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Are Concept 2 still the ones to go for or anything else good out there for maybe a bit less? Cheers
It's the one I would go for. Maybe hire one to see how you get on with it first?
Concept2 all the way but pricey. If you're brand new to rowing then hiring / trying first is a good plan. It's very similar to going on the turbo in terms of mentality required......
You could get a lot of gym months out of the price for a C2. But that's what I'd buy if I ever thought I'd use one at home.
Concept 2 is good but noisy because of the chain. JTX freedom is a good machine at the £500 bracket. Very quiet compared to concept 2. What I would say if you have ever done any rowing or are likely to use it a lot go for the concept as you will quickly overwhelm the resistance of the cheaper models.
Thanks for advice, have rowed before some time ago to a reasonably high level/standard - confirming what I thought, cheers.
Having owned both, I find the Waterrower much better in terms of noise, doesn’t disturb anyone.
You could always go with a refurbished Concept2 both these places sell them
https://www.ukgymequipment.com/
Though I would say if you are interested tracking / logging your rows and progress the pm5 computer is much better that the pm3 units that come with the above. It allows Bluetooth connectivity to your phone to log data.
I’d assume this would add around another £100 to the prices above and put the price too close to new for me.
I’ve had a Concept2 Model D for years now. It is used in the garage, which isn’t the driest of places but it still in great condition. The original PM4 computer developed a fault where the right hand buttons wouldn’t work, it could be repaired but I bought a PM5 instead.
The PM5 is definitely the one to go for. As already mentioned it has Bluetooth to connect to your phone so you can have additional display of information using ERGdata app plus record your workouts which can be synced to your logbook at via the app. It also does away with the log card in favour of USB. The rechargeable battery pack is gone too and now uses two D cell batteries which last a long time, years not months. The computer is quicker to respond too especially as it reads from USB now instead of the log card. The backlight is useful too.
The Concept2 community is also very well developed too with its world wide rankings, challenges and training programs.
Someone mentioned the chain noise being loud. I’ve never found this a problem and much quieter than myself when using it.
I’ve used a waterrower a few times and they are nice, the catch is very smooth as is the rollers over the wood runners. The more compact design is handy too if space is an issue. They do creak a bit when you’ve rowed for a long distance which can be annoying but no worse than the black deposits you get on the rail of a Concept2.
Powerhouse Fitness do 0% interest at £860 for a new Model D wth PM5. Second hand ones fetch £600 and that’s with a PM3. Even if you only kept it a year and sold it, works out cheaper than renting or a gym membership.
Even if you only kept it a year and sold it, works out cheaper than renting or a gym membership.
Depends on the gym. Pure Gym have plenty Concept 2 machines and full membership costs me £18.99 a month for 24/7 access.
I'll second the water rower a better rowing experience than the Concept imo.
Although C2 machines are pricey they hold their value really well. I bought one about 4 years ago and it would still sell for what I paid for it.
PM5 is nice but you can also use the ERGdata app with the PM4, at least on android... plug a USB cable into an OTG adapter and then into your phone and it works perfectly.
C2 machines are designed to be stored upright which is handy if you're short of space.... don't know if you can do this with the water rower.
C2 also has a worldwide user base with lots of competitions, events, leagues, etc. if that's important.
C2s are also very long. I bought a reconditioned one, but it was just too big. Sold it to my local gym in the end.
I had a concept on hire a few year back, really expensive but also very good machines, once I off hired I looked to buy one, but the prices 2nd hand are extortionate, so I did some research and ended up with an infinity rower, paid £200 for it 2nd hand, in VGC and it’s been faultless and if a concept is 100% the infinity is 99% so go for an infinity 👍😀