Looking at buying one for my home gym to mix things up in the winter. Anyone have experience with either First Degree Water Rowers, Concept2,or Lifecore?? I am leaning toward a Concept2 Model D or E. Thanks for the input.
We have a Concept2 here at our office (They’re a pretty big in motocross) and I really like it. I’ve never used either of the other 2 you mention but the Concept2 is a quality product for sure.
The only oone I’ve used is the Concept 2 which I thought was very nice. It is the one that forms the basis of the Crossfit stuff, and I’m a bit smitten with that whole gig.
Concept 2 is the only machine that any world class, or even collegiate, or even high school, rowing team uses. If it’s for home use, get the Model D; the analysis and upgrades you get with the E are negligable… unless you eventually plan on getting a shell and getting onto the water (which, if you’re near water, is highly recommended 
The water ergs are a gimic.
Never heard of lifecore.
I’ve erged several thousand K. as an ex-collegiate heavyweight (and as the guy before me said), Concept 2 is the only way to go for anyone the least bit serious.
The Model D will be more than enough for you, especially having no experience rowing. The display is awesome- and gives you stats out the a$$. I’m a numbers guy, and i cant take my eyes off the display the entire time I’m on it.
The Model E seems to be way more expensive, and unless you’re some world class rower/erger (yes… people do strictly erg, and never see the water) then you dont need it.
Save your money- get a used Model D. I dunno what they will use at the Crash-Bs this year- but that was always a great place to pick up a brand new (except a dozen or so 2ks) Model D for a hundred bucks or so below cost.
Go with Concept2. There is no competition there. Every rower has erged hours upon hours on the Concept2 . . . . believe me.
I haven’t had any experience with the Model E. I know the Model D is awesome. Nice and (relatively) quiet. Talk about a great workout. You won’t be disappointed.
also see this
from about a month ago
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=2150366;search_string=concept2;#2150366
.
I’ve had a Concept 2 rower for about 15 years. I think it is the Model C so I can’t comment on the newer models but I don’t think they have changed that much. The big changes seem to have been in the computer and some cosmetics. I certainly can vouch for the company. They build a fine product. My understanding is the Concept 2 is what most real rowers train on, at least it was when I bought mine. Its a serious piece of equiptment.
I got mine before I got into cycling and triathlons but I still use it quite a bit in the winter. I love the workout. You can turn yourself into a sobbing baby on it if you want to but since the resistance depends entirely on how hard you pull, you can go as easy or as hard as you want with no changes in settings. It’s easy to break down into 2 pieces for storage and its very easy to move and set up if you want to put it away between workouts athlough even in two pieces its pretty big.
The thing is build for institutional use so using it a home its completely bullet proof. Other than changing the batteries in the display a couple times and wiping it off once and awhile, its been completely maintance free for the whole time I’ve owned it. I’m sure it will out live me.
Thanks for all the input. Confirmed what I was leaning toward.
I got mine before I got into cycling and triathlons but I still use it quite a bit in the winter. I love the workout. You can turn yourself into a sobbing baby on it if you want to but since the resistance depends entirely on how hard you pull, you can go as easy or as hard as you want with no changes in settings. It’s easy to break down into 2 pieces for storage and its very easy to move and set up if you want to put it away between workouts athlough even in two pieces its pretty big.
Actually no, you can change the resistance if you want. I think it has to do whether the machine is against a wall or not, and you can adjust that with the vent on the side. It’s actually very useful when you race. To get a number for it, turn on the computer (DON’T START ROWING), press and hold “rest” and “OK”. A “drag factor” number will appears in the lower right corner, and you can play with the side vent to get a consistent number, no matter the machine or the place.
I am not kidding. It was my observation that not many people, including rowers, know of this trick. Thought I would share.
I never knew that about the model C. I do know, however, that the model D has an easier way to get at it, its in one of the main menus- I usually fiddle with it till its at 100 (assuming thats the same as real water) and its generally around a 4 on the resistance vent.
As far as maintenance goes- once in a while (every couple years) you might wanna just clean and lube the chain. Being triathletes, that should be no problem for most in this forum. Greatly reduces noise and increases the ability for the chain to return back into the machine.
The Model E seems to be way more expensive, and unless you’re some world class rower/erger (yes… people do strictly erg, and never see the water) then you dont need it.
The main reason the introduced a Model E is the extra 6" of seat height. They are designed for gyms where “big” people had trouble sitting down on something 14" off the floor.
Re: Drag Factors
130 for HW Men (72.5kg+)
120 for HW Women (59 kg+), LW Men (<72.5kg).
110 for LW Women (<59kg).
haha, well thanks for clearin that up
the model E also has a way more expensive display- to upgrade onto the D is $$… for me, the D had more than enough info
and really? 130 drag factor? that seems awfully high. that would be putting the fan at around a 7 or something wouldnt it?
i feel like keepign that thing at a 7 for an hour would KILL my back- wheras i can hold up on the water just fine.
As someone who has countless hours on an erg and done a significant amount of coaching do your self a favor and spend the first several weeks at a low resistance (2-4).
For jr. rowers we would often turn down the resistance completely and put a towel over the fan to reduce resistance further. It will seem easy but your lower back will thank you if you start off slowly. Remember you may be fit but its a different set of muscles used in a different way. START SLOW!!! oh and please for the love of God get a little help with proper technique. going to the gym and watching some people row just simply hurts.
Joel
I started using a Concept rower in 1988 to recover from running injuries. A few years later I bought a model C. Three years ago I sold it and upgraded to a model D and have just over 5 million lifetime meters (about 750K on the model D). The display is great. the connection via computer to the on line log book is excellent. Get to Polar connection and you have a great workout machine.
I’ve found that it helps me build my upper body strength and I don’t have to swim as much to maintain fitness.
Just my thoughts. But if you buy a D (the E is much more than most need), you won’t be disappointed. Consider going to a “BURN” (rowing competition) and buy one there after the meet. I saved almost $100.
130 drag factor? that seems awfully high. that would be putting the fan at around a 7 or something wouldnt it?
i feel like keepign that thing at a 7 for an hour would KILL my back- wheras i can hold up on the water just fine.
They are the required drags for Australian selection ergos (2k, 6k). If your 500m split for a hour is slower than 1.45, I would decrease the drag for sure.