NordicTrack RW900 Rower vs. Concept 2 Model E: Choosing Between Two Best-Selling Rowing Machines 

NordicTrack RW900 vs Concept2 Model E rowing machines

March 19, 2020

If you’re not a big fan of using the treadmill, then the good news is that there are other workout equipment alternatives that you can use, such as the rowing machine. Great for strengthening your muscles, increasing your stamina, and burning fat, this machine is truly a game-changer.

Now, if you’ve decided to give the rowing machine a try, then it’s time to pick the model that will work for you. Choosing the best rowing machine from the wide array of options in the market can be challenging, so we’ve narrowed it down to two models. In this article, we'll be looking at two rowers: the NordicTrack RW900 Rower and the Concept2 Model E Rower.

Quick Answer:

If you’re looking to get serious about your health and fitness and you want to buy a sturdy, commercial-grade quality rower, the NordicTrack RW900 is the better option for you.

Aside from giving you access to trainers and interactive workout programs, the RW900 is loaded with other benefits, such as having two types of resistance—silent magnetic and manual air resistance — as well as membership perks, among others.

But if you’re looking for a rower that will give you more value for your money while offering almost the exact same features as the more expensive models, then you can’t go wrong with the Model E.

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

The NordicTrack RW900 rowing machine includes a 1-year iFit membership that gives you access to an interactive trainer and over 12,000 instructor-led workout videos. These on-demand workouts also feature an iFit Coach program wherein your rower and resistance will change depending on the instructor’s workout. You can likewise transition to different degrees of resistance, thanks to the rower’s SMR (silent magnetic resistance) feature. And because of its portability, you can store it easily under your bed or inside the closet.

Nordic Track RW900 Rower Includes 1-Year iFit Membership

Concept2 Model E Rower

Proudly made in the USA, the Concept2 Model E has proved to be one of the best low-maintenance yet high-performing rowing machines on the market. Customers have also praised the company’s reliable customer service. The Model E has an option for team training with the Concept2 Slide, which is sold separately. Placed under the rowing machine, this optional slide is attached with bungee cords that simulate the sensation of floating on water. With the Concept2 Slide, you can connect to different Concept2 rower models for team training.

Concept2 Model E with PM5 Performance Monitor Indoor Rower Rowing Machine Black

Side by Side Comparison: Nordictrack Rower vs Concept 2

NordicTrack RW900

Concept2 Model E

NordicTrack RW900 Rower
Concept 2 Model E

Workout Apps:

iFIT 1 year membership

Workout Apps:

Free Concept2 ErgData app

Display:

22" Smart HD

Display:

PM5 monitor

Workout Programs:

30 onboard workouts

Workout Programs:

Preset workouts and games

Resistance Levels:
26 levels

Resistance Levels:
adjustable with flywheel and damper

Dimensions:
86.5” L x 22” W x 50.4” H

Dimensions:

96” L x 24” W x 20” H; 54“ monorail length

Foldable:

yes

Foldable:

yes

Seating:

oversized steel seat rail with an ergonomic molded seat

Seating:

20” seat height with aluminum monorail and a stainless-steel track

Footrests:

quick-adjust pedals with pivoting footrests

Footrests:

adjustable footrests

Handle:
ergonomic handles

Handle:

10-degree bend designed handle

Maximum user weight:

250 lbs

Maximum user weight:

300-500 lbs

Warranty:

10-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty

Warranty:

limited 2-year warranty for Monitor and moving parts and a 5-year frame warranty

Factor 1: Features

Aside from the iFit membership, the Nordictrack RW900 rower has the following features:

  • Adjustable console
  • 2 built-in speakers
  • Auxiliary music port
  • Global Workouts that allow you to explore different waterways without leaving home

The Model E sports the following features:

  • PM5, an advanced performance monitor, which has Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless connectivity
  • Free Concept2 ErgData app to help you keep track of your workouts

Factor 2: Display

The RW900 has a 22” Smart HD touchscreen display, while the Model E has an advanced Performance Monitor (PM), which allows you to store data using its internal memory or via a USB flash drive. If you’re looking for practical functionality, the Model E takes the cake for this one.

Factor 3: Workout Programs

The RW900 has 30 onboard workouts while the Model E’s PM gives you access to preset workouts and games.

Factor 4: Resistance Levels

The RW900 has 26 resistance levels that operate under dual resistance controls (manual air resistance and silent magnetic resistance). On the other hand, the Model E has a flywheel and damper, which give you full control of your exertion and resistance.

Factor 5: Dimensions and Foldability

The RW900 has a 86.5” L x 22” W x 50.4” H footprint. It also features a SpaceSaver design with front-mounted transport wheels that enable you to fold and store your rower in small spaces. The Model E sports dimensions of 96” L x 24” W x 20” H with a 54“monorail length. It also features caster wheels and a quick-release frame lock mechanism, which doesn’t require tools and separates the machine into two parts for easy storage.

Factor 6: Seating

The RW900 has an oversized steel seat rail with an ergonomic molded seat, while the Model E has a 20” seat height with aluminum monorail and a stainless-steel track. This allows the Model E to accommodate a wide range of users, even those who have issues with mobility or trainees who need more legroom.

Factor 7: Footrests

Aside from its oversized quick-adjust pedals, the RW900 also features pivoting footrests with adjustable foot straps. The Model E’s adjustable footrests allow for rowing in your natural foot position.

Factor 8: Handle

Both models feature ergonomic handles, but the Model E’s rowing handle features a 10-degree bend designed to support a natural rowing position.

Factor 9: Build Quality

The RW900 can support a maximum user weight of 250 lbs, while the Concept 2 rower can support up to 300-500 lbs. The RW900 has a sturdy, commercial-grade build, while the Model E sports a double powder coat finish for its welded steel construction.

Factor 10: Warranty

The RW900 has a 10-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty. Meanwhile, the Model E has a limited 2-year warranty for its Performance Monitor and moving parts and a 5-year frame warranty.

Reviews

Users praise the RW900’s and the Model E’s ease of assembly and sturdiness. However, the Model E has an added value to users for its maneuverability.

The Benefits of Using a Rowing Machine

1. It gives you a full-body, low-impact workout.

Rowing machines engage both your upper and lower body. A rowing machine workout targets your back, shoulder, and arm muscles. Your glutes and legs get their fair share of exercise too. You also get to engage your core muscles, since they crunch and relax when you glide along with the rowing machine.

2. It helps improve your cardiovascular health.

Aerobic exercises are known to not only help you lose weight but improve your cardiovascular health as well. Since rowing exercises are considered aerobic exercises, they help in boosting cardiovascular health.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, if you are a 185-pound person, you can burn 311 calories in 30 minutes doing moderate exercise on a rowing machine.

Final Thoughts:

Aerobic exercises done on rowing machines are known to have numerous science-backed benefits such as increasing your stamina, fitness, and strength while increasing your heart and lung fitness. With home exercise equipment such as indoor rowing machines becoming readily available in the market, you can easily work your way towards a healthier you from the comfort of your own home.

About the author 

Kevin Lee

Health and fitness have always been a passion for me; whether its being in the weight room, going for a run before work or even participating in a half iron man triathlon. ShapeJunkie was created to share to knowledge and love of fitness with others.

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