The dreaded C vs D question

Skip · Post by **Skip** » January 21st, 2007, 5:51 pm

Close to buying my first rower. Initially looked at Tunturi, LifeCore, & Bodycraft but all roads lead to C2! I'm leaning toward a new D/pm3 but have 2 questions.

I was able to try a model C locally and couldn't believe how rock solid & stable it was! Is the model D as stout? I like what I've read about the D being smoother/quieter but wouldn't want to miss out on the solid feel the C gave me. With two versions this year I'm wondering if Concept 2 is moving the direction of a Commercial Model (E) and a lighter Consumer Model (D)

I've also read all the "pm3 vs pm4" info. For me, the only attaction to the pm4 would be the battery pack. Not sure that's worth $150 (for me.) Can anyone tell me how long a set of batteries last in the pm3? If it chews up batteries I might rethink that one.

Great product, great forum. . .thanks for putting up with "yet another" dreaded C/D question!
Skip

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » January 21st, 2007, 6:28 pm

If you get on and use your D/PM3, and not monkey around with the various displays and animations, a set of batteries will last a very long time. I think my batteries had reached 62% after a bit over 2 years. As long as you are spinning the flywheel, even slowly the batteries are not being drained. They get used more quickly if turned on, row for a coupel minutes and then let it turn off after 4 minutes.

The PM4 will charge it's battery pack, but can use D cells as well, which if/when the battery pack dies would likely be the cheaper replacement option, but I'm sure that's quite some time away.

The quality of the machines is stout, the E is just another step up on that scale, and I like the silver chain.

Can't go wrong, IMO.

FrankJ · Post by **FrankJ** » January 21st, 2007, 7:49 pm

Skip,

I just traded my Model C with a PM3 for a Model D with a PM4. Didn't even consider a Model E as I don't want to be that high off the floor. My Model C went to a daughter and her husband and I expect it to go many more years. I also expect my new Model D to last me as long as I want it to last. I made the swap primarily since I wanted to be able to do local races with the PM4.

As for batteries in my PM3, they were never an issue. Primarily since I am a RowPro user and had my PM3 connected via USB cable to my PC. Last time I changed batteries in my PM3 was when I took it to Boston to row in the first Boston ERG Marathon last April.

Frank

Skip · Post by **Skip** » January 21st, 2007, 11:33 pm

Thanks guys! I appreciate the input. Glad to hear the batteries last that long in the pm3. Helps narrow the choices as I don't really plan on using the additional pm4 features. If I go with a new D I think I'll stick w/pm3.

I got another suggestion tonight to consider jumping into a used C for a couple years then upgrade down the road if I stay with it. That's not a bad idea and it looks like C2's really hold their resale value. I'm not in a big hurry and may wait to see what used options turn up in the next few weeks. Thanks again!
Skip