Concept2 Forum

I'm considering getting an erg. I think all of you here will tell me to get a C2 right? At this point I don't know enough to know which monitor I need. However, I do know that I want the most stable, durable and easier maintanence machiine. How do the Ds and Es compare in those areas?

Thanks,
Jack

I have yet to see any real claim that the PM4 is better for the home user than the PM3. The PM4 offers the ability to link up rowers wirelessly for venue racing. So if you plan to buy more than one, that is a consideration. The PM4 also offers sunuto compatibility for HR monitoring, which may be nice but not worth the extra price IMO.

As for the rowers, the E is highter, but I don't see why that is big advantage for the average user. Either are going to be very, very durable and should last many years. I would save the money and get the D with the PM3. Adding rowpro on a computer with a PM3 would be much more fun than anything the PM4 offers.

michaelb wrote:As for the rowers, the E is higher, but I don't see why that is big advantage for the average user. Either are going to be very, very durable and should last many years.

That durability is a point in favor of the E, I'd say. If you plan on having it long enough to get decrepit (meaning you, not the machine), an E might make more sense.

Jack, the only issue I have seen with the E is that if you are short, less than 5'2", the seat height makes getting on a bit tougher. That said, shorter folks have to deal with standard seat heights all the time so YMMV.

Other than that, I'm very happy with the E's that I replaced my D's with. Some don't like the fixed Monitor Arm, I didn't think I would but I do. The PM4 has more processing power for future upgrades, and I think the buttons have been improved slightly over the PM3. The Additional Clear coat finish and more durable chain are nice, though for personal use all the C2 models will wear us out before we wear them out, with what can only be called minimal maintenance. Basically keep the obvious parts clean, and oil the chain from time to time.

michaelb wrote:I would save the money and get the D with the PM3. Adding rowpro on a computer with a PM3 would be much more fun than anything the PM4 offers.

Folks in the UK don't have to use that argument to decide. Concept2 UK are bundling a one year licenced copy of RowPro with the machine.
http://concept2.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 416#310416

PM4 connects with Suunto HR belts (for a logcard user that's automatic).

Other than that the major enhancements are the ad-hoc up to eight ergs racing with wireless and the hardware changes for venue racing on the PM4s.

Thanks for the help everyone. I think I have settled on the D. That is, if I follow through and get an erg.

Jack

Hi Jack! Total newb here but I just went through the same 2 questions: "Should I get an ERG?" and: "D or E?" Here's how it went for me, YMMV:

On the first question, climb on several C2's (and a couple other brands) to see how a high-end rower feels to you. If you go to the C2 site, under "Service" click on "Find an Indoor Rower." That link lets you find C2's to try out in your town (health clubs, universities, hospital cardiac units, etc.) Everybody was really great and I got to try several (model B's & C's mostly.) Trying them out convinced me rowing feels really good and is right for me. I also tried out BodyCraft, LifeCore, & Kettler Those other brands have some slick features but the C2 seems a lot sturdier - built like a tank. If you want a shortcut, here's the C2 link to "find a local rower:" http://www.concept2.com/us/support/find/rowerfinder.asp

Question 2: "D or E?" I wondered if Concept 2 was moving toward a "consumer grade" (model D) and a "commercial grade" (E) Not so: I went with the D and it is built like a tank. There is just no way you can wear this thing out by using it! The only reason you should get the E is if you want the extra height/have a mobility issue getting on the lower ERG. Again, go find some older machines in your town & try them out. As far as the "PM3 vs. PM4" issue, C2 has a good comparison page: http://www.concept2.com/us/products/mon ... ompare.asp You have to decide if the extra features are worth another $150. I just want to work-out at home & the PM3 is awsome for my needs. If I had it to do over again, I'd buy a C2 in a hearbeat! Bottom line: I fussed over this a long time, did a ton of research - best investment I ever made. Hope this is of some help to you!
Skip

Big help Skip. Thanks.