Which rowing machine?

[johnfm]

Most people suggest concept 2. I understand it seems to be the defacto choice- used for most indoor rowing competitions etc.

I have no intention of competing online etc - I just want to build muscle and stamina without lifting weights etc.

So, which rowing machine?

[Syd knee]

Concept II with out doubt, had mine over 10 years, the best by far.

[yellowtr]

Been a few threads in the past, as suggested Concept 2's are awesome.

[Council Baby]

As per expectations the concept II is the class bit of equipment, the Oxford is pretty damned good at under half the price though.

[NoVetec]

I'm getting a rowing machine on Tuesday, no idea what the make is though. It's cut-price so I'm not bothered as long it works.

[Mr Pointy]

How do WaterRowers compare to the Concept II?

[Council Baby]

Mr Pointy said:

How do WaterRowers compare to the Concept II?

st.

[AstonZagato]

Mr Pointy said:

How do WaterRowers compare to the Concept II?

WaterRowers have a nicer "feel" at the catch - the ratchet engages immediately and it doesn't seem to jar as much as the CII when you bang the catch. Also, the sound is not as noisy (and when you have done many, many painful hours on the CII, the sound is as unpleasant as a dentist's drill).

However, I still prefer the CII by a country mile.

[HowMuchLonger]

johnfm said:

I just want to build muscle and stamina without lifting weights etc.

Try a Gjessing ergo, these were used for international trials, and are bloody hard work. Every stroke is like the first one, no momentum is built up at all.

[HowMuchLonger]

AstonZagato said:

it doesn't seem to jar as much as the CII when you bang the catch.

You should not bang the catch.

[AstonZagato]

HowMuchLonger said:

You should not bang the catch.

Perhaps I didn't explain very well. The WaterRower has no slack in the ratchet - immediate resistance. The CII, particularly the older ones, have some slack which allows the user to accelerate before the mechanism engages. In rowing terms, it is rather like rowing in the catch and not good for the back.

[HughG]

Water-rowers have a nice feel to them but as has been said the concept 2 is lauded for a reason, with a bit of maintenance they go on forever, hold their value well etc. etc. If you've ever had any back problems it might be worth trying the Concept 2 Dynamic erg.

[Tiggsy]

For in a home a water rower is by far my preferred option.

I use a C2 in the gym but if you are just training for fun a water rower is great.

[Six Fiend]

I have a Tunturi R710, used only once, I bought on ebay for the massive sum of £96.

Does the job and is a perfectly good starter. I've used a lot of machines in gyms and this does enough of what I need.

It does lack adjustment for resistance but in all other aspects it's fine

[paulmon]

Cheapest one you can find. That way you wont feel as bad in 6 months when its collecting dust in the garage.

[Beardy10]

The water rower is definitely worth considering for home...it can be stored very,very easily vertically against a wall and if you have to worry about noise it's much better...Concept II's are very noisy in a home environment. But the c II is deffo better.

[MacGee]

only ever tried the C2...water sounds good fun...but then again rowing is about pain!!!

[johnxjsc1985]

If you want a machine that is used all over the world by top atheletes then it has to be the Concept.

[HowMuchLonger]

johnxjsc1985 said:

If you want a machine that is used all over the world by top atheletes then it has to be the Concept.

Or a Gjessing....

Has no one else used one of the torture implements?

[Tiggsy]

johnxjsc1985 said:

If you want a machine that is used all over the world by top atheletes then it has to be the Concept.

Not sure why that should be a reason to get a c2. What top athelites around the world do in gyms is hardly a good guide for the best home use rower