A never-rowed-before coworker was looking to buy a rowing machine - I recommended the CII - but he piqued my curiosity as to what other high-quality rowers are out there.
Any opinions, as to alternatives to the CII?
Alternatives to C2
concept 2 is still the one
I had, 2 weeks ago due to my work, the chance to visit the Denver fitness show. Being a person interested in rowing and being a dragon boat racer and also an owner of a concept 2, I was able to test most of the rower available on the market today.This was made possible due to the fact that the show has a morning fitness training where you can go around the show and test all the different product on the market.
to make things short, NO there isn't anything that come close to the concept 2 rower, even the water rower, witch I taught could be a good alternative didn't come close.
Most common problem, foot rest and resistance. I never was able to get a good row on any of those machine.
Please take in consideration that I am a new rower, few months, but my work involve that I know all those products.
to make things short, NO there isn't anything that come close to the concept 2 rower, even the water rower, witch I taught could be a good alternative didn't come close.
Most common problem, foot rest and resistance. I never was able to get a good row on any of those machine.
Please take in consideration that I am a new rower, few months, but my work involve that I know all those products.
There may be others that are good, but if he has any asperation to race or row online, I think C2 is the only choice presently. The online races sure help the motivation
40, 6'2", 180# (versus 235# in July 2007)
www.freespiritsrowing.com
[img]http://www.freespiritsrowing.com/uploads/badocter/rowingpbtable.png[/img]
www.freespiritsrowing.com
[img]http://www.freespiritsrowing.com/uploads/badocter/rowingpbtable.png[/img]
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Stuminator
- Paddler
- Posts: 5
- Joined: September 12th, 2008, 3:51 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN
C2 is the "real deal"
I bought a used WaterRower on Craigslist back last spring and thought I'd made the right decision. I was posting some good times and thought I was doing pretty well. I'm a 50 yr old male, 75 in, 88kg. I started posting my times on the C2 online logbook, because I liked the format, and periodically started reading the Training Forum.
To make a long story short, I came to the conclusion that the C2 was the "real deal" and started searching Craigslist for a lightly used Model D w/ a PM3. Low and behold, one came up and I bought it the other day. It's a 9 month old unit which I bought for $700. I've had a chance to check it out and man am I blown away. I rowed 30 minutes, 6992m. Not ready for prime time, I admit. What really makes it great is the fact that the C2 measures Watts and more than just SPM, 500m, elapsed time, calories etc. This is the true implement of torture. Thanks to you all on the Forum for getting my head right.
To make a long story short, I came to the conclusion that the C2 was the "real deal" and started searching Craigslist for a lightly used Model D w/ a PM3. Low and behold, one came up and I bought it the other day. It's a 9 month old unit which I bought for $700. I've had a chance to check it out and man am I blown away. I rowed 30 minutes, 6992m. Not ready for prime time, I admit. What really makes it great is the fact that the C2 measures Watts and more than just SPM, 500m, elapsed time, calories etc. This is the true implement of torture. Thanks to you all on the Forum for getting my head right.
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Rockin Roland
- 5k Poster
- Posts: 570
- Joined: March 19th, 2006, 12:02 am
- Location: Moving Flywheel
If your a gym rat or weight watcher then the C2 is the best value for money machine for you. It's reliable and efficient and will keep you in good shape. You may encounter lower back problems from time to time but your greatest concern will probably be motivation. Like most other gym equipment it's quite boring to use and requires regular hard work to get the results.
However, if you wish to train for rowing on the water then there are 2 and in a little while 3 machines that are better than the C2. It all depends on how wide you want to open up your wallet. These are Biorower, Oartech and in a little while the new Rowperfect. They all cost more than the C2 and none of them originate from the USA. If you have the space then you can put slides under the C2, if you can get them (currently where I live it's about a 2 month wait to get some).
There's a number of cheap copies of the C2 erg and the water rower around that may suit a person better, that uses an erg only occasionally. Especially if their likely to get bored with it quickly and move onto something else.
Paul S; If you watching you may have noticed that the latest prototype of the Rowperfect is no longer capable of taking one of your C-Breezes. The fan shroud/case has been re-designed, probably to make it less noisy, and the outer top layer is now mostly enclosed.
However, if you wish to train for rowing on the water then there are 2 and in a little while 3 machines that are better than the C2. It all depends on how wide you want to open up your wallet. These are Biorower, Oartech and in a little while the new Rowperfect. They all cost more than the C2 and none of them originate from the USA. If you have the space then you can put slides under the C2, if you can get them (currently where I live it's about a 2 month wait to get some).
There's a number of cheap copies of the C2 erg and the water rower around that may suit a person better, that uses an erg only occasionally. Especially if their likely to get bored with it quickly and move onto something else.
Paul S; If you watching you may have noticed that the latest prototype of the Rowperfect is no longer capable of taking one of your C-Breezes. The fan shroud/case has been re-designed, probably to make it less noisy, and the outer top layer is now mostly enclosed.
PBs: 2K 6:13.4, 5K 16:32, 6K 19:55, 10K 33:49, 30min 8849m, 60min 17,309m
Caution: Static C2 ergs can ruin your technique and timing for rowing in a boat.
The best thing I ever did to improve my rowing was to sell my C2 and get a Rowperfect.
Caution: Static C2 ergs can ruin your technique and timing for rowing in a boat.
The best thing I ever did to improve my rowing was to sell my C2 and get a Rowperfect.
www.waterrower.com
www.biorower.com
www.oartec.com.au
www.rowperfect.com.au
www.concept2.com
Forget the rest!
Waterrower speeds are not comparable to C2 times, as it's a linear relation to stroke length and stroke rate, no matter how hard you pull!
I like Rowperfect, it's nice to row on. The actual model is a bit out of date, and they seem to be struggling for ages with the new one. Looking forward to have ea go on one!
C2 on slides si ok for me, although it takes a lot of space.
You can get some additional motivation rowing online with RowPro.
www.digitalrowing.com.
I think that PM3, data comparability, rankings and the C2 community (and the excelent customer service) are the main points for C2 being the leader.
www.biorower.com
www.oartec.com.au
www.rowperfect.com.au
www.concept2.com
Forget the rest!
Waterrower speeds are not comparable to C2 times, as it's a linear relation to stroke length and stroke rate, no matter how hard you pull!
I like Rowperfect, it's nice to row on. The actual model is a bit out of date, and they seem to be struggling for ages with the new one. Looking forward to have ea go on one!
C2 on slides si ok for me, although it takes a lot of space.
You can get some additional motivation rowing online with RowPro.
www.digitalrowing.com.
I think that PM3, data comparability, rankings and the C2 community (and the excelent customer service) are the main points for C2 being the leader.
yr 1966, 1,87 m, 8? kg
[img]http://www.c2ctc.com/sigs/img1201739576.png[/img]
Be Water, My Friend!
[img]http://www.c2ctc.com/sigs/img1201739576.png[/img]
Be Water, My Friend!
Hi, RR!
I'm sure you'll be interested in this thread in the UK-forum:
http://www.concept2.co.uk/forum/viewtop ... =3&t=17730
I'm sure you'll be interested in this thread in the UK-forum:
http://www.concept2.co.uk/forum/viewtop ... =3&t=17730
yr 1966, 1,87 m, 8? kg
[img]http://www.c2ctc.com/sigs/img1201739576.png[/img]
Be Water, My Friend!
[img]http://www.c2ctc.com/sigs/img1201739576.png[/img]
Be Water, My Friend!
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Rockin Roland
- 5k Poster
- Posts: 570
- Joined: March 19th, 2006, 12:02 am
- Location: Moving Flywheel
Thanks for the pointer Ancho. I would have missed it as I don't often look at the UK site.ancho wrote:Hi, RR!
I'm sure you'll be interested in this thread in the UK-forum:
http://www.concept2.co.uk/forum/viewtop ... =3&t=17730
Some of those guys that posted on that thread had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.
Looks like Oartech are trying to get a footprint in the USA. The Oartech costs around $5,000 in Australia. As the Aussie dollar has taken such a dive recently against the US currency you should be able to pick one up for a little over $3,000 in the USA. It would be ideal US College land based training during the winter months.
By the way Ancho. Are you coming to the World Masters in Sydney in 12 months time?
PBs: 2K 6:13.4, 5K 16:32, 6K 19:55, 10K 33:49, 30min 8849m, 60min 17,309m
Caution: Static C2 ergs can ruin your technique and timing for rowing in a boat.
The best thing I ever did to improve my rowing was to sell my C2 and get a Rowperfect.
Caution: Static C2 ergs can ruin your technique and timing for rowing in a boat.
The best thing I ever did to improve my rowing was to sell my C2 and get a Rowperfect.
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Rockin Roland
- 5k Poster
- Posts: 570
- Joined: March 19th, 2006, 12:02 am
- Location: Moving Flywheel
Good to hear that. I look forward to seeing you there. It will give us an opportunity to race against each other on the water rather than just on the erg. Make your bookings soon and take advantage of the currently very weak Australian currency.ancho wrote:Sidney sounds great!
I should get back in shape (as far as I've ever been in shape...) and convince the family to do the trip!
PBs: 2K 6:13.4, 5K 16:32, 6K 19:55, 10K 33:49, 30min 8849m, 60min 17,309m
Caution: Static C2 ergs can ruin your technique and timing for rowing in a boat.
The best thing I ever did to improve my rowing was to sell my C2 and get a Rowperfect.
Caution: Static C2 ergs can ruin your technique and timing for rowing in a boat.
The best thing I ever did to improve my rowing was to sell my C2 and get a Rowperfect.
Alternate Rowers--Oartech
WinTech appears to be marketing the Oartech product in the US.
http://www.wintechracing.com/index.php? ... imulator.
They list for US$4,750, which woud convert to approx. A$7,000.
Guess they have to pay for shipping.
But at the Head of the Hooch, the Wintech rep was quoting $4,500.
http://www.wintechracing.com/index.php? ... imulator.
They list for US$4,750, which woud convert to approx. A$7,000.
Guess they have to pay for shipping.
But at the Head of the Hooch, the Wintech rep was quoting $4,500.
M 64 76 kg
"Sit Down! Row Hard! Go Nowhere!"
"Sit Down! Row Hard! Go Nowhere!"
Re: Alternate Rowers--Oartech
Neither http://www.wintechracing.com/index.php? ... _simulator.
nor http://www.wintechracing.com/index.php? ... _simulator
works, neither does a search for "oartec" on the wintechracing site.
EDIT: Thanks to BOB's below, I found it:
http://www.wintechracing.com/index.php? ... ulator.php
nor http://www.wintechracing.com/index.php? ... _simulator
works, neither does a search for "oartec" on the wintechracing site.
EDIT: Thanks to BOB's below, I found it:
http://www.wintechracing.com/index.php? ... ulator.php
Last edited by Nosmo on November 7th, 2008, 7:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.