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Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine

List price: $1,260.00
Amazon price: $1,260.00
Prices subject to change.

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Product Details

Binding: Sports
Brand: Concept2
Label: Concept2
Dimension: 0.2 x 95 x 0.3 inches
Manufacturer: Concept2
Model: 1997-US
Publisher: Concept2
Release Date: May 12, 2008
Studio: Concept2

Features and Descriptions

Indoor rowing machine with sliding seat for complete total body workouts
Flywheel is designed to minimize noise while providing the smooth feel of rowing on the water
Separates easily into two parts for transport and storage. Caster wheels make it mobile
PM4 Performance Monitor accurately measures performance and heart rate, includes chest belt HR transmitter
Requires footprint of 9 x 4 feet; 500-pound capacity; 5-year frame warranty

Ratings & Comments(Average: 4.5

)

- Amazingly Easy to Set up and Use
This is a great product. It is sturdy, gym quality, and easy to set up and use right away. Everything you could ask for in a rowing machine is included here, except the paddles. :-)

- A Great Rower
I ride dirt bikes, and this machine offers the perfect workout for the areas I need help with most. Shoulders, Back and Arms. Some people say the legs get a good workout as well, but I would say that is not the case. Very little benefit to the legs, but it is easy on the knees.

Overall the Concept2 Model E is a great machine. I am glad I chose this over the Model D just for the higher stance, PM4 and maintenace free (except for oil) chain. The machine came delivered in two boxes, both of which were pretty beat up when they arrived, but nothing was damaged.

Putting the machine together took me about 30 minutes, and the instructions were OK. For the money I paid for this machine, I was hoping for a little bit better overall quality. Some of the screws did not line up really well with some of the holes for assembly. I may have even stripped one trying to get it in there, but it seems to be holding on ok. Also there is more plastic than I thought there would have been. The two main parts of the rower join together with a plastic fitting, which did not really snap together as I thought it should. This fitting I think should be metal for a more solid, secure and lasting fit. So far no problem with the plastic fitting though, but I never take it apart and stand it up either.

The action of the rower is excellent. I would like to see a bit more adjustability, as I feel like I want a bit more resistance, but can't get it. As you row harder the resistance does increase, although not as much as I would like, but still a great workout, and I am happy overall. I have the wind resistance set as restrictive as it will go, and that helps somewhat.

Overall these are the pros and cons as I see them, keeping in mind that I have owned the machine for about 3 months now, and use it very frequently:

Pros:
*Overall great quality machine.
*Rowing action is excellent.
*PM4 rechargable battery is self charging from the rower action, so no need to worry about batteries.
*PM4 games are actually very good, and can motivate a workout!
*Seat height is perfect, and I think an advantage over the Model D.
*Seat movement is super smooth and secure
*Love the nickle plated chain. Should last a long time
*The upper body workout can't be beat!

Cons:
*A bit too much plastic: Cheap plastic wheels, plastic handlebar mounts, plastic extension arm for the PM4, plastic fitting where two parts of the rower hook together.
*Screws don't line up perfectly when assembling, although I only really had trouble with one, there was another that was close. The rest where ok.
*Assembly instructions were a little vague.
*I would like to see handlebar options. I would have liked a little wider bar with smaller grips, but I can live with the standard bars ok.

If you are trying to decide between the Model D and Model E, I would highly recommend you spend the extra money on the Model E. It is an excellent rowing machine that should last longer than you.

- 5 out of 5!!!
Very good product I use it everyday! I love it and would recommend it to my friends!!!

- Will it ever get here
I have loved all Concept machines I have ever used. Wish this one would get here so I can see the newer model. Amazon said order in teh next x hours to get guaranteed delivery by y date. When I ordered y was suddenly y plus 3 date. Now y plus 2 and shipper discovered that the shipment is misrouted in Miami only because I called them and asked where it is. Now two more days as shipment goes back to Atlanta then over to me. Amazon sub contracted shipping for this item is horrible.

- Best Investment in Aerobic fitness
I have had the Concept2 model C for over 6 years and still use it 3 to 4 times a week. My company recently got the model D in the office gym and it does have some improvements. Most noticeably the machine is a bit quieter and the electronics are more advanced (although, as has always been the case with concept2 rowers, the electronics can be upgraded to the latest for a reasonable fee).

While I don't see a need to run out and upgrade my home machine I do think the new model is an improvement.

In addition to being a great product, it is backed by a great company. They go out of their way to make rowing safe, and fun, with informative newsletters, regular chalenges and competitions, excellent support, online rowing logs, rankings, and races.

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