Concept2 Forum

I'm looking at getting a concept rower. However I've been hearing mixed things about the Model D. My main concern looking over the diference between the two is the construction of the fan housing. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is the houseing on the Model D made of more plastic then the C? I've only ever seen a model C so I'm going off of online images only, but it seems to be of lower quality. If this is not the case, please correct me. In addition I would like to hear peoples opinions on the diferences.

jfizer- The fan housing on the Model C is made of two formed sheet metal covers and a perforated steel section connecting the two covers. The Model D fan housing has two ABS plastic molded halves connected by stainless steel perforated metal. <br />They are both great machines, but the plastic does have some advantages over the metal. Primarily:<br />* Rust is not an issue.<br />* Scratches are not as noticeable on the plastic.<br />* I've done some pretty severe impact tests of both parts and there is no doubt that the metal will permanently dent before the plastic shows any sign of impact. Granted you can generally reform a dent, but it takes a very hard hit to actually break the plastic.<br />* Through design, the D cover is quieter than the C.<br />* The D cover is easier to open up and clean (still a chore that needs to be done once in a while).<br />Note that the D has been in production since August of 2003, so it's not like this is an unproven product........JonW

I've had a model C for years and just upgraded to an 'almost' new D at an erg competition a few weeks ago, and I have to say that I love the model D! As for the flywheel housing, I would say that the D is better designed than the C, as there was really no 'structure' with the 'C', when I would put the C back together it seemed that I was just putting screws through arbitrary holes in the metal mesh screen.<br /><br />As for other improvements, while there is still wind noise, the gear noise is almost completely gone with the D. The handle is more ergonomically designed. But most of all, the PM3 is awesome compared to the PM2. Built in USB, more modes, stores more workouts (the PM2 only stored your last workout, so if someone pulled even 1 stroke on your erg before you had written your numbers, then goodbye workout, not so with the PM3), store even more data on your removable logcard. I like to workout a couple of times a week with my rowing club, so I just pull my logcard out, and put it in the erg at the boathouse, and all my workouts are stored no matter where I ergged.<br /><br />The only thing that may have been better in the model 'C' is the seat mounting bracket, it is 1 piece of heavy 90 degree angled metal. In the model 'D' the bracket has cutouts (ostensibly where the metal is unneeded) to reduce the amount of metal used. This is probably not a problem, as the model C bracket was probably way over designed.<br /><br />Aesthetically, the black and grey look of the model C looks like it means business, but the blue with greenish highlights of the D is admittedly more modern and fresher. Selling my C will be like losing an old friend, but I'm sure I'll feel the same way when I trade in my D for an E, whenever they come out.<br /><br />Bottom line, if price is important and you can get a really good discount on a used model C then get it, otherwise get a model D. All concept II's are great and are built to last.

This what I wrote based on my use of both machines in another thread:<br /><br />Here's what I like about the C:<br />1) color scheme (subdued - nice for a residential setting)<br />2) the PM2 (simple and functional)<br />3) the aesthetics of the solid wooden handle<br />4) the metal flywheel housing (seems more substantial than thermoplastic)<br /><br />Here's what I like about the D:<br />1) color scheme (bolder - nice for a modern gym setting)<br />2) quieter<br />3) the ergonomics of the new handle<br />4) the damper adjustment handle (more integrated)<br /><br />Overall, they are very similar and the differences are minor and not really functional considerations for the most part. I would make the decision based on price. On Ebay, there are a lot of Model Cs going for $600-$700. For that price range, I would probably buy the Model D since you will have the Concept 2 warranty and absolutely new and latest machine. However, I will see less knowledgeable sellers sell their Model C on places like Craig's List on the Web for as low as $400-$500. These are typically people who never took to rowing and just want to make a quick sale. At the price range, I would go for the Model C. Probably around $600 would be the tipping point for me. Over that, I would go 'new'.<br /><br />Having said that, I think the fact that C2 supports their older models so well (even with second-hand buyers) ultimately supports the purchase of their new models. A thriving second-hand market for a product results in awesome resale which makes people purchase the new models more readily i.e. upgrading or first-time purchases.<br />You tend to see this with a lot of the top brands in a category - good resale AND good volume of new purchases like Leica (cameras), Harley Davidson (motorbikes) or Rolex (wristwatches). Plus it creates a lot of goodwill and brand loyalty as people who can't afford the product at its new price point join the 'fold' through (initially) purchasing used but later buying new. <br /><br />This has certainly been the situation for me. I know that sooner or later, I will buy a D or an E or an F Model - in part - because C2 was so supportive of my second-hand Model C purchase by supplying parts, literature etc. It's all about goodwill! <br /><br />

So is there a good source of used Concept2's other than looking through the ads in the paper or getting lucky at a garage sale?<br /><br />I'm not sure I can justify the cost of a new one to my better half, since I can use the ergs at the gym. On the other hand, my gym does not do a very good job of maintaining the ergs, and it would be a lot easier just to go in to the next room to row than to drive to the gym.

Try contacting local rowing clubs or universities (you can google for websites). I managed to get a Model B for free that way.

Slo-boat,<br /><br />Do be sure to check eBay. There are always a few model C's for sale there. In fact, one just sold for the strange sum of $622.64. I keep an eye out myself because I occasionally think of doing the very thing someone else mentioned on this thread -- selling my C and replacing it with a D. <br /><br />Happy shopping,<br />DGG

slo_boat:<br /><br />Being in the Austin area as well, I had a hard time finding anything local. Seems like most of the ergs for sale are on the coasts. I ended up ordering my model C from a distributor of used equipment out of Rhode Island, I believe. Mine was $500+shipping. Since then, I have replaced the seat rollers and upgraded to the PM3 but other than that, all it needed was to oil the chain and clean the flywheel housing.<br /><br />Good luck finding one.<br />Steve