Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM4 Monitor

I initially discovered the concept rower by doing crossfit. I had not worked out in a couple of years and decided to start up again concentrating on cardio type workouts and I remembered how important a rower was to a well rounded cardio workout. I decided on the model D with the understanding that the only major difference from the model E was a higher profile (ergonomically designed for easy on/off, like sitting on a chair) and upgraded PM4 display. I have used the machine at 2, 5, and 8 minute interval workouts. The workout is fantastic, you have to push yourself, the harder you pull the harder it becomes. I do not foresee myself using the heart monitor and upgraded PM4 module to strictly row. The most I predict to sit and row at one time would be up to a 5K and in that seldom occasion I will use and iPad and not worry about my heart rate. Im a self motivator and can push myself very hard, therefore I regret paying the extra money for the heart rate monitor and the upgraded display. I do understand about a target heart rate workout, i tend to work out as hard as I can for as long as I can. Extremely easy to assemble, 4bolts (tool included) and easy install of display screen, even though the directions I received were for the model E (I have the model D) it came well packed as a four piece unit and could probably assemble it easily without directions by being familiar from using one before. Amazon continues to impress.

I already have a treadmill and stationary bike. I wanted a rower to get a better upper body and add another cardio workout for change of pace. This rowing machine does this.Build quality is very high. It is a rock solid machine when you sit on it and use it. The sliding seat is super stable and smooth. Pulling on the handle and rowing is as smooth as a chain can be and noticeably smoother and quieter than I had imagined it would be. This machine just exudes quality. For the price, I am pretty impressed.Setup is pretty easy. Took me about 20 minutes and not a lot of fuss.PM4 Monitor is OK. Nothing fancy, not really impressed by it at all. But it gets the job done. Important thing for me is elapsed time, variable modes, and heart rate display. I am a big fan of heart rate monitoring and generally use POLAR. Unfortunately, POLAR users are out of luck--well, almost. You can buy a POLAR receiver from Concept2 that will work with your chest strap. Otherwise the unit accepts Garmin, Suunto, ANT+ chest straps and one is included! The PM4 has a rechargeable battery pack that is unfortunately not easy to charge if you don't use it for a while and the power empties. You need to plug in the PM4 into a USB port. The cable is included so all you need is a wall socket and USB charger. All-in-all, the PM4 is only OK but nothing great. I think for your typical home user, the main reason to get PM4 over PM3 is for heart rate monitoring, rechargeable battery pack, and the potential for upgrading it in the future (PM4 has more internal memory). You can use a Polar chest strap with the PM3 if you buy the receiver for it (only $25, or $75 for chest strap and receiver) from Concept2. I probably would have done well to go with this option instead of the PM4 for my purposes.

I really like this machine. I have only rowed 30K m on it but know rowing in my house will become a daily event. It feels good and is fun.I looked closely at the WaterRower and Concept2. I'm sure the WaterRower is an excellent machine but for me the choice of Concept2 over WaterRower came down to -1. Resistance. Concept2 resistance varies with rower output. WaterRower resistance varies with water level.2. Adjustable Recovery (hydrodynamics of the "boat"). Concept2 recovery adjusts using a turbine louver. The more air allowed into the turbine, the sooner the turbine spins down hence the faster "boat" slows after each stroke.3. Portability. Concept2 can be broken down into two equal length pieces to fit in a vehicle.4. Construction. I like wood, but not on an exercise machine.5. Assembly. Concept2 assembly requires fewer steps.6. Resale Value. If I ever sell it (not likely), I know I can get 80% of what I paid.7. Spare Parts and Documentation. Plenty of reasonably priced parts for all models. Great mechanical documentation.I chose the Model D over the Model E because I like the smaller size, do not need the added height, and most important - the PM support arm folds away for protection during transport.I chose the PM4 option for no good reason other than it is the latest monitor version. I did not want to dig into the differences between the two.Nice to see the Concept2 model evolution laid out plain and simple on their web site. They hide nothing. I like products that are designed by people who actually use them.Now I gotta go row, bye.Update - September 4, 2014I have had this rower for 6 months now and have had access to it for three months. Have "rowed" 420,000m with out any trouble with the machine. Keep the rail clean and the chain lightly lubricated. Rowing will rip you up!

Timely delivery. Perfect condition. Lovely machine. easy to fit and start. Helps to Burn a lot of calories.

A very nice piece of equipment. It was a breeze to assemble. The included tools were nice. The controls are simple.Having long legs (36in. inseam), I was concerned about the track length but even at full extension there is still room left on the track. Initially I was surprised by how light the pull feels on the rower. I cranked the resistance up to 10 and it still felt light. I'm a big guy so I was really worried that this was a bit of a toy and wouldn't provide much in the way of exercise. I couldn't have been more wrong. After rowing for a short while my heart rate was in the target zone and I was starting to feel the effort of rowing. I ended up resetting the resistance to the recommend starter range. Even a 15 minute rowing session provides a good workout.One thing I've noticed is that you do have to keep the track and wheels of the seat spotlessly clean. Any dust, lint or hair on the track will be noticeable as you roll over it. The motion is still smooth but there's a bit of clacking as you run over the gunk. Cleaning is simple though with a damp cloth. You just wipe down the track and the hold the cloth on the wheels as you slide the seat back. Then do the same to the back wheels. I think it's important to mention this as the wheels are plastic and by keeping them clean you'll extend the life of them.Noise level was concern when I purchased the rower. It's not very loud at all. I does make a whooshing sound but I'm able to hear the TV above the sound of the rower. I do have to turn it up over the normal listening volume though but it's not excessively loud.The Garmin heart monitor works as advertised. It is a little more bulky than the Polar heart monitor that came with my treadmill. But it doesn't cause any discomfort. I take a small drink of water before I start rowing and dab a bit of water on my chest. The heart rate monitor starts working as soon as I put it on.I bought the PM4 version even though I had a Polar heart monitor already. I mostly bought it because everything came in one box - the price of convenience. Plus if there are software updates coming, they're more likely to apply to the PM4. I've tried a few of the games and they're fun enough. But I've found myself reverting to more basic workouts based on distance or time. I prefer to watch something on TV instead of playing games. The display is clear and easy to read. There is a fair bit of information presented and you'll have to learn how to interpret it.Bottom line, as someone who usually experiences some disappointment with the things I buy, there is none here. The Concept2 Model D has exceeded my expectations.

This is certainly not the cheapest rower on the market but in my view it's well worth the extra money! There's a reason why any commercial gym will have these rowers.In my view there is no point in paying extra for the Model E rower - the only difference is its height off the floor. I did however decide to pay a bit extra for the PM4 which comes with a wireless heart rate monitor.The Concept2 has great build quality and a really smooth action. If you find you're no longer using it in a few years time, you can always sell it and get most of the money back (2nd hand models are not that much cheaper!).

Fabulous but I knew that before I bought it! Brian at JNB sport was also great to deal with - top notch customer service.

I pretty much have a full featured home gym prior to buying my Concept 2. When I used to have a gym membership years ago, I always used the rower for cardio instead of the treadmill. One day I just missed it and started researching Rowing Machines. I was going to buy some cheap deal for $400 but after the local fitness equipment store wouldn't match an online price I decided to wait. On the way home I found another another equipment shop and stopped in to see what they had. Quite a surprise they had a Concept 2 on the floor. After trying it compared to the cheap crap I tried a few minutes earlier I was sold. The quality and the feel was definitely worth the money. I searched around more online to see what the lowest price I could find it for, and arrived at Amazon, and saved me $33 extra over going factory direct with Concept, considering exchange rate, brokerage headaches, etc.I upgraded to Amazon Prime, took the trial offer they were promoting and paid the $4 extra for overnight shipping. Then the nightmare began. UPS shipped it to the wrong city, 13 hours away! It took them a full day to get it back on the plane into my city. Then it just sat there in the sort facility, I called UPS 3 times over the course of 3 days and was lied to, hung up on, and generally told it would be here Monday. Then mysteriously door bell rings, it was the UPS driver with my rower. So basically I got ground service treatment for Express level of shipping. UPS driver was kind enough to explain about all the internal implosions UPS is going through with extremely horrible management and how everyone hates to work there. I called Amazon and they were pretty awesome about it and ended up giving a small credit for the inconvenience. Brooke was a rock start customer service agent! I don't know if her magic behind the scenes had an affect on getting everything sorted out, but it all worked out. I wish Amazon would switch to FedEx or swing their billion dollar contract club at UPS to make them smarten up.Assembly was very easy. The unit is extremely well built and provides an insane workout. Hugh Jackman uses this as part of his intensity training getting in shape for his role as Wolverine, so if you want to get ripped and drop the fat, get this.