Concept2 Model D Review
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Update September 2021: Supply of this model is erratic due to Covid-19 and the price has been going crazy. It normally retails for $945 but has been up to three times this price at times. It's currently ranging between $945 and $1,500. Good alternatives at a lower cost include the Xebex Air Rower, or the Sole SR500. If you've got the means to spend more, the innovative Hydrow Reality Rower is one heck of a machine.
The Concept2 Model D is the best known and biggest selling quality rowing machines around - and for good reason. It's a solid, reliable rower and will last you for years, even with regular use.. First things first, the Concept2 is an air resistance rower, which means it's action is smooth and will closely replicate rowing on water, it will also adjust to your effort meaning the faster you row the higher the resistance. in other words, it doesn't matter how hard you pull it will match your strength no problem. The construction is very solid and will put up with years of punishment without complaint. These models are used in gymnasiums all over the world and therefore built to last. They're also first choice for the majority of rowing clubs and serious rowers - which says it all really! The rowing position is great and the seat is very comfortable even for long sessions. If you've used a rower at a gym, it was most likely a Concept2. Many gym users buy a budget rower for home use and are disappointed - because it doesn't feel anything like as good as a Concept2. A quick note of caution. If you're knees aren't as reliable as they used to be in your twenties, you might want to consider the next machine up in their range, the Model E - it's $200 more but has a higher seat which is much easier to get on or off.
Not sure which one to go for? Check our Model D vs Model E Guide. Also well worth considering is the Slide accessory to give you the sensation of rowing on water. You place the machine on the slides and as you pull back your machine slides forward, just like being on the water as you get a real feel of movement for that effort you're putting into your workout - neat! Console/ Monitor
The Concept2 is available in either silver or black - so there's another decision to make. In our view it's no contest... it has to be black - it looks so cool. Available on Amazon for only $945 - it could be the best $945 you ever spend!You can choose between a number of screens to display the data you need in your preferred format.
The new PM5 has much more functionality than the old PM4 giving you even more of a reason to buy. One of our favorites is the 'race boat' option which allows you to compete against a boat on screen to a set pace or even against yourself from a previous session :0) You can also display your previous performances on one screen. The PM5 also enables you to race online with other Concept2 users - now there's an incentive to train! BTW, PM is short for 'Performance Monitor' Summary: The Concept2 Model D is one heck of a rowing machine - for one heck of a great price. This brand has dominated the rowing machine market for over 25 years - and it's no surprise to see why. It's rock solid even when really giving it some stick, will last for years and will very, very rarely let you down. It's the first choice for most serious rowers and rowing clubs for indoor training for good reason! Oh, and one more thing, if you choose to buy one you have another decision to make - which finish? It comes in light grey or black. In our view it has to be black :0) If you have a budget of around a grand, this really is a no-brainer if ever there was one.
Concept2 Model D:
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QUICK REFERENCE
Concept2 Model D
A great seat
The all-new PM5 performance monitor
Folds up to a reasonably small footprint
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Also worth a look:
The big brother Concept2 Model E cost around $200 more and a better option if you have knee or back problems, or the LifeSpan RW7000 Commercial has some great features and is quieter if noise might be an issue where you'll use your rower. Or for something a little different, check out the fabulous Assault AirRower Elite - it's quite an animal.
Concept2 Model D owner's reviews
"I rowed on one at the gym for years and decided I wanted something at home. I don't have room for a treadmill and find exercise bikes too dull so went for a rowing machine. I have a PM4 monitor and love to use the race function. I row every day and often for 40 minutes or more and really notice the improvement in my health. A great piece of kit and easily worth the price!" Karen.
"You'll never be disappointed buying a Concept2. It will last for years and will take anything you can throw at it." Barry W.
"After deciding I wanted to add a rowing machine to my home gym (I have a treadmill and cross trainer) I set myself a budget of $1,000 and did my homework. After reading many reviews on Amazon and finding this website [he means us :0)], it had to be the Concept2. I went for this Model D as it was in my budget and had excellent reviews. In fact, the only negative comments were about the delivery and not the model. I now enjoy rowing so much that I hardly use my other equipment. I'm 6' 5" weight over 300 lbs but It feels absolutely rock solid even at a high stroke rate. The PC compatible computer is great and shows me how much my performance has improved. I feel this is money very well spent as it will last me for years." Brenda
"I could never imagine rowing on anything other than a Concept2." Carlos
"I used to work in the computer industry back in the 80s. We had a saying in the business world that went something like 'no one ever got fired for buying IBM (where are they now eh!), and I have the same feeling for Concept2 machines -'nuff said' as they say." Tony B
"Excellent machine, love the new PM5 and being able to race against other rowers online - best money I've every spent on a home fitness machine." Ezra
"You'll never be disappointed buying a Concept2. It will last for years and will take anything you can throw at it." Barry W.
"After deciding I wanted to add a rowing machine to my home gym (I have a treadmill and cross trainer) I set myself a budget of $1,000 and did my homework. After reading many reviews on Amazon and finding this website [he means us :0)], it had to be the Concept2. I went for this Model D as it was in my budget and had excellent reviews. In fact, the only negative comments were about the delivery and not the model. I now enjoy rowing so much that I hardly use my other equipment. I'm 6' 5" weight over 300 lbs but It feels absolutely rock solid even at a high stroke rate. The PC compatible computer is great and shows me how much my performance has improved. I feel this is money very well spent as it will last me for years." Brenda
"I could never imagine rowing on anything other than a Concept2." Carlos
"I used to work in the computer industry back in the 80s. We had a saying in the business world that went something like 'no one ever got fired for buying IBM (where are they now eh!), and I have the same feeling for Concept2 machines -'nuff said' as they say." Tony B
"Excellent machine, love the new PM5 and being able to race against other rowers online - best money I've every spent on a home fitness machine." Ezra
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