Concept2 Model D vs Hydrow Rower: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to high-end rowing machines, two names often dominate the conversation: the Concept2 Model D and the Hydrow Rower. Both offer a full-body workout, durability, and performance but cater to slightly different types of users. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional rower or an immersive, connected experience, this guide will provide a detailed comparison of the two. We’ll cover the features, performance, and other factors to help you decide which rowing machine is right for you.

Overview: Concept2 Model D vs Hydrow Rower

Before diving into the detailed comparison, let’s start with a brief overview of both machines:

    Concept2 Model D: Known for its reliability, simplicity, and functionality, the Concept2 Model D is one of the most popular rowing machines worldwide. It’s used by athletes, fitness centers, and home gym owners for its durability and consistent performance. This air-resistance rower adjusts automatically to your effort, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

    Hydrow Rower: A newer, more technologically advanced option, the Hydrow Rower provides an immersive fitness experience with its 22-inch HD touchscreen and access to live and on-demand rowing classes. It uses electromagnetic resistance, creating a quiet and smooth rowing motion. The Hydrow also emphasizes connected fitness, offering users the chance to row in virtual waterways around the world.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

1. Resistance Type

    Concept2 Model D: The Concept2 Model D uses air resistance. This type of resistance means that the harder and faster you row, the more resistance you feel. It’s a dynamic system that adjusts automatically to the user’s intensity. While this provides a very natural and responsive feel, it can also be noisier compared to other systems, especially when rowing at high speeds.

    Hydrow Rower: The Hydrow Rower uses electromagnetic resistance, which offers a smooth and quiet rowing experience. This type of resistance is known for its silence and precision. The Hydrow’s resistance is dynamic and adjusts based on your rowing intensity, similar to the Concept2, but with a quieter operation.

Verdict: If you prefer a quieter workout, the Hydrow’s electromagnetic resistance system has the edge. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional feel with automatic adjustments to effort, the Concept2’s air resistance may be a better fit.

2. Technology and Connectivity

    Concept2 Model D: The Concept2 Model D is relatively low-tech compared to the Hydrow. It features the PM5 Performance Monitor, which displays basic metrics like distance, speed, pace, and calories burned. The monitor is reliable and provides data tracking, but there are no options for live or on-demand classes, virtual racing, or streaming services.

    Hydrow Rower: The Hydrow Rower is built around its 22-inch HD touchscreen, offering access to live and on-demand classes. Users can row in real-world locations virtually and follow instructors who guide the sessions. It also features leaderboards and challenges to keep you engaged. Hydrow’s subscription service gives you access to a growing library of workouts, which include not just rowing but also strength, yoga, and Pilates.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a connected fitness experience with live classes and virtual rowing environments, Hydrow is the clear winner. Concept2, on the other hand, is better suited for those who prefer to train without the need for interactive or connected fitness.

3. Build Quality and Durability

    Concept2 Model D: The Concept2 Model D is known for its durability. Built with a steel frame and aluminum monorail, it’s designed to withstand heavy use and is often found in commercial gyms, rowing clubs, and CrossFit boxes. It can handle users up to 500 pounds and is built to last for years, even with daily use.

    Hydrow Rower: The Hydrow is also built with a sturdy, durable frame made from aluminum and steel, but it’s slightly less rugged than the Concept2. While it’s built for home use and can accommodate users up to 375 pounds, it hasn’t been widely adopted in commercial gyms yet. It’s more focused on the aesthetic appeal and integration of advanced technology.

Verdict: In terms of sheer durability, especially for heavy use, the Concept2 Model D takes the lead. However, the Hydrow Rower is also built to last but may not be as rugged for extreme daily use in competitive or commercial environments.

4. Noise Level

    Concept2 Model D: The air resistance system on the Concept2 Model D can get noisy, especially at higher intensities. While some users don’t mind the sound of air rushing through the flywheel, others might find it disruptive in a shared living space or apartment setting.

    Hydrow Rower: The Hydrow is much quieter thanks to its electromagnetic resistance system. This makes it a better choice for those who need to keep noise levels low, such as those in apartments, shared spaces, or homes with thin walls.

Verdict: The Hydrow Rower is the clear winner in terms of noise reduction, making it a more suitable choice for those who need a quieter workout environment.

5. Portability and Storage

    Concept2 Model D: One of the advantages of the Concept2 Model D is its ease of storage. It can be separated into two parts without tools, making it easy to store vertically or move to another room. It also comes with caster wheels for easier transportation.

    Hydrow Rower: The Hydrow is heavier, weighing in at around 145 pounds, and is not as easy to move or store. While it does have built-in wheels, it is not foldable or designed for compact storage. This could be a disadvantage for users with limited space.

Verdict: The Concept2 Model D is more portable and easier to store, making it a better choice for those with limited space or who need a machine that’s easy to move around.

6. Workout Variety

    Concept2 Model D: While the Concept2 Model D doesn’t come with live or on-demand workouts, it does allow you to create your own custom workouts. You can adjust your row time, distance, or calories burned goals. It also offers the ability to connect with apps like ErgData or third-party fitness platforms for additional training programs.

    Hydrow Rower: The Hydrow offers a wide range of workout options. Not only does it provide rowing workouts in beautiful real-world environments, but it also has non-rowing workouts like strength training, yoga, and Pilates. The variety of workout types makes it a more versatile fitness machine for those looking for more than just rowing.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a more comprehensive fitness experience with a variety of workouts, Hydrow offers far more options. Concept2 is more focused on pure rowing and athletic performance.

7. Price and Ongoing Costs

    Concept2 Model D: The Concept2 Model D is much more affordable compared to Hydrow. It typically retails for around $900 to $1,100, making it a solid option for those who want a reliable, durable rowing machine without the need for ongoing costs.

    Hydrow Rower: Hydrow is significantly more expensive, with a price point of over $2,000. In addition, the full experience requires a monthly subscription to Hydrow’s fitness platform, which costs around $38 per month.

Verdict: If budget is a primary concern, the Concept2 Model D offers excellent value without the need for additional subscriptions. Hydrow’s higher price tag may be justified for those who value the connected fitness experience, but it comes with ongoing costs.

Which One is Right for You?

Choose the Concept2 Model D if:

    You want a durable, no-frills rowing machine that’s built to last.

    You prefer to design your own workouts without needing interactive or connected fitness features.

    You are looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance.

    You need a rower that’s easy to store and move.

Choose the Hydrow Rower if:

    You’re looking for an immersive, connected fitness experience with live and on-demand classes.

    You value quiet operation and a sleek, modern design.

    You’re willing to invest in a more expensive machine with ongoing subscription costs for a variety of workouts.

    You want access to a wide range of workout types beyond rowing, such as strength training and yoga.

Final Verdict

Both the Concept2 Model D and Hydrow Rower are excellent machines, but they cater to different types of users. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and durable rower, the Concept2 Model D is hard to beat. However, if you want a fully immersive workout experience with advanced technology, live classes, and diverse fitness programs, the Hydrow Rower is a worthy investment. The right choice ultimately depends on your fitness goals, budget, and how important connected fitness features are to you.