Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower Review
The Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine is the best selling indoor rowing machine in the world and is considered to be the best rowing machine that money can buy. Used by Olympic athletes for indoor training and found in commercial gyms up and down the country, this machine is made for heavy every day use. With all the features expected of a top of the range rowing machine and more, this is obviously a very well designed model. The question to ask yourself, is it worth the expensive price tag?
Lets take a look!
Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Review
What The Manufacturer Has To Say
The dependable performance of our Model D Indoor Rower has made it the best-selling indoor rower in the world. Recognized by competitive rowers as the standard for indoor training, the Model D delivers an effective cardiovascular workout that will increase your fitness level and improve muscle tone. The Model D is efficiently engineered and will last a lifetime.
Rowing Machine Review – Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower
The Need To Know
Resistance: magnetic
Levels of Resistance: 10 levels
Monitor Functions: total count, calories, count/min, count, distance, time and scan mode
Dimensions: Requires footprint of 274 cm x 122 cm
Max User Weight: 227 kg
Warranty: 5 year frame warranty, 2 year monitor and parts warranty
What We Think
It is clear to see from the specifications, features and previous customer reviews that this is a very good piece of kit. If in doubt check them out on Amazon for yourselves before buying. There are many good things to say about this model, from the very sturdy and robust design to the very impressive range of features built-in to the PM5 monitor to name a few, however, the best thing about this rowing machine is the overall design. this rowing machine has everything you need and will last a lifetime. In addition been foldable it is good for those with limited space in their home gym.
Resistance
The resistance is always an important factor when buying a rowing machine. Due to the Concept Model D indoor rower been the choice model for commercial gyms and Olympic athletes, you can be certain it provides a testing workout. The flywheel features a spiral dampner which allows you to alter the resistance. Furthermore the resistance provided is very tough at the top end and manageable for beginners at the low end.
LCD Display & Monitor Functions
The Performance monitor 5 or PM5 is one of the standout features with this rower. The display illuminates the second you start your workout and has a host of features built-in to it.
There are five monitor functions in total and these give out the following readouts, distance, speed, pace, calories burned, and watts.
In addition to the five readouts there are a number of games and pre-set workouts. These are more than capable of keeping users entertained while working out. Due to the wireless capabilities of the Concept Model D Rowing Machine it is possible to have machine-to-machine racing and compete with other owners of this model.
Finally the PM5 monitor supports ANT+ and Bluetooth for wireless heart rate monitoring with compatible heart rate chest straps.
Seat & Handles
The seat has to be comfortable if you intend on working out regularly and for extended periods of time. Luckily the seat with this rowing machine has some good reviews with regards to how comfortable it actually is. Due to this been a commercial gym model buyers can also be sure of a durable inner foam and outer covering.
The handles that come with this rower have a 10 degree bend which allows for a more natural arm movement when rowing than a straight handle.
Foot Plates
With everything about this rowing machine being high-spec, you would be forgiven for thinking the footplates would give us something to write about, like some sort of automatic fastener or something similar. Surprisingly the Concept 2 Model D has pretty much the same adjustable footplates that most other top of the range models have. This isn’t a bad as they do the job perfectly.
Maximum User Weight
As always the maximum user weight gives a very good indication of how well built a rowing machine is. With a maximum user weight of 227 kg this model has more than twice the weight limit of most budget and mid-range rowing machines. Bearing this in mind it is safe to say this is a very sturdy and robust home rowing machine.
Pros
- Magnetic reasistance system
- Wireless heart rate monitor
- Pre-set workouts and games
- Very sturdy
- Foldable
- Very good warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Good Amazon Review
The benchmark in rowing machines and loads of support with training and technique on the Concept website.
Bad Amazon Review
I am surprised that this is so enthusiastically reviewed. Also i found it very uncomfortable to sit on and awkward to use. I am not a noob – I have years of experience of using other rowers which I much preferred
Latest Customer Reviews 2023
Good
“I am happy with my purchase. The concept 2 rower was the rower placed in my school gym over two decades ago and the brand and model is still going strong. The machine is built for performance and durability which is exactly what I wanted. I had previously purchased a much cheaper brand and regretted it due to the feel of the row being unpleasant.” – Mr J
Bad
“The seat rail marks so easily. If a particle of plastic from the packaging, or piece of fluff, or bit of dried skin should land on the rail while in use, the plastic seat roller (which feels cheap), will drag track marks all the way along the rail that have been Heat-Treated by the repeated rolling action, baking them to the steel, ensuring they’re Super annoying to remove.” – Jack T.
To Sum Up
The main thing to consider before buying the Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine, is it worth the price? The answer to this depends on how often you intend to use it. If you are looking for a rowing machine for everyday use for years to come, then i would say yes the expensive price tag is worth it for a top of the range rowing machine. However, if you intend to use it once a week or so, i would go with a cheaper model and save yourself some money as there are some very good rowing machines in the mid-price range more suitable for less usage.
To check out more of the top rated rowing machines in the UK head over to our full guide featuring rowing machines for all budgets.
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