Xebex Rower Review - Can it Challenge the Concept2?

The Xebex Rower is one of the newer machines on the market today, a high-end air resistance rowing machine that bears a very close resemblance to the popular Concept2 Model D.  

But how does it stack up against the perennial favorite?  Let's take a closer look...

Xebex - The Rower

The Xebex features heavy duty metal construction, with a silver monorail and black flywheel, supports and seat.  

It has a large LCD display with all of the relevant workout metrics, including calories, watts, 500m pace, time rowed, total strokes, strokes minute and heart rate.

Here are some of the best features....

• Unlimited Air Resistance
  
• 10 Damper Settings
• Padded Seat/Handlebars
• 12 Workout Metrics
• Plenty of Workout Programs
• Deluxe pivoting heel rest
• Maximum User Weight – 500 lbs
• Weight: 95 lbs.
• Folding Frame with Transport Wheels
• Warranty: 5 year frame, 2 year parts

Check out the popular rower at a special sale price here

The Buzz

The Xebex Rower is manufactured by a company called Get RX'D, a designer and seller of a diverse line of products from weightlifting to gymnastics to strength training.

You may not have heard of them, but they have been in business since 1985.

There are currently two models to choose from: the Xebex Rower 2.0 and the newer 3.0.

The main question that many people ask is:  how does the Xebex Rower compare to the Concept2, as it looks very similar and has a lot of the same features...it appears as if it were specifically built to go head to head with the enormously popular rowing machine.

In many respects, the Xebex Rower does a very good job.  Let's take a look at both models:

Xebex Air Rower 2.0

The second generation of the popular rower is very well built and sturdy.  

It has a 500 lb. max user weight, as does the Concept2.  It offers 10 different damper settings, like the Concept2, which controls how much air is let into the flywheel.

The seat height is 20", which makes it more similar to the Concept2 Model E than the Model D, which has a 14" seat height.  

The Xebex is much heavier than both Concept2 models, at about 95 lbs vs. 57 lbs and 65 lbs.  So it is a little less portable, although it does fold easily and include transport wheels to move it from one place to the next.

The Xebex Rower is similar in length and width, with a 55" monorail, slightly longer than the 54" monorail on the popular Concept2 Model D and Model E.

Xebex Air Rower 3.0

The newest rowing machine in the series is very similar to the 2.0 as far as dimensions, but does have a few differences worth noting.

For starters, the monorail sits lower so it's easier to walk over, but the chair is still at about the same height, 21" as opposed to 20".

The display is identical, but the 3.0's is blue blacklit for easier viewing.

There is more adjustability in the seat for added comfort, and it's transported on two wheel as opposed to four on the Xebex 2.0.

It also has a bamboo handle, not present on the 2.0.

Other than these minor differences, the two rowers are identical.

So as you can see the features are very similar between Concept2 and Xebex, and both are commercial grade and well designed.  The motion of the row is also very smooth and natural on both.  

The Xebex has a little more padding on the handlebars, and a slightly more padded seat.

One of the negatives that comes up in a lot of Xebex Rower reviews is the fact that the computer is a little hard to program.  

There are a number of workouts built into the console, but many users have found it difficult to navigate, and have opted for the "Just Row" option.

What about price?

The Xebex Rowers costs about the same as the Concept 2 Model D, but when they are on sale you can often save a few hundred.

The Xebex Air Rower 2.0 is $749 on sale, and it also includes a number of free items with your purchase than the latter does not.  

Get RX'd throws in a free back saver pad, EZ speed rope, a 15 lb. Slam Ball and a 20 lb. Wall Ball, to give you other workout tools besides the rower itself.  

This is a very nice touch, and good things to have in your home gym when you want to change it up a bit.

If you choose not to get the free extras, the price drops down to about $679.

The Xebex Air Rower 3.0 is $829 on sale, and that drops to $759 without the freebies.

All in all the Xebex Rower looks like a nice option, although it's not quite at the level of the Concept2.  

However, if you want to save about $200-300 then it may be the right option for you.

Xebex Rower Review - Bottom Line

So what's the verdict here? If you're looking for a high-end air rower, the Xebex Rower might be a good option for you.  

It is well-built, smartly designed and will give you a great, natural feel workout.

The seat is high up off the floor for easy access, you have 10 different damper settings to change the feel of the workout, you have some good programming built in and you get a few extras thrown in for free with your purchase.

As far as the Xebex Rower vs Concept2?  It's really a personal choice.  

Read through all of the reviews and decide which one most appeals to you.  

As we mentioned, we lean towards the Concept2 but that's just because it's been a favorite of ours for years...we're stubborn when it comes to our rowers!

See more info, specs and special sale pricing on this rower here!