Concept 2 vs. the competition

[johnlvs2run]

TWhat would a ground-breaking product entail?

I would say that just catching up would be plenty.
> belt drive
> level railing
> foot plates at 35 to 40 degree angle (currently > 50 degrees)
> equalize the angles from the feet to the axle, and the axle to the handle

Currently the rise between the feet and the axle is 50 percent (30 degrees), and the rise between
the axle and the handle is only 4 percent (2 degrees), which puts a great strain on the chest and the ribs.
This is because you are pulling a weight that is up in the air, rather than midway to the feet.

The remedy is to lower the cage so the angles to the axle would be midway between the feet and the chest.
This would be approximately 21.7 percent (12.5 degrees), for both the feet to the axle and the axle to the handle.
The axle could be lowered all the way down to being level with the railing, but the midway point is a compromise.

Here is a video that illustrates current angles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMIJ70pyVH0

[rowingmachineexpert]

You might find my website useful: http://www.rowingmachineexpert.com

I created it after finding that there are few indoor rowing specific websites around, and none with side by side comparisons of a group of machines where someone has actually tried them!

I did spend quite a bit of time trying various machines, and there is quite a bit of other stuff on here which people may find helpful

[Carl Watts]

And thats not even all the rowers out there !

Tried a Fluid Rower E520 today at a gym and while it was smooth and quiet (water based), what I really noticed in the whole Ergonomics of it felt quite different to the Concept 2 and a close look at it made it seem like a toy. Hate to say it but after years on the C2 my body has adapted to it and I just love the feeling of rowing on one. The C2 Design has evolved into a very reliable and rugged machine that can handle any power you throw at it without falling to bits with a great online community here and with RowPro.

At a competition and top end level there is only one choice, if you want to just play on your rower there is several to choose from.

[rowingmachineexpert]

Yes, that's the conclusion I came to as well. though the water based rowers do have something to offer for the more 'recreational' user.

[Rockin Roland]

You might find my website useful: http://www.rowingmachineexpert.com

I created it after finding that there are few indoor rowing specific websites around, and none with side by side comparisons of a group of machines where someone has actually tried them!

I did spend quite a bit of time trying various machines, and there is quite a bit of other stuff on here which people may find helpful

If you call yourself a rowing machine expert then why is there no mention on your website of the top two rowing machines in the world ?

A so called rowing machine expert would know what they are and gone out of their way to try them and review them.

The 12 reviews on this website are very general and lack more specific detailed information which would make a purchasing decision easier. It appears to me that these reviews were done by a fitness enthusiast rather than an experienced rower.

A good start but looks like you still have some work to do.

[rowingmachineexpert]

Thanks Roland

Agreed work still to do.

I had never heard of Rowperfect until very recently. I have checked their website, and the machines look very impressive. I would like to try one - first I will need to track one down in the UK.

What would you say are the main differences in the feel of the machine?

I have never said that I am an experienced rower, just an experienced indoor rower

[Rockin Roland]

Thanks Roland

Agreed work still to do.

I had never heard of Rowperfect until very recently. I have checked their website, and the machines look very impressive. I would like to try one - first I will need to track one down in the UK.

What would you say are the main differences in the feel of the machine?

I have never said that I am an experienced rower, just an experienced indoor rower

The general trend for the better erg manufacturers these days is towards dynamic movement ergs. They have many advantages over all the other ergs that have stationary flywheels(which is all of the 12 ergs listed on your website). It's not only because they go further towards capturing the movement of a boat over water. They also put less stress on the body which would make it less likely to cause an injury. Plus the movement is far more enjoyable to do which means they require less motivation than a stationary erg to keep you interested in using one. Furthermore, dynamic ergs aren't just for those that usually row on the water. Gym equipment enthusiasts will also find them more enjoyable and beneficial than stationary ergs.

Rowperfect have two dynamic ergs. The "indoor sculler" which is manufactured and sold only in Australia. And the RP3 (they have a distributor in the UK) which is the Dutch version sold around the world.They both have the same movement yet are very different ergs. You made mo mention of C2's dymanic erg either or C2's greatest threat Oartec. Oartec have two excellent ergs on the market. One of which is dynamic and has been well recieved with great reviews since its launch. They also have a stationary erg which although is bulky and expensive but despite this, in many ways is better than a C2.

So as you can see your website is incomplete without any reference to the above mentioned ergs.

[luckylindy]

Considering that all the ergs he lists are available on Amazon (via his referral code), I'd assume he's not interested in reviewing dynamic rowing machines that are available through dealers only.

[rowingmachineexpert]

I'm learning about new types of machine all the time. The 12 I have listed happen to be from Amazon as that's the only vendor I've managed to configure so far.

I will add every machine I can as I develop the site, and they won't all have links to purchase...

[Atorrante]

Well, I'm back. Hi! Been for years out of this world (rowing), I recently discover a pair of new LifeFitness rowers at my gym, and of course jump on them. Compared to C2, hmm, maybe I can use them to get in shape, but although they are enjoyable, concept2 were a better experience. Today I did my first 5K in years @ 2/500m pace (not bad as my 4th attempt and being almost 61) and it feels good. I like the water sound in each stroke.

[Citroen]

Please don't bump ancient old threads.