The Concept2 RowErg tends to be a bit noisier than some other rowing machines because of its air resistance mechanism. This means that as you row, the flywheel and fan create sound, much like the whooshing you’d hear rowing on water. The more effort you put into your stroke, the louder it gets, which is pretty common for rowers using this system.
From what we've gathered, the noise is noticeable but usually not too overwhelming. It's definitely not silent, but many folks find it blends into the background—especially if you've got music or the TV playing. This is worth thinking about if you're planning to set up your rowing spot in a shared living area.
One thing to keep in mind is that the RowErg doesn’t let you adjust resistance levels like some other machines. Instead, it changes based on how hard you row. There's a damper on the side of the flywheel that lets you adjust the feel of your strokes, which is somewhat similar to changing gears on a bike. This won't directly change how loud it is, though.
The damper setting changes the drag factor, simulating different rowing conditions. This can affect how you perceive the noise, as setting it higher might make you row harder, which could produce more noise.
If having a quiet workout environment is really important to you, this is something you might want to consider. But it's worth noting that many feel the realistic rowing experience and great workout the Concept2 offers make up for the noise. Plus, if you don’t mind a little background sound or use headphones, you’ll probably get used to it easily.
So, while the RowErg isn’t the quietest kid on the block, it gives an authentic rowing feel that many think is worth a bit of extra noise. If you're unsure, you might want to check out videos or demos online to get a sense of the sound before making a decision.
