Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor

I'm a former marathon runner who now has severe arthritic pain in both knees. Even walking long distances hurts. I transitioned to an elliptical machine, which was better, but still leaves me with some pain as there is still some weight bearing. I'd stopped exercising for the last few years, and have watched my weight balloon and my health start to decline. I'm so out of shape that housework and even climbing a flight of stair leaves me out of breath. I'm about 5'10" and a depressing 280 pounds of flab. So I'm basically starting from zero. I've talked to my doctor and orthopedist - both of which suggested swimming as an aerobic activity which won't stress my knees. No pool close to me so not an option. I found this machine by accident and was convinced by all the stellar reviews to try this. So here are my first impressions.Amazon had this delivered in two days via UPS. Came in a strong secure box, well packed with large pieces of Styrofoam.UPS brought this via handtruck to my back door. Since the total package weighs about 70 pounds there was no way I was going to be able to get this into my house (My roommate is disabled, so I have no one to help me.). I opened the box outside and planned to bring the pieces into the house. There are just two main pieces - the Flywheel and the seat frame. I brought them in and had this machine together in literally less than 10 minutes. There are just 8 screws to put this machine together. (They even included a screwdriver - no hunting for the right size!) The two main sections are joined at the middle with a hook design and then a locking mechanism. The seat frame just "drops" into flywheel section and you lock it down. No tools needed for this. Easy to take the two pieces apart for vertical storage. As someone who has put together a lot of IKEA and Sauder furniture, I was astounded at how easy this was. Brilliantly designed. Even the batteries were installed in the console. The only thing I needed was to set the date and time.USAGE: So 10 minutes after opening the box, I'm ready to row. I have had some experience with rowing machines in gyms in the past, so I'm familiar with the stroke and form. I take my first few strokes. The machine is set on middle level as default. My first thought is, "this is too easy. I'm not going to get a workout from this." I keep going and after two minutes, I can feel my heart start to pump and I'm getting a little winded. Kept going at a slow pace for 10 minutes. THIS IS A MIRACLE. I found a machine that is comfortable and gets my heart going and is not hurting my knees. One of the muscle groups this works is the quads, so I'm hoping that will strengthen my knees over time (hoping to delay surgery for as long as possible). I'm slowly working myself up - started at 10 minutes for a few days, then 15, now I'm up to 30, and feel absolutely wonderful. One side effect is that I'm a lot more flexible than I was. A low impact rowing for 5 minutes is a great way for stretching out the major muscles. I would sometimes wake up hunched over with back pain from so much sedentary work. Just five minutes on the machine warms up my muscles and straightens me up until I have time for a full workout. I'm grateful that I found this machine. Will update my progress in a few weeks - hopefully a few pounds lighter and fitter.For those thinking that this machine is too expensive, please, please reconsider cheap machines. You get what you pay for. I saw a "deal of the day" for a cheap rowing machine this morning and started to kick myself for not waiting - "I could have saved hundreds of dollars." Then I read the reviews. Junk, garbage. Fell apart right away. I would have bought a $300 machine and then come back to this one in the end. It's true that you usually get what you pay for. I've purchased cheap machines for my mother, and they usually arrive damaged because the manufacturers cut corners on the packing. Not the case here. I'm looking forward to a long, fruitful relationship with this machine. Cheers!

After much research I bought the Concept2 Model D rower. Now I am very glad I did.I was comparing the following machines* Concept2 Model D ($900)* Concept2's Model E ($1100) which is higher off the groundand probably Concept2's strongest competitor on quality (but not price)...* BodyCraft VR500 (listed for $1900, usually on sale for $1500-1600)Also high off the ground like the Model E, and with a long monorail (both Concept2 models D and E also have an available longer monorail, for people with inseams of 38 inches/96.5cm or longer)I tested the Concept2 at my local YMCA before buying it (Concept2's website shows a listing of YMCA's with a Concept2 in your zip code). I also tested the BodyCraft VR500 at my local 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment store.I purchased the Polar H7 heart-rate monitor to work with the Concept2 , and the RowPro Software for the Concept2 after trialing it for 3 weekends.Reasons I like the Concept2 a lot:* Available RowPro software for the Concept2 ($100) is cool and highly motivational.The Concept2's PM5 (performance monitor 5) can connect to custom, compatible RowPro software (http://www.digitalrowing.com) which is a huge benefit that you only get with a Concept2. I project the very cool rowing simulator software to my 52" screen TV and compete against my own prior rows, or online with people around the world. The PM5 monitor on the Concept2 saves data on every stroke, so you can compete against yourself or others. I don't believe BodyCraft has a similar software, or even a connection that you can connect to your computer. As you connect your Concept2's PM5 to a computer with a USB A/B cable (a printer style USB cable), you can track your progress with the RowPro software, and/or with Concept2's online tracking software. The free software from Concept2 can upload data from a USB cable connection or a USB thumb drive up to online software. The free Concept2 upload software works, but is not as good as the RowPro software for $100. With Concept2's online free service you can compare your progress to thousands of others around the world, and see their pictures and standings! It feels like going to a global, international, online virtual YMCA where you meet up with others doing the same sport. The online software works great. I did need to buy a Belkin AC powered desktop USB hub for $20 because I was connecting my PM5 with a USB A/B cable to a 15 foot USB extension cable to my desktop computer (most people would use a laptop). With the AC powered USB hub it worked perfectly. The software is very cool to watch !! Plan to buy the RowPro software if you get a Concept2! It's one of the best benefits of a Concept2.* Air resistance only, no magnetic resistance. Much better.Magnetic resistance is boring, constant, and creates the same force of resistance constantly throughout the row stroke. Air resistance is better because you begin your row stroke at one level of force, then momentum builds and you end your row stroke with the flywheel moving fast, making it easier to pull the last bit out of the flywheel, when your arms would get sore with magnetic resistance's constant pressure. Air resistance feels like you accomplished something when you pull back all the way. I have a magnetic resistance stationary bike and it's consistent force is boring. Same old force level all the time. The BodyCraft tries to solve this by letting you change the resistance on the bar that you pull, but that is trying to solve the problem the wrong way, in my humble opinion. Market research from newbie rowers probably requested magnetic resistance, but experienced rowers probably prefer the traditional Air Resistance only.* Wealth of online resources available, due to the dominant market share.Many educational Youtube videos, and even a book, explains in great detail how to get the most out of the Concept2. It's essential to learn good technique in rowing to prevent injury and optimize training. Concept2 itself provides great training videos (http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/training/technique-videos), and many other coaches have their own videos on YouTube as well. Very few resources are available for the BodyCraft. The BodyCraft does have a great user manual (available free online for download) that provides great stretches for rowing. I taped this up on my wall and use it every time. It's excellent.* Built solid to last forever.Has been the market leader for a long time for a reason. Engineered by a former Olympic rower. Most YMCAs buy Concept2 rowers and you can find a local YMCA with a Concept2 that you can test on a guest pass by visiting Concept2's website, put in your zip code, and find the nearest YMCA with a Concept2 (http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/finder)* I love the Concept2 company business model and am proud to support it.You can call and talk or chat to real people who are helpful, kind, professionals, like businesses used to be years ago, before businesses started to outsource their call centers to India. The company values long term employees on their website. They are a model American company. The BodyCraft appears to be the US marketed version of a German company product I found online (google "FINNLO Rudergerät / Ergometer Aquon Pro Plus" or see their product on Amazon.de, the German version of Amazon.com). Germans have received a lot of medals in rowing in the Olympics so they understand rowing. Concept2's are known all around the world as the leading rower machine, and are used by Olympic athletes to compare consistently with each other, so Concept2 is also big in Germany.* Easy to assemble and store.I store it every time after use. It takes about 10 seconds to separate into two pieces, and 10 seconds to roll over into the corner. It takes longer to take off my Polar H7 heartrate strap and rinse the sweat off it, squeeze out the water and hang it to dry. It's also smaller than the BodyCraft so a bit easier to store.Misconceptions about the Concept2, that I read online:* Misconception #1 - "Seat is hard".I heard this on buyer comments and worried needlessly. No the seat is not too hard. My glut was out of shape, when I started rowing. In the beginning I felt pain in my butt, just like lifting weights creates pain in the muscle working. Then I noticed my gluteus maximus muscles started to get strong and bigger, after a few weeks. It feels great to have a strong glut, and it helps with crosstraining for running, and other sports. A rower does an excellent job making your glut strong and firm, because your glut becomes a pivotal muscle in the process of rowing. I even bought a cushion but returned it, when my muscles got stronger. The Concept2 seat has research behind it :-) to make the seat hard enough so your circulation does not get cut off from a soft style seat. Novices may prefer a soft seat at first when they don't know much about rowing. The BodyCraft seat is much softer. I will admit that. But with a stronger glut I don't think I need it. Concept2 does say on their website that some rowers will want a softer seat and they provide a cushion you can buy for it if needed.* Misconception #2 - "Chain is too loud".No the chain is not too loud. The air resistance fan is the loudest thing, but music from my stereo is much louder. When I'm rowing I listen to my Mp3 player.* Misconception #3 - "Concept2 is outdated technology".Absolutely untrue. The BodyCraft looks like better technology with the cool blue colored monitor. But then you learn there is RowPro software you can connect into the Concept2, which you can project to your laptop computer and/or big screen TV, and you can join a vast rowing community all using Concept2 rowers. The concept2 rower flywheel is precision weighted and balanced to provide the exact same resistance as everyone else's Concept2 in the world. So you can be motivated by hundreds and thousands of others on the same technology.* Misconception #4 - "Dual Air/Magnetic Resistance is better than just Air resistance".Not true. With the Concept2 you compete on speed per 500 meters pace. Magenetic resistance creates an artificial feeling resistance. Novices to rowing are probably impressed with magnetic resistance because they don't know about the vast community online that competes on speed. Speed gets your heart-rate going. Magnetic resistance will make super strong "anaerobic" arm muscles. Aerobic workouts are better than anaerobic workouts. Anaerobic (without air) is bad. Aerobic (with air in your lungs) is good.More BodyCraft VR500 Comments:* The BodyCraft VR500 is for sure an excellent rowing machine and a strong competitor to the Concept2. Heavy duty and strong. You can read reviews of the BodyCraft VR500 on Amazon.com like I did. I hope this review on the Concept2 answers questions about the BodyCraft reviews. The Concept2 has more advantages listed above and often ignored in reviews of the BodyCraft, and I'm thankful I bought the Concept2.My Background:I bought a Concept2 Model D rower to provide cross-training of muscles that don't get used when I run on my treadmill. I needed to cross-train after my knee, glut, an other muscles got weaker from atrophy as I got older, working at a desk job and running as my only exercise for 20+ years.Fun facts notes for anyone seriously researching the BodyCraft VR500:I also found the following rower online. It looks like the same as the BodyCraft VR500.* FINNLO Rudergerät / Ergometer Aquon Pro Plus - apparently the German marketed version of the BodyCraft VR500, available on Amazon.de, not Amazon.com, for €1,000+shipping, and requires European 220 volt standards, but still interesting to compare. You can google "FINNLO Rudergerät / Ergometer Aquon Pro Plus" to see well done marketing videos in German.

As a couple in their 60's and 70's, my spouse and I contacted a number of licensed trainers before we made this purchase. We were struggling in our daily three mile walk when the Central Texas weather fluctuated with lows below freezing and highs in the 90-100 degree range over the course of the year. The Concept2 was highly recommended by athletic, cross-fit, and personal trainers when they assessed our age and physical limitations. One of us has plantar fasciitis, the other has been recovering from rotator cuff surgery, and we both have arthritis issues associated with the number of birthdays we have experienced. We have been completing 30 minute daily indoor workouts for the past six weeks, increasing the resistance each week, and we feel great.

Am. 76 yet old female . Been in good shape and active. Developed a “ cranky” knee that no longer allowed me to use the treadmill and was looking for something with a good overall workout to keep in relatively good shape so I could continue my love of hiking and backpacking.I did my research and talked to a therapist friend which let me to looking at rowing machines, and then this make and model. The other user reviews sealed the deal. I am very very happy with this rower. Easy to set up, can be stored up against the wall if necessary but I leave it out. It comes with good instructions and user recommendations for beginners like me. Also has video on proper use.I love this machine, I get a full body, strength ing and cardiac workout with no stress on my joints. The action is smooth, it’s quiet, easily adjus adjustable for intensity and resistance. Dry very happy with my choice. Thank you to the other reviewers for their input.

I purchased this product from Amazon along with a Polar H7 Bluetooth heart monitor. I also purchased the Rowpro software to use with it at home and a 15' USB cable to connect the machine to my computer (max length for USB standard). The price on Amazon was great when I bought, at least $300 less than my local fitness store for the same product and cheaper than any other store I could find in Canada except one. Amazon is always easy to deal with so I went with them. I was worried at that price there would be a duty or customs charge but the item shipped from within Canada and there was not.This is the gold standard machine for most countries in the world, Concept2 has been making rowers for years and even the older models are very similar in design. My wife and I decided to go with the Model D for a few reasons after much research and after trying out the models at a local fitness store. I've used the older hydraulic rowers in the past and there is no comparison with this great product.I prefer the static Model D over Dynamic because the D uses a chain instead of a cord (lots of mentions of broken cords on the internet and seat bungee cords becoming loose over time, more maintenance needed) and my wife preferred seat height of the lower machine (easier for her to rest her feet on the ground, she's short) and liked the movement of the Model D vs Dynamic (check the videos on the Concept2 website to see the motion), it was easier to figure out as a new rower and even experienced rowers seem to say that it's harder to row well on the Dynamic as it requires more concentration on technique. As we purchased for general fitness and aren't planning on rowing on the water in the future we opted for the static model since we like to listen to music or perhaps watch a movie or use the Rowpro software and it's just easier to get into a rhythm without having to focus so much on technique on the Model D. I was concerned about some mentions that the Dynamic is easier on the back since I do have back pain from a past car accident, but I've had no issues or discomfort at all after rowing on the Model D. The seat is a bit hard but not hard enough to cause me discomfort. I read that if it is too soft it might impede blood flow during the workout so perhaps that is why the harder material.The machine is built like a rock (my local fitness store still has a Model A made from 1981-1986 in great condition and the staff have older models like C and are still going strong) and very easy to assemble only needing 8 screws to attach the front legs and to join the two halves together simply by fitting them together without tools. The individual pieces are very light for the size of them. Concept2 even includes the screwdriver for you. Unfortunately they have stopped including the bottle of chain oil they used to include but after some research I found that they have tested and found 3-in-1 multipurpose oil works just as well so I'll just pick up a bottle of that from a local store. Maintenance is super easy, just wipe the rail every use and oil about every 50 hours, do a full check of parts every 250 hours for a home user. For two people that is very little work. It took me about 10 minutes to set up in my basement.The PM5 monitor is very easy to use and connects to both my heart rate belt and Rowpro easily. I believe I have to connect the belt with each rowing session but it's only about 4 button presses to do so. Be careful because some of the cheap prices you will find will be for the rower with an older monitor like a PM4 or PM3 and it can cost hundreds to fit a new monitor on an older design. I prefer the PM5 compared to the older model PM4 because it can store many more workouts, has a backlight and supports Bluetooth technology for connecting to my heart monitor and also phone apps. Unfortunately still need a USB cable to interface with my PC though. The option to use the Rowpro software makes a huge difference compared to other rowers, with Rowpro you can get a custom training plan made for you and also row with others online which is great for motivation. Other rowers don't seem to have a similar option.We also considered the Model E but my wife found the Model D easier to sit on at the lower height and personally I didn't find any discomfort on either so we decided to save the money. The Model D now comes with the nickel plated chain that the E has and also comes in the same color so I'd only recommend the E for people with mobility issues who need the 6" higher seat height. My local fitness store said they sell about 15 Model D units to 1 Model E (which they mainly sell to seniors and hospitals), and the Dynamic model they had still had a PM4 on it and the only one they carried was the store demo so they probably don't sell many of those at all, if any.I considered other types of rowers like magnetic resistance (heavy, artificial feeling and sluggish due to constant resistance) and water rowers which were very expensive and not any better as far as I could see. This machine is the one to go for, you won't be disappointed.Overall this is an excellent product and I look forward to many many years of use out of it. Happy rowing!

Whatever level of fitness you have and whatever level of fitness you are trying to achieve this machine will help. Just take a look at a few of the rowing technique videos on YouTube (Concept themselves have a few), check the range of motion is something you think you can achieve or could eventually achieve, and you are away. Taking it as easy as you like at first and then use it to progress to whatever level you want to get to / or are capable of! It’s expensive but such a fantastic all rounder!

Serious bit of kit. I like to put some fun into it so I dress up as a pirate and pretend I'm being chased by the British. Be careful of dangly costumes as they'll get stuck in the rollers. Kids love it too.

Skipped the gym membership and used the savings to buy this and a cross trainer. I love these machines, grew up with the Concept2 range at various gyms over the years and never seen anyone say a bad word about them so when the chance to buy one came up, it was a done deal.Takes about 10 minutes to assemble, little bit of maintenance now and then (little clean and some oil on a rag for the chain), then you're all set. Loads of apps now compatible with the PM5 so can mix things up a bit too.Been a while now and it's still going strong and I still love this machine. If you like rowing, get stuck in, if you don't know.... try one at the gym first, then get stuck in, you'll love it!

Very happy with my rower. Used to love running but me calves have given up. Needed something to keep me fit and toned and this fits the bill. Great bit of kit very sturdy and well made. Looked at several others before deciding on this one, was used to using it when I had a gym membership and always found this one to work well so a bit of a no brainer really, supported by many excellent reviews.

The best. Connectivity is great. Will connect to Boatcoach on Android, early Garmin watches (910XT) via ANT+ FE and later Garmin watches by third party app. Also, connects to Rowpro and Netathlon (I prefer the latter). With the Concept2 online log, you get to rank your efforts and there is a strong community. The World Indoor Championships and pretty much all other rowing competitions use these.

I never liked rowing and tend only to lift weights. I needed to do cardio (fat level too high + very unfit) so I invested in this amazing bit of kit. Comes in 2 main parts (feet have to be screwed on but only takes a few minutes and they even provide a screwdriver). The main machine slots together in seconds. After downloading the ErgData app I was able to set up my details pretty quickly. All my workouts are recorded via Bluetooth. The rower is smooth as anything, no cheap components, solid metal chain. I am doing high-intensity rowing workouts almost daily and love it. My fitness level has gone up so much and BP is way down and resting pulse has gone from 95 to 58-60. I have bought a lot of gym gear over the years but this is the best purchase I have ever made. Very strongly recommended for anyone, even if knee/orthopaedic problems because it is non-weight-bearing. Superb!!

Gutted. Love the Concept 2 rowers and been so excited to get this. However, the right footplate was misaligned which I did not notice and therefore when joining the runner and the main body, it sheared off a sliver of plastic from the footplate. Not a good start. The packaging was good, no damage, so can only presume that the footplate assembly was misaligned when the rower was built. However, this is not a deal-breaker. Just annoying as the rower is absolutely amazing to use. So smooth. Have successfully updated the firmware on the display and connected to the App and the website for stats. So far so good. Will ask Concept to replace the footplate. Where it is sheared, the broken edge is sharp.Update:Just noticed a strange bump from the seat on every in and out row. Small dent on the metal slider bar, How very annoying. Will see how Concept 2 in Nottingham area respond. They initially appear to be very helpfull.

I contemplated several other makes and models of indoor rower before going with Concept 2. Also influenced by the large number of very positive reviews here. Delighted with the machine. Easy to set up and use, it's a very sturdy machine for the likes of me at 110kg... and I might even be losing a few. It has an absolutely rock solid feeling of quality and something that will stand up to frequent use and last a very long time, which is well worth paying a bit more money for in my view. I've used one of these at the local gym in the past so knew something about what to expect. PM5 monitor + Bluetooth to ErgData App is very good and useful for monitoring progress and history of sessions. I'm using it for general fitness and enjoy regular rowing, particularly helped by background music or TV. It's not noisy so don't need to have background sound turned up too much above normal levels. Already feeling the benefits. Easy to set up for regular use and store upright after use. I liked the look of the black version, but bought the grey Model D as shipping was free, now really pleased about that choice because it looks really good in our house. Recommended.

Du très bon matériel fait pour durer. La chaîne permet d'éviter qu'il y ait usure à ce niveau. C'est vraiment le point faible des rameur classique (200 à 300€), j'en ai eu 2 et le câble a à chaque fois lâché au bout d'un an et un an et demi. Donc si vous pratiquez régulièrement et que vous ne voulez pas changer sans arrêt de rameur, investissez dans celui là.Par contre, contrairement à ce que disent certains commentaires, il n'est pas silencieux et c'est normal puisque c'est une résistance à air. Mais ce bruit de "ventilo" n'est pas du tout gênant.

An amazing piece of gym equipment. Cannot think of anything more useful for your home gym. And Concept2 is amazing to use, enjoyable, effective, highly motivating. A pretty penny but wisely spent.

Very straightforward to assemble, only requires eight bolts fixing and the 2 main elements clipped together. Excellent ergo machine, understandably the go to for serious rowers and gyms.

This is a very sturdy machine with a good range of damping to adjust resistance. Building up my distances now and it’s a great all body workout. Take the time to watch the YouTube videos to get the technique right and I find some stretching exercises beneficial before rowing.

Absolutely amazing piece of kit. I wish I'd bought one years ago. Fast shipping and great price. 100% recommend to anyone wanting a total fitness solution. The quality of the Concept 2 is top drawer. It can be easily assembled in less than 20 minutes. Don't waste time looking at other rowers, just bit the bullet and buy this.

Super smooth action, easy and quick sync with iPhone and Erg App. Great value as new E version is out.