Rowing machine - concept D or E

GW1970 · 25 Jan 2015 at 16:39

I'm looking at getting a few bits of gym equipment to go into a garden studio over the next few months and I have been looking at the Concept range of rowing machines as the first purchase but I'm struggling to see justification in getting the E model over the D as the both come with the latest consul.

Does anyone have a practical knowledge of the two models which would allow you to give me a more informative opinion.

Thanks for your help.

ronski · 25 Jan 2015 at 18:28

They are both excellent with the only significant difference being the 20" ride height on the model E. So get the model D and save some money.

GW1970 · 25 Jan 2015 at 19:51

I'm assuming that the build quality is the same as they both come with a 5 year guarantee on the frame

The_Baron · 25 Jan 2015 at 19:56

Just get the D. E is meant for fat American market. They are the best rowing machines on the market - the ones all the clubs use.

GW1970 · 25 Jan 2015 at 20:02

Looks like it's the D unless I suddenly pile on a few hundred kgs :eek:

hellarda · 25 Jan 2015 at 21:13

The E doesn't really offer anything over the D. We use Model D's at my uni for training and they are fine. In fact I prefer them to the E's, which feel too high. Plus less height to fall from after fainting from a 2k test

GW1970 · 25 Jan 2015 at 21:23

Thanks for your input - there does seem little point on spending the extra for the E plus I guess the money saved can be spent on a Matt and heart monitor.

GW1970 · 8 Feb 2015 at 04:59

I have ordered the concept d with pm5 - due to land next week so just gives me time to clear room in the cinema room as a temporary location until I can get the garden gym/studio sorted which is on another thread.

Thanks again for your input.

The_Baron · 8 Feb 2015 at 07:21

Enjoy your instrument of torture. Be careful about using it for long periods in any room there is wall paper. Your sweat will strip it off the walls!

ronski · 8 Feb 2015 at 07:52

GW1970 said:
I have ordered the concept d with pm5 - due to land next week so just gives me time to clear room in the cinema room as a temporary location until I can get the garden gym/studio sorted which is on another thread.

Thanks again for your input.

Congratulations! I used the PM5 the other day at my gyms new skiierg and it is a significant improvement. Please do enjoy your new torture instrument!

jimhaumman · 10 Feb 2015 at 12:22

Great choice.Great equipment.I think this is the best cardio exercises you can do indoor.

TheBrooder · 11 Feb 2015 at 10:24

I've had a Model D for 6 years and at 6ft 5" and around 100kg I've hammered it and it's still looking and functioning like brand new!

jimhaumman · 11 Feb 2015 at 19:00

Very durable equipment.It should last life time in private ownership.

Ronald · 11 Mar 2015 at 19:03

The_Baron said:
Just get the D. E is meant for fat American market. They are the best rowing machines on the market - the ones all the clubs use.

Concept II are not the best rowing machines. That honour no doubt goes to the Rowperfect.

The concept II are massively more popular because of price, availability, durability/resist abuse and (especially important for Gyms) technical skills of the user.

If you have ever used a rowperfect (and can row on water), you'd agree, as they do approach proper boat feel, unlike the Concept II.

jimhaumman said:
Very durable equipment.It should last life time in private ownership.

Agreed there...

spengos · 12 Mar 2015 at 20:47

What are Concept 2s like in terms of noise now? I used one at a gym a good few years ago and it made quite a lot of noise, especially if you really go for it. No idea what model/version i used.

Are they any quieter now? I was thinking of getting one and would use it in either the garage or shed but dont want the neighbours to wonder what the hell all the noise is.

hellarda · 14 Mar 2015 at 21:49

Ronald said:
Concept II are not the best rowing machines. That honour no doubt goes to the Rowperfect.

The concept II are massively more popular because of price, availability, durability/resist abuse and (especially important for Gyms) technical skills of the user.

If you have ever used a rowperfect (and can row on water), you'd agree, as they do approach proper boat feel, unlike the Concept II.

Indeed, however you can create a much more realistic experience on the Concept IIs using sliders (however these are unbelievably expensive)

For 99% of people concept II will be fine, but if you row on the water as well (and actually even then concept IIs are great) then it might be worth investing in sliders/Rowperfect.

They are still fairly noisy, and they are unlikely to become any quieter due to how they work... a big fan basically