Best for training data
Concept2 RowErg
FitScore for Tall Rowers
- ResistanceAir
- Max user weight500 lb
- Fit (rail / inseam / height)54-in rail; inseam up to…
- Length × width (in use)96 × 24 in
Choose it if you want a long rail, a 500-lb rating and split and watts on the monitor.
Best for water feel
YOSUDA Water Rower
FitScore for Tall Rowers
- ResistanceWater
- Max user weight400 lb
- Fit (rail / inseam / height)Users up to 6 ft 6 in
- Length × width (in use)73.6 × 16.14 in
Choose it if you want the feel of water and a rower that folds away.
Overall winner for tall rowers: Concept2 RowErg, by 1.4 points. It leads on performance, durability and features: a 54-inch rail for inseams up to 38 inches, a 500-lb rating, a 5-year frame warranty and a monitor with split and watts. The YOSUDA Water Rower leads on comfort and practicality: it fits users up to 6 ft 6 in and folds.
Concept2 RowErg wins 3 rounds- YOSUDA Water Rower wins 2 rounds
Product photos from Amazon. FitScore weights are explained below.
Concept2 vs YOSUDA water rower: the RowErg is an air rower with a 54-inch rail, a full training monitor and a 500-lb rating; the YOSUDA is a folding wood water rower for users up to 6 ft 6 in.
The Concept2 ranks #1 and the YOSUDA #2 in our best rowing machine for tall people guide.
Head-to-Head Specs
Here are the two rowers side by side. A check mark shows the stronger spec on each line. Check both warranties before you order: the FTC explains how to read a product warranty. The CDC physical activity guidelines for adults recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, and steady rowing sessions count toward it. In a study of 107 adults aged 20 to 74, rowing on an ergometer used more energy than cycling at the same power output.
| Specification | Concept2 RowErgFitScore 86.1 | YOSUDA Water RowerFitScore 84.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | Air | Water |
| Resistance levels | No preset levels: the pull gets heavier the harder you row | No preset levels: the pull gets heavier the harder you row |
| Max user weight | 500 lb✓ | 400 lb |
| Fit (rail / inseam / height) | 54-in rail; inseam up to 38 in | Users up to 6 ft 6 in |
| Length × width (in use) | 96 × 24 in | 73.6 × 16.14 in✓ |
| Storage | Separates in two | Folds✓ |
| Product weight | 57.3 lb | 55 lb✓ |
| Monitor and metrics | Time, distance, strokes, calories, stroke rate, 500 m split, watts, heart rate✓ | Time, distance, strokes, calories |
| Bluetooth and apps | Bluetooth; ErgData and 40+ compatible apps | Bluetooth; Kinomap, Apple Health, Google Fit |
| Subscription | None required | None required |
| Warranty | 5 years frame, 2 years parts✓ | 2 years frame, 1 year parts |
| Specs won | 3 of 11 | 3 of 11 |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
FitScore Duel
Both scores use the weights of our best rowing machine for tall people guide (how we score): comfort 42%, which covers rail length and fit, performance 21%, durability 16%, affordability 11%, practicality and features 5% each. The YOSUDA wins comfort, practicality and affordability; the Concept2 wins performance, durability and features, enough to stay ahead.
Key Differences
- The Concept2 uses air resistance; the YOSUDA a water tank. Neither has preset levels.
- The Concept2 has a 54-inch rail for inseams up to 38 inches; the YOSUDA fits users up to 6 ft 6 in.
- The Concept2 is rated for 500 lb; the YOSUDA for 400 lb.
- The YOSUDA is 73.6 × 16.14 inches in use and folds; the Concept2 is 96 × 24 inches and separates in two.
- The Concept2 monitor adds stroke rate, 500 m split, watts and heart rate.
- The Concept2 has a 5-year frame warranty; the YOSUDA 2 years.
Round 1 of 5
Concept2 vs YOSUDA Water Rower: Resistance and Rowing Feel
Concept2 RowErg wins this round
Both have no preset levels: the pull grows with your effort. The Concept2 fan gives a crisp pull and a damper to change the feel.
The YOSUDA uses water, with a smooth stroke and the swish of the water; owners say the seat glides easily.
Round 2 of 5
Fit, Capacity and Build
Concept2 RowErg wins this round
For tall rowers the rail decides: the Concept2 has a 54-inch rail for inseams up to 38 inches and a 500-lb rating, with a 5-year frame warranty. Owners praise its solid build.
The YOSUDA fits users up to 6 ft 6 in and is rated for 400 lb, on a wood frame with a 2-year frame warranty.
Round 3 of 5
Footprint and Storage
YOSUDA Water Rower wins this round
The YOSUDA is 73.6 × 16.14 inches in use, weighs 55 lb and folds.
The Concept2 needs 96 × 24 inches, weighs 57.3 lb and separates in two for storage.
Round 4 of 5
Noise and Home Use
YOSUDA Water Rower wins this round
The Concept2 fan gets louder as you pull harder.
The YOSUDA is quieter, with the sound of the water on each stroke; owners call it easy to assemble and like how it looks.
Round 5 of 5
Monitor and Apps
Concept2 RowErg wins this round
The Concept2 monitor shows time, distance, strokes, calories, stroke rate, 500 m split, watts and heart rate and connects to ErgData and many compatible apps.
The YOSUDA shows time, distance, strokes and calories and connects to Kinomap, Apple Health and Google Fit. Neither needs a paid plan.
Who Should Buy Each
Long legs and hard training
Choose the Concept2 RowErg if you are tall, train with splits and watts and want the longest frame warranty.
Tall rowers short on space
Choose the YOSUDA Water Rower if you want the feel of water, a wood frame and a rower that folds after each session.
Consider Instead
JOROTO MR280PRO
If you want a water rower that also stands upright, look at the JOROTO MR280PRO, #3 in our tall people guide. See our rowing machine dimensions guide to check the room you need.
Final Verdict
For tall rowers, the Concept2 RowErg is the better buy. Its long rail, 500-lb rating and full monitor give it the edge. If space is tight or you prefer water, the YOSUDA Water Rower is the one to choose: it fits users up to 6 ft 6 in and folds.
Concept2 RowErg vs YOSUDA Water Rower FAQ
With the weights of our tall people guide, the Concept2 RowErg scores 86.1 against 84.7 for the YOSUDA Water Rower.
It fits users up to 6 ft 6 in. The Concept2 has a 54-inch rail for inseams up to 38 inches.
The YOSUDA: 73.6 × 16.14 inches in use, and it folds. The Concept2 needs 96 × 24 inches.
The YOSUDA. Water makes a soft swish, while the Concept2 fan gets louder as you pull harder.
No. Both work with free apps and neither requires a paid plan.
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