Is the Concept2 SkiErg worth buying for Hyrox?

If you are training seriously for Hyrox and have the space and budget, yes. The SkiErg is an exact match for the race station. Substitutes (cable pulldowns, bands) train the right muscles but do not replicate the pacing calibration you get from the actual machine.

How much does a Concept2 SkiErg cost?

The Concept2 SkiErg PM5 retails for approximately $800 to $900 USD. The floor stand (required for floor use rather than wall mounting) is sold separately at around $200 USD. Check the Concept2 website for current pricing in your region.

Can you mount a Concept2 SkiErg on the wall?

Yes. The SkiErg can be mounted directly to a wall stud, which saves the cost of the floor stand. Wall mounting is the most space-efficient option for home gym installations. Concept2 provides mounting hardware with the machine.

What is the difference between the Concept2 SkiErg and RowErg for Hyrox training?

Both machines appear at every Hyrox event. The SkiErg is station 1; the RowErg is station 5. If you can only buy one, the RowErg is typically the higher-return purchase because most athletes have more experience on rowing machines than SkiErgs, meaning SkiErg technique tends to be the bigger limiting factor. But both have direct race application.

Concept2 SkiErg Buying Guide: Is It Worth It for Hyrox Training?

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Overview

The Concept2 SkiErg is the only SkiErg used at Hyrox events worldwide. Station 1 is 1000m on this exact machine. If you are training for Hyrox seriously, there is an argument for owning one — but it is an expensive and space-consuming argument that does not apply to every athlete.

This guide covers the decision framework, the costs, and what you actually get from owning a SkiErg versus training on substitutes.

Is It Worth Buying

The core question is whether your SkiErg split is a race limiter. If you are losing 60 to 90 seconds on station 1 compared to athletes of similar overall fitness, owning a machine and training on it twice weekly will close that gap. If your SkiErg is already competitive, the marginal return on ownership is lower.

The other case for purchase: access. If the nearest gym with a SkiErg is 30 minutes away, the barrier to regular training is real. Ownership removes that barrier.

Skierg Vs Rowerg

If budget limits you to one Concept2 machine, consider your current training access. Most athletes have some rowing background and adequate technique. The SkiErg is less common in general gym settings, meaning technique deficiencies are more prevalent. The SkiErg may therefore be the higher-return purchase for athletes whose technique on that machine is their primary limiter.

See our detailed comparison in the Concept2 SkiErg vs RowErg guide.

Concept2

RowErg

$$$

Best for: Athletes who want exact race-condition rowing training at home

The race-standard rowing ergometer used at every Hyrox event. Tracks 500m split, stroke rate, and total distance. Performance Monitor 5 included. Available in standard and tall leg configurations.

— Hyrox race-standard machine — exact match for station 5
— Performance Monitor 5 — tracks 500m split, watts, calories
— Standard and tall leg configurations
— Compatible with ErgData app

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What You Get

The Concept2 SkiErg includes Performance Monitor 5 — the same interface used at Hyrox events. It tracks distance, pace, calories, and stroke rate. Compatible with the ErgData app for session logging. Available for floor use (with optional floor stand, sold separately) or wall-mounted directly to studs.

Concept2

SkiErg

$$$

Best for: Athletes who want exact race-condition SkiErg training at home or in a home gym

The only SkiErg used at Hyrox events worldwide. Floor-mounted or wall-mounted. Tracks pull count, pace, and calories. Performance Monitor 5 interface included. A direct training match for the race station — nothing else replicates it exactly.

— Hyrox race-standard machine — exact match for station 1
— Floor or wall mount options
— Performance Monitor 5 — tracks distance, pace, Watts, calories
— Compatible with ErgData app for session logging

View Product

Training Approach

For Hyrox-specific SkiErg training: one technique session per week (lower intensity, focusing on hip hinge engagement and arm path) and one interval session (4 to 6 x 200m at race effort with 90-second rests). A full 1000m time trial every three weeks to track progress. This volume is sufficient for most athletes to build competitive station 1 fitness.

Verdict

Buy a Concept2 SkiErg if: your SkiErg split is a measurable limiter, you have the space, and you can absorb the cost (approximately $800 to $900 USD plus optional floor stand). If budget is constrained, prioritise kettlebells and a wall ball first. Get SkiErg access at a commercial gym or CrossFit box for the final 4 weeks before race day regardless of whether you own one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Concept2 SkiErg worth buying for Hyrox?: If you are training seriously for Hyrox and have the space and budget, yes. The SkiErg is an exact match for the race station. Substitutes (cable pulldowns, bands) train the right muscles but do not replicate the pacing calibration you get from the actual machine.
How much does a Concept2 SkiErg cost?: The Concept2 SkiErg PM5 retails for approximately $800 to $900 USD. The floor stand (required for floor use rather than wall mounting) is sold separately at around $200 USD. Check the Concept2 website for current pricing in your region.
Can you mount a Concept2 SkiErg on the wall?: Yes. The SkiErg can be mounted directly to a wall stud, which saves the cost of the floor stand. Wall mounting is the most space-efficient option for home gym installations. Concept2 provides mounting hardware with the machine.
What is the difference between the Concept2 SkiErg and RowErg for Hyrox training?: Both machines appear at every Hyrox event. The SkiErg is station 1; the RowErg is station 5. If you can only buy one, the RowErg is typically the higher-return purchase because most athletes have more experience on rowing machines than SkiErgs, meaning SkiErg technique tends to be the bigger limiting factor. But both have direct race application.