Concept II is the only rowing machine worth considering. If it ends up as a white elephant you can resell it easily for little loss. Also, they fold, but still take quite a lot of room.
Magnetic rowing machines are no good.
What model is it? Concept II have evolved lots of models. There are lots of C models still around, but in my opinion, they're not anywhere near as good as D or E models (not as smooth, non-ergonomic handle, less connectivity to laptop etc.). However, they're still pretty good. CHF500 is a good deal IMO for a C model if it's still in reasonable nick and has been looked after. There can't be 8k on the clock - that would take only 30 mins to clock up! I think you mean 8 million, but the condition of the machine is more related to if the action is still smooth. You can replace most of the parts anyway.
As mentioned above, Concept 2's don't depreciate very fast as they are far and away the most widely used quality rowing machine. Having said that, the price should be very dependant on condition - if it has been looked after well then there is no particular problem with buying a 9 year old machine, but this is definitely something that you should go and test/check out before buying. Also as noted, the move from Model B to C to D/E has brought some significant improvements. I would not look at buying a Model B now as they are really rather primitive and I suspect the prices of these will fall a lot faster than later models as more of these become available second hand.
To say that a C2 is the ONLY rowing machine to consider is not necessarily true however. C2's are industrial/gym quality machines, but at home they can be too noisy. If you want something that is of equal quality but that is quieter and takes less space, check out the Water Rower . The feel is a little different, but as they use water rather than air resistance they are quieter to use. However, they are more expensive than C2's, and also note that your scores will not be comparable with the majority who use a C2 (if that is important to you).
The last option is the RowPerfect , but really they are for competitivel rowers to work on technique (power curves etc) so probably irrelevant to this discussion!
It is a C model. The ad say 8'000km and that it is in good condition. Does 8k repsresent something else than kilometers on a rower?
Noise will not be a problem since it will be living in our cellar. Neither my husband or I are serious rowers, we need another piece of cardio kit and this is our first choice. We don't need anything that a professional rower would need just something decent & worth what we are paying for it.
When a rower talks about "8k" they mean 8 kilometres. As in "My training programme for this evening was 2 x 8k at rate 19 and now my a*se hurts!"
8,000km is somewhat different, and sounds reasonable for a 9 year old home-used machine. That's 800 10km sessions so 90ish normal sessions per year.
The problem with rowing machines is that all of the magnetic ones are crap - they do not replicate proper rowing at all. I would never recommend anything other than a C2 or a WaterRower to anyone, whether they were wanting it just for a good cardio workout or for real rowing training, as the others won't last long if used regularly, and will depreciate very fast unlike a Concept 2 which you will probably be able to sell for the same price in 6 months or 1 year's time if you keep it clean and oiled.
I don't see the point in one of the cheapo ones either, that would be false economy. If we buy one it will be the real deal. I would rather spend the money on a second hand C2 than a brand new cheap rower.
What about the water based rowing machines?
Some of my rowing friends swear by them.
they are even more expensive than the Concept machines. I have heard good things about them though.
We bought a C2 model D online a couple of months ago. Bought new as the there were not many used around and the price difference between new and used was not huge. We bought from http://www.powershop.ch/shop/gruppe.php?gruppe=1003
They were the cheapest on toppreise at the time and had a good reputation. And we had no problems.
J
I've got a C2 Model D..it's significantly quiter than the model C. I don't use it much in Summer, more in Winter.
If you get one with the more up-to-date computers (standard on D and Es), then it's worth investing in RowPro , the software is very motivating, as it gives a visual component to training, especially rowing against your previous efforts :-)
Wow, I think I paid 1900 when I got mine, they are much cheaper new now. For normal recreational rowing, the PM3 monitor will suffice. The PM4 is only really necessary if you have multiple machines.
Make sure you buy the additional HR sensor...that way heart rate will be displayed on both the computer and Rowpro software if you use it.
You should be careful of using just a rowing machine to keep fit. If you overdo it you can damage your lower back quite seriously. Enough to make walking painful or even cripple you. You would be better off signing up with a fitness centre and use a variety of their equipment.
I'd agree with this too. I stopped really intense rowing on the C2 when I started to get some lower back issues, especially on 10K or 1 hour rows. Now, the most I do is 30min with intervals.
I'm not 100% in agreement with this. Rowing machines are one of the lowest impact forms of exercise possible, and if used properly you should not have any problems.
There are two things to bear in mind:
1) Technique . If you have never learnt to row properly prior to using a rowing machine, try to get some lessons on the correct technique. The people I see using rowing machines in gyms generally do not have good technique, and this could put additional stresses on the body. The first place to look would be here:
http://concept2.co.uk/training/technique
In the bar on the left hand side of this page are links to various other information about technique, including a video. It is vital to get the technique right before starting to do long sessions/high intensity workouts. Asking the guy at the gym for a 30 second explanation of how to use the rowing machine is probably not much use.
2) If you are ONLY using a rowing machine as your exercise, it is probably worth adding two additional types of exercise into your workout programme:
a) Stretching . The main one for rowing is your hamstrings - if you have tight hamstrings then you will not be able to rock the body over correctly after the finish. This results in the back curving instead, which means that you are putting more pressure on the back than you should.
b) Core stability . In rowing, the power is being transmitted from the "oar" (the handle of the rowing machine) to the "boat" (which is effectively where your feet are attached to the machine). In order to transmit the power effectively, you need to be able to hold your core (stomach and back) reasonably solid. There are many, many pages of info on core stability on the web, with various exercises that can be done with or without an exercise ball. For example:
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/a.../a/NewCore.htm
If you have any questions about any of this then let me know and I will try to help!
Cheers,
GS
Great post GS, and may i add, a skipping rope, watch some youtube tutorials, you can see you dont have to make it high impact you can be very light on your toes. And that's a great workout and cheap.
Hi All,
Sorry to reopen this old thread, but thought it would be better then opening a new one.
I am interesting in getting a rowing machine for home use, I know from the discussion so far that the Concept II is the best option, but as sport tech moves with times, I wonder if anyone knows of other brand/types which are available in Switzerland which might be comparable or a good alternative to the suggested machine.
BTW: I was looking at a couple which are price reasonable and 3in1 Power Rower Pilates XP-850 came up, any experience with those?
I would also be interested in buying a used machine, if any EF member has one for sale, just PM me in that case.
Thanks
Good choice with the Concept 2. As an ex elite-level rower I can confirm that there is no comparison with it! However, I strongly recommend going to your local rowing club or finding someone with a good knowledge of rowing, as it's important to have good technique on the erg or you can very easily injure yourself. Enjoy!
Thank you for your feedback, I will look at the concept 2 but as I see it, it is way above my budget so probably will have to go for a second hand but being in Switzerland even that is a hard to find item!
I also used to row so should be able to get back into the correct technique, as for the rowing clubs, I need to look into that in more detail.