Concept2 RowErg vs JLL Aqua 1: Air or Water Resistance for a Home Gym?
The Concept2 RowErg and JLL Aqua 1 are both home rowing machines, but they create resistance in fundamentally different ways. That affects the feel of each stroke, the information available during training, storage and ultimately the type of buyer each machine suits.
Product photographs. Images are not to scale; consult the specifications for dimensions.
Air resistance versus water and elastic resistance
The Concept2 RowErg uses air resistance and a 10-position spiral damper. The JLL Aqua 1 combines progressive water resistance with five levels of elastic resistance. Neither approach is automatically superior: the Concept2 system is strongly performance-oriented, while the Aqua 1 is aimed at users who specifically want the feel and sound associated with a water rower.
Training data and connectivity
Concept2 equips the RowErg with its PM5 monitor and supports Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. The Aqua 1 uses an 11-readout LCD monitor and can connect to the SunnyFit app. For athletes who care heavily about repeatable performance data and ecosystem support, the PM5 is a particularly important part of the RowErg package.
Size, storage and capacity
The RowErg measures 244 × 61 cm in use and weighs 26 kg with standard legs. It separates into two pieces for storage, with published stored dimensions of 63.5 × 83.8 × 137.2 cm. Concept2 reports a 227 kg maximum user weight under its own test standard.
The Aqua 1 measures 211 × 55 × 100 cm and can be stored upright. Its published maximum user weight is 150 kg. Its component weights total 35.6 kg.
Which type of user does each suit?
The RowErg makes a strong case for performance-focused rowing, robust capacity and detailed workout data. The Aqua 1 is interesting when water resistance, vertical storage and a more accessible home-gym proposition matter more.
GymVerity scores
Our current research model gives the Concept2 RowErg a Verity Score of 89.1/100 with 99% Data Confidence. The JLL Aqua 1 currently scores 81.6/100 with 97% Data Confidence. Those numbers summarize six dimensions and should be read alongside the raw specifications rather than as a substitute for them.
Sources
Concept2 UK — RowErg specifications
JLL Fitness — Aqua 1 specifications
Specifications checked 18 September 2026.
