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Concept2

Concept2 is an manufacturer of high-quality equipment, specializing in machines, ergometers, and related training tools, founded in 1976 by brothers and Dreissigacker in a barn. The company originated from the brothers' invention of carbon fiber oars in 1975 while experimenting in their apartment kitchen, leading them to relocate east in a bread truck to establish production on an abandoned dairy farm in , by November 1976. Their early focus on innovative products gained when U.S. Women’s Pair rowers used Concept2 oars to compete at the 1977 World Championships. Over the decades, Concept2 expanded its lineup, launching the Model A in 1981—born from attaching a to the barn floor—as the first commercially successful , followed by improved models like the Model B in 1986 (with a ), Model C in 1993, Model D in 2003 (quieter with ergonomic features), the Dynamic RowErg in 2010 (for a more fluid motion), and Model E in 2006 (with a higher seat). Beyond , the company introduced the SkiErg in 2009 for cross-country ski training and the BikeErg in 2017, along with the StrengthErg in 2024 for versatile strength training, all designed to provide low-impact, full-body workouts with integrated performance monitors. Concept2's mission emphasizes promoting the growth of indoors and outdoors through superior , , and support, benefiting its global community of athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts. The company has fostered competitive events like the CRASH-Bs in 1982, the world's oldest indoor championship, and maintains a commitment to via online resources, technique videos, and compatible apps. In January 2025, ownership was transferred to the Concept2 Perpetual Purpose Trust, ensuring perpetual focus on its core values without external shareholder pressures. Based in the Green Mountains of , Concept2 continues to innovate for home, gym, and elite use, with products like the RowErg serving as the standard in programs worldwide.

History

Founding

Concept2 was founded in 1976 by brothers and Dreissigacker, both engineers and competitive rowers who had trained for the U.S. team. Dreissigacker had previously represented the at the in , while participated in the trials for the 1976 Olympics. Drawing from their experiences in the sport, the brothers initially prototyped innovative rowing equipment in their apartment kitchen in 1975, aiming to enhance performance for fellow athletes. The Dreissigackers' primary motivation was to overcome the limitations of traditional wooden oars, which were heavy, prone to warping, and inefficient for high-level competition. As Stanford-educated engineers passionate about rowing, they sought to design durable, high-performance alternatives that would benefit both recreational and competitive rowers by improving speed and control without sacrificing reliability. In November 1976, the brothers relocated operations to an abandoned dairy farm barn on Route 100 in , converting it into a workshop for their engineering experiments. This move allowed them to scale production in a rural setting that aligned with their lifestyle preferences. Their first major product, carbon fiber composite oars introduced in the late 1970s, weighed approximately 5 pounds compared to the 15-pound wooden models, revolutionizing lightweight sweep and by enabling faster boat speeds and greater efficiency, as evidenced by early adoptions at the 1977 .

Key Milestones and Developments

Concept2's journey from its early days in a Vermont barn to a global leader in fitness equipment began with the introduction of its first rowing ergometer, the Model A, in fall 1981, which revolutionized indoor training for rowers by simulating water resistance through an air flywheel mechanism. This was followed by the Model B in 1986, featuring enhanced safety and comfort improvements, and the Model C in 1993, which incorporated a more ergonomic design and stainless steel rail for smoother operation. These iterative advancements solidified the company's reputation for durable, performance-focused equipment, with the Model D arriving in 2003 to offer quieter operation and the advanced PM3 performance monitor. The Model E was introduced in 2006 with a higher seat height for improved accessibility. The 1980s also marked the emergence of competitive indoor , highlighted by the first major event hosted by the CRASH-B Sprints in in 1982, which used Concept2 ergs and helped popularize the sport worldwide. In 1991, Concept2 introduced the Big Blade oars, an asymmetric hatchet-shaped design that gained prominence at the 1992 Olympics. By 1990, the majority of crews globally adopted Concept2 oars, reflecting rapid market penetration and innovation in carbon fiber construction. Expansion beyond came in June 2009 with the launch of the SkiErg, a vertical pulling machine designed for training, broadening the product line to other endurance sports. This diversification continued in December 2010 with the Dynamic RowErg, which features a moving foot stretcher for a more realistic on-water simulation, and in August 2017 with the BikeErg, an air-resistance bike that integrated the familiar flywheel and PM5 monitor from earlier models, targeting enthusiasts. In the 2010s, Concept2 advanced digital integration through early app development for performance tracking, including the ErgData app, which connected monitors to mobile devices for logging and challenges. The company's growth transformed it from a small operation with eight employees in 1980 to a global enterprise, distributing products to more than 50 countries by 2025 through an extensive network of international partners. A pivotal took place on January 1, 2025, when full ownership transitioned to the Concept2 Perpetual Purpose Trust, managed by a of founders and employees to prioritize long-term mission integrity, quality, and reinvestment over short-term profits. In February 2025, Concept2 launched the StrengthErg, a versatile machine expanding its product offerings. This structure ensures sustained commitment to innovation and , free from external shareholder pressures, while maintaining the company's focus on accessible, high-quality tools.

Equipment

Oars

Concept2 produces a range of oars designed for both competitive and recreational use, including sweep oars for pairs or eights, oars for single or double sculls, and specialized options like Bantam sculls for beginners. These oars feature the Big Blade design, known for its broad surface area that enhances propulsion efficiency, and are available with adjustable lengths typically ranging from 7'6" to 8'6" to suit various athlete sizes and boat configurations. The oars incorporate advanced materials to optimize performance and durability. Shafts are constructed from carbon fiber, providing exceptional lightness and stiffness that minimizes fatigue during extended sessions while maintaining structural integrity under high loads. Integrated nickel-titanium springs contribute to the shaft's flex characteristics, allowing controlled bending that improves energy transfer and reduces for a smoother . Blades are molded from composite materials, ensuring weather resistance and consistent shape retention. A key innovation from Concept2 was the introduction of the first composite s in 1975, revolutionizing the sport by replacing traditional wooden models with lighter, more durable alternatives that enhanced speed and handling. Each integrates with DYNO testing during production, where shafts are subjected to force beyond typical conditions to measure strength and stiffness, ensuring precise performance calibration before assembly. Customization is a hallmark of Concept2 oars, allowing athletes to tailor components to individual preferences. Handle options include varying diameters, such as 32 mm "skinny" for a lighter grip or 34.5 mm "fat" for better control, alongside materials like basswood or composite for fixed or adjustable lengths. Users can select colors for shafts and blades, enabling team branding or personal expression, all assembled by hand in to meet elite specifications. Concept2 oars have significantly impacted competitive , powering 97.6% of medalists at the 2024 Paris Olympics, demonstrating their reliability in world championships and elite events worldwide. Since their debut, these oars have been custom-built for thousands of athletes, from Olympians to recreational rowers, underscoring their versatility across levels of the sport.

Dynamic RowErg

The Dynamic RowErg, introduced in 2010, is a variant of the RowErg designed to more closely simulate on-water with a pivoting and that allows for a fluid, boat-like motion. It supports both individual and team training via the optional Dynamic Link, and includes the same PM5 monitor for performance tracking.

RowErg

The RowErg is Concept2's flagship indoor machine, designed to simulate the full-body motion of on-water through air resistance generated by a . Originally introduced as the Model A in 1981 as a winter training tool for rowers, it evolved through subsequent models, with the current static version—previously known as the Model D—rebranded as the RowErg in April 2021 to emphasize its role in broader fitness applications. The machine features a nickel-plated for smooth, low-maintenance operation and a heavy that provides mimicking a boat's on . Key components include adjustable foot stretchers to accommodate users of varying heights and an ergonomic handle wrapped in smooth wood or aluminum for comfortable grip during extended sessions. The air resistance system uses a spiral adjustable from 1 to 10, controlling into the flywheel housing to vary the feel of the stroke. This adjustment influences the drag factor, a metric that measures the flywheel's deceleration rate between strokes, for environmental factors like air and for consistent calculations across machines; higher damper settings increase air intake, creating a non-linear scaling of resistance that simulates heavier loads for strength-focused . The RowErg measures 96 inches in length by 24 inches in width, weighs 57 pounds, and has a seat height of 14 inches from the floor with standard legs (or 20 inches with optional tall legs for wheelchair accessibility). Equipped with the PM5 performance monitor, the RowErg supports versatile training modes such as interval workouts (e.g., alternating high-intensity efforts with rest periods) and distance challenges (e.g., 2,000m or 5,000m rows), displaying real-time metrics including stroke rate, (via ANT+ or ), and pace splits. The 500m split, for instance, represents the average time per 500 meters of distance rowed, allowing users to track efficiency and adjust technique mid-workout. Workouts can integrate with Concept2's online for logging and analysis. As the best-selling worldwide for over 40 years, the RowErg has become a standard in gyms, elite rowing programs, and home setups, enabling low-impact, full-body conditioning that engages approximately 85% of muscle mass per stroke.

SkiErg

The SkiErg is a stationary exercise machine developed by Concept2 to simulate the double-pole technique of , providing a low-impact cardiovascular workout that emphasizes the upper body while engaging the core and legs. Launched in June 2009, it was initially designed as a for skiers but quickly gained popularity in general fitness settings for its versatility and accessibility. Development of the SkiErg traces back to prototype testing in the early , building on Concept2's experience with air-resistance ergometers. Available in wall-mounted or freestanding models (the latter requiring a separate floor stand), the SkiErg features dual independent arms that allow for alternating pulls, replicating the alternating arm motion in classic or simultaneous pulls for double-pole style. Its mechanics center on an air-resistance system with a fully enclosed flywheel and glass-reinforced squirrel cage fan, driven by durable Dyneema cords rather than chains for smooth, low-maintenance operation. The vertical orientation focuses training on the upper body, and the machine is adaptable for standing or seated use—such as from a for those with lower-body injuries—without built-in height adjustments, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Drag resistance is customizable via a 10-position , similar to that on the RowErg, allowing users to adjust the feel from light to heavy based on drag factor readings. Dimensions for the wall-mounted version are approximately 20.5 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 85 inches high (52 cm x 40.6 cm x 216 cm), while the freestanding model with standard floor stand measures 23.5 inches deep by 50 inches wide by 85 inches high (60 cm x 127 cm x 216 cm). In 2014, the SkiErg received a significant update with a redesigned internal drive mechanism, enhanced durability, and standard integration of the PM5 , which tracks metrics like , watts (calculated as force multiplied by velocity), calories, and stroke rate for precise feedback. This monitor compatibility enables data logging and virtual racing through Concept2's online services. The SkiErg excels in (HIIT) and endurance building, offering a full-body workout that is gentle on joints while improving and muscular strength. It is widely used in training for cross-country skiers to maintain and off-season, as well as in general programs at gyms, homes, and settings for its adaptability to adaptive athletes.

BikeErg

The Concept2 BikeErg is a stationary air bike ergometer introduced in August 2017 as the latest addition to the company's lineup of sport-based fitness machines. It integrates the PM5 Performance Monitor from the outset, providing real-time feedback on metrics such as pace, watts, and calories burned, with wireless connectivity options including Bluetooth and ANT+ for heart rate belts and apps. Designed primarily for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and endurance building, the BikeErg emphasizes leg-driven power output, making it suitable for workouts that simulate cycling efforts or complement cross-training in disciplines like CrossFit workouts of the day (WODs). The BikeErg employs an system via a , similar to the RowErg, where pedaling drives a that creates progressive based on effort; a allows users to adjust for varying "gearing" feels, from light spins to heavy sprints. The frame features an adjustable saddle and handlebars that can be raised, lowered, and slid forward or backward to accommodate different user and preferences, ensuring an upright posture. A large maintains momentum during strokes, while the pedals include adjustable straps that enable bidirectional pulling for air bike-style exercises, supporting peak power outputs exceeding 1500 watts in short bursts. With dimensions of 48 inches in length, 24 inches in width, and a seat-to-pedal range of approximately 31 to 40.5 inches, the unit weighs 68 pounds (31 kg), facilitating portability between home and gym settings. Power metrics on the BikeErg are RPM-independent, calculated directly from the flywheel's motion to deliver consistent wattage readings regardless of variations. The PM5 monitor ensures accuracy through factory , deriving as multiplied by , which provides reliable data for performance tracking and comparisons across sessions. This setup supports applications beyond traditional simulations, such as structured sessions for cardiovascular or into functional routines, where its compact footprint and quick assembly enhance versatility for personal or commercial use.

StrengthErg

The Concept2 StrengthErg was announced on October 18, 2024, at the in , , marking the company's entry into dedicated equipment, with initial shipping to customers beginning in early 2025. Designed as a seated, multifunctional machine, it employs air resistance via a reactive system to simulate high-load exercises without the need for free weights, plates, or racks. The unit weighs 90 pounds yet can withstand over 1,500 pounds of force, featuring an adjustable carriage and footplate for user customization across various body sizes and exercise positions. Its compact footprint, measuring 61 inches in length, 26 inches in width, and 48 inches in height, makes it suitable for home gyms, clubs, or facilities, comparable in space requirements to the BikeErg. The StrengthErg supports concentric-only exercises including leg presses targeting the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves; chest presses engaging the pectorals, deltoids, and triceps; and seated rows focusing on the lats, rhomboids, trapezius, and biceps. Resistance levels are adjusted via damper settings from 1 to 10, allowing progressive overload for building maximum strength, muscular endurance, or power, with the reactive air system providing immediate feedback proportional to the user's effort. It integrates with the PM5 performance monitor or the free ErgData app for real-time tracking of key metrics such as applied force (in pounds or kilograms), repetitions, work (in kilogram-meters), and maximum force per rep, enabling users to monitor progress and log workouts to the Concept2 online system. This equipment finds applications in rehabilitation due to its low-impact, joint-friendly design that minimizes eccentric loading and injury risk, as well as in strength conditioning as a safe alternative to traditional powerlifting setups requiring heavy barbells. For instance, physical therapists can prescribe controlled reps at lower dampers for recovery, while athletes use higher settings for high-frequency training sessions. By leveraging air resistance for precise force measurement and scalability, the StrengthErg innovates within Concept2's ecosystem, bridging the gap between the company's cardio-focused ergometers and targeted muscle-building protocols to support holistic fitness programs.

Performance Monitors

Concept2 performance monitors serve as the control and data-tracking for the company's , skiing, biking, and strength equipment, providing on workout metrics to enhance training effectiveness. These monitors calculate and display key performance indicators based on inputs from the machine's and sensors, enabling users to monitor progress and adjust efforts dynamically. The evolution of these devices has focused on improving accuracy, connectivity, and to support both individual and competitive simulations. The 3 (PM3), introduced in 2003 alongside the Model D RowErg, featured basic LCD displays for metrics like distance and pace but lacked advanced wireless capabilities and has since been discontinued. The PM4, released in 2006, added ANT+ technology for wireless monitoring, bridging the gap toward more integrated fitness tracking. The current model, the 5 (PM5), launched in August 2014, replaced its predecessors and remains the standard, offering enhanced processing power and a more responsive interface. The PM5 features a backlit LCD that shows real-time data including pace per 500 meters, instantaneous power output in watts, and estimated calories burned, allowing users to track splits and averages during sessions. It supports customizable workout displays, such as or fixed-distance rows, with metrics updated per stroke for immediate feedback. Connectivity options include ANT+ for monitors and Bluetooth Smart for pairing with devices like smartphones, enabling integration with the official ErgData app to record and analyze sessions wirelessly. Core calculations on the PM5 include stroke rate, measured in strokes per minute (spm), which counts complete strokes and updates in the upper display corner to help users maintain rhythm. Work per stroke is derived in joules as the energy applied during each cycle, calculated from average power output multiplied by the time per stroke (60 seconds divided by stroke rate), providing insight into and application. The factor, a unitless value representing flywheel deceleration rate, adjusts resistance feel based on damper settings and environmental factors, ensuring consistent effort across machines without a fixed numerical formula tied solely to the damper . In July 2025, Concept2 released firmware version 217.028 for the PM5, addressing bugs such as occasional connection errors and discrepancies in calculations across workout types, while increasing the maximum displayable to 0:45 per 500 meters and improving interval distance summing. This update also fixed logging issues for Just Row workouts and enhanced functionality for ErgRace simulations and ergathlons, building on existing compatibility via ANT+ and . The PM5 can store multiple recent workouts onboard for review and supports exporting data in format via USB connection to a computer using the Concept2 Utility software, facilitating detailed analysis outside the device.

DYNO

The Concept2 DYNO is a designed for indoor analysis of application in -specific strength exercises, using air resistance to simulate the variable load encountered in . Developed as part of Concept2's lineup, it allows users to perform targeted movements that mimic key phases of the , providing quantitative feedback to optimize and power output. The device features a flywheel-based with adjustable dampers for resistance control, incorporating a for detection and an encoder for measurement. It attaches via adjustable -style handles for exercises like the bench pull, enabling simulation of handling, and connects directly to a Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) to generate real-time graphs of curves during pulls. This setup facilitates detailed examination of mechanics without on-water conditions. Primary metrics captured include in pounds, average in watts (computed as multiplied by ), and the of handle to effective blade , which helps assess and gearing in simulated pulls. These outputs aid in identifying imbalances, such as early ing or rushed , through visual on the PM5 display. Quantitative results, like average forces exceeding 200 lbs in training sessions, underscore its role in establishing performance baselines, though exact values vary by user and exercise configuration. Applications focus on coaching and athlete development, where trainers use the DYNO to fine-tune rowers' power delivery and endurance, particularly for off-season or indoor programs. Introduced in the early and discontinued in 2007, it gained adoption among national teams for talent identification and supplemental , integrating seamlessly with Concept2's broader ecosystem of ergs and monitors. Setup involves securing the device on a stable surface, adjusting settings (typically 1-4 for initial sessions), and performing warm-up repetitions for self- to ensure accuracy. For precise readings from the , a linear calibration equation is applied: Measured = (sensor reading * gain) - offset, where gain and offset values are determined during initial setup to account for environmental factors and hardware tolerances. This process, often guided by the user manual, takes under 10 minutes and supports consistent data across sessions.

Online Services

Logbook and World Rankings

The Concept2 Online is a free web-based platform launched in 1999 at log.concept2.com, enabling users to upload data from Performance Monitors on RowErg, SkiErg, BikeErg, and StrengthErg machines for personal workout tracking. It stores complete workout histories, including stroke-by-stroke details and splits, allowing users to analyze progress through graphs such as lifetime total meters rowed and seasonal summaries of weekly or monthly totals. Social sharing features permit exporting workouts to platforms like , , or , while team affiliations enable users to join groups where individual meters contribute to collective totals, fostering community motivation. Privacy settings are fully customizable, with users opting in to public visibility by adjusting options to "Everyone" or restricting access to logged-in users or partners only; workouts can remain while still supporting contributions. The platform integrates seamlessly with the ErgData , which facilitates wireless uploads of data directly to the , including support for third-party services like , Connect, and TrainingPeaks. In September 2025, the ErgData app introduced multi-user support, allowing multiple users to switch on a single device for easier data upload to the . The World Rankings system, accessible via the , compiles global leaderboards based on opt-in user submissions, categorized by age group, gender, and (lightweight under 75 kg for men and 61.5 kg for women; otherwise). Standard ranking pieces include fixed distances like 2000 m and 5000 m, as well as timed efforts such as 30 minutes, all requiring non-interval workouts on a level surface with no damper restrictions. Rankings operate on an and are refreshed within the annual season spanning May 1 to April 30, with prior-year data archived for historical reference; by 2025, the platform supports hundreds of thousands of worldwide users, with over 242,000 unique individuals having uploaded 7.5 million workouts via ErgData by 2023. Aggregated Logbook data reveals global trends, such as seasonal increases in total meters rowed during winter training periods, providing benchmarks for users across all skill levels.

Challenges and Events

Concept2 organizes a variety of online challenges through its free Online , designed to motivate users across its rowing, skiing, and biking equipment. These include monthly distance-based challenges, such as the Tour de in , where participants aim to complete 500 km over the month, or the Mud Season Madness in April, focusing on consistent daily meters like 5,000 or 10,000 per session for 25 days or more. Holiday-themed events, like the annual Holiday Challenge from November 27 to December 24, encourage users to row, ski, or bike 100 km or 200 km while raising funds for nonprofits, with participants collectively logging billions of meters each year. The flagship Virtual Team Challenge (VTC) is an annual team-based event running from January 1 to 31, where groups of at least two members compete by accumulating the highest total meters across all Concept2 machines. Teams can be created or joined via the or the Concept2 Training Forum, fostering global collaboration among friends, clubs, gyms, or online communities. The 2025 edition, like previous years, featured leaderboards for tracking progress in real-time and offered prizes such as certificates and branded merchandise for top performers. This event has been a staple since at least the mid-2000s, evolving from simpler formats to include live updates and integration with mobile apps like ErgData for seamless data upload. Participation in all challenges is free and requires only a Logbook account, with users uploading workouts from Performance Monitors to contribute meters toward personal or team goals. Leaderboards display rankings by age, weight, and affiliation, and completers receive digital certificates, while higher achievers can purchase rewards like T-shirts or mugs. Across events, tens of thousands join annually—for instance, the 2024 Holiday Challenge alone drew over 19,000 participants from 61 countries, logging more than 5.5 billion meters and raising nearly $59,000 for . These challenges have grown from early email-coordinated efforts in the late to a robust, app-integrated system providing instant feedback and community interaction. By promoting consistent and social accountability, the challenges enhance user motivation and within the Concept2 . They also connect to broader rankings systems, where accumulated meters during events contribute to lifetime totals and scoring on world leaderboards, encouraging both recreational and competitive to push their limits.

Impact and Recognition

Influence on Rowing and Fitness

Concept2's introduction of the in the early 1980s revolutionized indoor by establishing air-resistance ergometers as the standard for off-water practice, enabling consistent technique refinement and conditioning regardless of weather or location. The U.S. Rowing Team rapidly adopted the equipment in the 1980s, integrating it into their regimens to maintain performance during winter months and off-season periods, which contributed to measurable improvements in global speeds and athlete preparedness. This shift marked a in the sport, as indoor ergometers allowed for quantifiable metrics like times and rates, fostering data-driven that elevated competitive standards worldwide. The RowErg's integration into since the early 2000s transformed it into a staple for (HIIT), where its full-body engagement and precise performance monitoring aligned with the methodology's emphasis on varied, functional movements. 's growth, from 13 affiliates in 2005 to over 12,000 by the , popularized the machine in gyms, influencing broader HIIT trends by promoting as an efficient cardio option that builds endurance without high joint impact. Complementing this, the SkiErg and BikeErg expanded Concept2's reach into functional fitness, offering vertical pulling and cycling simulations that enhance upper-body strength and metabolic conditioning in workouts and beyond. Concept2 equipment has been instrumental in building indoor rowing communities through events like the CRASH-B Sprints, launched in 1982 by former U.S. Olympic using the Model A and evolving into the world's premier indoor championship by the mid-1980s with the Model B. Held annually in , the event—now drawing thousands of participants globally—popularized 2,000-meter races on Concept2 machines, inspiring satellite competitions and fostering a sense of camaraderie among of all levels. This community focus has sustained engagement, turning indoor rowing into a year-round pursuit that bridges elite athletes and recreational users. In 2025, Concept2 transferred full ownership to the Perpetual Purpose Trust, a structure designed to prioritize long-term ethical manufacturing and over short-term profits, ensuring reinvestment in quality production and community benefits. Assembly of U.S.-market ergometers occurs in using a mix of domestic and international components, with added facilities in to meet demand while upholding rigorous standards; this approach minimizes environmental impact through durable designs, spare parts availability, and programs for monitors and packaging. The company's operations further reduce footprint via 190kW solar panels aiming for , composting initiatives, and efficient upgrades, aligning production with ecological responsibility. Concept2 has significantly contributed to rowing's growth, with the online tracking workouts from thousands of users worldwide and events like the 2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships seeing record participation from over 1,600 athletes across 74 countries. Annual challenges, such as the event, surged from 4,000 participants in 2023 to over 6,000 in 2024, reflecting broader accessibility. By 2025, millions of meters are logged collectively each year through the , underscoring the equipment's role in expanding the sport's reach to diverse demographics, including a rise in older athletes where over 42% of 2,000m scores in recent years come from those over 50.

Recent Developments and Awards

In October 2024, Concept2 announced the StrengthErg, a multifunctional air-resistance machine designed for safe and versatile exercises such as leg presses, chest presses, and rows, with availability beginning in early 2025. This launch expands Concept2's portfolio beyond cardio-focused ergs into the broader market, targeting home and commercial users seeking compact, low-impact equipment. On January 1, 2025, Concept2 transferred 100% of its ownership to the Concept2 Perpetual Purpose Trust, with the announcement made public on February 4, 2025. This structure ensures long-term commitment to the company's mission of fostering innovation in indoor and equipment, guided by a committee to preserve its employee-owned legacy while prioritizing and product evolution. February 2025 marked a production milestone for Concept2 with the completion of its 1,000th oar shaft, highlighting the company's enduring craftsmanship in manufacturing high-performance carbon fiber components for competitive rowing. In July 2025, Concept2 released firmware version 217.028 for PM5 monitors on RowErgs, incorporating enhancements to connectivity, including fixes for Apple Watch integration errors and improvements to ErgRace virtual racing functionality. These updates bolster seamless Bluetooth pairing and real-time data sharing, enhancing user experience in connected workouts. Concept2 has intensified app development in 2025, with expanded compatibility for virtual coaching platforms like , which now includes geolocated coaching videos for interactive sessions, and , offering personalized technique guidance synced to PM5 monitors. This focus supports remote training, enabling users to access live classes, progress tracking, and adaptive workouts through apps like . The company's RowErg and SkiErg models received notable recognition in November 2025 when the SkiErg with Floor Stand was featured on list, spotlighting its role as an efficient simulator for home fitness. Post-pandemic, Concept2 has seen sustained sales growth and heightened visibility in the home fitness sector, driven by demand for durable, space-efficient equipment; the global market, led by models like the RowErg, is projected to grow in the coming years.

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