Consideirng buying a Concept 2 rower
Discussion
Stu R said:
Still very much the gold standard.
If you want all the smart waffle there's better but in terms of actual rowers, Concept 2 is where it's at. We have one and a Hydrow and I only really bother with with C2.
Appreciate that thanks - the prices seem fairly stable, the one i'm considering is close to me with the PM2 or 3 controller (I see I can upgrade to a PM5), but to be honest i don't need to connect it to my phone really.If you want all the smart waffle there's better but in terms of actual rowers, Concept 2 is where it's at. We have one and a Hydrow and I only really bother with with C2.
The PM5 is very useful for uploading your workouts to the online logbook which is done automatically if you use the C2 app Ergdata. It also automatically has the C2 WOD to transmit to your PM5.
If you program intervals it is much quicker using Ergdata than the console.
Also the PM5 connects to all heart rate belts, if you get a PM3 then you have to buy an additional sensor.
None of these may be important to you in which case the PM3 is still a good monitor.
If you program intervals it is much quicker using Ergdata than the console.
Also the PM5 connects to all heart rate belts, if you get a PM3 then you have to buy an additional sensor.
None of these may be important to you in which case the PM3 is still a good monitor.
ErgAddict said:
The PM5 is very useful for uploading your workouts to the online logbook which is done automatically if you use the C2 app Ergdata. It also automatically has the C2 WOD to transmit to your PM5.
If you program intervals it is much quicker using Ergdata than the console.
Also the PM5 connects to all heart rate belts, if you get a PM3 then you have to buy an additional sensor.
None of these may be important to you in which case the PM3 is still a good monitor.
That does make sense, I was thinking if I make enough use out of the PM3 it might be worth upgrading to the PM5, I don't have any specific goals at the minute but was thinking to start at 20 minutes a day and take it from there?If you program intervals it is much quicker using Ergdata than the console.
Also the PM5 connects to all heart rate belts, if you get a PM3 then you have to buy an additional sensor.
None of these may be important to you in which case the PM3 is still a good monitor.
mark seeker said:
That does make sense, I was thinking if I make enough use out of the PM3 it might be worth upgrading to the PM5, I don't have any specific goals at the minute but was thinking to start at 20 minutes a day and take it from there?
sounds a good plan. I would also recommend RowAlong on YT, rowing workouts that you can follow along to, lots of beginner workouts and tips on rowing form. Have you used one much?
They are undoubtedly one of the most efficient and safest (assuming good technique) ways of burning calories, exercising large muscle groups and building cardiovascular fitness.
In my experience they are a time distortion device and a minute on a rower is equivalent to about 5 minutes on an indoor treadmill or bike and half an our of running or cycling outside. IME it's harder to use distraction like TV, music, podcasts etc. due to the movement and noise.
I appreciate some people really get on with them but I think they are the marmite of gym equipment.
And yes, Concept 2 is definitely the way to go.
They are undoubtedly one of the most efficient and safest (assuming good technique) ways of burning calories, exercising large muscle groups and building cardiovascular fitness.
In my experience they are a time distortion device and a minute on a rower is equivalent to about 5 minutes on an indoor treadmill or bike and half an our of running or cycling outside. IME it's harder to use distraction like TV, music, podcasts etc. due to the movement and noise.
I appreciate some people really get on with them but I think they are the marmite of gym equipment.
And yes, Concept 2 is definitely the way to go.
Concept 2 is the only rower to consider, unless aesthetics are your prime concern, in which case some of the wooden water rowers look lovely, and you can wash your smalls while you exercise.
The PM5 is good, the App is excellent, and the WODs are structured and varied. The online community very supportive and there are plenty of individual and team challenges each month to keep you interested. And all of it free, with no subscription costs like a lot of cardio equipment these days.
Oh and the residuals are good too for when you learn to hate it and sell it, and spares are easy to find and you can maintain them yourself and it will probably outlive you.
I have the Ski Erg too which compliments the rower nicely as the ski is a 'closing' motion, while the rower is an 'opening' movement.
The PM5 is good, the App is excellent, and the WODs are structured and varied. The online community very supportive and there are plenty of individual and team challenges each month to keep you interested. And all of it free, with no subscription costs like a lot of cardio equipment these days.
Oh and the residuals are good too for when you learn to hate it and sell it, and spares are easy to find and you can maintain them yourself and it will probably outlive you.
I have the Ski Erg too which compliments the rower nicely as the ski is a 'closing' motion, while the rower is an 'opening' movement.
Got one in 2014, then with a PM4. Have since updated it to PM5, so no need to plug phone in any more.
I've done a good few million on it, an apart from hoovering out the flywheel and cleaning the rail and rollers, never had to do anything or had any issues with it.
As mentioned it uses more muscle groups than most other popular exercise, the downside is getting the technique right enough to not make it too much like hard work or injure yourself. As mentioned above watch some YT vids for tips.
I've done a good few million on it, an apart from hoovering out the flywheel and cleaning the rail and rollers, never had to do anything or had any issues with it.
As mentioned it uses more muscle groups than most other popular exercise, the downside is getting the technique right enough to not make it too much like hard work or injure yourself. As mentioned above watch some YT vids for tips.
I did this a couple of weeks ago. In my opinion worth holding out for a PM5 as it has Bluetooth. Good to be able to record all your sessions and the C2 app works well, since to apple fitness, Strava etc. can build structured sessions much more easily on the app rather than trying to program it on the PM unit. Or just download sessions from the app.
The one I got was a RowErg (current model) had less than 8 hours/86km use (you can check the lifetime stats on the PM unit). Picked it up for £575 which is a decent saving on the new price and they hold their value well.
I know they last forever but I didn’t want one that had come out of a school or commercial gym.
As far as I know the Rowerg models are the same as model D but with different logo on the side.
The one I got was a RowErg (current model) had less than 8 hours/86km use (you can check the lifetime stats on the PM unit). Picked it up for £575 which is a decent saving on the new price and they hold their value well.
I know they last forever but I didn’t want one that had come out of a school or commercial gym.
As far as I know the Rowerg models are the same as model D but with different logo on the side.
Edited by lufbramatt on Friday 5th June 18:07
Another recommendation here for a concept 2 erg
Extremely well built, simple robust design, minimal maintenance required, all spares readily available, and they hold their value well
I bought mine almost exactly 20 years ago. Always been part of my weekly fitness regime. Cost 20 years ago is not far off what they charge today, how's that for value. Easily paid for itself with other equipment I have Vs a gym membership.
Yes it can be an instrument of pain.
You can't cheat the numbers.
But it won't let you down.
n.b. I upgraded from a pm3 to pm5 last year, happy I did as improved integration.
Extremely well built, simple robust design, minimal maintenance required, all spares readily available, and they hold their value well
I bought mine almost exactly 20 years ago. Always been part of my weekly fitness regime. Cost 20 years ago is not far off what they charge today, how's that for value. Easily paid for itself with other equipment I have Vs a gym membership.
Yes it can be an instrument of pain.
You can't cheat the numbers.
But it won't let you down.
n.b. I upgraded from a pm3 to pm5 last year, happy I did as improved integration.
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