Rowing Machine NerdAssault AirRower Elite vs Concept2: Which Air Rower Wins?
Both of these are air rowers aimed at people who train hard - CrossFitters, interval junkies, garage-gym owners. The Assault AirRower Elite is a rugged, commercial-grade machine at around $1,499; the Concept2 Model D is the data-standard benchmark at around $990. They share the air-rowing fundamentals, so this comes down to build, comfort, data, and price.
Here's whether the more expensive Assault justifies its premium over the machine that defines the category.
Verdict: Better value and data for most - the Assault wins only on raw build and seat comfort.
Assault AirRower Elite vs Concept2 Model D: at a glance
| Assault AirRower Elite | Concept2 Model D | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 3.6/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Price | ~$1,499 | ~$990 |
| Resistance | Air (6-blade fan, 19-inch steel flywheel, dual chain + belt drive) | Air (spiral damper, 10 settings) |
| Monitor / screen | Battery-powered high-contrast LCD with push buttons | PM5 (backlit; Bluetooth & ANT+; USB) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth / ANT for heart-rate chest strap; no fitness app or subscription | ErgData + 40+ compatible apps |
| Max user weight | 350 lb (158.8 kg) | 500 lb (227 kg) |
| Footprint / size | 92.5 x 20.1 x 48.6 in (235 x 51 x 123 cm) | 96" × 24" (244 × 61 cm) |
| Storage | Non-folding; stores vertically or horizontally; front transport wheels | Separates into two parts; front casters |
| Warranty | 5-year frame, 3-year non-wear parts, 1-year labor | 5-yr frame / 2-yr parts & monitor |
Full Assault AirRower Elite review Full Concept2 Model D review
Feel and build
Both deliver true air resistance that scales with effort - no ceiling, no preset levels, just how hard you pull. The Assault's dual chain-and-belt drive is smooth and responsive, and notably it has no damper (resistance is purely effort-driven), while the Concept2's spiral damper lets you tune the airflow feel.
On raw ruggedness and comfort, the Assault is the standout: a heavy commercial-grade steel frame, a contoured moisture-resistant seat, and a wide multi-grip handle that many find more comfortable than the Concept2's for long sessions. If you want the most tank-like, comfortable air rower for relentless use, the Assault makes a real case.
Data and ecosystem
This is the Concept2's decisive win. The PM5 is the worldwide testing and racing standard, with globally comparable splits and a huge open ecosystem of free and paid apps. The Assault's console is a basic LCD with no companion app, subscription content, or third-party integration - it shows your numbers, but they don't plug into the wider world or compare to anyone else's.
For anyone who races, follows online challenges, or just wants trustworthy benchmarkable data, the Concept2 is far ahead. The Assault is a workout tool; the Concept2 is a workout tool and a measurement standard.
Price, noise and value
The Concept2 is around $500 cheaper, and it holds 75-85% of its resale value - the Assault costs more up front while offering fewer software features. On noise, the Assault's dual-drive is a touch quieter than many air rowers, but both are audibly loud at high intensity (the Assault has no damper to soften airflow).
Both are non-folding with long footprints and store vertically. Given the Concept2's lower price, superior data, and stronger resale, it's the better value for the large majority of buyers - the Assault's premium buys build and comfort, not performance or data.
Choose the Assault AirRower Elite if…
- You want the most rugged, commercial-grade build for heavy daily use
- Seat and handle comfort for long sessions is a top priority
- You prefer a damper-free, pure effort-driven feel
- You don't care about app integration or comparable data
Choose the Concept2 Model D if…
- You want the world's data standard and globally comparable splits
- You want the open ecosystem of free and paid apps
- You want to spend ~$500 less and get stronger resale value
- You see this as a buy-for-life benchmark machine
Our verdict
For most buyers, the Concept2 Model D is the better buy: it costs less, offers vastly better data and app integration, and holds its value, while rowing just as hard. It's our overall top pick and the safer choice for nearly everyone.
The Assault AirRower Elite is justified for a specific buyer - someone who wants the most rugged, comfortable, commercial-grade air rower for relentless interval training and doesn't care about data ecosystems. Its build and seat comfort are genuinely excellent. But you're paying more for fewer features, so unless that ruggedness and comfort are the priority, the Concept2 wins.
References
- Understanding Splits - Concept2
- What Damper Setting and Drag Factor to Use on the Concept2 RowErg - Concept2
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Assault AirRower Elite or Concept2 better?
- The Concept2 Model D is better for most - it's cheaper, has the world's data standard and an open app ecosystem, and holds its resale value. The Assault wins on raw commercial-grade build and seat/handle comfort, making it a niche pick for hard daily interval training.
- Does the Assault AirRower have a damper like the Concept2?
- No. The Assault AirRower Elite has no damper - resistance scales entirely with your effort. The Concept2 has a 10-setting spiral damper that lets you tune the airflow feel, though on both machines your effort, not the setting, sets the intensity.
- Is the Assault AirRower worth more than the Concept2?
- Only if you specifically want its rugged commercial build and more comfortable seat and handle for heavy use. It costs around $500 more while offering fewer software features and weaker data than the Concept2, so for most buyers the Concept2 is the better value.
Jordan Lockwood (BSc, CPT)
Certified personal trainer (CPT), sports-science graduate, and lifelong rower. Jordan writes and reviews every guide on Rowing Machine Nerd.