Rogue Echo Rower Review | Just an Echo of a Louder Rower?
Reviewed by TreadmillReviews.com
The Rogue Echo Rower has entered the air rowing competition, literally.
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The Rogue Echo Rower has entered the air rowing competition, literally.
Updated: October 4, 2024
The Rogue Echo Rower is an air rower coming for the Concept2 RowErg's crown. Many have tried, but the Echo might have a chance because Rogue went so far as to get this thing reviewed by an engineering firm. This review establishes the Echo Rower's accuracy compared to the Concept2 for CrossFit competition and indoor rowing records.
I am excited to get the Rogue Echo into our studio so we can put Rogue's claims to the test. While this review of the Echo is not a comparison to the Concept2 RowErg—I will be reviewing the Echo in its own right—I'll cover what sets this rower apart from that one. Keep reading to find out more about this highly anticipated rowing machine.
The Rogue Echo Rower is a sturdy machine with a commercial-grade build. Rogue's intended use for this rower is in homes and CrossFit competitions, so it should hold up under intense use. This is a rowing machine that you want to use for all of your intense rowing workouts.
The frame is aluminum. We normally like steel constructions more, but aluminum keeps machines like the Rogue Echo Rower lighter and easier to move around. The Concept2 has a similar construction and has held up well, so we don't have too many concerns over the Rogue Echo.
Because this is an air rower, the Rogue Echo uses air resistance. Resistance is unlimited because you can row faster or more forcefully to create more air resistance. There is also a ten-level damper to control the airflow to the fan.
A third-party engineering firm, S-E-A, verified the accuracy of the Echo's monitor. Rogue states the Echo can be used alongside the Concept2 RowErg in competition. Thus, I expect the Echo to feel similar to the RowERG in terms of its performance and resistance settings.
The Rogue Echo's chain drive gives it a grittier feel. Many air rowers use chain drives, while belt drives are more common on magnetic and water rowers. The chain drive will probably add to the Echo's noise.
The handle has two rubberized sections on either side for a comfortable grip. There is also an open center grip for one-armed rowing if you aren't stuck to traditional ways.
The Rogue Echo Rower has a contoured seat. We won't know how comfortable it is until we try it. It glides along the aluminum monorail. Rogue lists the seat height as 16" and 17" from the floor. We assume this discrepancy refers to the 1" slope of the rail from its tallest point at the back to the lowest point at the catch. This slope is standard for rowing machines.
One of the Echo's most innovative features is its footboards with quick-release straps. The straps stay fixed to the right tension from your feet while an attached lever lets you hop in and out. No more resetting the straps every time. I love this innovation! Most athletic shoes should have enough room on the footboards to use this nifty design.
The Rogue Echo folds! I have used folding rowing machines from ProForm before, and my only complaint about their design is that I felt too far away from the footboards when I ran into the end of the rail. I hope the Echo doesn't have this issue and lets you get a full range of motion.
I'm very hopeful about the Echo's design because it would save a lot of time for exercisers who want to store their rowing machine compactly after every use and can't stand it upright. Even though a lot of rowing machines feel secure when vertically stored, I do worry about pets and children crashing into them or what could happen if you live in an area with earthquakes.
The folding mechanism looks a lot simpler to do. I like the way the Concept2 breaks into two pieces, but I must admit that I have a hard time putting it back together by myself.
The Rogue Echo Rower isn't a high-tech machine to compete with the likes of the Peloton Row or Hydrow Pro. It follows the normal air rower blueprint with a simple console and decent connectivity options.
The LCD console is 4.7 inches with a backlit for dark rooms. It has six buttons: 'select,' 'home,' 'units,' 'display,' and up/down arrows. I like this navigation layout more than the Bells of Steel Blitz rower's console. The Concept2 RowErg's PM5 is the best rowing console available, so the Rogue Echo has tough competition.
Time will tell whether the Rogue's console is as good.
The console has a phone holder at the top. It is in a great position for viewing training or entertainment content while rowing. It is super useful for the next feature on this list.
The console has Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. You can pair a heart rate monitor or connect with third-party apps. Rogue specifically states that the rowing machine pairs with the Peloton app, so trainer-led fitness is not out of the question.
I haven't been able to use the Rogue Rower yet. I expect a performance similar to the Concept2 RowErg because of the hype around it. I have really enjoyed Rogue's equipment thus far, so I'm excited to test the Rogue Echo Rower for myself. I will update this review when I do!
The Rogue has built-in training options on the console. I anticipate that these workout programs will be similar to what we have seen on most air rowers: intervals, target programs, and heart rate training.
Rogue states that the Echo is compatible with the Kinomap, EXR, Asensie, Regatta, and Peloton apps. If you are listening to audio from these apps or music, I recommend using noise cancelling headphones. It is hard to hear audio over air rowing machines otherwise.
The Rogue Echo Rower is a bold entry into the air rower category. While Concept2 has been dominant in the competition space for its accurate PM5 monitor, the Echo is after its spot. With promising features like folding, quick-release foot strap levers, and turf tires, many athletes may see the benefit over other air rowers.
In my opinion, the smartest move on Rogue's part was to price the Echo less than other air rowing machines. The Echo also comes with free shipping, so it is an even better deal than it seems. I'm a Concept2 fan (pun intended), but I'm still intrigued by what the Rogue Echo Rower has to offer.
