Why did you stop using RowPro ?

[jackarabit]

RP was a comprehensive erg-training aid and impressive first strike into the terra incognita of virtual group activity in real time. I enjoyed messing about with .csv files exported to Excel. Used it two years for training rows. ErgData came along, I stopped using it.

I don’t see Digital Rowing pivoting away from their accreted, one stop shopping, software platform to grab the short term advantage shilling additional variants of the app-based cloneware and celebrity training that piggyback on the current vogue for pair&synch, wireless hdware. RP is still a fantastic training and record keeping program for the 39USD I paid on special. I just don’t use it mainly because ED and logbk combo does all I need doing by way of record keeping and stats analysis. Moses parted the waters but didn’t live to see the Promised Land.

[Rowan McSheen]

My RowPro receipt is dated February 2009 and I'm still using it for every row. Version 4.3 on an old laptop works just fine and I only get failures when there's an issue with the Oarbits server; when this happens it seems to knock out not only the connection to the server but also the program internals. It's a minor annoyance, solved by turning the laptop's wifi off for the session. Otherwise it's pretty much rock solid; the laptop is used only for it and for a bit of light web browsing once in a while. And I'm fine with the Playstation 2 graphics.

I tried ver 5 once but found it a bit hardware-heavy, saw no reason to upgrade, and have stuck with what I know ever since. If the current laptop were to die I'd probably buy a second-hand similar and carry on with ver 4.3. I don't have a smartphone or tablet so not interested in Ergdata.

I just use RP for my own purposes, have never tried the online rowing and am not bothered about doing so. Nothing personal Carl, but I just like to do my own thing.

For the investment 11 years ago, a bargain imho.

[NotaryPossum]

I installed the software when I first got my Model D. I used the trial, but fully intended to buy it from the start. Glad I went with the trial first, I ended up uninstalling it before the trial was up.

Issues I had:

• My observations was that it is INCREDIBLY resource intensive. I could hear my laptop fans whine over the sound of the erg, and I had a new top end Macbook Pro (this was ~2 years ago). That seemed very excessive given the visualization quality.
• They sent a lot of emails. That might work for some, but that much spam is a big negative to me.
• The biggest issue: it failed to save the data from one of my rows.

My main goal was to save the workout data, so when it failed to save I was quite annoyed. I looked around, found ErgData, then deleted RowPro and unsubscribed from the email.

The question to ask in my opinion isn't 'Why did you stop using RowPro?' but instead is 'Why would anyone start using RowPro?'

[mitchel674]

My RowPro receipt is dated February 2009 and I'm still using it for every row. Version 4.3 on an old laptop works just fine and I only get failures when there's an issue with the Oarbits server; when this happens it seems to knock out not only the connection to the server but also the program internals. It's a minor annoyance, solved by turning the laptop's wifi off for the session. Otherwise it's pretty much rock solid; the laptop is used only for it and for a bit of light web browsing once in a while. And I'm fine with the Playstation 2 graphics.

I tried ver 5 once but found it a bit hardware-heavy, saw no reason to upgrade, and have stuck with what I know ever since. If the current laptop were to die I'd probably buy a second-hand similar and carry on with ver 4.3. I don't have a smartphone or tablet so not interested in Ergdata.

I just use RP for my own purposes, have never tried the online rowing and am not bothered about doing so. Nothing personal Carl, but I just like to do my own thing.

For the investment 11 years ago, a bargain imho.

Keep that old machine working. When I was forced to upgrade to a windows 10 laptop, I found out the hard way that my old version of RowPro would not work on my new machine which required my $99 upgrade.

[Carl Watts]

The question to ask in my opinion isn't 'Why did you stop using RowPro?' but instead is 'Why would anyone start using RowPro?'

There is only one reason to use RowPro and thats for the live online rowing. There is nothing else like it.

That why I have been pushing for a "Lite" version for years on your PC but better still for Android and it should be online rowing only option.

Now there is the MyRowPro App use this for setting up the rows and as soon as you open RowPro its straight into the online rows without all the rest of the rubbish.

Even the most staunch RowPro user will conclude that Zwift will be the way to go moving forward unless RowPro gets it together and fast.

[DavidA]

I hadn't used it in a long time, but yesterday decided to make sure my PM5, and C2 utility were all up-to-date, and to try RowPro again. Everything connected well, and I didn't have any issue seeing the scheduled rows, etc.
I set up a row for myself, and part way through I remembered why I had stopped using it - the scenery stops moving part way through (Also the changing 'camera' angle.) My oars keep moving, but nothing else.

David

[pes949]

I stopped for several months. This was a big mistake on my part. Once I stopped I got lazy and gained back 41 lbs. that I had lost. This was during the pandemic period. I went to the doctor and my A1C had climbed from 5.5 to 6.7. Now I had to increase my meds again.

So now I am back to using Row Pro where I have others to row with and keep my interest. In just a few weeks I have already lost 7 lbs. So for me I can only say that I need an application like Row Pro to keep me motivated and healthy.

I have noticed more participation recently. This is also due in part to the pandemic. Row Pro is dirt cheap compared to other fitness programs that hit you with a monthly fee. I can live with a few bugs in the software. Honestly though I have found if you do things right is is actually very reliable.

[CooksonS]

Wish my version was stable. Works fine sometimes, but in other occasions program shuts down with no warning. Very frustrating as several updates have not resolved the problem.

[Carl Watts]

Wish my version was stable. Works fine sometimes, but in other occasions program shuts down with no warning. Very frustrating as several updates have not resolved the problem.

What hardware for the computer are you using ? It pretty much always comes down to this.

If the PM5 has the latest firmware, you keep you GRAPHICS CARD Driver up to date, Windows 10 up to date, and have a decent internet connection then its very stable on V5.5.1

I'm using a Hp Z240 sff PC with 16Gb of RAM and a GeForce GTX-750Ti video card. Not the latest tech but its still an Intel i7 and there are continued video card driver updates available. You want a native Win 10 PC so its getting continued support for the hardware, using your old upgraded PC from an earlier version of Windows doesn't work well.

I think you have encountered the main reason users quit using RowPro, especially if they have these issues during the trial period, they just don't bother with it.

Fantastic bit of software if you invest in the hardware to run it.

[DeltaEcho]

Late joining the thread... I have just recently set up my old Concept 2 Model E, upgraded the PM4 to PM5 today, and been slowly learning the movement again. I used Rowpro back in the day. I purchased the rower in 2008, and I am fairly certain I set up Rowpro pretty much immediately.

It can be flakey starting even today. Often crashes while connecting. But once I set up the row, it seems pretty solid so far. Thie think that I used to get excited about was the online rows. I am in Australia, and it appears there are almost no online rows in any sensible Aussie time unfortunately. I will start a couple once I have nailed the form. I am using the Dark Horse Rowing Perfect beginners workout on Youtube for now.

I really do wish the app had progressed a little more than it has since I first started using it. I will be keeping an eye out on this Zwift progress. It seems promising. Any good movement on that yet? TBH, the most important thing about Rowpro for me was that it was on a backlit laptop screen, so I could row at night with the lights off. Couldn't see the PM4 in the dark without external light. Occasionally, it was good to row against my PB to break new ground.

On a side note, I watched all episodes of Burn Notice while rowing on the Concept 2, back when it was on TV. Am busting out the CDs to re-watch while I work up my rowing fitness again.

Cheers
DE

[Carl Watts]

I am in Australia, and it appears there are almost no online rows in any sensible Aussie time unfortunately.

Cheers
DE

Hi, Very few Australians online considering your population size over us in New Zealand.

There was an occasional rower called Westie but like many people I have seen them come and go over the years. Very few people stick with the Erg, its bloody hard work.

We have rows setup all week except Wednesday at 03:30 GMT (was 04:30 GMT but it just changed due to daylight saving in Europe) but the time may not suit you. I suggest setting up some online rows and others may join you. One of the big problems is that nobody sets up rows and they wait for others to do it.

RowPro V5.7.3 is as rock solid as you can get. I have changed my startup sequence a little bit and its good with even an ANT+ heartrate strap AND ErgData running at the same time.

[Claudius]

Hello, i am frequently active in the FS Forum, but sometimes i have a look around here, and when it comes to apps i am feeling qualified to share my experiences.

I started rowing with rowpro end of 2013, joined some 30min workouts or did it alone. After a little pause i restarted indoor rowing 2016. Joined Free Spirits and the C2 CTC. I still used row pro occasionally but since the release of the very easy to use ergdata App i stick more to this one (the installation in a gym is easy and fast). I always loved apps and games. I discovered Zwift November 2017- the first 13month cycling on zwift were very unspectactular, i didnt race nor joined group rides. The first big change: i became a DIRT Member, i learnded in this time everything you have to know about zwift. Racing, group rides, sprinting, zwiftpower...etc. And my focus from 2019 till middle 2020 was cycling. 2nd change: due to job change i refocus on indoor rowing since october 2020. But i really like that virtual world of zwift. But i dont wanted to have corrupted training stats on strava or TP...so i created a rowing only avatar.
Now the Question: why zwift and not row pro ? The past 6month the main focus was building up a bigger base- joining group rides(i am rowing with rowedbiker, and my Avatar is cycling). I still can not manage to wait or plan a row on rowpro. In Zwift (also thanks to late join possibility) in most cases there is a group ride...or ride with a pace bot...if you choose coco or dan it is a big group ride. But is this the big difference: yes and now...it is a part of it. The huge user numbers make it possible to have multiple group events in an hour (even if you opt out races - i do not race with the different one). But what is the no of this answer ? Even if you imagine indoor rowing would become as popular as indoor cycling - one thing is missing: the game dynamic of cycling. Thats mostly done by the draft effect. In row pro you have a pretty good simulation of a race - maybe that's the reason why many rowers like to race the 30min row. And there is of course also a game dynamic - if you see your boat next to one other...and you begin to increase your power to take the lead. But compared what zwift developed...group dynamic draft, etc...my comparison with an amusement park: zwift cycling is a huge roller coaster...running then is the small childs carousel...and even if zwift lounges rowing in the next days: i am pretty sure it won't be that fascinating as the huge roller coaster is. Just another small carousel maybe. So i completely understand zwifts politics to focus on cycling. Because of the user numbers. And because it is the reason why zwift is the elephant in the room: user numbers + game dynamic. Zwift changed the way i row...rowing became more dynamic, more fun. Instead of waiting for another carousel...just use the roller coaster with your rower ! I also used one or two times zwift and row pro simultaneously...but that is to arbitrary. What mistakes did row pro ? They didn't evolve...or did not evolve fast enough to create a quick to use app for iphone and android. Now we have many rowing apps on a very small market (compared to cycling) What mistaḱes did zwift: They announced the release of rowing over 2 years ago. Meanwhile there are the above mentioned other apps like EXR, Zoom Erg, etc. I do not believe if zwift ever releases rowing that this additional function will have a big impact in the indoor rowing world. Really...i thought long about it...and there could be a successful option for rowers on zwift...and i would be happy to share it with some officials of zwift to make the release of rowing successful...so i wrote this out of the blue in a train...next station is approaching where i i have to get off...i apologize my bad english and my direct but honest words about this issue.

[fischmeister]

Haha, that sounds very much like my story. Except that I never tried RowPro. Started with ErgData and headphones and did structured workouts following a plan. It was okay, I had goals and worked towards them. “Worked“ is the key word. Then I discovered rowing on Zwift - a real game changer. Suddenly rowing was pure fun: joining groups or even races with fascinating dynamics, exploring new routes, completing challenges, collecting xp points and drops, learning about virtual equipment and all the things that matter in the Zwift world, etc. etc.

Time flies on Zwift, and above all: It isn't work, it is fun! Can't wait to hop on the rowing machine for my next adventure. And although I do no longer do structured workouts my PBs get better! Probably because the motivation to collect kilometres is much higher, and the increased kilometres pay off.