Model C vs. Model D

[jvincent]

I voted yes.

- A used D is likely to be in better condition than a C since it is most probably quite a bit newer
- The handle on the D is better.
- If you can find a D with a PM4 the HRM support is better (Garmin ANT)

On the PM4 front, my model D (used) came with a PM3 and I upgraded to the PM4 to get the Garmin HRM. I was able to sell my PM3, so the incremental cost wasn't too bad.

[Citroen]

Any model C you buy will be at least 11 years old (and could be up to 21 years old). It may have an original PM2/PM2+ as the monitor. It really isn't worth it for what you'll save to buy such an old piece of hardware which you may have to replace anyway. The rail and fan will normally long out-live the monitor. Most PM2s/PM2+s are ready for the recycling bin.

Go for the model D every time. That leaves you with the choice of PM3 or PM4. I'd go with a PM4 (even if you have to swap out the PM3) as you'll get a monitor that's less than eight years old (it's still old hardware but if you get a PM4A (new micro controller) you're monitor will be less than six years old). A PM3 could date back to 2004. A PM3A (new micro controller) came out at the same time as the PM4A in 2008 so less than six years ago.

The thing that, most often, kills old monitors is leaking batteries. The next thing that kills the old PM3s and early PM4s is the big capacitor (used to keep memory alive for about 24hrs when the batteries die). The final thing that kills all models of monitor is water ingress (which is a rare death but just as deadly).

[atohal]

I voted yes.

- A used D is likely to be in better condition than a C since it is most probably quite a bit newer
- The handle on the D is better.
- If you can find a D with a PM4 the HRM support is better (Garmin ANT)

On the PM4 front, my model D (used) came with a PM3 and I upgraded to the PM4 to get the Garmin HRM. I was able to sell my PM3, so the incremental cost wasn't too bad.

If you buy a Model C, and buy the new handle and replace the old handle, as well as upgrade the rower with the PM4, is the Model D still any better than the Model C???

Alex

[c2jonw]

We're missing two key bits of information- the cost and condition of the Model C that you're considering. If it's a pretty thoroughly reamed out machine from a club then you might be willing to pay $25 to take it off their hands and put $300 and some time and effort into getting it running. Or it might be a pristine barely used machine that's been gathering dust for 15 years- for that you might pay $500 and not have to do a thing to it. The D is quieter than the C for two reasons- the quiet cog, which can be retrofitted and the redesigned flywheel cover, which can not be retrofitted. C2JonW

[atohal]

We're missing two key bits of information- the cost and condition of the Model C that you're considering.

The Model C (with PM3) is £700 whereas the Model D (with PM4) is £775. The Model C is 12 years old with a lifetime of around 1.6 million meters. The Model D is barely used - 1000 meters.

[Bob S.]

The Model C (with PM3) is £700 whereas the Model D (with PM4) is £775. The Model C is 12 years old with a lifetime of around 1.6 million meters. The Model D is barely used - 1000 meters.

There is really no question. The D is by far and away the better bargain.

By the way, since you state the prices in pounds, I assume that you are in the UK. Are you aware that there is a C2 forum based in the UK? Check out "the rowing company."

Most of the contributors to this forum, which is US based, would be thinking in US dollars.

Bob S.

[Citroen]

We're missing two key bits of information- the cost and condition of the Model C that you're considering.

The Model C (with PM3) is £700 whereas the Model D (with PM4) is £775. The Model C is 12 years old with a lifetime of around 1.6 million meters. The Model D is barely used - 1000 meters.

There's no comparison between those. The model C owner is taking the piss by about £250.

[c2jonw]

Agree the D is by far the better deal.....C2JonW

[Carl Watts]

It depends on allot of factors like the machine may be hardly ever used or it may be near stuffed and you will need to do work on it yourself.

If your not good at fixing things you may be better off just buying a new Model D. For the average user there is no advantage in the PM4 over the PM3 unless you want to use a heartrate monitor and don't already have a Polar set-up.

A model C can be converted to a model D in terms of feel if your prepaired to change the chain, handle and the sprocket and shaft.

Generally over here the second hand ones are over priced and a couple of hundred more buys you a brand new Model D2 instead of a 6 or 7 year old D1 which has the old version of the PM3 so you need to know what it is your buying. There are numerious improvements in the latest model which are just not obvious to first time buyers.