor (waterrower.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/rowing-machines/concept2-rowerg-vs-waterrower-original/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Concept2 RowErg ($990) vs WaterRower Original Series (Oak) ($1199) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/rowing-machines/concept2-rowerg-vs-waterrower-original/
License: CC BY 4.0.