Concept2 Model D Review


BACKGROUND
I'm coming back to the Concept2 Model D 12 years after I first reviewed it. Many things have changed in those years, including the appearance of interactive online workouts. So is the Model D out of date now? Has the competition overtaken this old workhorse? Please read on.

Despite all the advances of its competitors, Concept2 is still the best known and biggest selling brand around - and for good reason. It's a solid, reliable rower and will last you for years, even with regular use. And that's why if you go down to your local gym, you're more likely to find a Concept2 than any other machine.

So let's take a look at the old girl.
LISTEN ON THE GO - Concept2 Model D Audio Review
ASSEMBLY
It's as straightforward as you can get. There's few parts to assemble and really shouldn't challenge anyone who's familiar with basic DIY skills. It takes around 30 minutes from unpacking to getting onto the seat for your first row.
THE HARDWARE
First things first, the Concept2 is an air resistance rower, and I found it's action to be smooth and closely replicates rowing on water. And 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 - again, like being in a real boat.

Gyms prefer Concept2 over many others because the construction is very solid and will put up with years of punishment without much complaint. As well as gyms, they're also first choice for the majority of rowing clubs and serious rowers - which says it all really! I wouldn't be surprised if you dropped this out of the second floor, it would still work :0)

I found the rowing position is great, 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.
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. ​​

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 around $200 more but has a higher seat which is much easier to get on or off.
​
Not sure which one to go for? ​Check out my Model D vs Model E Guide.

Also well worth considering is the Slide accessory to give you the sensation of rowing on water. I tried it once and loved how it feels. 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!
CONCEPT2 PM5 CONSOLE
When I first tried out this model it came with the PM4 (Performance Monitor). The standard console with the Model D is now the PM5. It switches on automatically when you start to row (and will also switch off after a few minutes of inactivity). 

You can store your workout data to a USB key (not supplied) and transfer to your PC or Mac for further analysis using Concept2's software for performance graphs etc.

The LCD screen displays all the usual workout data such as calories, strokes per minute, distance rowed, time etc. 
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. It has a selection of workouts to choose from, with one of my favorites being the 'race boat' 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!
QUICK REFERENCE
Concept2ModelDRef
Concept2 Model D rowing machine in silver - side view
Concept2 Model D
Seat on the Concept2 Model D rowing machine
A great seat
Concept2 PM5 performance monitor
The all-new PM5 performance monitor
The Concept2 Model D folded and stored vertically
Folds up to a reasonably small footprint
However, compared to the monitors you'll find on some of the new boys on the block (see alternatives below), the PM5 looks outdated, and to be honest quite dull. But you'll find many serious rowers argue this makes no odds to them as it function not the frills that determine their choice.
MY SUMMARY
​Despite looking a little long in the tooth, the Concept2 Model D is still 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 my view it has to be black :0)

If you have a budget of a little over a grand, this really is a no-brainer if ever there was one.

​Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, ​but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
IS THE CONCEPT2 MODEL D FOR YOU?
YES - if you're looking for a no-nonsense rowing machine that will get you fit and last for years then it's a great choice.
NO - if you like hi-tech, color screens and trainer-led sessions, or innovative game-like workouts... check out the alternatives below, but note they could cost you much more.
MY OVERALL SCORE
Back in 2010 I gave the Model D a score of 95%. And I still stick by this rating in 2022. Yes, it's looking a little dated, but so do vintage cars and it doesn't stop them being great :0)
Concept2 Model D: 9.5/ 10 9.5 Stars

Concept2 Model D Pros
PROS...
  • The smooth action.
  • The comfortable seat (note, it's 14" off the floor compared to the Model E which is 20")
  • The price - it's a steal for the quality and features you get
  • The PC-compatible software
  • The new online functions are a great motivator
  • The quality finish and build
  • It's durability - it will last for years!
  • The PM5 Console displays a wealth of information 
  • Memory cards to store your workouts and performance.
  • Are we going over the top?
Concept2 Model D cons
CONS...
  • The air resistance mechanism can be a little noisy for some.
  • If you're on the large side you might want to upgrade the seat.
  • Otherwise, there's not much to dislike about a Concept2!
CONCEPT2 MODEL D SPECIFICATION
Resistance type:    AIR/ FLYWHEEL
Max user weight:  500 lbs
Dimensions:           96" (L) x 24" (W) x 28" (H)
Machine weight:    57 lbs
Storage space:       25" (H) x 33" (W) x 53" (H)
Warranty:               5 years on frame / 2 years on parts and monitor
ALTERNATIVES TO THE CONCEPT2

Concept2 Model E: 9.0/ 10 9.0 Stars
The slightly bigger sister to the Model D is the Model E. It has a higher beam and therefore the seat is higher at a comfortable 20". It may be only a 6" height difference but this can make the difference for your knees and back. Note, it has a lower score simply due to the price difference.

See CONCEPT2 MODEL E REVIEW >>>
Teeter Power10: 9.0/ 10 9.0 Stars
A unique offering from Teeter, the Power10 has resistance both on the catch and return phase of the action, that is, you have to pull and push! This obviously means you work harder so I guess you can claim you get the benefits on half the time.

TEETER POWER10 REVIEW >>>
Hydrow Rower: 9.5/ 10 9.5 Stars
The Hydrow is one of the new kids on the block that can make the Concept2 look dated. Yes, it costs almost twice the price, but you get the state of the art electro-magnetic machine that's a joy to use. But that's just the start, the workout platform is something else including 'real' on the water rows on rivers from all over the world.

HYDROW REVIEW >>>

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

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