Concept2 SkiErg Review – What, Why and Should You Buy?! A Gym Owner’s View…

Here’s a Concept2 SkiErg review from a gym owner. It’s an honest review, because I’ve got no agenda. I don’t sell them, I don’t work for Concept2, and I want to help you make informed decisions. This is user feedback, not ‘PR’.

I remember seeing the first version of the Concept2 SkiErg in 2009 at Leisure Industry Week, a now (sadly) defunct fitness trade show in the UK. I was intrigued by this new machine – the only true upper body cardio machine I’d ever seen. For a gym owner, it offered something completely different to other cardio machines. It was a bit clunky and quite ugly, but it was innovative.

Fast forward 16 years, and I now own 5 of them. It puts me in a good position to do a proper Concept2 SkiErg review.

So here we go, my thoughts and feelings on the Concept2 SkiErg as a long-term owner.

What is the Concept2 SkiErg?

The Concept2 SkiErg is a machine designed to replicate cross country skiing, but the training benefits extend to anyone.

It’s an upright cardio machine that places the emphasis on the upper body. The user pulls two cords, and the resistance is provided by a flywheel placed near to ground level. Unlike every other mainstream cardio machine, almost all of the work on a SkiErg is done by the upper body.

We’re now on the second version of the Concept2 SkiErg, with several aesthetic and design changes being made since version 1.

Who Benefits From Using a SkiErg?

Pretty much everyone will benefit from using a Concept2 SkiErg. I see MyGym members using them as a warm up for upper body training. They’re also an excellent cardio option when your legs are feeling tired after a lot of leg training.

If you’re carrying a lower body injury but still want to get some cardio in, the SkiErg is a perfect option. There’s also no impact, so can work for people with vulnerable joints.

|It works brilliantly for cross country skiers (obviously), swimmers and kayakers. Put simply, anyone will be able to use the Concept2 SkiErg. With its emphasis on the upper body and the simplicity of use, it’s a superb addition to any cardio lineup.

Is the SkiErg as Good as the Other Concept2 Machines?

Absolutely. One thing you can rely on with Concept2 is that everything is manufactured to the highest standards. In all of my years of using and buying from them, I’m yet to be disappointed with anything I’ve owned. That’s a solid record extending back over 20 years.

The build quality is solid. The flywheel and PM5 monitor is the same technology they use in the RowErg and BikeErg, so they’ve got that nailed. The cords are thick and strong (I’ve replaced one in 5 years), the handles are comfortable. The base is stable and completely non-slip, even when covered in sweat. The body of the machine is good quality.

The whole thing is built really, really well. I can’t do a Concept2 SkiErg review without mentioning the build quality, because it really is outstanding.

How Much Does a Concept2 SkiErg Cost?

I bought both the SkiErg and the base plate, which cost a collective £1050 ($1310). This was £815 ($1017) for the SkiErg and £235 ($293) for the base plate.

You can bolt the Concept2 SkiErg to the wall, removing the need for the base plate. If you’d prefer that, you’d only need to buy the SkiErg unit. I have mine on base plates because I like the flexibility of being able to move the machines around.

If you are going to bolt yours to the wall though, make sure your walls are suitable – you can’t bolt them to plasterboard or drywall and expect the wall to stand up to the heavy use! They have to be attached to brick or strong timber. Even breeze blocks won’t be sufficient.

I’ve mentioned before that Concept2 don’t discount their products, regardless of order size. That means even when I’m buying 4, I’m paying the same as anyone else.

Maintaining Your Concept2 SkiErg

For the most part, maintenance on Concept2 machines is really limited. There’s a tiny bit more with a SkiErg, but that’s only because of the high use the cord gets, and the fact that it’s made of cotton, not metal like the RowErg chain.

After 5 years of constant use, I had to replace 1 of my cords on a SkiErg. It’s a pretty simple job and can be done in 5 minutes when you know what to do. You can see the simplicity of the machine when you open it up…

Cords aside, the maintenance on the Concept2 SkiErg is essentially keeping it clean and changing the batteries on the PM5. You don’t even need to oil anything, because there’s no exposed metal chains or moving parts.

Are Concept2 SkiErgs Good for Home Use?

They are great for home use because they have a very slim profile. Here’s the recommended space dimensions taken from the Concept2 website…

Wall Mounted:
Width at bottom: 19 in (48.3 cm)
Width at top: 20.5 in (52 cm)
Depth: 16 in (40.6 cm)
Height: 85 in (216 cm)

Mounted on Floor Stand: 23.5 in x 50 in x 85 in (60 cm x 127 cm x 216 cm)

Mounted on Wide Floor Stand: 32 in x 52 in x 85 in (81.3 cm x 132 cm x 215.9 cm)

There are several other reasons that the Concept2 SkiErg is great for home use…

• Price – it’s much cheaper than a treadmill for example
• Maintenance – it’s a really easy machine to maintain, few moving parts and not much to break
• Space-saving – by bolting the SkiErg to the wall, you leave lots of space for other items of home gym equipment

The only downside I’d say is it can be quite loud, and the air movement from the flywheel can create a bit of turbulence, blowing paper etc around. It’s not a problem in a home gym or a garage, but it won’t be ideal in an office space!

Could I Buy a Cheaper Version?

There are plenty of copies on the market, but thanks to horror stories from other owners, I’ve never bought one. I know of people who have bought copies for less money, only to have a nightmare when it comes to replacement parts.

Often if you’re buying a machine made in China, you have to wait weeks for replacement parts to arrive, and you’ve often got to pay high shipping fees and risk a customs delay.

Cheaper machines are usually made from lower-grade materials, leading to frequent breakdowns. That’s a big problem, and it only gets worse as the machine gets older. It follows the old adage of ‘if you buy cheap, you buy twice’.

Downsides of a Concept2 SkiErg

It’s difficult to find any really, which isn’t what you’re looking for in a Concept2 SkiErg review.

I can’t fault the build quality, the price is fair, it’s an easy machine to clean and maintain, the after sales service is good, it’s a nice size, it looks good and it does the job. The Concept2 community and app gives you plenty of workout challenges, motivation and support.

You can’t criticise the lack of lower body involvement, because that’s not what it’s designed for. I’ve looked at other people’s reviews, and frankly I think they’re picking holes for the sake of ‘balance’.

One review suggested adding additional pulleys at the bottom of the machine… but that’s a stupid suggestion! It wouldn’t make it a SKI erg anymore! Another review said the handles were great, but suggested different handles. Nope, the handles are fine. Don’t fix what ain’t broke and all that.

It’s streets ahead of its rivals, and is the product of years of innovation and user feedback.

Concept2 SkiErg Review – Final Thoughts

As with the RowErg and the BikeErg, Concept2 have nailed it here. The SkiErg is the best machine of its kind on the market.

Everything from the build quality, maintenance, user experience and function is superb. The machine is priced really fairly, and it’ll serve you very well. It’s easy to set up, easy to repair, has a great app support network, doesn’t take up much room and does what it should do.

If you’re in the market for a SkiErg, go for the Concept2 one. It’s the best there is.

If you’d like to read my Concept2 BikeErg review, click here. If you’d like to read my review on the Concept2 RowErg, click here.

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