Questions about accessories

[ecrow]

which of these do you have and which ones are worth getting direct from C2 if buying a new rower?

mat - I'll be using in an apartment on carpet. I guess a mat isn't essential, the C2 one is $55, similar size ones on Amazon actually seem more expensive. are there cheaper options e.g. interlocking floor mats. or something that isn't labeled as such

tablet/phone holder - does anyone use both a tablet as well as their phone? i.e. tablet to watch video, and phone to run ergdata etc? the tablet holder is now default, but it looks like you can't buy this - https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/ ... one-cradle? something like - https://vaporfitness.com/products/red-p ... f-silicone seems too expensive, maybe there's a cheaper diy way?

seat pad - the one sold by C2 is cheap, is that enough or are the fancy 3rd party ones that much better? or just add a towel/old pillow?

heart rate monitor - I'm going to get a chest strap. from the reviews it seems even the cheap ones are just as accurate as the Polar/Garmin. does the app that comes with those make the difference? I don't have any smartwatch.

[ecrow]

since we can't seem to edit posts here - I found that you can actually order the phone holder from C2 in the shop, so disregard the 2nd point.

[mjl2]

heart rate monitor - I'm going to get a chest strap. from the reviews it seems even the cheap ones are just as accurate as the Polar/Garmin. does the app that comes with those make the difference? I don't have any smartwatch.

The heart rate monitor connects directly to the PM5 so no need for an app (unless you want to use it for other training as well). I use a Wahoo TICKR chest strap, I initially installed their app but ditched it because I found it pretty useless (Polar's Flow app is much better IMO)

[ecrow]

heart rate monitor - I'm going to get a chest strap. from the reviews it seems even the cheap ones are just as accurate as the Polar/Garmin. does the app that comes with those make the difference? I don't have any smartwatch.

The heart rate monitor connects directly to the PM5 so no need for an app (unless you want to use it for other training as well). I use a Wahoo TICKR chest strap, I initially installed their app but ditched it because I found it pretty useless (Polar's Flow app is much better IMO)

when reading reviews it said most of these can connect to the PM5 and some other app at the same time? don't know what use that would be, but eg. if I buy a strap I can also use it for other workout activities, and maybe if I have a smartwatch/band it can record my heart rate all day - I'm new to all this.

[mjl2]

heart rate monitor - I'm going to get a chest strap. from the reviews it seems even the cheap ones are just as accurate as the Polar/Garmin. does the app that comes with those make the difference? I don't have any smartwatch.

The heart rate monitor connects directly to the PM5 so no need for an app (unless you want to use it for other training as well). I use a Wahoo TICKR chest strap, I initially installed their app but ditched it because I found it pretty useless (Polar's Flow app is much better IMO)

when reading reviews it said most of these can connect to the PM5 and some other app at the same time? don't know what use that would be, but eg. if I buy a strap I can also use it for other workout activities, and maybe if I have a smartwatch/band it can record my heart rate all day - I'm new to all this.

The TICKR can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, I assume most other chest straps can do so as well (something to check when buying).

[JaapvanE]

when reading reviews it said most of these can connect to the PM5 and some other app at the same time? don't know what use that would be, but eg. if I buy a strap I can also use it for other workout activities, and maybe if I have a smartwatch/band it can record my heart rate all day - I'm new to all this.

Typically, a smartwatch has its own HR measurement. The issue is that when rowing these become unreliable due to the hefty arm movements.

[JaapvanE]

The TICKR can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, I assume most other chest straps can do so as well (something to check when buying).

Nope. Several can, but a lot of HR straps allow only one simultanous Bluetooth connection. And make sure what you want to use: some older straps are ANT+ only, which isn't an issue for the PM5, but is for many other devices.

[p_b82]

RE the seat-pad, you only "need" one if you're finding discomfort without one at all.

Whether the c2 pad is enough for you really does depend on you & what discomfort you current feel etc etc. I use a gel pad + the c2 pad myself currently.

I've got a polar h10 (purely because I potentially thought I'd use it while swimming, but I've let the swimming slide and doing more erging...) - but once the strap is on, I really don't notice it - I could wear it all day and use the polar app to trace things, but I just use mine for the c2 currently. I connect to the c2 via ant+; so I could also connect it via BT to an app on the phone as well.

[ecrow]

when reading reviews it said most of these can connect to the PM5 and some other app at the same time? don't know what use that would be, but eg. if I buy a strap I can also use it for other workout activities, and maybe if I have a smartwatch/band it can record my heart rate all day - I'm new to all this.

Typically, a smartwatch has its own HR measurement. The issue is that when rowing these become unreliable due to the hefty arm movements.

Yes thats what I read. But I also assumed that when using a strap the watch would switch to using its data?

[JaapvanE]

Yes thats what I read. But I also assumed that when using a strap the watch would switch to using its data?

Yes, that is what it does. So it will take the most reliable measurement. Some watches also see the PM5's ANT+ data and record that as well.

[ecrow]

RE the seat-pad, you only "need" one if you're finding discomfort without one at all.

Whether the c2 pad is enough for you really does depend on you & what discomfort you current feel etc etc. I use a gel pad + the c2 pad myself currently.

I've got a polar h10 (purely because I potentially thought I'd use it while swimming, but I've let the swimming slide and doing more erging...) - but once the strap is on, I really don't notice it - I could wear it all day and use the polar app to trace things, but I just use mine for the c2 currently. I connect to the c2 via ant+; so I could also connect it via BT to an app on the phone as well.

I don't have a rower yet, want to buy one. And the seat pad is cheap when you order together.

It seems to me that when spending $1100 on the device, a $3.50 pad is a no brainer, no?

and I think the wrist based optical HR sensors work just as well when you aren't working out.

[ecrow]

Yes thats what I read. But I also assumed that when using a strap the watch would switch to using its data?

Yes, that is what it does. So it will take the most reliable measurement. Some watches also see the PM5's ANT+ data and record that as well.

Interesting. Is this only the expensive watches? e.g will bands/watches on Amazon like Mi Band/Amazfit do this? e.g. I just read that none of the Fitbits work with a strap.

[MPx]

You dont need any extras until you work out how using the erg will fit in with your life and how you will go about using it/training. From your original post, FWIW:

I do have the C2 mat. While you dont really need it, especially if on carpet, if you are training properly you are very likely to sweat - some of us do profusely - so the carpet will suffer in an area around your body movement area. The mat is easily wiped with the towel at the end of your session. The other use for the mat is that it lessens movement on the erg that can get a bit extreme at "sprint" speeds. Some people also put weights on the erg feet while others like me have fixed wooden stops on the floor effectively wedging the erg in place. For a few steady state 20 mins sessions a week none of that is an issue and nothing required - so it really depends on your training plan.

I just use the phone holder as I only use Ergdata. I used RowPro for a few years and I customed a laptop table onto the side of the erg - but I don't use it any more. One of my training buddies uses both the phone holder and tablet holder as he runs other apps as well as Ergdata. I also have a large TV screen on the wall in front of fan cage which can be used for viewing although typically I only cast the Ergdata screen onto it. So again really nothing required until you decide what it is you'd like to see during your sessions.

Seat pads are very personal. Nearly everyone gets sore sitz especially when new to the sport. After enough months/years of seat time the problem dissipates, but most of us still hurt after an hour or more. I use a C2 seat pad all of the time and 2x C2 seat pads stacked for the rare occasions I do a longer sessions. Some use nothing, others have spent some time trying different solutions and will have other recommendations. Search seat pads on here.

HRM again not required unless you decide you're interested in HR data and/or will use it to inform your training. Over the years I've used Polar and Garmin (currently Garmin Dual) but most of the devices have some representation on here. I think its mostly agreed that chest straps are more reliable for ergers over time than the other options. Find one with both Ant+ and BT and you keep more options open. BT only works of course, but can get a bit testy if BT is also being used between other devices, so switching the chest strap to Ant+ avoids a potential issue.

HTH

[JaapvanE]

Interesting. Is this only the expensive watches? e.g will bands/watches on Amazon like Mi Band/Amazfit do this? e.g. I just read that none of the Fitbits work with a strap.

Fitbits are a closed system. Garmin and Polar are more open. For Garmin it is the Epix/Fenix series and some Forerunners that support the smarttrainer devices.

But before you invest, find out what you want to use the data for. These watches aren't cheap, so think before you leap.

[DavidA]

when reading reviews it said most of these can connect to the PM5 and some other app at the same time? don't know what use that would be, but eg. if I buy a strap I can also use it for other workout activities, and maybe if I have a smartwatch/band it can record my heart rate all day - I'm new to all this.

Typically, a smartwatch has its own HR measurement. The issue is that when rowing these become unreliable due to the hefty arm movements.

I think it must depend upon the person, and maybe their build.
I have used both a chest strap and a smart watch, and they give the same results. The smart watch is much more convenient for me.

David