AssaultRower Pro or Elite: the big comparison of the air rowers

The AssaultRower runs without electricity: a fan creates the resistance, and the harder you pull, the harder the workout gets. But which model suits you? On this page we compare the AssaultRower Pro with the AssaultRower Elite point by point: area of use, frame, console, components, warranty and dimensions.

Both models share the same basis: air resistance, two-stage chain and belt drive, steel frame, padded seat and a console with Bluetooth and ANT+. The Pro is the newest addition to the series, offers a console that folds down and can be stored upright. The Elite was developed for professional use and is the top model of the series.

AssaultRower Pro

AssaultRower Elite

Pro or Elite: the difference at a glance

In drive, seat, foot pedals, handle, console, weight capacity and warranty, both models are the same. If you are torn between the two, decide mainly by where you will use it, how you store it and how demanding you are.

The data in direct comparison

All details at a glance. You will find the prices on the product pages.

What both models have in common

Both models belong to the AssaultRower series and work on the same principle: a fan creates the air resistance, and you set the intensity purely through your pulling force. There are no levels and no delay. The harder you pull, the higher the resistance, whether in sprint intervals, in HIIT or in long endurance sessions.

• Air resistance without electricity, you regulate the intensity yourself
• Two-stage chain and belt drive for a smooth, quiet rowing feel
• Steel frame with aluminium components
• Padded seat, multi-grip handle and adjustable foot pedals for different body heights
• Console with Bluetooth, ANT+ and a display for time, distance, speed, calories, watts and pace
• 4-way levelling, transport wheels and transport handle
• Weight capacity of approx. 158.8 kg and a 5-year warranty on the frame

Rowing works legs, core, back and arms in a single, flowing movement. That makes it one of the most efficient full-body workouts, with high calorie burn and little impact on the joints.

AssaultRower Pro in detail

The AssaultRower Pro is the newest addition to the Assault series, to equip your home gym completely. Like all Assault machines it is powered by human strength, is exceptionally smooth, durable and versatile and suits beginners as well as experienced athletes.

• Console folds down when not in use
• The rower can be stored upright and then needs much less space
• Air resistance system with 3-blade fan
• Studio-quality seat and steel foot plates for a secure hold
• Assembled approx. 49.4 kg in weight, approx. 233.7 cm long, approx. 55.9 cm wide and approx. 114.3 cm high
• Colour black with black accents

The Pro is the right choice if you train in a home gym, need to save space or are looking for a versatile rowing machine for the gym and functional fitness. Here is the rower from the side, along with the video:

AssaultRower Elite in detail

The AssaultRower Elite was developed by professional athletes and trainers who have tested the best fitness equipment in the world. The result is a powerful rowing machine with a stable steel frame construction and innovative design that sees itself as the best rowing machine in its class.

• Designed for studios, gyms, personal training and commercial facilities
• Robust steel and aluminium construction for extreme loads
• Sweat-resistant, durable seat and solid steel foot plates
• Ergonomic handle and stable seat guide
• Assembled approx. 56.5 kg in weight, approx. 235.4 cm long, approx. 54.5 cm wide and approx. 121.6 cm high
• Colour black with Elite Grey accents

The Elite is the right choice if many people use the machine, you work as a coach or you want the maximum in stability at high intensity.

Warranty compared

There is no difference in the warranty: both models have 5 years on the frame and 2 years on moving parts, and service is bring-in. So you decide by use and features, not by warranty terms.

Dimensions and weight

Both rowers are equally long at around 2.35 m. Allow additional space for training and for getting on and off. The Pro can be stored upright and then needs only a fraction of the floor area. With transport wheels and a transport handle, you can move both models easily.

Console and training data

Both models have the same digital console with heart rate display and training programmes. You choose preset programmes or create your own workouts. The display shows time, calories, distance, speed, watts, pace and heart rate, and via dual-band wireless you connect a heart rate strap by Bluetooth or ANT+.

This lets you keep track of your training, from short sprint intervals to long, steady sessions. A training plan to get started is given in the article Getting started with fitness: the perfect training plan for beginners.

Which AssaultRower is right for you?

If you are unsure, take a look at the product pages: AssaultRower Pro and AssaultRower Elite. You will find more on rowing training in the guide AssaultRower: the effective full-body workout.

Training on the AssaultRower: how to get the best out of it

In rowing, technique counts: the power comes first from the legs, then the trunk follows, and last you pull with the arms. On the way back you run the movement in reverse order. Because the resistance grows with your pulling force, the same technique applies from the first stroke to the sprint. Start easy and build up step by step.

The figures are guideline values for healthy people: adjust duration and intensity to your level and get medical advice first if you have any pre-existing conditions. Two to three sessions a week are enough to start with. For short, efficient sessions, the article Training when you're short on time: efficient workouts with Assault equipment is worth a look.

Care, spare parts and additions

The AssaultRower is low-maintenance because little technology is built in and no electricity is needed. Tips on care are given in the expert guide to equipment care and safety. You will find suitable parts in the Rower spare parts.

To complement your rowing, the AssaultBikes for cardio with arms and legs and the AssaultRunner for running, introduced in the AssaultRunner overview, are a good fit. You will find ideas for your home gym in the article Setting up a home gym: equipment and kit for maximum performance.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about the AssaultRower comparison

What is the difference between the AssaultRower Pro and Elite?
The Pro is intended for gyms, functional fitness and home gyms, has a console that folds down and can be stored upright. The Elite is designed for studios, gyms, personal training and commercial facilities and has Elite Grey accents. Both have air resistance, a steel frame and the same console.

Do the rowers need electricity?
No. The resistance is created purely mechanically by the fan. The console generally runs on batteries.

Is the AssaultRower suitable for beginners?
Yes. Because the resistance grows with your pulling force, you set the intensity yourself and can build up step by step. The Elite is aimed primarily at ambitious users but is just as usable for beginners.

How does the resistance work?
A fan creates the air resistance. The harder you pull, the higher it gets. No settings are needed.

Is rowing easy on the joints?
Rowing is considered easy on the joints because the movement is flowing and without hard impact. If you have any pre-existing conditions, discuss training with your doctor or therapist first.

What data does the console show?
Time, calories, distance, speed, watts, pace and heart rate.

Can I connect a heart rate strap?
Yes, via dual-band wireless over Bluetooth or ANT+.

What warranty is there?
Both models have a 5-year warranty on the frame and 2 years on moving parts. Service is bring-in.

How heavy can the user be?
The weight capacity is approx. 158.8 kg (350 lb) on both models.

How big and how heavy are the models?
Assembled, the Pro is approx. 233.7 cm long, approx. 55.9 cm wide, approx. 114.3 cm high and weighs approx. 49.4 kg. The Elite is approx. 235.4 cm long, approx. 54.5 cm wide, approx. 121.6 cm high and weighs approx. 56.5 kg.

Can the rower be stored to save space?
On the Pro you can fold the console down and stand the machine upright. Both models also have transport wheels and a transport handle.

Does the rower have a water bottle holder?
No, on neither of the two models.

Which rower is better for my home gym?
The AssaultRower Pro is intended for the home gym, mainly because of the folding console and the upright storage. If you want the top model, choose the AssaultRower Elite.

Which types of training is the rower suitable for?
For HIIT, interval training, endurance training, functional fitness and full-body workouts.