Upgrade PM3 to PM5 or flip Model D for a new one?

[trifona]

My model D is about 10 years old but has low meters since I’m the only user. I’ve been thinking about buying a new PM5 since I now have the trio of C2 machines now and love having the PM5 transmit my data to ErgData for online uploads to the logbook instead of hauling out a laptop and cable to use the C2 utility.

Have there been any enhancements to the rowing machine outside of the PM in the last dozen years?

A new model D shipped is about $1K with tax and shipping.
A new PM5 is about $199 with and shipping.

Would you go through the minor hassle of flipping the old rower on CL and paying a premium to get a brand new model D?

[Allan Olesen]

Which model D do you have? The model changed in 2006.

Old D:
Baby blue
Metal footrests.
No protection caps over wheels.
To disassemble, you had to roll a lever below the centre beam.

New D:
Black
Plastic footrests.
Protection caps over wheels.
To disassemble, you have to slide a panel above the centre beam.

[trifona]

Which model D do you have? The model changed in 2006.

Old D:
Baby blue
Metal footrests.
No protection caps over wheels.
To disassemble, you had to roll a lever below the centre beam.

New D:
Black
Plastic footrests.
Protection caps over wheels.
To disassemble, you have to slide a panel above the centre beam.

My model D was actually purchased in 2009 so it seems like it is the “new” one. Mine is light gray.

[Carl Watts]

No real benefits on buying a new one if its got low usage.

If you really need the extras the PM5 offers, which is only the backlit display and wireless heartrate then get it but 95% of rowers only really need the PM3.

Have considered getting a new Black one myself, mainly because the grey gets affected by our UV light and it starts to yellow. If it really bothered me that much I could just replace the grey plastic fan housing parts with black ones.

Also depends on your used prices, sometime people manage to sell a used one for practically the price of a new one.

[Allan Olesen]

If you really need the extras the PM5 offers, which is only the backlit display and wireless heartrate

...and wireless connection to your phone.

I guess that last item is the main cause for most people upgrading.

[CJOttawa]

...love having the PM5 transmit my data to ErgData for online uploads to the logbook instead of hauling out a laptop and cable to use the C2 utility...

Admittedly, I like the connectivity options of the PM5. That said, if the PM3 works for you otherwise (and assuming you're on Android), why not just get the Android Connection Kit? https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/ ... ection-kit

If I were contemplating putting a PM5 on an older erg, I'd be tempted just to sell the whole thing and buy a new Model D. In almost no other hobby or sport would that seem sane but the Model D's retain their value so well it might end up being a wash with the PM5 upgrade.

[jackarabit]

https://www.concept2.com/news/black-model-d

I have a grey model D YOM 2012. Allan is correct that 2006 is the watershed yr. for significant engineering revisions. Only reason to replace is new erg smell. Mine came with PM3. Also used PM4 for a year. PM5 mounted currently.

[trifona]

...love having the PM5 transmit my data to ErgData for online uploads to the logbook instead of hauling out a laptop and cable to use the C2 utility...

Admittedly, I like the connectivity options of the PM5. That said, if the PM3 works for you otherwise (and assuming you're on Android), why not just get the Android Connection Kit? https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/ ... ection-kit

If I were contemplating putting a PM5 on an older erg, I'd be tempted just to sell the whole thing and buy a new Model D. In almost no other hobby or sport would that seem sane but the Model D's retain their value so well it might end up being a wash with the PM5 upgrade.

That's the temptation. A PM5 upgrade would cost me about $200. On the other hand,my rower is 10 years old and I could probably sell it and buy a new Model D with a net out of pocket cost of ~$300+/-.

oh..and i have iOS not Android.