Product Description
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower is made by the company that set the standard in rowing, and their rowers are used across the globe from Olympic competitors to beginners, and every class of rower in between.
The Model D has a 14-Inch (35.6 cm) seat height, stainless steel chain and PM3 monitor. To make storage simple, it separates into two pieces with a quick-release frame lock, and the addition of caster wheels make it easy to transport.
Its ‘self-calibrating Performance Monitor (PM3)’, displays your workout data, and has a LogCard to record results, games and more. Every Concept2 Indoor Rower comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and limited 2-year parts, 5-year frame warranty.
Our Review
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is one of the best selling rowing machines on the market, and after spending a few months putting it through its paces, we can see why. We have given the model a thorough review – its assembly, how it copes under continued usage, and the features of its exceptional on-board computer – and made our final decision: it’s a must have rowing machine for everyone serious about their fitness.
Putting it together
Assembly is straightforward – once the rowing machine is unboxed, you simply attach the legs to the fan assembly with eight screws and the included Allen key, then fit the unit’s two pieces together and tighten the quick-release lock. I’ve probably made that sound more complicated than it actually is – you’ll be up and running within 10 minutes.
Storing the unit is just as simple: flip the quick-release and your unit is back into two pieces and ready to store upright, taking up less than 1 square meter.
So will it last?
It’s a rowing machine built to last – even users a little on the larger side will be able to put this machine through gruelling workout after gruelling workout without a worry, and the grips mean it’ll stay securely in place on your floor, no sliding or rocking as you move.
You’ll want to clean the track every now and again to keep it running smooth, but it’s practically the only maintenance the Concept2 Model D will need to keep it running in tip top condition.
We’ve been using our model for many months now and it has remained in perfect condition. It’s exactly what you’d expect from Concept2 – their rowers are used in boathouses and gyms across the country, and for good reason. It’s even used by the Oarsome Foursome, the Australian men’s rowing team who have won gold at four World Championships at two Olympic events – what more can we say, this rower is used by the world’s best.
Monitor / On-board Computer – It has games!
The on-board computer is one of the standout areas in this review. Not only is the Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine’s computer packed with features (including games, just incase you get board of the rowing), it can be connected up to your computer to transfer data back and forth.
Its excellent software has an online log book that allows you to upload your data and rank yourself against others in your class (age, weight, male/female). With the Concept2 range so popular, there are thousands of people to compare yourself to and watch your progress over time.
With the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine, you can even buy additional softeware to add functionality – limited versions come included with the rower, but by purchaing the full versions you can enable functionality such as racing people from across the world in real time!
Our unit has the PM3 on-board computer, which is lacking the heart rate monitor that comes with the slightly higher-end PM4 version, but if you can cope without a heart rate monitor or own one already then it’s hard to find fault with the Model D PM3.
Shhh!
The only possible negative comment we have for this review is that it isn’t always the quietest of machines – if you’re working out with headphones then you won’t have a problem, but if you want to work out in front of the TV then be prepared to crank the volume a little louder than usual. Certainly not enough to put us off this otherwise great indoor rowing machine, but just worth a mention.
Overall
So, as expected, the industry standard rowing machine is as robust, well-built and feature packed as you’d expect. We’ve used the Concept2 Model D plenty of times in gyms, but it transfers very well to the home with the added benefits like the ability to fold it up in seconds.
For rowers serious about their workouts, you really can’t go wrong with the Concept 2. The company are renowned for building great quality units, but the Model D really is one of the best, if not the best, on the market.
A well built unit with plenty of computer functionality, that will support even the largest individuals in their quest for improved fitness, we highly recommend the Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine.
It’s currently retailing for £860 at time of print, so get this great offer now