Concept2 Rowing Machines are some products you will always come across when searching or reading about the best rowing machine either for home use or commercial usage in the gym.
My first time encountering these products from Concept2 was 3 years ago in one of my favorite gyms. I am also certain people who make use of public gym would have come across these beautiful pieces of equipment.
In this article, we review the three models of Concept2 rowing machines which are model D, E, and the Dynamic model. This will give you great insight and understand why many folks prefer this equipment despite their expensive price.
Recommended:
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor
Specifications
- Resistance Mechanism: Air
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Assembled Dimension: 8 ft. x 2 ft. (244 cm x 61 cm)
- With Clearance for Use: 9 ft. x 4 ft. (274 cm x 122 cm)
- Folded For Storage: 25 in x 33 in x 54 in (63.5 cm x 83.8 cm x 137.2 cm).
- 14-inch seat height
- Users with an inseam of 38 inches (96.5 cm)
- PM5 Included
- Easily Detachable
- Canister Wheel Included
- Easy to Assemble with only eight screws
- Weight of the Rower: 56 pounds
Model D of the Concept2 rowing machine is actually the most purchased of the products. It is well accepted by previous users and has thus been reviewed with positive comments.
To give you a little glimpse of how accepted this product is, on Amazon, as at the time of writing this article, Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine has been reviewed more than 5000 times with 96% of the reviewer giving a complete 5-star rating to the product.
Model D has the lowest price and it is designed to give a good and effective cardiovascular workout at such an affordable price. The machine also has a strong and nickel-plated frame which ensures strength and reduces the need for incessant maintenance.
One of the things we find to be really fascinating in Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is its ability to combine durability and strength with low product weight. We find this unbelievable as the machine’s weight makes it easy to handle, yet very strong to withstand rigorous usage and heavyweight users.
See also:
- The best orthopedic back stretcher
- Best back brace for heavy lifting
- The best shoulder brace for labrum tear
Features of Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
Performance Monitor (PM5)
Tracking your workout variables is very essential to track your progress and that is what the performance monitor enables. The performance monitor is one of the advanced monitor screens you would come across as it provides repeatable and comparable data for every of your workout sessions. The PM5 gives data like pace, watts, stroke rate (spm), and calories, it also automatically saves these data for you to access them later. PM5 can be powered by the flywheel or 2D batteries.
Bluetooth Connectivity
One of the vital features you will enjoy is the Bluetooth connectivity and ANT + Wireless connectivity of the PM5 which allows you to connect to any heart rate monitor belt, fitness device, and apps. You will also enjoy the Concept2 Erg Data app for workout tracking and syncing your data Concept2 online logbook. The feature is limitless as you can also connect with a third-party app.
Flywheel and Damper
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine has an air resistance mechanism which means the flywheel creates the resistance. This resistance is not stationary, the harder you row, the higher the resistance intensity and that makes it even more suitable for HIIT and CrossFit workout. Furthermore, it has a spiral damper that allows you to change the feel of the stroke to suit your personal preference. Flywheel design also gives quiet operation and that makes it even more suitable for home use.
Low Profile Design
Its seat is 14 inches high and that makes the machine a low profile design. The implication of this is that it might not be a suitable one for people with knee problems as it will be more difficult to get down from it.
Storage and Mobility
Most people who want to use this at home will find Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine to be a great fit. It is vital for you to save space in the home and getting a product you can easily fold and move around is one of the good features you should look out for. Furthermore, you can easily separate the machine into two for easy storage while its transport wheels make it even easier to move around.
Ergonomic Design
The entirety of the machine is designed to give the best comfort to the users through its ergonomic design. Almost all its parts can be adjusted to perfectly suit the user. The footrest will adjust to accommodate all users’ feet no matter the size while the handle features a 10-degree bend to ensure the arm of the user is at a natural arm and hand position for best comfort.
Construction
All Concept2 rowing machines are known for durability and model D is a very strong machine with a weight capacity of 500 pounds. It is built to withstand heavy usage either at home, training centers, health clubs, and other public places. It is a good one for commercial purposes. Also, maintenance is also easy as the machine mostly will not require any heavy maintenance.
Ease of Assembly
You won’t even need an expert to put the rowing machine together. The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine consists of two parts which are firmly held together by eight screws. Putting them together will not even take more than 30 minutes. See the video below for step-by-step instruction:
Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
Specifications
- Resistance Mechanism: Air
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Assembled Dimension: 8 ft. x 2 ft. (244 cm x 61 cm)
- With Clearance for Use: 9 ft. x 4 ft. (274 cm x 122 cm)
- Folded For Storage: 27 in x 47 in x 54 in (68.6 cm x 119.4 cm x 137.2 cm)
- Construction: Welded Steel
- Product’s weight: 65 pounds
- PM5 included
- Seat Height: 20 inches
- Overall Length: 96 in (244 cm)
- Width: 24 in (61 cm)
- 5 years warranty on frame
- Monorail Length: 54 in (137 cm), fits inseams up to 38″
This is an alternative model to model D and both of them are very similar, from the mode of construction to the resistance mechanism.
However, the Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine is taller and a good one for people dealing with bad knees. It is far easier to get down from this product than its counterpart (Model D).
We also can confirm this is a great product, also expensive but will sure serve its purpose and worth every penny spent on it.
On Amazon, it has been reviewed more than 650 times at the time of writing this report and 92% of the reviewer gave a complete 5star rating.
Like other Concept2 rowing machines, it is very strong and durable that is capable of holding up to 500 pounds of users’ weight. This is huge compared to the product’s weight which is just 65 pounds.
You can easily fold or even separate the two units for easy storage. It is a good product to consider with many amazing features to make rowing more comforting and effective.
Features of Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine
As stated above, Model E and D are very similar and the features discussed for Model D are almost the same for Model E. the only differences are in specifications that have been specified.
Below is a video from the maker that accurately compares Concept2 Model D and E.