Rowing machine

[chunder27]

Am seriously thinking about getting a half decent one.

Any suggestions, not looking at silly money, maybe 500 notes, would like anyones real experiences with a few models

[So]

chunder27 said:

Am seriously thinking about getting a half decent one.

Any suggestions, not looking at silly money, maybe 500 notes, would like anyones real experiences with a few models

You need a Concept 2 model C or D. Don't buy anything else.

[chunder27]

Arent they pretty much a grand!

[MYOB]

I had a kettler coach a few years back. It was a magnetic one that cost me around 500. It was pretty good and would recommend it if you don't wish to spend a huge amount on a Concept.

[Lemming Train]

chunder27 said:

Arent they pretty much a grand!

They hold their value very well so if you get bored of it you'll be able to flog it for not much less than you paid if you keep it in good nick.

[So]

chunder27 said:

Arent they pretty much a grand!

No.

You can get a new one for £750 if you try and they regularly change hands for under £500 on Ebay. Though obviously at this time of the year there will be more people wanting to buy them.

Rowing clubs using them almost exclusively.

[Deebeezee]

If you are anywhere near Nottingham, concept 2 still have some left over from the British championships at £760 model D with PM5 monitor.

I really wouldn’t get anything else and it would still be worth 600 in 3 years time if you wanted to sell.

[anonymous-user]

I've owned a Concept 2 from new since 2011 and it's still in very good working order - can't fault the build quality.

It has a basic online log for recording your distances (interfaces with the PM so it's an automated upload) and you can even hook it up to a laptop and participate in virtual races with either computer bots or other human rowers.

A downsize is the sheer size and weight of the thing. It can be dismantled into 2 parts but it still takes up some space and it's definitely not practical to dismantle it every time if you wish to row a few times a week.

And personally I don't think the seat comfort is the best but I got use to it over time.

My advice would be to make use of its ability to display your heartrate. It's one of those machines where you don't think you're working out as hard as you actually are and it's easy to get carried away.

Worth the money - recommended.

[chunder27]

What about something cheaper, I have seen a few around the 500 or cheaper mark, I am not a rower, but obviously ant something that is not overly cheap and nasty.

[anonymous-user]

Best Rowing Machines

There's one on the list for £500.

[chunder27]

Good info, thanks man

[So]

chunder27 said:

What about something cheaper, I have seen a few around the 500 or cheaper mark, I am not a rower, but obviously ant something that is not overly cheap and nasty.

You are better off buying a secondhand Concept 2 for £500 than something new for the same price. Trust me.

Why? Firstly because the Concept 2 works better than pretty much anything else and is the commercial, professional and competition standard. Secondly, it will hold value better than anything else.

Then again you could have this for under a tenner.

[ATG]

I picked up a Concept 2 model C (?) for under £400 on ebay a few months ago. I'm guessing it was manufactured in the 90s so is 20+ years old, but it's as good as new. Hardly any sign of wear. They're simple, nicely engineered and virtually indestructible.

[anonymous-user]

Another vote for Concept 2. Simply the best imo.

[ocd]

Concept. They are the best. I’ve had mine from new for 20y and it’s never let me down. I had it refurbed by rowgear in Henley who are excellent. They often have used stock so it’s worth getting in touch with them.

[clonmult]

RaymondVanDerDon said:

Best Rowing Machines

There's one on the list for £500.

That list if quite funny .... the water rower is generally one of the worst on the market.

There are only a couple of rowing machines truly worth bothering with. The concept 2, either Model C, D or E. With a PM3, 4 or 5 monitor. If you're lucky you may be able to find a Model C with a PM3 monitor for around £300. It will give you exactly the same workout as a Model D with a PM5 monitor.

The other one worth buying is the RP3, which is apparently close to rowing perfection, but they're darned expensive.

The C2 models really are worth it - they're incredibly well built, they can take a ridiculous amount of punishment, require minimal servicing and give a very consistent workout.

[chunder27]

I get the picture, seems there is only one option

I do not ahve much storage space, can you fold these Concept 2 rowers?

[So]

chunder27 said:

I get the picture, seems there is only one option

I do not ahve much storage space, can you fold these Concept 2 rowers?

You can.


Though most people, if they have enough height, just upend them in one piece. It's much quicker, then, just to lay it back down and start rowing.

[gregs656]

chunder27 said:

I get the picture, seems there is only one option

I do not ahve much storage space, can you fold these Concept 2 rowers?

You could join a gym. Don't think I've been in a gym which doesn't have a handful of C2s.

[So]

gregs656 said:

You could join a gym. Don't think I've been in a gym which doesn't have a handful of C2s.

Sadly they are all too often badly maintained though.