Rowing Machines

Andy Moore · 22 January 2008, 18:39

Anyone know anything about them? What's the best one?

Daveboy 71 · 22 January 2008, 18:50

Concept II - bullet proof hence used widely in health clubs - should be able to pick one up for a grand. Also worth considering 2nd hand as they are, as I say, bullet proof.

Andy Moore · 22 January 2008, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daveboy 71

Concept II - bullet proof hence used widely in health clubs - should be able to pick one up for a grand. Also worth considering 2nd hand as they are, as I say, bullet proof.

Okay. Thanks.

Millermob · 22 January 2008, 19:05

Concept 2 is definately the best, I had 3 before settling on this one its awesome. Plus if you want to you can rent them at fairly good prices I think.

Andy Moore · 22 January 2008, 19:10

Ever used/heard of/seen one of these?

http://www.johnlewis.com/Sport+and+L...5/Product.aspx

Limey Linda · 22 January 2008, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

Anyone know anything about them? What's the best one?

hey Andy
Get an outboard engine they don't make you sweat as much as those manual machines.

Andy Moore · 22 January 2008, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

hey Andy
Get an outboard engine they don't make you sweat as much as those manual machines.

I want to get in training so I am prepared when the fcker won't start.

Neal · 22 January 2008, 20:00

Could be wrong but i remember seeing an add for the concept 2 with a discount for RYA members 10% off in a RYA book will try to find it
Found it in Autumn RYA mag just says members get discount on concept 2 rower.

Andy Moore · 22 January 2008, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal

Could be wrong but i remember seeing an add for the concept 2 with a discount for RYA members 10% off in a RYA book will try to find it

Nice one.

eilean mor · 22 January 2008, 21:37

water rower is the way ahead!, concept 2 looks like a piece of meccano;
ok, i'm being harsh; i looked into it in a big way before buying a number of years ago; and came down to the concept 2 and the water rower, both similar price, in the end, do you have somewhere to leave it out ready to use, cos if you dont then you wont use it, if you do then it doesnt matter which one, our space was limited, and the water rower you can lift up on end and it sits against a wall and doesnt look too out of place, but is easy to put back in use, and the fishtank and paddles just kind of sealed it, as opposed to the hissing of air.
think what is it you want to do with it, will you use it if you have to 'build' it each time you want to use it,

TonyC · 22 January 2008, 22:05

Our sister Centre has 12 Concept II rowing machines, and as far as I can tell from the rowing guys, they think their one of the best you can get at present.

The Concept II is also what the Indoor Rowing Championships are held using so they must be sturdy to hold up to that sort of beating

Matt · 23 January 2008, 06:43

I use a Concept II at my gym. F********g kills me every time - but that's pretty much what it's supposed to do!

Lostboy · 23 January 2008, 10:34

No brainer, Concept 2. It is the preferred training machine of ALL the rowers, it is the machine that is recognised for all indoor rowing competition, it is pretty much unbreakable and is so robust and easy to use.

Cypman · 23 January 2008, 12:36

As an overweight 61 year old I am trying to stay alive by doing some regular (very painful !!!!) exercise. As a consequence I purchased a Concept II model D machine for £930 from fitness-superstore.co.uk. Whilst collecting the machine from their Chester shop the salesperson/fitness expert sugested I try the First Degree S500 water-based machine. His view was that the Concept II was great for competitive users but that the water rower was much better for home fitness training. Cost for the S500 was £999.
I would have purchased the S500 but they had none in stock and I was rushing to catch the ferry back to the IOM !!!
I am very happy with my Concept II (still alive!!!) so the choice is yours, they are the two best value models on the market IMHO.

alystra · 23 January 2008, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by eilean mor

water rower is the way ahead!, .........

My water rower is called an Avon Redstart. Is it similar?

RichardB · 23 January 2008, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

Ever used/heard of/seen one of these?

http://www.johnlewis.com/Sport+and+L...5/Product.aspx

Yeup - got one and even been known to use it occasionally.

I really like them on a number of counts:
- Good smooth rowing action - very realistic in my view
- Very well built, in everyway the equal of Concept 2.
- Compact - much shorter than Concept 2
- Looks like a nice piece of furniture and easy to store (stands up)
- Sounds great when you row - real whooshing swirl.
- Seem to recall it was a reasonable amount cheaper than Concept 2

Worth finding somewhere where you try it out.

Of course you see the Concept 2's in all the gyms but much prefer Waterower at home.

Tim M · 25 January 2008, 09:38

Another vote for the Concept 2. A rather snazzy feature of it is you can link it to your PC and compete in "regattas" online!

eilean mor · 25 January 2008, 11:07

concepts get bought cos of the mass numbers in use- and they are good, but, get some style and get the water rower, some of the lewis's have them as shopfloor models- saw one in Glasgow lewis's last week

codprawn · 25 January 2008, 11:27

When I used to do a lot of rowing I found that the resistance of these machines was very low - why?

Reading about the water ones you can't increase the resistance - unless you fill the tank with oil I suppose!!!

IBWET · 25 January 2008, 18:47

C2 every time if your serious about it, I've used them all,,the PC link is good, however the LCD screen is motivation enough with split times, averages ETC. Quality is superb I've had one for ten years and never had an issue it's used every day.

Before you buy, look at Nordick track incline trainers if you really want your ticker to go bang..