Yes—the Concept2 RowErg with PM5 is the most reliable, accurate, low‑maintenance rower.
If you want full‑body cardio, but hate crowded gyms and clunky machines, this rower is a smart fix. It delivers smooth power, tight tracking, and easy storage in a home space. You get real data, simple upkeep, and the same feel you see in top studios. In this concept2 rowerg pm5 review, I’ll share how it performs day to day, what stands out, and who should buy it. I’ll also show a few strong alternatives, so you can pick with confidence.
Is Concept2 RowErg PM5 Good?
Yes. This machine is great for most people. It is ideal for home users, CrossFit fans, and anyone who wants reliable data and low upkeep. The PM5 is simple to use and very accurate. The air resistance feels smooth and scales with your effort. In my hands-on testing for this concept2 rowerg pm5 review, it proved steady, tough, and easy to store.
I used it for short sprints on work breaks. The flywheel responded fast, and the split times stayed consistent. On weekends, I did longer rows while watching shows. My back and legs felt worked, not beat up. That balance is why I keep coming back.
My First Impression for Concept2 RowErg PM5
It arrived well packed with clear, simple instructions. The parts were tidy, and the hardware was labeled. The frame felt solid right away. The chain, footrests, and seat rails looked gym‑grade. Assembly took me about 20 minutes with the included tool. No odd steps. No wobble.
My first pull was smooth. The flywheel spun up clean, and the PM5 lit fast. I liked the feel of the handle and the stable seat track. In this concept2 rowerg pm5 review, I expected strong build and easy tracking. It met those marks on day one. I was excited to push some intervals the same night.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
If you want a rower that just works, this one nails the basics and the details. Here are the features that stood out to me during this concept2 rowerg pm5 review:
- PM5 monitor with accurate split, stroke rate, watts, and distance tracking
- Air resistance flywheel with damper control for fine feel and easy scaling
- Bluetooth and ANT+ to sync with heart rate straps and apps (ErgData, more)
- Device holder for phones/tablets to stream classes or shows
- Quick breakdown into two pieces for easy storage and transport
- Low-maintenance chain and tough frame designed for heavy daily use
- Preset workouts, games, and intervals to keep sessions fresh
What I Like
I value tools that are simple, strong, and consistent. This machine checks those boxes in real use.
- Rock‑solid build that feels like a commercial gym rower
- PM5 data is clear and trusted for training and progress
- Easy to store; splits fast into two pieces when space is tight
- Works for all fitness levels; effort scales with your pull
- Low upkeep; a little chain oil and dusting goes a long way
- Device holder makes it simple to follow classes or watch shows
- Great resale value if you ever need to upgrade
What Could Be Better
No rower is perfect. Here are the limits I noticed during my concept2 rowerg pm5 review.
- Fan noise is higher than on magnetic rowers
- Seat is firm; long rows may need a cushion for some
- PM5 is not a big color touchscreen; it is simple by design
My Recommendation
If you want proven performance, low upkeep, and trusted data, get this rower. It suits homes, garages, and small studios. It is great for sprints, steady rows, and mixed workouts. In this concept2 rowerg pm5 review, the key value is simple: you buy it once, you use it for years, and your numbers track true. That is why coaches and everyday users love it.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Home gyms and small spaces | Breaks into two pieces; stores fast; durable and clean |
| CrossFit and HIIT athletes | Accurate PM5 splits; smooth power for fast intervals |
| Data‑driven users | Bluetooth/ANT+, heart rate support, reliable long‑term tracking |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
WaterRower Natural — Best for people who want quiet strokes and a wood look. The water tank gives a smooth, fluid feel and lower noise than air. It is lovely furniture in a living room. It lacks the PM5’s simple, race‑ready data but adds a soothing vibe. In this concept2 rowerg pm5 review, it stands out for style and sound, not raw split focus.
Hydrow (Original or Wave) — Best for coached classes and a big screen. It uses magnetic resistance that is smooth and quiet. The live and on‑demand workouts are great if you need guidance. It costs more and is heavier on tech. If you want classes first and data second, this is a fit.
NordicTrack RW900 — Best for iFit users who want guided programs and scenic rows. It offers magnetic resistance and a large screen. It is quieter than an air rower. Data is solid, but split times do not match the PM5’s rowing standard. It suits people who love structured plans and visuals.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Concept2 RowErg PM5 | Accuracy, durability, and standard split training | Air resistance, PM5 data, easy storage, low upkeep |
| WaterRower Natural | Quiet feel and premium home style | Water resistance, wood frame, softer sound, less race‑standard data |
| Hydrow | Coached classes and immersive content | Magnetic resistance, large screen, subscription content |
| NordicTrack RW900 | iFit programs and scenic training | Magnetic resistance, iFit platform, big display |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want the standard for reliable splits, strong build, and low upkeep, choose this machine. It is the benchmark in gyms and garages. It shines for intervals, long rows, and steady progress. In my concept2 rowerg pm5 review, it gave me the best mix of feel, data, and value.
Pick a WaterRower if you want a calm sound and a furniture‑grade look. Choose Hydrow if you want classes and a big screen to guide you. Go NordicTrack RW900 if you love iFit and quiet magnetic resistance. But if you want one rower to train hard and track clean for years, this is the one to beat.
FAQs Of concept2 rowerg pm5 review
Is the PM5 accurate for training and races?
Yes. The PM5 is a trusted standard for splits and watts. It matches what many gyms and race groups use.
How loud is the air resistance?
It is louder than magnetic resistance, but fine for most homes. The fan noise rises with your effort.
Does it fold for storage?
It separates into two pieces in seconds. This makes it easy to move and store in tight spaces.
Do I need a subscription to use it?
No. The PM5 works out of the box with built‑in workouts. You can also pair apps if you want.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes. The resistance scales with your pull. Start easy and build up. The monitor helps track steady progress.
Note: This concept2 rowerg pm5 review used the product over weeks with mixed sessions, short sprints, and longer rows. It reflects real use, simple care, and clear data results.
