Concept2 Forum

What is recommended as the best model for a new strength and conditioning studio? Leaning toward the Model D as most economical. Most, if not all of the participants will be beginner adults.
Also beginning discussion with the high school athletic director to set up ergs for cross-training athletes. Also Model D? Thanks!

The D is plenty rugged and can handle heavy use, but I'd say that the E is a bit more rugged still. Also, as you probably noticed, the rail, and therefore the seat on the E is a bit higher than on the D, which makes it a teeny bit easier to sit and get up from it. I've never have a problem with that on my C (same as the D) but I can imagine that some folks with mobility issues might prefer the E. Both models (if purchased new) will come with the same PM5, so that won't be an issue.

I haven't checked the price differential lately, but if you're on a super-tight budget then perhaps the D would be a better choice. If you can swing it, then for some small % of your potential customer base the E would be better.

Good Luck

The difference is $200 ($900 for a D, $1100 for an E). For that with an E you get six inches of extra height, a monitor arm that doesn't move and a rower that's built more like a Hummer than a Jeep. Everything else is identical.

I’m guessing a strength and conditioning studio is a small gym with the same problems as large gyms. Ever see 40 spin bikes shoved in a corner when a new exercise fad comes to town? Not saying that C2 rowers are a fad but they are a piece of equipment that may need to share time and space with other apparatus when necessary simply because they don’t require three bulls and a tank retriever to shift them. Not gonna do the time share thing with treadmills and four station weight stack machines!

So buy the model D and get the storage advantages of shorter legs, folding monitor arm, and lighter weight. If you have several clients with severely-limited mobility, consider a couple of model Es. Or in a pinch, boxes or platforms can be placed under front and rear legs of a D to get the 5” increase in height of the E.