Assault Elite Rower vs Concept 2 Rower
The main differences between Assault Elite and Concept 2 rower are the monitor and the resistance. Concept2 rower comes with an advanced Bluetooth monitor that seamlessly connects to applications such Zwift and its resistance is 10 level adjustable plus dynamic while Assault Elite monitor is more basic and its resistance is only dynamic. On top of that, Concept 2 rowing machine has an enclosed drive that keeps debris away and causes less maintenance.
The Assault Rower Elite and the Concept 2 Rowers are a couple of models that commonly top the wish list of people looking for a high end rower. Both of these air resistance rowing machines come in with a fairly hefty price tag, but both are from proven and trusted brands. After spending some time on both machines, the Concept 2 Rower stands out to me as the better machine overall. But that’s not to say the Assault Rower Elite isn’t worth your time or money. I just prefer the feel of the Concept 2 Rower and save some money at a decent price. Here’s how these two air resistance machines compare:
Assault Elite Rowing Machine
Everything about the Assault Rower Elite screams high quality. This model was actually designed for commercial gyms, so it should be no surprise that its sturdy steel frame and high quality construction well surpass most at home fitness machines. Air resistance machines are not my favorite type of rower, but the Assault Rower Elite proves its standing amongst the very best of its class.
Concept 2 Rower Models D & E
For many rowing fans, the Concept 2 D Rower is one of the benchmarks at which other rowing machines are held. As far as air resistance machines go, Concept 2 is a leading brand for quality and performance. You’ll see that I prefer the Concept 2 to the Assault Rower Elite by the end of this review, but both machines are of the highest quality in my opinion.
Assault Calories Burned
There’s a bit of a difference between these two models in terms of the type of workouts they facilitate. Remember that the Assault Rower Elite is designed for commercial gyms. It excels with HIIT workouts and integration with the Queenax Functional Training System. The rugged and sturdy build of the machine makes it excellent for intense workouts that burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time.
Concept2 Calories Burned
On the other hand, the Concept 2 Rower E is an LISS or Low Intensity Steady-State workout. This means that users can work on cardio and fitness over a longer duration of time, like with most traditional rowing machines. There’s not one method that is better for burning calories, it is all up to personal preference here.
Who Can Use the Assault Rower Elite?
The Assault Rower Elite has a lower maximum weight capacity than the Concept 2 Rower, although the sturdy frame certainly feels like it could hold more. Users up to 350 lbs can use the Assault Rower Elite, although the HIIT workout program might not be appropriate for everyone. Particularly older users or those recovering from injuries might prefer the LISS workout instead.
Who Can Use the Concept 2 Rower?
The nice thing about the Concept 2 Rower is how universally accessible it is. The machine has a maximum user weight capacity of 500 lbs, although you might see different numbers reported for this. The European Stationary Testing Fitness Equipment Testing Standard has only approved the machine up to 300 lbs. Still, I’d go with what Concept 2 has tested and presume that the 500 lb limit will hold. The Concept 2 Rower is made for those who are looking for a low intensity workout, and is safe for users of any age or fitness level.
Assault Rower Elite Comfort
There’s nothing wrong with the seat or fit of the Assault Rower Elite, but I have used more comfortable machines. Especially when trying the HIIT workouts, I felt it could be a little more comfortable to use. Still, it’s a contoured and padded seat that is well positioned with the rest of the machine. Again, the stability of the machine is what stands out here and I didn’t feel any instability, even during HIIT workouts.
Concept 2 Rower Comfort
The Concept 2 Rower has an exceptionally comfortable seat, with a high seat option for shorter users. The frame and machine have always been known for the ergonomic angle that makes it easy for any user to use. For an air rower, the Concept 2 was surprisingly quiet compared to most air resistance machines I have used. Everything about the Concept 2 impressed me when it came to comfort and usability.
Assault Rower Elite Size and Space
I won’t sugar coat it: the Assault Rower Elite and the Concept 2 Rower are two of the longest rowing machines on the market. The Assault Rower Elite measures out to be 92.5” in length which is just shy of eight feet. When Assault says this model is made for commercial gyms, it means it. Given how stable the frame is, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Assault Rower Elite weighs upwards of 143 lbs, which makes it a heavy machine to try and move around.
Concept 2 Rower Size and Space
The Concept 2 Rower is actually longer than the Assault Rower Elite, coming in at 95” in length. You will need at least eight feet in space to have this machine in your home, although thankfully it does fold away nicely when you are finished with your workout. One nice thing about the Concept 2 is that it is much lighter than the Assault Rower Elite, weighing only 57 lbs.
Assault Rower Elite Price
On the Assault website, the Rower Elite starts at $1,199.00. Unlike other fitness machines, there isn’t a monthly subscription package with the Rower Elite, but you can choose to subscribe to other services if you need that extra motivation. Still, at $1,199 with very little connected technology, it is a steep price to pay for a rowing machine. The Assault site does allow you to finance the machine through services like Affirm.
Concept 2 Rower Price
Similarly, the Concept 2 Rower does not come with a monthly subscription package, but on the Concept 2 site, this rower is priced at $900.00. In all honesty it is one of the advantages I give to Concept 2 in this review because I know that most casual rowing fans will want to save a few hundred dollars whenever it is possible.
Assault Support and Warranty
Assault provides a five-year warranty on the frame, a three-year warranty for all other parts, and a one-year warranty for labor. It’s a fairly standard warranty in the fitness machine industry so nothing extraordinary from the Assault company here. Assault has customer support through phone, email, and live chat on its website.
Concept 2 Support and Warranty
Concept 2 offers a similar warranty to Assault with a five-year warranty on the frame and specified parts and only two-years for any other parts. Concept 2 offers customer support by phone and email on its website.
