Not sure whether you should go for Nordictrack Rower or Concept2 rowing machine? Both Nordictrack Rower vs Concept2 are known for their excellent quality and performance. In this article, we will carefully analyze their distinctive features, pros, and cons to help you choose the best model for your home.
The discussion below will tell you further about:
- Which rowing machine that is more compact and space-friendly
- The comparison of their capacity and durability
- Which model that performs more smoothly and more quietly
- The additional features of Nordictrack Rower vs Concept2
- Which rowing machine that is generally more recommended
Nordictrack Rower: Design and Features
Nordictrack Rower is one of the latest models from the fitness equipment company, and it has pulled a lot of attention due to its cool bells and whistles. The very first feature that will catch your eyes is the 10-inch digital tablet on the front, through which you can play music or even stream a live workout program from your iFit subscription. See also: Exerpeutic 900XL vs ExerWork 1000
But, if you don’t have an iFit subscription, there is no need to worry – the tablet already has 30 built-in programs designed by professional fitness coaches. The unit itself has 26 selectable resistance levels. The display is conveniently backlit, so everything is displayed clearly and vividly. It can track your data such as the current heart rate, speed, time, distance, and total calories burned.
Nordictrack Rower is armed with an inertia-enhanced flywheel, which is awesome. It works very smoothly, and the ergonomic design allows natural body movements. The rowing machine is adjustable, too; you can personalize the handles, cushion seat, and pedals to fit your body height.
This rowing machine can accommodate a user of up to 250 lbs. It can be folded to save up some space when not in use. When unfolded, it measures 22 inches wide, 86.5 inches long, and 42.8 inches tall. Its frame has a 10-year warranty, whereas the parts are backed by a 2-year warranty. The convenient features and foldable design makes Nordictrack Rower an ideal home workout machine.
The company provides free shipping for customers in the continental US. When it first arrives, it will require some assembly. The included manual is detailed and easy to follow. You should be able to finish the process within an hour, all by yourself.
| Nordictrack Rower | Concept2 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 86.5 x 22 x 50.4 inches | 96 x 24 x 14 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 130.6 pounds | 70.5 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
Nordictrack Rower: Pros
Firstly, the 10-inch tablet is a big advantage of Nordictrack Rower vs Concept2. This is not just a basic control panel. Yes, you can control the rowing machine through the tablet, it can also do more than that. It comes with 30 preset workouts which are very good. Then, if you choose to subscribe to the iFit program, you will get access to many more. You can also access Google Maps Street View for virtual workout.
Secondly, the performance is very good. The inertia-enhanced flywheel is equipped with a silent magnetic resistance. As a result, Nordictrack Rower can work very quietly, even during an intense workout. If you are looking for a smooth, silent, yet powerful rowing machine, this is one of the best options available for the money.
Thirdly, the unit is adjustable to fit different kinds of users. We are not only talking about the built-in workout programs or selectable resistance levels, but also the seat, pedals, and handlebars. Hence, no matter if you are above or below the average height, you will have no trouble getting comfortable on the machine.
Finally, Nordictrack Rower comes with a longer warranty, at least for the frame. This indicates that the company is very confident in the build quality of the unit. Even if you encounter a problem, the customer support is always ready to assist.
Nordictrack Rower: Cons
It is very difficult to find negative things about Nordictrack Rower. However, if we strictly compare Nordictrack Rower vs Concept2, there are at least two potential disadvantages.
The first one is that Nordictrack Rower has a lower weight capacity. It can only accommodate a user of 250 lbs or less. This should be sufficient even for most adults, but there are some people who are above that threshold. If the unit is damaged after it has been used outside its maximum capacity, the warranty will be void.
The second one is the fact that Nordictrack Rower is relatively larger. When it is fully unfolded, it will eat up more space than the Concept2 rowing machine. This might be a thing to consider if you have a crowded living space. Also, when it is folded, it is still larger than Concept2.
Concept2 Rowing Machine: Design and Features
The Concept2 rowing machine is targeted at people who want low-impact workout at home. It has all the basics covered properly. It is quite lightweight, and it can be split into two different pieces for easy, compact storage. The connection is secured by a solid quick-release lock.
This rowing machine can easily tick all the checks required for a piece of home exercise equipment. It comes from a well-known brand, it has a solid and rugged construction that is built to last, and it has a nice ergonomic design. The position of the seat promotes a natural hand position to ensure comfort and minimize the risk of injury.
Well, one notable difference between Nordictrack Rower vs Concept2 is that the Concept2 rowing machine does not come with an integrated tablet. But it does have a high-tech performance monitor, through which you can control the unit and monitor your performance in real time. The display can show your strokes per minute, heart rate, distance, and calories burned. There is also a Log Card and USB connector which will allow you to export the workout data.
The frame seems to be very durable. According to the specifications, this model is able to withstand a maximum user weight of 500 lbs. The overall size is quite compact, as it only measures 14 inches wide, 96 inches long, and 24 inches tall. The frame has a 5-year warranty, whereas the parts have a 2-year warranty.
The company does not seem to provide free shipping, but, depending on where you buy the machine from, you may be able to get one. The unit is nicely packaged in a secure dual-layered box. There is some assembly required, but the process is very easy. You don’t need any more than 30 minutes to get it ready.
Concept2 Rowing Machine: Pros
If you want a simple yet effective unit, the Concept2 rowing machine is a decent choice. It doesn’t have many bells and whistles. It simply works. You just need to hit the button on the control panel, perhaps adjust the monitor arm a little, and get to work. The ergonomic design will allow you to exercise with comfort.
Despite having two separate parts, the Concept2 rowing machine is surprisingly easy to set-up. You only need to join the parts on the quick-release lock. In fact, you can set-up the Concept2 rowing machine within 30 minutes – fairly more quickly than Nordictrack Rower.
Then, there is the unmistakable benefit of the easy, compact storage. You can easily slip the package into any spare space available under your bed or in-between your cupboards. When fully deployed, the rowing machine also does not require much room.
Last but not least, the Concept2 rowing machine has a higher maximum user weight, which is 500 lbs. So, if your body weight is above 250 lbs, this model is probably a better choice, as you will be able to use it without making the warranty void.
Concept2 Rowing Machine: Cons
There are several potential disadvantages of Concept2, especially if you compare it against Nordictrack Rower. First of all, Concept2 does not have an integrated tablet. The control panel is a fairly basic one. The monochrome display is not backlit. It is without WiFi. You won’t be able to access Google Maps or sync your workout data with directly.
Then, the Concept2 rowing machine runs on an air-resistance flywheel. It works quite smoothly, but it is not as good as Nordictrack Rower’s magnetic resistance. In addition, it also generates more noise.
Next, it also has fewer resistance levels. The range only goes from 1 to 10, and the higher ones won’t provide much challenge for an experienced user. So, getting the right intensity level that suits your physicality may be more difficult.
Lastly, the warranty of Concept2 is shorter than Nordictrack Rower. This does not necessarily mean the Concept2 rowing machine has an inferior build quality. In fact, the build quality is very good. This is just something to consider if you want some peace of mind for a longer period.
Nordictrack Rower vs Concept2
Conclusion
Both are high quality rowing machines. However, Nordictrack Rower is generally more recommended. The integrated tablet is definitely very nice, as it will allow you to access music, a variety of workout programs, and Google Maps. The seat is adjustable. The flywheel is also of better quality. It works very smoothly and quietly. Not to mention that the frame is backed by a longer warranty.
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