Who Prefers The Old Concept To The New One?

[[old] makesureyoudoitright]

Am I the only person who despises the model D handle? It might be because I actually row on the water as well, and the handle is just nothing like an ore, Im not sure..

[[old] John Rupp]

I got the model B in 1993, upgraded the seat right away, then 2 years ago changed to a 14 tooth sprocket and upgraded to the pm2+. The damper side has a rubber speed ring and the perimeter of the housing is likewise covered with rubber. The range of drag factors is 65 to 190 with the same resistance as the model C. The pm2+ is extended with a wood arm from the fan cage, the same as on the model C and D.<br /><br />Last fall I got a model C in mint condition from Ebay and have been using it daily since then. I've set a rubber backed 2x4 above the chain axle to help quiet the chain noise, upgraded to polyurethane chain pulleys, covered the rower half of the fan housing with rubber, and taped a piece of plastic to the damper which gives me a drag factor range of 65 to 190. I usually row with a drag factor of 75 to 100.<br /><br />I prefer my model B to the model C in all ways with the exception that it makes slightly more noise. The chain makes quite a bit less noise and the fan makes more noise, although covered. Also the railing is more level.<br /><br />The chain on the model C makes quite a bit more noise, and the slope of the railing is off by 2 inches front to back. I don't like this as it makes the body go up and down with that angle for each stroke. <br /><br />Both machines have the same wooden handle and pm2 or pm2+ monitor which I like.<br /><br />I have not tried the model D but based on descriptions would like the quietness, the greater range of drag factors, and the plastic housing sounds fine. Apparently it has the same uneven slope as the C, this being a major negative. <br /><br />The pm3 is the reason I got a model C instead of a new D. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd say the pm2 is a 9, only missing the USB port connection and the pm3 is a 2, since it doesn't start with the rower does and doesn't have an even countdown of the meters.<br /><br />Thus my ratings are as follows:<br /><br />#1- model B with upgraded seat, sprockets, speed ring, perimeter rubber cover, and extended pm2+ monitor;<br /><br />#2- model C with pm2+, wooden handle and quiet kit;<br /><br />#3- model D.

[[old] Andrew Burrows]

Much much prefer the Model D myself, its smoother, quieter, nicer looking, better handle, better display and the list goes on. Cant think of one thing about the C I prefer over the D to be honest.

[[old] dmhayden]

Regarding the Model E robot that wakes you up and plants your butt on the erg, here's a trick I used in grad school to make myself swim.<br /><br />The pool was about 200m from the parking lot where I parked my car. At the end of the day, I'd tell myself "just get in the pool. Even if you only swim 100m, just GET IN THE POOL." Some days I really would only swim 100-200m, but most of the time, once in the pool, I'd do a decent workout.<br /><br />Try the same thing with the erg. Tell yourself "just get on the erg, even if it's just for 500m."<br /><br />If you're working out in the AM at home when you wake up, another trick is to convince yourself that you can get up, pee, drink some water, and stagger to the erg all while your brain is still asleep. Heck, close your eyes on the erg and convince yourself that you're rowing while still asleep. <br /><br />Dave<br />

[[old] mark12_30]

Way back in 1982, the Model A was just... totally... awesome. I look back on them *very* fondly. The club bought a pair of them for winter workouts. They were innovative, they were lightweight, they were all the rage, and those playing cards gave you a nice direct breeze while you pulled your brains out.<br /><br />My sister has a Model B. I agree, the VOOOOOOM sound is satisfying (must be my Model A background, hankering for that good old SWOOOOSSHHH.) I'm also fond of the wooden handle and the wooden foot-stretchers-- I like wood just about anywhere I find it.<br /><br />Having said all that, I just bought a Model D, and I love that too. The wierd handle is still nice because it lets you pull all the way in (to your rib) with both hands-- so if you rowed sweep, you wouldn't be missing that last inch on your outside hand. <br /><br />I guess you could call me easy to please. (Rowing machine) = (happy Omega).<br /><br />--mark12_30 (Omega, UNH, fall 1980-fall 1982)

[[old] zim32805]

<!--QuoteBegin-blue87+Feb 4 2005, 03:20 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(blue87 @ Feb 4 2005, 03:20 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I prefer the old concept ergo to the new one. I absolutely hate the knew grip and shape of the handle, and the way the screen is set out!<br /><br />What are all ur other opinions?  <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />I bought mine in the early 80s and have had it ever since. I like the classic look but I can't say it feels much different than the newer ones I've tried in some gyms. I have a Waterrower also and if feels virtually the same. After about 15 minutes of warm up, my rowing workouts feel the same.....brutal.

[[old] Xeno]

Hi<br />I prefer the Model C. The rower "feels" sturdier.<br />I prefer the handle of Model D (with the better rubber. The old rubber got soft and sticky after a while.)<br />I am going to buy the new foot straps.<br />The PM2 is easy to work with and quick.<br />The Model C resistance stick is FAR easier to access than the one of the Model D.<br /><br />Bottom line MODEL C with a MODEL D handle.<br />XENO

[[old] Polaco]

Hi:<br /><br />Honestly I don't feel a very different feeling rowing with the D or the C as it existed between B and C.<br /><br />I love the new handle, when I go to the gym and use the old one i find it small and less comfortable.<br /><br />I love the big numbers showed on the screen of the PM3, I always use this screen better than the others (pace boat, force curve, etc)<br /><br />I prefer the sound of the D<br /><br />Bottom line: I prefer the Model D but retrofitting a C one with the handle (a must) and the PM3 (a should) is enough<br /><br />

[[old] johnhgough]

I tried the model D whilst on holiday the other week, liked the PM3 computer and the select workout presets functions, however didnt like the handle as much as the one on my normal model C. Perhaps this was resistance to change rather than a problem with the design of the new handle. the wood handle felt more substantial.<br /><br />John

[[old] joanvb]

In response to the topic question, I don't. <br />I was very happy with the C, but I love the D, for the reasons mentioned by those who prefer the D....the PM3, the handle, quieter, and, perhaps my imagination, but I think it feels more solid at the catch (less "give" than the C). Oh, and most important (for all the time we spend together), I find it more attractive. <br /><br />Joan VB

[[old] kjgress]

Wellll... I liked the model B better than the model A; better not get to the boathouse late or you would be stuck with one of the A's for practice. When I got around to buying one, the C had come out and it was great not to have to get up to change the sprocket but my favorite was the new footrest. Between the C and the D, though, not much to choose. I will admit I did the retro-fits that so many others have done; the handle and the PM3 and so don't really see the need for the D. I am with Xeno that the damper lever is much easier to reach on the C than the D (I can just reach up and swat at it on the catch if I need to) and the louder housing is great for me; it drowns out domestic sounds quite nicely. .<br /><br />Here's something just to take up space on the forum: How many of you out there have rowed on an A? I just looked up the parts list and it looks like you can still order Fan Blades (set of 9 for $5). That's pretty neat that service parts are still available. Maybe I'll start a new post for this <br />

[[old] Sentinal93]

I'm a fan of the B because of how simple it is, and also that noise it makes when you give it a good pull. Does anyone else have a problem with the PM3, the way it changes in a sluggish way? I guess it's because the pm1-pm2+ used led for the display, whereas the pm3 uses lcd, i believe that's the technical difference. Either way, as the meters count up or down, you don't really see each number, but it kind of meshes together, and you'll see every third or so. Does anyone else know what i'm talking about or is bothered by that?

[[old] PaulS]

<!--QuoteBegin-Sentinal93+Nov 13 2005, 03:14 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Sentinal93 @ Nov 13 2005, 03:14 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I'm a fan of the B because of how simple it is, and also that noise it makes when you give it a good pull.  Does anyone else have a problem with the PM3, the way it changes in a sluggish way?  I guess it's because the pm1-pm2+ used led for the display, whereas the pm3 uses lcd, i believe that's the technical difference.  Either way, as the meters count up or down, you don't really see each number, but it kind of meshes together, and you'll see every third or so.  Does anyone else know what i'm talking about or is bothered by that? <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />The PM3 display updates every half second (unless something changed in the latest version, but it hasn't appeared to.). They were both LCD displays, but the PM3 is a whole bunch of pixels instead of the fixed larger blocks (there probably is an actual technical term for them) that the PM1&2 used. So it takes longer to "paint" the screen and if they tried to show every meter it would just be a blur.<br /><br />I used to think that the D was a bit too quiet, but we must get used to that very quickly or it has just gotten noisier, because it doesn't seem any more quiet than how I remember the C anymore.

[[old] akit110]

<!--QuoteBegin-Sentinal93+Nov 13 2005, 07:14 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Sentinal93 @ Nov 13 2005, 07:14 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I'm a fan of the B because of how simple it is, and also that noise it makes when you give it a good pull.  Does anyone else have a problem with the PM3, the way it changes in a sluggish way?  I guess it's because the pm1-pm2+ used led for the display, whereas the pm3 uses lcd, i believe that's the technical difference.  Either way, as the meters count up or down, you don't really see each number, but it kind of meshes together, and you'll see every third or so.  Does anyone else know what i'm talking about or is bothered by that? <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />As I have said before, I always like the heavy-duty industrial look of the B. It looks like it was made in a workshop by your local welder. Ergonomically, I prefer the C or the D. But mainly because most Bs I have tried are in usually not in the best of condition (though useable).

[[old] John Rupp]

<!--QuoteBegin-Sentinal93+Nov 13 2005, 03:14 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Sentinal93 @ Nov 13 2005, 03:14 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I guess it's because the pm1-pm2+ used led for the display, whereas the pm3 uses lcd,[right] </td></tr></table><br /><br />All of them have been LCD.<br /><br />It would be nice if C2 would change to the faster display.