Concept 2 Rowing Machine

If you have heard anything about indoor rowing, than chances are you have heard about Concept 2. The Concept 2 rowing machine is the industry standard, the standard that other competitive rowing machines are built upon. Concept 2 started making rowing machines in 1976 and each model has evolved to be the favorite amongst professional and amateur rowers alike.

The Concept 2 rowing machine uses a flywheel for resistance, meaning the harder you pull the greater the resistance you feel. You can adjust the damper to dictate the amount of air in the housing of the flywheel. The unit is 8 feet by 2 feet assembled and the recommend the window for using the Concept 2 rower is 9 feet by 4 feet. What is unique about the Concept 2 rowing machines is use can incorporate team rowing for training by adding a slide system to link 2 or more rowers together.

Concept 2 provides a very good warranty on their rowers considering they sell the exact same rowers for home use as they do to fitness facilities and institutions. The rowers come standard with a 2 year warranty on the rower and 5 year on the frame. The rower requires very little maintenance especially considering it can last years. All that is required it to keep the rail clean so the seat can glide smoothly and periodic lubrication

They are both designed for heavy institutional use. For a home user this means that the machine is a lifetime investment. The rower can also be dismantled into two parts for easy storage.

The Concept 2 rowing machine comes in 2 different current models: Model D and Model E. The Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine comes standard with a PM3 monitor, while the Concept 2 Model E Rowing Machine comes standard with a PM4 monitor

So what are the differences between the two models?

The major difference is what monitor comes witch each unit. Concept 2 rowers can come with either a PM3 or PM4 monitor. The monitor itself either PM3 or PM4 is an excellent training and feedback system of either rower. They both have memory logging using the log card that comes with both monitors, in which data can be downloaded to online utilities or your computer. They display distance, speed, calories, watts and pace. They both offer many programmable workouts and the option to save your workouts to improve on your time. The PM4 comes with a heart rate belt, while there is a separate heart rate accessory kit that for the PM3. If you have more than one rower you can connect them all wirelessly if they each have the PM4 monitor. Another cool feature with both monitors is that you may never need batteries as the actual act of rowing recharges the monitor.

The second difference is the height of the rowers with the Model E sitting up higher above the floor at 20 inches or roughly the same height as an ordinary chair. The Model D the height of the seat is 14 inches above the floor. The increased height of Model E is only an advantage if you have mobility issues, which most people using a Concept 2 rower do not.

There are other minor differences between the two models. Model E has a longer monitor arm fixed arm while Model D has a rotating shorter arm. The chain on Model D is stainless steel while on the Model E the steel chain has an added nickel plating for reduced maintenance. Also the Model E is slightly heavier at 65 pounds compared to the 57 pounds for the Model D.

Both Concept 2 rowing machines do not differ in their safety or how the rower operates. They both provide an excellent workout. Concept 2 also has a huge community following with many online challenges, competitive rankings, teams and training forums.