Spec me an Ergo (Rowing machine)

Heofz

Heofz

Heofz

Soldato
Joined
20 Oct 2002
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London, UK
Hey guys,

Like anything I see a huge price range, from your cheap & ugly Argos-esque air pump things that look like they will break after 10 minutes, to your Concept2 gym kits (and beyond?)

I was wondering if could pick your collective brains from anyone who knows their stuff when it comes to ergos... what are the widely approved models, and what I should be looking out for (and avoid)?

My budget is very flexible, looking to spend anywhere between £300-£2000 on a decent one, but only if its worth the money. E.g. if I'm spending an extra £400 on a small extra feature it might not be worth it, if you get my drift.

Any advice/knowledge you lot could share would be much appreciated! :)
 
I've got a York R700 Platinum, it got it second hand about a year ago and it still works fine.

It's the only one I've ever had, so I'm not really sure how much better other ones are, it's worth checking out some reviews tho.

edit - Might be worth asking in the sports arena.
 
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I have looked in to it a bit because i was interested in buying one and read extensive reviews of different models. But I am not an expert nor do i own one, yet.

You have to make sure that it is the right size, because some of them can be too small, especially the cheap ones like £150 and less. But if you are spending £300 and more then you should be able to get a sturdy one that is full size. Sorry not much help.
 
The only Ergo you should be looking at is a concept 2! Forget what others say about other brands, all anyone needs from an Ergo is a C2!

Look at 2nd hand ones as they may provide better value. I also prefer the Model D to the E as I'm not a fan of sitting a lot higher off the ground with the E!

Also, when using a C2, set it smack bang between 4-5 for the ideal drag rating (if machine is in good nick). It's the setting we used as rowers for the most realistic setup. Everyone in the gym whacks it to 10 to show off, but keeping it at 4-5 means you have a good realistic base to row to and keep your times comparable. Also focus on technique a lot, a rower could lead to injury through continued use with bad technique. And in the gym about 95% of people I have EVER seen on an Ergo have had a bad or horrible technique.

I owned a Model D for a year (2nd hand) and sold it a year later for £100 proffit, but not sure you can do that quite soo easily these days :D
 
I did suspect the C2 was the widely acclaimed ergo. Will look into buying one 2nd hand.. thanks guys :D
 
I recently made the choice between a concept 2 and a water-rower. Both are excellent bits of kit and both companies supply spares for all the models they have ever produced should you need them down the line.

I went with the water-rower in the end due to asthetics and because concept 2s are noisier... Like I say both are great rowers and both will hold their value very well.

This is a pretty good summary of the pros and cons of the 2 rowers.

http://www.jamesstroud.com/postings/c2-versus-waterrower
 
concept 2 make the best rowers very well made thats why most commerical gyms use them,all the spares are available.
they also have a online ranking system which is good.
 
I would have to say the concept 2 is the one to go for. Sure, they are overpriced for what they are, but they just 'feel' right and they're rock solid.

I had a Tunturi rower a few years back. It was okay... solid enough, but just didn't "feel" right. It didn't have the right resistance on the catch (not firm enough) and just felt a little awkward. A of couple years back I sold it on and got a second hand Concept 2 (C-model I think? Maybe D?) instead, which was a huge improvement.

A second hand concept 2 might be worth considering... If they're well looked after then they last very well. I'd avoid gym refurb models though - I've seen how some people thrash around on them at the gym!
 
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