[Closed] Rowing machines

All I can say is that I've had my C2 machine for about 10 years and it's probably worth the same as when I bought it [used].
It's been faultless (although it has admittedly sat unused for extended periods) and the whole Concept2 support/training thing is really good with regular challenges to keep you going.

Having used Concept 2s' for probably nearly 30 years, I'd say if you are serious then they are by far the best and the go-to.

We bought a £300 home use one a few years ago and it wasn't a patch on the 15 year old C2 I used at work.

I'd get a s/hand from model C onwards, upgrade to the PM5 monitor and enjoy quality rowing for years to come. Unless it is really borked and abused, even high mileage ones don't cost that much to refurbish.

Spares from the C2 shop online are readily available and not badly priced.

Edit. Don't forget to measure up for one at home though. They are bloody massive and need 9 foot end to end minimum.

Edit. Don’t forget to measure up for one at home though. They are bloody massive and need 9 foot end to end minimum.

Yes, I bought one as they didn't look that big in the gym....

Sold it on to another gym as it was just too long.

If you can find a Water Rower S2 or later, they're often not quite as expensive second-hand as a Concept 2, but they seem to be as well-built. And IMO they feel more like actual rowing - there's less jerk at the catch - and look better too.

They are also, like @twonks says, bloody massive although the wooden frame means you can store them upright if needed.

I was going to suggest the water rower, I used to use c2’s at the gym but managed to get a s/h one just before the first lockdown, it needed a repair but between my wife and me it’s been used almost daily.

I had to re-seal the water tank, replace some bearings and bungees and clean the computer sensor ~£80 on parts by memory.

I also replaced the handle with one from a c2 as I found those more comfortable.

So if you see a s/h one with leaking tank if it’s only the half way seal that’s gone it could be a bargain.

Note the tanks don’t like to freeze that is often what damages the seal, first thing to ask is has it been stored in the garage / shed

Edit. Don’t forget to measure up for one at home though. They are bloody massive and need 9 foot 8 feet end to end minimum.

[Model D]

What Sharkbait said about Concept 2, both resale value and size.

I bought a secondhand one on eBay, used it for quite heavily for several years till I got fed up with the amount of room it took up, and then sold it on eBay for a little more than I paid for it.

Just measured mine and your right, 8 foot should suffice.

The concept 2 mat is 250cm and my model C is 4 cm from each end.

Still huge though.

Yeah... They seem to grow when stood on end!

What twonks says, he speaks the truth.

Waterrower are the only really serious contender to Concept 2 IMO.

We have the Classic, in American Cherry, smoother than a C2, and a more boat-like feel. But the display and interconnectivity isn't as good as the C2.

The RW is smaller overall, and is easier to stand on it's end if you want it out of the way when you're not using it. It's also much quieter than the C2. Also doesn't look industrial, more like furniture.

Am I selling it well?

The C2 is certainly a better machine for serious heavy use, and has better resale if you don't like it.

I bought a secondhand "First Degree Fitness" water rower about a year ago for €600. Very nice machine, personally I find it nicer than a C2 in use and had a smaller footprint. I got the E520 which has been replaced by the E550 in the line up. I'd guess all their models are good if you happen to ever spot one secondhand.

https://firstdegreefitness.com/fluidrower/

These threads always get me checking prices on the Concept2 website, as they’ve brought out new models this year I thought I’d look at the older ones and found this:

https://www.concept2.co.uk/service/indoor-rowers/model-a

Now I’ve definitely got a spare wheel in the garage….

I remember the model A!

I used to do a bit of coastal rowing and our winter training consisted of cold wet runs in the dark followed by circuits in the club house with rusty weights and steps/benches/etc made out of old scaffold boards and beer crates. One night I arrived and two of these beauties were sat in the club house waiting for us - totally revolutionised training! (the boat fund was emptied to pay for them)