SmartRow Power Handle Review: Testing It on a Concept2 Rower

As a triathlon coach who regularly uses indoor rowing for cross-training, I was curious to see how the SmartRow power handle would perform on my Concept2 rower.

Indoor rowing has become one of my favourite cross-training tools for triathletes. It’s one of the few workouts that builds serious aerobic fitness while also strengthening the legs, core and upper body — all without the impact of extra running miles.

I’ve written in more detail about why I think rowing is such a valuable training tool in my article on Indoor Rowing for Athletes: Cross-Training Benefits for Runners, Cyclists, Swimmers and Triathletes, but the short version is that rowing gives you a full-body endurance workout that transfers surprisingly well across all three triathlon disciplines.

Because of that, my Concept2 rower gets a fair amount of use throughout the year. So, when I spotted the SmartRow power handle I had to purchase and test it out. I was genuinely curious to see whether it could add something meaningful to the indoor rowing experience.

After a few weeks of testing — including pairing it with training platforms like Wahoo SYSTM — here are my thoughts.

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SmartRow Power Handle on a Concept2 Rower

First Impressions and Unboxing

When the SmartRow handle arrived, the first thing I did (naturally) was film an unboxing video, which you can watch alongside this review. It’s always interesting to see what manufacturers include in the box and how straightforward they make the setup process.

The standout thing immediately was the build quality.

The handle feels solid and reassuringly weighty in your hands. It doesn’t feel like a lightweight plastic accessory but more like a piece of training equipment designed to last. The materials feel premium and well put together, and the internal power measurement system gives it a slightly heavier feel than the standard Concept2 handle.

That extra weight actually isn’t a negative in use — if anything, it makes the handle feel more substantial during the stroke.

Another nice touch is the integrated buttons on the handle, which allow you to control certain functions in the SmartRow app without reaching for your phone mid-session. It can also be used to control music on your phone whilst rowing.

Price: €299

Website: www.smartrow.fit

SmartRow Power Handle showing buttons and feedback lights

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That said, the unboxing experience wasn’t perfect.

Two things stood out as missing:

• No AA batteries included
• No tools for attaching it to the Concept2

Neither is a deal breaker, but it does mean that when you open the box you might not be able to install it immediately unless you already have those things handy. It’s a small detail but including them would definitely make the first experience smoother.

Still, once I had grabbed a couple of batteries and the right tools, installation was pretty straightforward.

Here’s the unboxing video and as you can see it literally is the handle and not much more!

SmartRow Power Handle Unboxing Video

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Installation on the Concept2

Installing the SmartRow handle essentially replaces your standard Concept2 handle with the SmartRow unit.

The process itself is fairly simple and only takes a few minutes. If you’re comfortable doing basic adjustments on your bike or turbo trainer, you’ll have no trouble here.

Once fitted, the handle looks right at home on the machine. It doesn’t feel like an awkward add-on or modification — it integrates neatly into the setup.

After installing the hardware, the next step is connecting it to the free SmartRow App.

How to install the SmartRow Power Handle

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SmartRow App Setup and First Use

I installed the free SmartRow App on my Android phone, and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly everything worked.

The app downloaded and installed in seconds plus registering and setting up my profile was straightforward. After that pairing the handle was simple and intuitive. Within a few minutes I was connected and ready to row.

The interface is clean and easy to understand, even if you’ve never used rowing analytics software before. You get access to detailed metrics such as:

• Power output
• Stroke rate (cadence)
• Force curves (this is my favourite feedback in the App)
• Workout data
• Historical performance tracking

SmartRow Power Handle App Screenshots

The SmartRow app also records detailed stroke-by-stroke data, allowing you to review workouts afterwards and track progress over time.

For anyone who already trains with power on the bike, this is where things get really interesting.

Instead of rowing purely by pace or feel, you can now approach rowing sessions with the same kind of structured, data-driven mindset that many triathletes use on the bike.

Create a PERFECT force curve on your ROWING machine with the SmartRow

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SmartRow vs Concept2 PM5 – How Power Is Measured

One of the most interesting aspects of the SmartRow handle is how it measures power, and how that differs from the way the Concept2 PM5 calculates it.

Concept2 PM5: Power Estimated from the Flywheel

The Concept2 PM5 doesn’t directly measure the force you apply to the handle. Instead, it estimates power based on what’s happening at the flywheel inside the rower.

As you pull on the chain, you accelerate the flywheel. The PM5 monitors how quickly the flywheel speeds up and slows down between strokes and then calculates power from that behaviour. In simple terms, it’s estimating how much energy is required to keep the flywheel spinning at that speed. This calculation is based on flywheel acceleration, deceleration and drag factor, rather than measuring force directly at the handle (Treff et al., 2022).

This system works extremely well and has been the standard for indoor rowing for decades. It’s reliable, consistent and excellent for training comparisons.

However, it is still an indirect measurement, because it’s based on the flywheel rather than the force applied at the handle.

Research comparing ergometer measurements with mechanical sensors has shown that while the two methods correlate very strongly, the Concept2 system tends to slightly underestimate the power produced by the rower. Boyas et al. (2006) found the ergometer underestimated power by roughly 25 W on average, while more recent work suggests the difference is typically only a few percent once the flywheel is up to speed (Treff et al., 2022).

Concept2 Rower PM5 Monitor

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SmartRow: Direct Measurement at the Handle

SmartRow approaches the problem differently by measuring power directly at the handle.

Power is calculated using the basic physics equation:

Power = Force × Speed

To do this, SmartRow measures:

• the force applied to the handle
• the speed of the chain movement

These two values are continuously combined to calculate the power you are actually producing during the stroke.

A clever piece of engineering inside the handle detects the vibration pattern of the Concept2 chain links. By effectively counting those links as they pass through the system, SmartRow can determine the distance and speed of the chain movement (de Gier, 2025).

Because the measurement happens at the handle, the developers argue this provides a more direct measurement of the power delivered by the athlete, independent of the ergometer model or the condition of the machine (de Gier, 2025).

Interestingly, because SmartRow measures power at the handle rather than inside the rowing machine, it could theoretically upgrade a very inexpensive air rower into a power-based training setup. For example, a Behumax Air Smart Rower or Merach NovaRow R50 can be found for around €400, meaning a SmartRow handle could turn a fairly budget machine into a connected training platform.

It's worth noting that the SmartRow handle works with over 40 rowing brands alongside the Concept2, TechnoGym and the WaterRower (this uses the SmartRow Power Pulley).

SmartRow Power Handle lights showing Bluetooth connection and Battery Status

Why This Matters for Training

In practice, both systems are very useful for training.

The PM5 is extremely consistent and remains the global standard used for rankings, testing and competitions.

SmartRow, however, gives you a direct measurement of your applied force, which can provide additional insight into your stroke mechanics and power profile.

For triathletes and indoor training enthusiasts who are already familiar with power meters on the bike, SmartRow feels a bit like adding a cycling-style power meter to your rower.

How Power Meters Like SmartRow Can Revolutionize Indoor Rowing

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Using SmartRow with Wahoo SYSTM

Officially, SmartRow lists compatibility with apps such as:

• Kinomap
• EXR
• Zwift

However, I was particularly curious to see how it would behave with Wahoo SYSTM, which is the platform I use regularly for indoor cycling workouts.

Even though SYSTM isn’t listed as an officially supported platform, I decided to give it a try. I did contact the SmartRow team beforehand and they explained that the app transmits data using the FTMS bike trainer profile, which means other training apps can recognise it as a standard power source.

In practice, the SmartRow app acts as a bridge. The handle connects to the SmartRow app first, and the app then broadcasts the power data via Bluetooth so other platforms can pick it up. This usually means running the SmartRow app on one device while using another device for the training platform.

To my surprise, it worked straight away.

SmartRow Power Handle being use with Wahoo SYSTM: iPad running Wahoo, Android phone running SmartRow App

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Once connected, SYSTM was able to detect both:

• Power
• Cadence

This is exactly what you need if you want to integrate rowing into a structured training plan.

For example, if you’re doing a threshold workout or aerobic endurance session, you can now row to power targets much like you would on the bike.

For triathletes who already train indoors using SYSTM, this makes rowing much easier to include in your weekly routine without jumping between multiple apps.

One small quirk is that SYSTM still thinks you’re riding a bike rather than rowing. That means the power and stroke rate are interpreted as cycling data, so if you’re rowing at around 75 watts with a stroke rate of 24, the app assumes you’re pedalling extremely slowly!

Using SmartRow with Zwift, EXR, Kinomap and MyWhoosh

One of the nice aspects of the SmartRow handle is that it works with several popular training platforms, including Zwift, EXR and Kinomap with these having a dedicated profile listed user “Broadcasting” in the App settings.

Zwift works by reading the power data broadcast from the SmartRow app. In practice, Zwift treats SmartRow like a cycling power meter, so your rowing power drives your avatar around the Zwift cycling world. It’s not a dedicated rowing experience, but it can be a fun way to add some variety or join group events while rowing. Just like Wahoo the power and stroke rate are not factored so your power and cadence (from stroke rate) will be low compared to cycling. I did try to get my running avatar to work with the SmartRow handle but it could not supply cadence so the avatar did not move.

EXR is a rowing-specific virtual training platform and probably the most natural pairing with SmartRow. The SmartRow handle includes a six-month EXR subscription voucher, which is a nice bonus if you want to try it. EXR is designed specifically for rowing, so you see your boat moving through virtual water environments with feedback based on your power and stroke rate. This was the best experience for me as it paired easily and was the closest representation of rowing as an avatar.

Coach Karen at ChiliTri rowing on EXR App using the SmartRow Power Handle

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Kinomap is another compatible platform that offers scenic rowing routes and structured workouts. While I haven’t personally tested SmartRow with Kinomap, it works in a similar way by using the power data broadcast from the SmartRow app to control the training experience.

MyWhoosh is a free App like Zwift and support cycling, running and recently they added rowing. This App is not listed in the “Broadcasting” list of those supported by SmartRow but I was able to use the SmartRow to cycle on MyWhoosh. MyWhoosh has just added rowing to their offering, but I was unable to get it to work in rowing mode as it is not supported by SmartRow yet. Talking to the team at SmartRow they do hope to offer support for MyWhoosh rowing in the future. In the mean time if you have a Concept2 with PM5 you can row on MyWhoosh.

Overall, the SmartRow app acts as a bridge, broadcasting power data so these platforms can recognise it as a standard power source.

Coach Karen at ChiliTri on Zwift using the SmartRow Power Handle

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How SmartRow Feels During Training

Once everything was set up, the real question was: how does it feel to row with the SmartRow handle?

The answer is very positive.

The slightly heavier handle actually contributes to a more substantial feel during the stroke. It feels stable and balanced as you drive through each pull.

But the biggest difference is the data feedback.

Seeing accurate power numbers changes the way you approach your rowing sessions. The SmartRow app also displays a force curve for each stroke, showing how force is applied through the drive.

Instead of simply rowing at a comfortable pace, you can start thinking in terms of:

• aerobic zones
• tempo efforts
• threshold work
• interval sessions

This makes rowing far more useful as a structured training tool rather than just a general conditioning workout.

SmartRow Power Handle: Close up of a control buttons

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Why Rowing Is So Valuable for Triathletes

This ties back to something I discussed in my earlier article on why rowing is such a powerful tool for triathletes.

Rowing offers a combination that’s surprisingly hard to replicate with other cross-training methods:

Full body engagement

Rowing uses the legs, glutes, core, back, and arms. That means you’re developing strength and endurance across the entire posterior chain.

Aerobic conditioning

A solid rowing session can easily match the cardiovascular demands of cycling or running.

Low impact training

When your legs are feeling beaten up from run training, rowing allows you to maintain aerobic fitness without additional impact.

Swim strength benefits

Many triathletes notice improvements in upper-body endurance and pulling strength that carry over into the swim.

Adding power measurement through SmartRow simply makes it easier to train rowing in a more structured and purposeful way.

SmartRow Power Handle at ChiliTri during unboxing

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Who SmartRow Is (and Isn’t) For

After spending some time testing the SmartRow handle, it’s clear that it won’t appeal to everyone — but for the right type of athlete it can be a really useful upgrade.

SmartRow is a great fit if you:

• Use rowing as structured cross-training for triathlon or endurance sports (maybe training for HYROX?)
• Enjoy training with data and analytics
• Already train with power on the bike
• Already use platforms like Zwift, EXR, Kinomap or Wahoo SYSTM
• Want deeper insight into your rowing sessions than a standard monitor provides
• Have a lower cost compatible rower and want to upgrade the basic display

For athletes who are used to structured training and data-driven workouts, SmartRow adds a level of detail that most rowing monitors simply don’t offer. Being able to see real power output, stroke rate and force curves can make rowing sessions feel much more purposeful.

It may be less useful if you:

• Only row occasionally for general fitness
• Prefer simple “just row and sweat” workouts
• Are perfectly happy with the data from a standard Concept2 PM5 monitor

The Concept2 monitor is already very good and perfectly adequate for most recreational rowing. Where SmartRow really makes sense is for athletes who treat rowing as a serious training tool, not just a conditioning workout.

SmartRow Power Handle being attached to a Concept2 Rower

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

After testing the SmartRow handle for several sessions, my overall impression is very positive.

What I liked

• Excellent build quality
• Solid, weighty feel in the hands
• Easy app setup
• Accurate power and cadence data
• Works with more platforms than officially listed

What could be improved

• No AA batteries included
• No installation tools provided

Neither of those are major issues, but they are small details that would improve the out-of-box experience.

From a coaching perspective, what I really like about SmartRow is that it turns the rower into a proper power-based training tool, similar to what cyclists have enjoyed for years with bike power meters. Being able to see and track your power output during rowing sessions makes it much easier to structure workouts, monitor progress and integrate rowing more effectively into a broader endurance training plan.

If you already use a Concept2 and want to get more insight from your rowing sessions, SmartRow is an interesting upgrade. And if you’re a triathlete using rowing as cross-training — whether during the winter, for injury management, or simply to build strength and aerobic capacity — having reliable power data can make those sessions far more purposeful.

Rowing is already one of the most underrated tools in endurance training. SmartRow doesn’t change that — but it does make it much easier to train with the same level of precision many of us are used to on the bike.

If you do want to get a SmartRow used code Karen15 for €15 off.

Karen Parnell is a Level 3 British Triathlon and IRONMAN Certified Coach, 8020 Endurance Certified Coach, WOWSA Level 3 open water swimming coach, and NASM Personal Trainer and Sports Technology Writer. 

Karen has a postgraduate MSc in Sports Performance Coaching from the University of Stirling.

Need a training plan? I have plans on TrainingPeaks and FinalSurge:

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I also coach a very small number of athletes one-to-one for all triathlon and multi-sport distances, open water swimming events, and running races. Email me for details and availability. Karen.parnell@chilitri.com

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SmartRow FAQ

Does SmartRow work with the Concept2 PM5 monitor?
Yes. SmartRow works independently of the PM5. You can still use the PM5 for standard metrics, while SmartRow provides its own power, stroke rate and force curve data through the SmartRow app.

Can SmartRow work with training apps like Zwift or Wahoo SYSTM?
Yes. The SmartRow app acts as a bridge, broadcasting power data using the FTMS bike trainer profile. This allows platforms such as Zwift, EXR, Kinomap and Wahoo SYSTM to detect SmartRow as a standard power source.

Do you need two devices to use SmartRow with training platforms?
Usually yes. The SmartRow app connects to the handle and broadcasts the data, so you typically run the SmartRow app on one device and the training platform on another.

Can SmartRow make a cheap rowing machine “smart”?
In some cases, yes. Because SmartRow measures power at the handle rather than inside the machine, it can potentially upgrade compatible air-resistance rowers with power data and app connectivity.

Does SmartRow replace the Concept2 monitor?
Not exactly. The Concept2 PM5 remains useful for standard rowing metrics and official benchmarks, while SmartRow provides additional performance data and app integration.

What Rowers is the SmartRow comptible with?

The SmartRow power handle can be used with the Concept2, WaterRower (the pulley version and not the handle), TechnoGym and 40 plus other rowing brands.

References

Treff, G. et al. (2022). Initial Evaluation of the Concept-2 Rowing Ergometer’s Accuracy Using a Motorized Test Rig. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.

Boyas, S. et al. (2006). Power Responses of a Rowing Ergometer: Mechanical Sensors vs Concept2 Measurement System. International Journal of Sports Medicine.

de Gier, A. (2025). SmartRow Technology Article. Roei! Magazine.

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