Vulcan Scull Rower Review (2024): Can This Expert-Approved Air Rower Compete With the Concept2?

 The fan-powered resistance of air rowers makes them some of the best rowing machines for interval training and intense workouts. Each stroke on the Vulcan Scull Rower matches your effort — the harder you pull, the harder you work. Its heavy steel frame aims to reduce the wobble often felt on lighter rowers, freeing you up to focus on heart-pounding rows. But for BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, cardio isn’t the only draw. “[Rowers] can also be used for some strength training exercises, like pikes, for added versatility.”

 While we wish we could get a little more out of the basic digital monitor, its above-average durability indicates that it’s in it for the long haul. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, isn’t sure it quite matches the poster child for air rowers — the Concept2 RowErg — but isn’t far off. Check out our full Vulcan Scull Rower review to see how it has held up after months of use by our team. For more details on how we test all our products, head over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology.

Vulcan Scull Rower

Vulcan Scull Rower

The steel and aluminum construction makes this durable rower stable during use, even at maximum resistance and effort. The padded, contoured seat offers comfort during long sessions, while its lightweight design and front wheels offer easy maneuvering.

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Main Takeaways

• As our tester notes, this heavy-duty, steel air rower is a worthy competitor to the star of this category — the Concept2 RowErg.
• The monorail on the Scull Rower doesn’t fold, so you’ll need to store it vertically between workouts.
• Despite its hefty 101-pound overall weight, our tester has no issues tilting and rolling it around our gym.

Vulcan Scull Rower Specs

If you spot an air rower in your gym or while scrolling social media, chances are it’s the golden child, the Concept2 RowErg. But as our tester, a certified personal trainer, has discovered, the Vulcan Scull Rower offers a serious challenge to its (deserved) supremacy. “When you need to take on some steady-state or interval cardio, I do think the Scull Rower is a super option,” they say. “The question is — can it compete with the RowErg?”

A quick check of each rower’s builds would indicate — maybe? “While the RowErg is mostly aluminum, the majority of the Scull Rower build is steel,” our tester notes, highlighting its quality construction. “Of course, that makes it heavier when you need to move it around.” 

A major contributor to that quality is the chain-drive system powering the fan. Like the chain on a bicycle, this type of resistance system requires a bit of regular maintenance — lubrication and cleaning, mostly — but even at max effort, we’ve yet to feel a wobble.

Oddly enough, its rock-solid build supports a lower weight capacity (350 pounds) than some lighter rowers. “The Scull Rower hits the industry standard, but a bunch of quality rowers are pushing well past that,” they say. The RowErg, for example, supports up to 500 pounds, and the Aviron Strong Rower can handle 507 pounds, thus opening up rowing workouts to a wider population of athletes.

It’s in the little things where the Vulcan Scull Rower distinguishes itself. “I actually prefer the firmer padding on the Scull Rower over the Concept2,” our tester says. They also highlight the thinner handlebar, which could be a boon for athletes with smaller hands or anyone, like our tester, who can lose their grip when the sweat starts streaming.

Something that won’t be streaming? Virtual training. You could load up scenic rows or trainer-led sessions on your phone, but don’t expect much from the LCD monitor. Outside of tracking basic metrics and following programs, our tester has few nice things to say about the display.

“In terms of the amount of space it takes up — and really the whole design — this is extremely similar to the Concept2 RowErg,” our tester says. While we think the Scull Rower is one of the best air rowing machines we’ve tested, we’re not sure if this relative newcomer has the goods to take on the time-tested legend.

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Vulcan Scull Rower

For beginners and rowing veterans alike, the Vulcan Scull Rower has plenty to offer. While we think its durable build makes a great option for many people, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Check out who we think could benefit the most — and the least — from adding this air rowing machine to their home or garage gym.

Recommended for:

• Athletes looking for high-intensity rowing workouts that require increased stability
• Rowers who prefer a firm seat
• People that prefer getting their cardio work in from rowing 

Not Recommended for:

• Tech-forward users who want to train with one of the best rowing apps
• Anyone looking for a foldable rower for their space
• People seeking a water or magnetic resistance rowing machine

Our Experience Training With the Vulcan Scull Rower

After testing out over 30 rowing machines of all shapes, sizes, and resistance systems, the BarBend roster of fitness junkies knows a quality rower when we see one. For any rowing machine we test, our team of former collegiate rowers, coaches, and certified fitness professionals assigns ratings of 1 (yuck) to 5 (yay) across categories like durability, adjustability, ergonomics, and more. Take a look at what our experts and testers have to say about our time with the Vulcan Scull Rower.

Durability and Construction

Depending on their builds, the majority of air rowers tend to weigh anywhere from 55 to 110 pounds. The heavy-duty steel used in the frame of Scull Rower puts it at the top of that range, but it also allows for a stable ride. “It has just a bit of plastic, but it is a super solid machine,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “This thing is mostly steel, so even at max resistance and max effort, there was zero shaking.” 

They continue, “As long as you take care of the chain drive system, this thing should last a long time.” Chain-drive resistance systems use sturdy metal chains (like a bicycle) to power the fan. This kind of system is durable, but requires a bit more maintenance than a belt-drive system. Durability scores a 4 out of 5.  

Both the Vulcan Scull Rower and Concept2 RowErg opt for the durability of a chain, but after numerous steady-state and HIIT rowing workouts on both, our tester notes an important difference. “The Scull Rower is actually a bit louder than the RowErg.” 

It also holds less weight than the RowErg. “Compared to the 500-pound range on something like the Concept2 RowErg, it leaves a tad to be desired,” our tester says. “These two rowers are insanely similar, but the biggest difference is the weight and user weight capacity.”

Footprint and Portability

Compared to a treadmill or elliptical, our tester found this 101-pound rower to be a relatively easy lift. “It actually feels relatively light and if you use the wheels, I don’t think many people would have trouble moving it around,” they note. If you think you’ll need to relocate it a ton, remember that the long and narrow shape can make it a bit awkward. Still, we rate its footprint and portability 4.5 out of 5.

We often compare air rowers to one of our favorites in the category, the Concept2 RowErg, so a big factor for portability is overall weight. “Don’t get me wrong — the Scull Rower is really easy to move around,” our tester adds. “But the Concept2 is only 57 pounds, so yeah, it feels way lighter when you tilt it up and roll it.”

The length far exceeds the width on rowing machines, so keep the Scull Rower’s 94-inch length in mind when planning where to station it. Plan on ceding 16.32 square feet of floor space to your new rower, which is close to the size of a loveseat — just stretched out. (1) 

The rail also doesn’t fold, so when you need to stow it away, your best option is to stand it up vertically. Vulcan also doesn’t offer any wall-mounted hooks to secure it. Just remember that it’s 94 inches long, which would just sneak in under the typical 8-foot ceiling. (2)

Tech Capabilities and Conveniences

Not many rowing machines can squeeze in the conveniences often seen on the best exercise bikes or treadmills. There’s not a lot of space on a rower for a cup holder, after all. Still, our tester was expecting more from the monitor. “My least favorite part of the Scull Rower is definitely the screen,” they say, rating the Scull Rower’s tech capabilities a 1 out of 5. “It’s just a basic LCD screen with a couple target and time programs.”

As rudimentary as it may be, you can still monitor your current program, plus important workout data. “It can actually track a lot of metrics — calories, stroke rate, distance, etc. — plus there’s a game you can play.” Keeping tabs on your heart rate is also made easier by the included heart rate chest strap. 

A surprising omission is a lack of Bluetooth connectivity — I mean, I’ve seen teddy bears with Bluetooth — which hopefully is not a cynical ploy to get us to upgrade to the V2.0 monitor. For an additional $69 (or $59 if you buy it with the rower), you can connect your devices and sync up Kinomap — and only Kinomap — but our tester struggles to see the value. “You can upgrade to Vulcan’s V2.0 monitor, but honestly, it doesn’t seem much different,” they say. Because you still won’t be able to sync up with the best workout apps, our tester isn’t sold. “Even though it’s pretty meh, I think I’d just stick with the original.”

Adjustability and Ergonomics

Hopping on a rower that uses magnetic resistance — a metal flywheel saddled with magnets — can more closely resemble an exercise bike. On a magnetic rower, you can simply push a button or turn a knob and it magically (through science) gets more difficult to pull or pedal. 

On air rowing machines like the Vulcan Scull Rower, you’ll be adjusting a damper. “Basically, when you set it on the lowest level, the fan draws in very little air, making it easier to pull,” our tester explains. “Then on higher settings, more air is let in, which ramps up the resistance you feel in each stroke.”

A huge component of our tester’s 4.5 out of 5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics is the sliding seat. “OK, I really love this seat. It’s just barely contoured and has firm padding, which I think is perfect — even for long sessions,” they say. 

In the head-to-head matchup with the RowErg, we lean towards the Concept2 rower, but there is one specific win for the Scull Rower. “The foot pedals are a spot where I think the Scull Rower wins out over the RowErg,” our tester says. “They’re made of steel, have a wider base, and are just heavy-duty.”

They continue, “I also prefer the handlebar on the Vulcan because the diameter is thinner — especially during longer rows. As my grip starts to fatigue, it just makes it a little easier to lock in and keep going.”

What to Consider Before Buying the Vulcan Scull Rower

As our expert reviewers Amanda Capritto and Lauren Keary note, rowing machines like the Vulcan Scull Rower can provide a wealth of benefits. “Rowing is great for those who want a full body workout and are looking for a form of cardio that is low impact,” Keary says. There are, however, important factors to consider before adding this rower to your home gym. Here are a few things to consider before buying the Vulcan Scull Rower.

• Footprint and Portability: “Size, weight and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,” Capritto says. Double check the Scull Rower’s dimensions, then measure your space to make sure you’ll have plenty of room. Also remember that, while our tester finds it relatively easy to lift and roll around, it does weigh 101 pounds.
• Construction and Stability: According to our tester, the Scull Rower’s steel frame offers a bit more stability during the best rowing machine workouts than lighter options. If you’re planning on firing up high-intensity workouts or rowing at max effort often, that stability will be essential. If you’re more interested in steady-state cardio, though, you may be better off with a lighter (and less expensive) option. 
• Storage: The Scull Rower does not fold in half to reduce its footprint. That means your only option is to store it vertically, but remember that it measures 94 inches long. If you flip it up, it will just barely fit under the average 8-foot ceiling, so consider how you’ll store your rower between workouts. (2)
• Resistance Type: The Scull Rower uses a fan to create the adjustable resistance you feel in each pull, but as Keary explains, there are other options. “Air rowers are sturdy and provide adjustable resistance that can emulate the resistance you’d feel on the water. They’re a bit noisy but when it comes to a reliable and affordable machine, an air rower is the way to go,” she says. “Magnetic rowers offer similar capabilities, [but] they’re typically more expensive (due to how quiet they are) and many can include streaming or tech additions that increase that price tag further.”

Vulcan Scull Rower Vs. Competitors

The BarBend team has tested a ton of the best rowers from quality brands like Hydrow, Rogue, Ergatta, and more. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the Vulcan Scull Rower holds up against two of our highest-rated air rowers — the Concept2 RowErg and Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower. All three land around the same price point, but they differ in terms of their overall weight and weight capacity. The heavier builds on the Scull Rower and Blitz Air Rower may reduce a bit of wobble, but the RowErg’s wider user weight capacity opens up indoor rowing workouts for more people. Dive into the nitty gritty on these three quality air rowing machines with our chart below.

Ordering and Assembling the Vulcan Scull Rower

When you order your Vulcan Scull Rower, you’ll have a few options before adding it to your cart. You can add the upgraded V2.0 monitor for $59 or choose to extend your warranty for $89, then proceed to checkout. 

Places to Buy the Vulcan Scull Rower

You can order the Vulcan Scull Rower directly from their website.

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

Charlotte, North Carolina-based Vulcan Strength Training Systems has been providing quality home gym equipment since 2009. They offer some of the best barbells, squat racks, and bumper plates we’ve personally tested. Also, every product in this veteran-owned company’s lineup is manufactured in the U.S. To contact the customer care team, you can fill out the form on their contact page or call 877-986-4313.

Like our tester, many customer reviews of the Scull Rower mention how similar this air rower is to the Concept2. “I am very happy with this rower. It is so much better than expected and competes admirably with the Concept 2,” one review reads. On the product page, the ratings average 4.8 out of 5. While several appreciate the option to upgrade the monitor, most agree with our team that it doesn’t seem to offer much value. “They also offer an upgraded monitor, but I opted to go with the basic. It has all the information I need,” one customer writes.

Warranties

“I do love that Vulcan offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, plus any hard, moving parts — like the foot pedals or handlebar — are covered for two years,” our tester, a certified personal trainer, says. Soft parts like the foot straps also have 90 days of coverage, and you can purchase an additional extended warranty at checkout for $89.

Final Thoughts on the Vulcan Scull Rower Review

After putting a multitude of air rowers through the wringer, our tester knows two things — their butt is sore and what makes quality machines like the Scull Rower stand out. In general, air rowers can be rather light, which is great for portability but can create stability issues at higher intensities. The high-quality steel frame of the Scull Rower helps reduce the wobble we’ve experienced on lighter machines, but it also makes it a bit heavier than others in the category. 

However, stacked up against the cream of the crop, our tester isn’t quite sold just yet. “I am impressed with the Scull Rower, but if I could only choose one, I’d still go with the Concept2 RowErg,” they say. “The PM5 monitor is much more intuitive and is compatible with Bluetooth and ANT+ devices, plus the weight capacity reaches 500 pounds.” That said, the Scull Rower can be had for about $140 less and we appreciate the lifetime warranty on the frame. In the end, we think the Vulcan Scull Rower puts up a good fight, but knocking off the champ is a tall task.

Vulcan Scull Rower Review FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
2. Rybczynski, W. (n.d.) Ceiling Heights in Homes and Offices. Wharton University of Pennsylvania Real Estate Center. https://realestate.wharton.upenn.edu/working-papers/ceiling-heights-in-homes-and-offices/

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