Model D PM5 Review

[TimBob_]

I received my Model D indoor rower a couple weeks ago. I still love it and I'm very happy with the purchase.

I wanted to chime in and load this forum with some information I was looking for myself before I made the purchase and provide a general review.
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- It's quiet! I had read both stories about the sound level being either tolerable to loud. I consider it well under the threshold of what I would consider 'loud'.
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- It's smaller than I anticipated. I read the specs, and had anticipated needing to clear a whole room for this thing. It's easy to move...tilt on its end, but most the time I just leave it in my living room for near daily use.
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- The seat is pretty uncomfortable - but I know I have an intolerable bum. I don't like biking for this reason, and I anticipated supplementing the seat somehow. I picked up the "Moss Green Thick Seat Cushion with Holding Handle and Velcro Strap" cushion for about $15 (http://amzn.com/B00LZJXEM6). It is about 1000% better than the stock seat. It doesn't slide around and feels like I'm rowing on marshmellows. Kinda ugly, but my bum is happy and not a limiting factor in how long I row - which makes me happy.
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- I knew I wanted a heart rate monitor so I'd have something to stare at while I row, but the idea of getting the Polar or Garmin chest bands gave me pause. I was concerned about it bouncing around in my fat rolls and irritating me as well as getting in the way of the rower handle bar during the stroke. I checked this forum and other places and settled on the :

Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband (http://amzn.com/B00JQHTJS2)

The Scosche Rhythm+ does work really well with the PM5. While the tech specs of both the HRM and the PM5 suggest is SHOULD work... (Bluetooth 4.0 Smart/ANT+) I couldn't find any conformation anywhere of someone actually saying they used it. So here is that confirmation for the next guy who visits these forums and searches for "Scosche" like I did.

A little bonus is that the Scorche puts out both signals, so I'm able to pair the PM5 via ANT+ and my Samsung Note 3 phone via Bluetooth to use all various apps while I exercise.

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- I'm rather dissatisfied with the Concept2 handlebar. It's probably the right size/shape to "train" with (I've never rowed in a boat competitively) but as far as providing variable training options...it's pretty lacking.

For one, it's not as wide as it could be. I'm a bit bigger chested guy, and during a typical overhandle pull, I find my hands wanting to have about one more inch of handlebar on each side when I bring the handle bar completely back to my chest.

Also, I like to switch up the grip on the handle bar throughout the session and work my arms differently. I really like to switch up to an underhandle grip and 'curl' as I row - which feels completely different. However, the shape of the handlebar doesn't accommodate that sort of grip and I end up holding the ends of the handle bar in the palms of my hand - which is really awkward.

I'll be looking for a solution to replace the stock Concept2 handlebar with something that works better.

[frenchtouch]

I read the the 2014-2015 Model D is more quiet than the previous Model D. Can someone confirm that?

[markh75]

Hi, New here from Australia and please advice where to get this Seat Cushion, I searched a lot on internet but still not successful!

[Anth_F]

I think with the sound the machine gives off some variables really do come into play!!! For example, if you have the damper setting up aways it makes it a louder woosh. And very dependent on generally how strong a rower you are, and how fast you're going on the machine at any given time.

On mine, once you're pulling around the 2:02 500m pace and below... things start to get noticeably louder. I don't mind it at all... i actually find it beneficial to me because i focus on the sound of the higher pitched woosh to keep good solid rhythm.

[hjs]

I think with the sound the machine gives off some variables really do come into play!!! For example, if you have the damper setting up aways it makes it a louder woosh. And very dependent on generally how strong a rower you are, and how fast you're going on the machine at any given time.

On mine, once you're pulling around the 2:02 500m pace and below... things start to get noticeably louder. I don't mind it at all... i actually find it beneficial to me because i focus on the sound of the higher pitched woosh to keep good solid rhythm.

Indeed start sprinting and use a low drag. Sounds like a jet

For the rest re seat, its getting used to. It is hard yes, make sure you move your upperbody.

Re handle, rowers often are big guys, the older handle was much smaller
Re underhand grip, don,t even go there thats a super nogo. Its a rowing machine, doing curls is more or less forbidden

[Anth_F]

I think with the sound the machine gives off some variables really do come into play!!! For example, if you have the damper setting up aways it makes it a louder woosh. And very dependent on generally how strong a rower you are, and how fast you're going on the machine at any given time.

On mine, once you're pulling around the 2:02 500m pace and below... things start to get noticeably louder. I don't mind it at all... i actually find it beneficial to me because i focus on the sound of the higher pitched woosh to keep good solid rhythm.

Indeed start sprinting and use a low drag. Sounds like a jet

Yep!!! I remember doing some 100m sprints at about 40-42 r and it sounded like the machine was ready for take off

[Carl Watts]

Nothing wrong with the seat on the Model D and its also a lot softer than the one on my Model C. Basically your backside muscles need to develop and then it no longer hurts. The seat is nowhere near as brutal as hopping on a bike for the first time in years. You don't need pads on it, just build up slowly with 10-15 minute sessions until you adapt.

[at1839]

- The seat is pretty uncomfortable
- I'm rather dissatisfied with the Concept2 handlebar.

Seat: cut your own pad.
https://diana.bib.uniurb.it/pool/C2Seat ... 124432.jpg

Handle: this or something like.
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B000NU ... UTF8&psc=1
https://diana.bib.uniurb.it/pool/C2Seat/handle.jpg

Hi. Paolo.