Rower Newbie - Looking to Buy - Advice Appreciated!

TXGirlRower · Post by **TXGirlRower** » June 27th, 2007, 6:01 pm

I'm a rowing newbie - just having finished a rowing class at my local rowing club and looking to purchase a machine for home use when I can't be out on the water.

There are a fair number of used machines available in my area and I'm wondering what to look for? (Most seem to be C or D models) What difference do the different Monitor Models make? I've noticed that some people race online - does that require a certain model rower or special accessories? As others have said, the Concept 2's definitely retain value so I'm also wondering if I'm just better off buying new?

Thanks so much for any advice in advance. I'm enjoying the boards and all the great information contained within.

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » June 27th, 2007, 6:27 pm

A Model C in very good condition will still be $500+, with the only real upgrade to be done is adding a PM3 or PM4 ($200-$300) which can put you right to the cost of a new machine. The quality of the workout that you can get is going to be the same, but if you are planning on making this a serious endeavor, this machine could last you many years, so even the $886 price for a New D/PM3 is very well spent. That said, if you have a good selection of used machines to choose from, it's not uncommon to find mint condition machines and save a couple hundred bucks because a person got excited in the beginning and lost motivation faster than they thought they would.

Welcome to the fray.

Nosmo · Post by **Nosmo** » June 27th, 2007, 6:45 pm

The C and D are both really good machines. If you like have newer equipment, have the money or are more likely to work out on one, get a D. If you like saving money find consider a C.

For me the most important issue is that the model D's are significantly quieter. The model D's all come with a PM3 or PM4 performance monitor. (for my purposes they are the practically same, but check www.concept2.com to see if the differences matter to you). The model C's I've seen all have a PM2 (later ones may have been shipped with a PM3 but I'm not sure). The PM3 is nicer but how much difference it will make to you I really can't say.
Hardly ever used a PM2 and haven't in a long time but I think the PM3 has a bigger display, has a force curve, and has better split recall.

TXGirlRower · Post by **TXGirlRower** » July 2nd, 2007, 9:46 am

So I wouldn't be completely amiss in buying a Model C in the $500 range with a PM2 monitor (in very lightly used condtion)? Again, it would be utilized by very newbie rowers just getting our feet wet.

Will a Model C / PM2 work with programs like RowPro?

Thanks so much for the feedback. It is very much appreciated!

TXGirlRower · Post by **TXGirlRower** » July 2nd, 2007, 10:40 am

P.S. I see mention of a PM2 and a PM2+ Monitor. Is there a dramatic difference between the two models?

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » July 2nd, 2007, 11:56 am

TXGirlRower wrote:So I wouldn't be completely amiss in buying a Model C in the $500 range with a PM2 monitor (in very lightly used condtion)? Again, it would be utilized by very newbie rowers just getting our feet wet.

Will a Model C / PM2 work with programs like RowPro?

Thanks so much for the feedback. It is very much appreciated!

You would have to check the min requirements for RowPro, but a PM2 has no way to interface with your computer, so would not work. I don't know if you need just a PM2+ or now it may be a PM3/PM4.

The Mod C you mention is a very solid piece of equipment, there are many that are still in use and have taken more than 10 years of use already, so it would be tough to go wrong. But still try to negotiate the best price you can.

(The person may have a philanthropic streak and give you a great deal. Though that will obligate you to do the same at some point in the future, when it's your turn to help a newbie.)

Storm Petrel · Post by **Storm Petrel** » July 2nd, 2007, 11:39 pm

According to their product sheet at: http://www.digitalrowing.com/NEOTEKWEB/ ... _Sheet.pdf
To use ALL the functions of RowPro you need a PM4, PM3 or PM2+.

TXGirlRower · Post by **TXGirlRower** » July 3rd, 2007, 10:01 am

Thanks everyone for the input! I think we've decided new is the way for us to go. We've looked at a few used machines locally and while they are asking resonable market prices for the machines, they all had obvious use/neglect issues and we figure we're just better off making a little more of an investment in a machine that is warrantied and complete with newer technology.

So thanks again. Looking forward to learning more as we familiarize ourselves with our rower!