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When we first heard Rogue Fitness was releasing a rower, we were a bit surprised. After all, Rogue already sells the Concept2 RowErg, which may be the most popular rower of all time, and we didn’t expect the company to make its own competitor.
According to Rogue, the Echo Rower is now the official rower of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games. This is a big deal, and we knew we had to get our hands on one as soon as possible. Even if you’re not into CrossFit, rowing machines are excellent pieces of fitness equipment to add to any home gym.
While the Rogue Echo Rower only shipped in very limited qualities at the time of writing, GGR founder Cooper “Coop” Mitchell was able to get his hands on one for an early preview. He’s spent plenty of time with this rower, and in this first look, I’ll share all of his initial thoughts and impressions.
It’s a little too early to tell whether the Echo Rower will make our list of best rowing machines, but you may be surprised by Coop’s initial reaction. Let’s dive in.
First Impressions from a Rowing Machine Expert
While we haven’t spent enough time with the Echo Rower to give it a full, honest review, our initial testing was done by Cooper “Coop” Mitchell, the man who started Garage Gym Reviews in 2014.
Coop has tested countless pieces of equipment over the years, including rowers, and as someone who loves the Concept2 RowErg, he couldn’t wait to test this out. He’s also been impressed by Rogue barbells, benches, and more, and we had high expectations for this rower.
We still have plenty of proprietary tests to perform before we can provide a final review score, so this first look will share our initial reaction after assembling the rower and trying it out.
Rogue Echo Rower
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Folding design
- Comfortable foot straps
- Sturdy latches to secure the rower
- Competition-grade construction
Cons
- Assembly may take a while
- Individual parts may not be easy to order
Bottom Line
The Rogue Echo Rower is a durable, competition-grade rower that’s become the official rower of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games. It’s durable, portable, and easy to transport and store when not in use.
A Quick Look at the Rogue Echo Rower
We’ll start with the obvious here: The Concept2 RowErg is the gold standard of rowers and the most popular rower on the market, and the Rogue Echo Rower is meant to be a direct competitor. As I said in the introduction, the Echo Rower is now the official rower of CrossFit and the CrossFit games.
With an indoor rower, you can quickly customize the resistance to your needs, and it’s a very low-impact machine. Whether you’re looking to perform a long cardio session or a quick HIIT workout, a rower is a great choice. Indoor rowing has been shown1 to improve the strength and function of the elbows, shoulders, knees, and lower back—joints that often take a beating from traditional cardio.
Throughout this first look, I’ll compare the Rogue Echo Rower to the Concept2 multiple times, but that’s because they are meant to be direct competitors–Coop even had the two side by side for most of his first look video.
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Rogue designed the Echo Rower to function, look, and feel very similar to the Concept2, but with a few significant upgrades and a lower price point. Further testing will be needed to assess things like long-term durability, as well as a few special tests we’ve thought of to rate every aspect of the rower, but our initial impressions are good.
Before You Buy
- The Rogue Echo Rower is very similar to the Concept2 RowErg. The seat, handle, and rowing mechanics feel nearly identical.
- Compared to the Concept2, the Rogue Echo Rower is much shorter when stored, as it folds in half for storage, though the Concept2 can be disassembled into two pieces.
- If you already have a Concept2, we’re not saying you should get rid of it to buy the Echo. But if you’re looking for your first rower, the Echo is well worth considering, especially due to its lower price tag.
Video Review
Is the Rogue Echo Rower Worth It?
While we haven’t spent too much time with the Rogue Echo Rower, it’s safe to say we recommend this rower. The Concept2 was named the best overall rower in our guide, and the Echo Rower feels nearly identical, with a few upgrades and a lower cost.
Great for:
- Anyone looking for a durable, high-quality rower
- Those who love low-impact yet challenging cardio workouts
- People who want to own the official rower of CrossFit
Not recommended for:
- Those who already have a Concept2 rower
- Anyone who prefers a brand that allows you to order all of the individual parts
- People shopping on a tight budget
Rogue Echo Rower Specs
| Price | $895 |
| Product weight | 76.2 lbs |
| Dimensions | 99″ x 26″ (38” x 26″ when folded) |
| Weight limit | 500 lbs |
| Display | 4.7” LCD console |
| Resistance | Air (adjustable) |
| Warranty | 5-year frame, 2-year moving parts and monitor |
Workout Experience: Using the Rogue Echo Rower
Using the Rogue Echo Rower is a very smooth, pleasant experience. The seat is well-padded, the handle is comfortable, and even the foot straps feel great.
While many rowers use thinner straps that need to be tightened around your feet with each use, the Echo uses wider straps that feel very comfortable and a quick-release system that allows you to easily remove your feet and change exercises.
RELATED: Rowing Machine Workouts
If you’ve ever used a Concept2 RowErg, the Echo Rower feels nearly identical. In fact, thanks to the similar seat and handle design, Coop said that if you close your eyes, you wouldn’t be able to tell which one you were using. That’s how good it is.
We’ll talk about long-term durability and any issues we notice when we do our full, in-depth review, but from our early impressions, using the Echo Rower is an awesome experience.
Footprint and Portability
Rogue has made several design choices that truly elevate the Echo Rower above its competition.
First, the Echo Rower features thick turf tires, which Coop loved using. He said moving the rower is very easy, and he wishes more gym equipment used similar turf tires.
The rower folds in half for portability and can be fully secured using a durable latch once it’s opened. The rower doesn’t move at all once secured, so it doesn’t feel unstable or flimsy, even though it’s designed to fold.
Thanks to this folding design, the Echo Rower takes up significantly less vertical space when it’s stored compared to other rowers that don’t feature the folding design. With popular competitors, the rower can stand up, but you need to account for the entire length of the rower—a problem Rogue has addressed.
With a footprint of 99″ L x 26″ W, this will fit into many home gyms, though it’s still over eight feet long, so you’ll need a long space to use it.
Durability and Construction
We can’t score the durability yet as we haven’t put it through enough testing. However, Coop said it feels very well-made. None of the latches or folding elements feel flimsy at all, and as Rogue designed this to be a competition-grade rower, we expect it to last for a long time.
Similar to the Rogue Echo Bike, the pieces are large and bold, with clear Rogue branding and a durable, high-quality feel.
Rogue says that they consulted with a third-party engineering firm, S-E-A, to test the rower and ensure it could be used in competition with the Concept2 RowErg. With strict third-party inspections and an aluminum frame, the Echo Rower should last for a long time.
That said, we do have one call out on the topic of durability. Concept2 allows users to purchase any individual component of the rower, which makes replacing worn-out parts a breeze. The Rogue Echo Rower doesn’t have this yet since it’s still very new, so we’re curious to see if Rogue starts to sell individual parts down the road.
Ergonomics
Using the Rogue Rower is an easy, comfortable experience. One of the best features is the quick-release foot straps, which can be annoying to loosen on a typical rower, especially if you’re in a rush to get to the next exercise.
Rogue uses wide, durable straps that feel very secure. The quick-release mechanism allows you to tighten the strap to your preference, similar to most rowers, and then quickly loosen the whole strap by releasing a latch on the side. Rather than having to mess with slide buckles when getting on and off the rower, you can quickly release the strap to make faster transitions.
The seat height is 16” from the floor, the recommended maximum use height is 38″ inseam, and the maximum user weight is 500 pounds. The cushioned seat is comfortable and made of polyurethane, which feels similar to many of the Rogue benches. The rowing action is smooth, with easily adjustable resistance via a handle near the flywheel.
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Technology and Conveniences
Similar to the Concept2, the Echo Rower features a small digital monitor to track your stats and various metrics during your workout. The backlit monitor is self-powered, though Rogue includes two D batteries as a backup power source.
There’s also a built-in clip in the back of the monitor that you can use to secure your phone. Adjusting the resistance is very simple and easy, as the adjustment handle can easily be reached, and the numbers are large and easy to read.
The monitor is also Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible, allowing you to pair various fitness devices. It’s compatible with other fitness apps, including ErgZone, Regatta, Peloton, and more. Rogue also states that all Garmin, Suunto, and ANT+ / Bluetooth heart rate monitors are compatible with the Echo Rower.
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Comparison to Concept2 RowErg
Concept2 RowErg
Product Highlights
- Priced around $1,000
- Uses air resistance generated by the fanned flywheel
- Advanced PM5 Performance Monitor
- Low impact full-body workout fitness machine
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Can be broken down into two pieces for storage
- Can also be hung for storage
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-selling rowing machine in the world
- Easy assembly
- Accommodates users up to 6.6 feet tall and 500-pound weight
- Ergonomic seat and handlebar
- Seat is 14”
- 10-degree angle on handle for natural grip
- Air-resistance
- Adjustable airflow
- Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) monitor
- Nickel-plated steel chain
- Adjustable footrests
- Easy to store
- Limited 5-year warranty
Cons
- Priced around $1,000
- Few built-in workouts
Bottom Line
The Concept 2 Model D Rower is the best rowing machine we've tested and reviewed, including those that are much more expensive like the WaterRower. There's a reason you can find Concept 2 products in nearly every gym in the world, including CrossFit Boxes, and home gyms. After having the Model D for over two years, we are still as satisfied with it as we were on day one.
As Coop pointed out, it’s interesting that Rogue made the Rogue Echo Rower, considering they probably sell more Concept2 RowErgs than anyone else.
The Concept2 rower is generally considered the gold standard of rowers. I thought this would be the most appropriate model to compare the Echo Rower to, though there are plenty of other rowers on the market.
The seat and handle on each machine feel extremely similar, which is likely because many gyms will have multiple Concept2 rowers already, and it’s not convenient to replace all of them at once. The Echo Rower has a very similar feel to Concept 2 and should perform well.
Coop said if he were to close his eyes, the workout experience would feel identical between the two rowers, though the foot straps on the Echo Rower feel more comfortable.
The biggest difference is in the design and portability. While both rowers stand up and have transport wheels, only the Echo Rower folds in the middle, taking up significantly less space. It’s heavier, but the turf wheels make it very easy to move.
Overall, both rowers are very similar, and both are excellent machines. The Concept2 RowErg is best for those who want the gold standard of rowers. The Rogue Echo Rower is better for those who don’t mind a newer product and want a rower that feels very similar, has a few upgrades, and costs a little less.
To read more, check out our full Concept2 RowErg review.
| Rogue Echo Rower | Concept2 RowErg | |
| Price | $895 | $999 |
| Product weight | 76.2 lbs | 57 lbs |
| Dimensions | 99″ L x 26″ W (38” H x 26″ W when folded) | 96″ L x 24″ W x 14″ H |
| Weight limit | 500 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Display | 4.7” LCD console | Advanced PM5 Performance Monitor |
| Resistance | Air (adjustable) | Air (adjustable) |
| Warranty | 5-year frame warranty, 2-year moving parts and monitor warranty | 5 years |
Customer Experience
Rogue offers a 5-year warranty on the frame and a 2-year warranty on the moving parts and monitor. Returns are accepted within the first 30 days, and you can contact Rogue via live chat or email.
Customer Reviews
Since this is a new product shipping in small batches, reviews are very limited. However, there are eight reviews at the time of writing, with an average score of 4.9.
Most people love the feel, quality, and folding design. The only negative points I saw were that the adjustment knob was hard to reach for shorter individuals, and the monitor felt floppy.
Ordering and Assembling the Rogue Echo Rower
When you order from Rogue, you’ll receive free shipping, and you can finance your order with Affirm.
Our operations manager, Sam Presley, who’s helped assemble most of the equipment in our GGR testing facility, helped Coop with the unboxing and assembly process. He said the Rogue Echo Rower is one of the most customer-friendly in terms of assembly. It may be faster with two people, but it’s not too difficult.
One customer review also mentioned that while the item needed to be assembled, it only took about 30 minutes to put it together.
RELATED: DIY Rowing Machine
Final Verdict of Our Rogue Echo Rower Review
If you’re looking for a competition-grade rower, the Rogue Echo Rower is well worth considering. We won’t be able to crown it the best overall rower until we have more time to test it, but so far, it seems like an upgraded version of the popular Concept2 RowErg, at a lower price point.
Coop plans on performing more proprietary testing in the near future, so stay tuned for more of our thoughts and our final score once we have an in-depth review.
- The Rogue Echo Rower is now the official rower of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games and feels nearly identical to the Concept2 RowErg.
- The folding design means it takes less vertical space when it’s being stored.
- At $895, this is very affordable, especially for the quality.
Rogue Echo Rower: FAQs
Is 20 minutes of rowing enough?
It depends on your goals and fitness level, but 20 minutes can certainly provide a great workout when performed at the proper intensity. It doesn’t take long to see results either, as seen in our 30-day rowing machine before and after.
Is rowing good for beginners?
Yes. It’s a low-impact activity that’s easy to perform, and most rowers have adjustable resistance levels, so you can tailor the workout to your needs.
How long will the Rogue Echo Rower last?
We haven’t had our rower long enough, but the quality seems very good. The rower is also protected by a 5-year frame warranty and a 2-year parts and monitor warranty.
References
- Kang, S. R., Yu, C. H., Han, K. S., & Kwon, T. K. (2014). Comparative analysis of basal physical fitness and muscle function in relation to muscle balance pattern using rowing machines. Bio-medical materials and engineering, 24(6), 2425–2435. https://doi.org/10.3233/BME-141056
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