Head to head
Concept2 SkiErg vs Concept2 RowErg (2027): Which Erg Should You Own First?
Standing ski poling against seated rowing from the same maker: muscles, space, storage, technique, and who each erg serves.
Concept2 SkiErg with PM5 Monitor vs Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine: the specs, side by side
| Spec | Concept2 SkiErg with PM5 Monitor | Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | Air flywheel, spiral damper adjustable | Air flywheel, spiral damper adjustable |
| Monitor | PM5, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity | PM5, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity |
| Mounting | Wall mount included pattern, floor stand sold separately | Free standing, separates for storage |
| Footprint | About 19 x 16 in wall mounted, about 24 x 52 in on floor stand (check current spec) | About 96 x 24 in in use, stores upright |
| Construction | Aluminium front legs on stand version, steel wall bracket | Aluminium monorail, steel legs (standard or tall leg versions) |
Concept2Concept2 SkiErg with PM5 Monitor
The reference ski erg: air flywheel, PM5 monitor, wall mount or floor stand.
- Resistance: Air flywheel, spiral damper adjustable
- Monitor: PM5, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity
Sources: Concept2 SkiErg product documentation, Amazon listing specifications
Check price on Amazonor add to your Amazon cart
Concept2Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine
Alternative pick, not a ski machine: the PM5 rower most ski erg buyers cross shop.
- Resistance: Air flywheel, spiral damper adjustable
- Monitor: PM5, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity
Sources: Concept2 RowErg product documentation, Amazon listing specifications
Check price on Amazonor add to your Amazon cartOur recommendation
Own the RowErg first for general fitness: legs drive it, more total muscle works, and it stores upright in a corner. Own the SkiErg first only if ski training, standing work, or upper body emphasis is your actual goal, or your space is a wall, not a floor.
What does the work
Rowing is legs, back, and arms in that order. Skiing is lats, triceps, core, and hip hinge, standing. Skiers and upper body athletes need the SkiErg pattern. Everyone else usually gets more training out of the rower per session.
Space, opposite shapes
The RowErg needs about 9 ft of length in use, then stores upright. The SkiErg needs a wall or a stand footprint of roughly 24 by 52 inches, permanently. Apartments often fit the rower storage trick better; garages often fit the ski wall better.
Technique and joints
Both reward technique coaching and punish sloppy form with inefficiency more than injury risk at sensible loads. Rowing loads the lower back in flexion if done badly; skiing loads shoulders and elbows if you muscle every pull with straight arms. Learn the patterns from the maker videos either way.
Choose Concept2 SkiErg with PM5 Monitor if…
- You ski, or want standing upper body training
- Your available space is a wall or a stand footprint
- You already own a rower or a bike
Choose Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine if…
- This is your first and maybe only erg
- You want leg driven, total body training
- Upright storage solves your space problem
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
If I buy both, does the PM5 data combine?
Both machines use the PM5 and the same ErgData and logbook ecosystem, so your training history lives in one place across ergs. That shared system is a genuine reason to pair Concept2 machines.