Concept2 SkiErg vs RowErg: Which to Buy First for Hyrox T...

Overview

Both the Concept2 SkiErg and RowErg appear in every Hyrox race. Both are made by Concept2. Both cost roughly the same. If you can only buy one for home training, the choice has a clear answer for Hyrox athletes.

Hyrox Usage

The SkiErg is station 1 — the first thing you do after the opening run. The RowErg is station 5 — halfway through. Both test your aerobic capacity and technique under race fatigue. Both require machine-specific practice to pace correctly. Training on just one machine and not the other will leave a visible gap on race day.

Skierg Pros

The SkiErg is more Hyrox-specific — it trains the pulling pattern used in station 1 and builds the lat and core endurance that also transfers to the sled pull. The movement is harder to replicate with substitutes than rowing. Athletes who have never trained the SkiErg consistently underperform at station 1 regardless of their fitness level.

Rower Pros

The RowErg trains the same aerobic systems but the pulling pattern is more familiar from general fitness. Rowing also transfers to everyday training — it functions as a cardio machine outside of Hyrox prep in a way the SkiErg does not. It has a more comfortable seated position, making it easier to use for longer steady-state sessions.

Price And Space

Both machines retail for around 900 to 1100 USD. The RowErg requires more floor space (approximately 2.4m x 0.6m in use). The SkiErg mounts on a wall and has a smaller footprint (approximately 0.6m x 0.6m). For home gyms with space constraints, the SkiErg is significantly easier to accommodate.

Which To Buy First

Buy the SkiErg first. Here is why: the SkiErg movement pattern is harder to replicate in a standard gym than rowing. Most commercial gyms have rowing machines. Fewer have SkiErgs. If you have gym access, you can supplement your SkiErg training with gym rowing. The reverse — having a rower at home and finding a SkiErg to supplement — is harder in most locations.

Verdict

SkiErg for home if you have gym access for rowing. RowErg for home if you have no gym access and need a dual-purpose cardio machine. If you can afford both, get the SkiErg first and add the RowErg 6 to 12 months later. Either machine delivers meaningful Hyrox training returns compared to no machine at all.