NordicTrack Rower Vs Concept 2 (RW900 & Model D Compared)

Quick Comparison Of The RW900 & Concept 2 Model D Rowers

We’ll cover each of the features in-depth later on, but if you’re in a hurry, here's a quick comparison of the winning rower for each feature of the Concept 2 Model D vs NordicTrack RW900: 

Overview Of The NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine

NordicTrack is one of the most well-known companies when it comes to home fitness. The brand manufactures everything from bikes and treadmills to ellipticals and rowing machines. They even have their own fitness platform called iFit that delivers thousands of on-demand workouts directly into your home gym.  

NordicTrack manufactures three rowing machines, and the RW900 is the most advanced of all of them. Not only does it come equipped with a 22” digital display, but it also features a SpaceSaver design, smooth rowing resistance, and lots of customization to cater to multiple users and profiles.  

Out of all the NordicTrack cardio equipment, the RW900 targets the most muscles. Rowing is notorious for working out the entire body, and this rower doesn’t disappoint when it comes to strength training, calorie burning, and weight loss. 

Pros & Cons Of The Popular NordicTrack RW900 

Overview Of The Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine  

Concept 2 is a brand that’s known specifically for their rowing machines. While they also manufacture indoor bikes and other fitness gear, rowing machines are the company’s top sellers, specifically the Concept 2 Model D indoor rower.  

Over the past 40 years, this rower has been a best-seller in this category of cardio equipment, and it mainly has to do with its dependable performance. The machine is used by elite athletes for competitive training, but it also caters to beginner rowers looking for a calorie-burning rowing workout.  

Unlike the RW900, which mainly uses digital resistance, the Concept 2 runs on air resistance. This model isn't as focused on the integrated tech features, but it's one of the most reliable rowers on the market, and its top-selling status over the past four decades has proven that.  

Pros & Cons Of The Popular Concept 2 Model D  

There are many great things to say about the Concept 2 rower, but there are also a few things we're not loving. Here's a breakdown of the Model D's pros and cons:  

NordicTrack Vs Concept 2 (RW900 & Model D Compared)

Full disclosure, you really can’t go wrong with either of these rowing machines. They both have lots of positive reviews and come from reputable brands, and they both offer great value for money. That said, one rower will probably serve you better than the other based on your tech preferences, fitness goals, budget, aesthetic preferences, weight and height limitations, and space in the home.  

Below, you'll find a full comparison of NordicTrack vs Concept 2 based on these considerations and more.  

Footprint & Storage 

If you’re looking to buy a rower, the first thing to know is that these machines aren’t small in nature. The length of rowing machines is typically 80 inches or more, and that’s the case for both the Concept 2 and RW900. The Concept 2 rower is 96 inches long, the NordicTrack is 86 inches long, and both machines are about 2 feet wide.  

These dimensions are all fairly standard, but what isn’t standard is for a rowing machine to feature a foldable design for easy storage. Both machines are foldable, so you can store it upright against the wall or push it into the corner of the room.  

The Concept 2 actually breaks down into two separate pieces for a smaller footprint and easy storage. When broken down, it’s 25” long, 33” wide, and 54” tall. The NordicTrack actually folds in the center, and it has folded dimensions of 50” long, 22” wide, and 50” tall.  

The folding mechanisms work differently for both machines, but they're both easy to store and come equipped with transport wheels.  

Comfortable & Realistic Rowing Experience

The Concept 2 is chain-driven, while the NordicTrack is belt-driven. In most cases, belt-driven rowers are smoother than chain-driven models, but in this case, the chain-driven system doesn't seem to have any negative impact on the Concept 2 whatsoever.  

The rowing experience on this machine is super realistic. Not to say that the RW900 isn’t, but when it comes down to it, we found that the Concept 2 delivered a slightly better rowing experience.  

Both machines utilize a different resistance system as well. The NordicTrack mainly runs on digital resistance (26 levels), which automatically adjusts based on the recommendations of the training leading the workout. It also has an option for manual air resistance with 10 levels of tension.  

The Concept 2 Model D, on the other hand, creates tension solely using air resistance, which is louder than the magnetic resistance of the Nordictrack. As more air flows into the flywheel, the more resistance there will be, creating a more challenging workout. Some people prefer digital resistance while others prefer air, so it really comes down to personal preferences on this one.  

Weight & Height Capacity 

The Concept 2 rower has a significantly higher user weight capacity compared to the RW900. In fact, the Concept 2 can hold twice as much weight as the RW900 - at least according to the manufacturer. The rower specs state that this machine can handle up to 500 pounds, while the RW900 has a max weight capacity of 250 pounds.  

In terms of height limitations, there aren’t many with the Model D. It’s compatible with an inseam of up to 38”, which is one of the highest we’ve come across. Many machines only accommodate a 36” inseam or less (which is still perfectly adequate), so the Concept 2 stands out as a great choice for taller individuals.  

For the NordicTrack rower, the company doesn't give any information on height limitations. Still, after browsing through reviews and reading about customers' experiences, we can conclude that anyone who's overly tall might find the rowing stride to be too short. So if you're over 6'3", we recommend going with the Concept 2.  

Aesthetics & Build Quality  

Aesthetically, the NordicTrack rower is a stunning machine that looks good in any space. The large touchscreen really stands out, as does the black and silver design. To top it off, the frame is sturdy and durable, but as you can probably guess from the difference in weight limitations, the Concept 2 is even sturdier than the RW900.  

The Concept 2 is also a good-looking machine, but the color scheme isn’t for everyone. The frame is primarily black with pops of lime green accents along the entire rower. In other words, if you’re not a fan of lime green, you may not find this rower to be as aesthetically appealing as the RW900.  

Performance Monitoring  

As mentioned before, the Concept 2 monitoring system is pretty basic. However, you have the option to download the free ErgData app, which can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to the rower’s display. Once connected, it gives you additional statistics, stores and displays your workout results, and uploads your workouts to the Concept2 Online Logbook. 

The NordicTrack has a pretty intensive monitoring system. All of your stats are displayed clearly in real-time on the 22” screen, and your resistance will even adjust automatically based on the progression of the workout and the trainer’s recommendations. In other words, the RW900 is the clear winner when it comes to monitoring your rowing sessions. 

Ease of Assembly  

Because the Concept 2 is much lighter (just under 60 pounds), it’s possible to assemble it on your own. It includes everything you need for a quick setup. The front legs are installed using 8 screws, and you can follow along using the clear instructions provided. After opening the box and laying everything out, you should be able to have this machine set up in 20 to 30 minutes.  

The NordicTrack RW900 is designed for out-of-the-box easy assembly. Because of the heavy components, it's still best to have two people present to put it together. If you follow this video tutorial, you shouldn’t have any trouble assembling the machine in 45 minutes or less. 

Purchase Price & Ongoing Costs  

The Concept 2 is quite a bit cheaper than the NordicTrack rower. The machine performs just as well as the RW900 in terms of rowing motion, so the main explanation for the lower price tag is the lack of a large touchscreen. More good news is that there are no required monthly fees unless you choose to use a fitness app that costs money.  

Similar to the Concept 2, you don’t have to with the NordicTrack RW900. You will get a free 30-day trial for iFit, but if you don’t want to continue after 30 days, you don’t have to. If that’s the case, you can use the machine’s preset workouts - just know that there aren’t nearly as many as there are on the iFit platform.  

Comparing Features Of These Rowers 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What is the difference between NordicTrack RW500 and Concept 2 rowers? 

The NordicTrack RW500 is a step-down from the RW900 model. It comes with a lot of cool features, like a 10” tablet display and integration with the iFit platform, but it’s not quite as advanced as the RW900 when it comes to tech features or rowing experience. 

In terms of price, the RW500 and the Concept 2 rowers are actually very similar. The biggest difference between the NordicTrack RW500 vs Concept 2 Model D is that the display is more advanced on the RW500. However, the Concept 2 has a much higher weight capacity, so if you need a rower that supports more than 250 pounds, you’ll want to go with the Concept 2. 

What is the difference between NordicTrack RW200 and Concept 2 rowers? 

Although NordicTrack no longer manufactures the RW200 rower, it’s still possible to find it at retailers like Amazon or BestBuy. Instead of the high-def touchscreen that comes with the other RW models, this rower uses a basic LED display to track progress.  

When comparing the NordicTrack RW200 vs Concept 2, there are actually a lot of similarities in terms of features and performance. The biggest difference is that it's more difficult to find the RW200 since it's no longer available on NordicTrack's website. 

Can I use a NordicTrack rower without iFit? 

Absolutely. Unlike some other high-end rowers on the market that require a monthly subscription, NordicTrack does not require you to have an iFit membership to use their machines.  

NordicTrack includes a free iFit trial with your rower purchase, so if you’re on the fence about subscribing, you can test it out for 30 days to see if it’s worth it. If so, you can pay a monthly fee or pay yearly and get a discount.  

Which of these is best for beginners? 

Both rowers are suitable for beginners, but if you’re OK not having all the advanced tech features (like a massive touchscreen display), we’d recommend the Concept 2. This is the more affordable option, and affordability is generally a big selling point for beginners.  

Conclusion

Deciding on a winner between the NordicTrack RW900 and Concept 2 Model D rowers isn’t easy. If you’re looking for cool tech features and a high-def display, you’ll definitely want to go with the NordicTrack RW900.

But if you’re just interested in rowing and are fine foregoing tech advancements for a more affordable rower, then the Concept 2 might be a better choice for you.  

The main takeaway here is that both machines are a worthy addition to any home gym. Choosing the right one for you comes down to your workout preferences, budget, available space, and weighing the pros and cons of each one.