Questions about accessories

[ecrow]

I think I'll get the phone holder and seat pad while ordering the C2 as they are both very cheap with the combined shipping.

Mat/smartwatch no need to order yet. I do like the idea of hear rate tracking and also wanted to get something to track sleep etc etc. I saw some videos on 'zone 2' training which seems to be hyped these days. Some of the cheaper HRMs like Coospo brand have both Ant+/BT and also say they can work with Polar's app.

The next step is to get the better half to approve the funds which may well prove to the biggest challenge

[Dangerscouse]

I think I'll get the phone holder and seat pad while ordering the C2 as they are both very cheap with the combined shipping.

Mat/smartwatch no need to order yet. I do like the idea of hear rate tracking and also wanted to get something to track sleep etc etc. I saw some videos on 'zone 2' training which seems to be hyped these days. Some of the cheaper HRMs like Coospo brand have both Ant+/BT and also say they can work with Polar's app.

The next step is to get the better half to approve the funds which may well prove to the biggest challenge

I love the smartphone holder as I use Ergzone religiously for every session.

Mat could easily be cheap interlocking solution, but I've got the C2 mat.

I use CooSpo HRM which works really well and, as you say, links with Polar Beat as a HR tracker. Imo, there's no need for a more expensive option, and I have also used a Wahoo Tickr which is also a great option, but I don't know if it's compatible with Polar Beat

[Ombrax]

+1 on the seat pad.

You may well not need it (probably not, if you're also a cyclist) but if you do it's a good start. There are more expensive options out there, and cheaper ones (e.g. folded towel, bubble wrap, etc) but the C2 pad is basic insurance, just in case you need it.

Have Fun!

[jcross485]

I would personally stay away from any "expensive" accessories (whatever that means for you) until you get the erg, get some sessions in on it to know its something you enjoy and will be consistent with.

That said, I've been doing this now for just a couple of years but have really gotten more consistent this year and am finding the more I do it, the more I enjoy it.

With regards to accessories, here are my thoughts on what you mentioned as well as others -

Mat: This will depend on where you row. I am in my garage most of the time, very occasionally I will take it outside to my backyard or somewhere else, so I do not have a mat. If you are going to be rowing anywhere with finished floors (ie. carpet, tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, etc.), I would recommend a mat or other floor protection...cheaper than replacing floors.

Phone Mount / Tablet Mount: While I really enjoy the PM5 monitor and all of the information it can give, I use the ErgZone app to program workouts as it is very user friendly and intuitive, so I recommend the phone mount. I program everything into the app and it sends it right to the C2. The tablet mount was not on mine when I bought it; I used to set my laptop up next to me on a little stool to watch something while I row - this was sufficient. I did add the tablet mount since and am using a tablet now instead. I can't say the tablet mount is something required but considering it was a relatively cheap investment, I'm glad I got it.

Seat Pad: I actually recommend learning how to row without one if at all possible. I think the pad will mask some technique or posture flaws early. Once you develop the technique that works for you as it relates to delivering the most power to the handle and flywheel per stroke and you build up the ability to endure some volume per session, a pad might be a good investment. Personally, I don't like a pad but am using something on the seat to raise the height of the seat compared to the foot plates as it fits my anthropometrics a bit better.

HR Monitor: While this might be the priciest accessory, I think this one is one of the better ones to add. Most will work during other activities you may do where you want to track HR and they are rather durable (mine is going on 3 years of pretty heavy use through both rowing and running) with nothing more than cleaning and battery changes. I am liking mine for the longer, steadier sessions but have found that I benefit from not wearing it during intense sessions.

Others:

- Headbands / wrist bands - get some cheap ones. For me, rowing in my garage in the Las Vegas heat, I sweat - I've got a bunch of cheap headbands to keep sweat out of my eyes and wrist bands to help prevent sweat from running down my arms onto my hands which would ultimately lead to hand issues (blisters, etc.) on long sessions.

- Small fan - again, depending on where you will be setting up, a small fan keeping some air movement on you is not a bad idea. For me, it helps me keep my HR from skyrocketing during longer sessions and just makes it a bit more comfortable.

[Slidewinder]

I added my own accessory to the seat - a simple tubular structure extending a few inches rearward. I was finding that the tail of my shirt would sometimes get jammed under the rear seat roller and bring me to an alarming and dangerous stop. This simple structure prevents that. There is nothing proprietorial about the design. It is something Concept 2 should include on all their rowers. Many here are probably thinking, 'Ha, ha. Just wear a tighter shirt!'. Well, I am of the opinion that you should be able to wear loose flowing clothes on an exercise machine without the danger of getting your clothing caught in the machinery. For units in public gyms this is particularly important. Some people are modest and do not wish to wear tight clothing. This dictate is inconsiderate and insensitive to a lot of users.

[Dangerscouse]

- Headbands / wrist bands - get some cheap ones. For me, rowing in my garage in the Las Vegas heat, I sweat - I've got a bunch of cheap headbands to keep sweat out of my eyes and wrist bands to help prevent sweat from running down my arms onto my hands which would ultimately lead to hand issues (blisters, etc.) on long sessions.

- Small fan - again, depending on where you will be setting up, a small fan keeping some air movement on you is not a bad idea. For me, it helps me keep my HR from skyrocketing during longer sessions and just makes it a bit more comfortable.

I forgot about mentioning these. I have to use a double sized wrist band and a headband, as I'm really struggling without them.

I'm more of a big fan advocate. 20 inches is ideal for me, but I do row in a loft conversion so it retains heat and humidity easier than lower floors.

I'd also recommend liquid chalk for your hands if you're a heavy sweater like I am.

[Dangerscouse]

Many here are probably thinking, 'Ha, ha. Just wear a tighter shirt!'. Well, I am of the opinion that you should be able to wear loose flowing clothes on an exercise machine without the danger of getting your clothing caught in the machinery. For units in public gyms this is particularly important. Some people are modest and do not wish to wear tight clothing. This dictate is inconsiderate and insensitive to a lot of users.

I'm not going to, nor would I ever have suggested a tighter shirt, but couldn't you just slightly tuck in the back of it to your shorts? Not all of it, so only a small part of it. Wouldn't that resolve the issue?

[jcross485]

I forgot about mentioning these. I have to use a double sized wrist band and a headband, as I'm really struggling without them.

I'm more of a big fan advocate. 20 inches is ideal for me, but I do row in a loft conversion so it retains heat and humidity easier than lower floors.

I'd also recommend liquid chalk for your hands if you're a heavy sweater like I am.

I agree; the headband and wrist band trick has really been a gamechanger for me. I have done hats but they're warmer than headbands and the wrist bands to keep the sweat from coming down the arms on the hands really helps on longer sessions.

I should have been a bit more clear with the fan thing. I too have a 20" fan that kicks up at a pretty good speed but rarely take it to the max. I would agree with you that 20" should be the most someone needs.

I've got normal gym chalk and liquid chalk for my home gym set up but have never used it when rowing. I might have to give the liquid chalk a try on my next longer session to see how my hands fair.

[ecrow]

I would personally stay away from any "expensive" accessories (whatever that means for you) until you get the erg, get some sessions in on it to know its something you enjoy and will be consistent with.

That said, I've been doing this now for just a couple of years but have really gotten more consistent this year and am finding the more I do it, the more I enjoy it.

With regards to accessories, here are my thoughts on what you mentioned as well as others -

Mat: This will depend on where you row. I am in my garage most of the time, very occasionally I will take it outside to my backyard or somewhere else, so I do not have a mat. If you are going to be rowing anywhere with finished floors (ie. carpet, tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, etc.), I would recommend a mat or other floor protection...cheaper than replacing floors.

Phone Mount / Tablet Mount: While I really enjoy the PM5 monitor and all of the information it can give, I use the ErgZone app to program workouts as it is very user friendly and intuitive, so I recommend the phone mount. I program everything into the app and it sends it right to the C2. The tablet mount was not on mine when I bought it; I used to set my laptop up next to me on a little stool to watch something while I row - this was sufficient. I did add the tablet mount since and am using a tablet now instead. I can't say the tablet mount is something required but considering it was a relatively cheap investment, I'm glad I got it.

Seat Pad: I actually recommend learning how to row without one if at all possible. I think the pad will mask some technique or posture flaws early. Once you develop the technique that works for you as it relates to delivering the most power to the handle and flywheel per stroke and you build up the ability to endure some volume per session, a pad might be a good investment. Personally, I don't like a pad but am using something on the seat to raise the height of the seat compared to the foot plates as it fits my anthropometrics a bit better.

HR Monitor: While this might be the priciest accessory, I think this one is one of the better ones to add. Most will work during other activities you may do where you want to track HR and they are rather durable (mine is going on 3 years of pretty heavy use through both rowing and running) with nothing more than cleaning and battery changes. I am liking mine for the longer, steadier sessions but have found that I benefit from not wearing it during intense sessions.

Others:

- Headbands / wrist bands - get some cheap ones. For me, rowing in my garage in the Las Vegas heat, I sweat - I've got a bunch of cheap headbands to keep sweat out of my eyes and wrist bands to help prevent sweat from running down my arms onto my hands which would ultimately lead to hand issues (blisters, etc.) on long sessions.

- Small fan - again, depending on where you will be setting up, a small fan keeping some air movement on you is not a bad idea. For me, it helps me keep my HR from skyrocketing during longer sessions and just makes it a bit more comfortable.

these are all great points.

mat - I am on carpet in a rental apt, so while I doubt the feet will cause any damage or move, I considered getting one

HRM - I have eliminated Garmin due to multiple reviews that its BT connection isn't reliable, also the Garmin Connect app doesn't seem to be as well liked as Polar's. I will be using without their $500 watches.

phone stand - C2 sells theirs for $1. I have no idea why no one has mentioned this and I've watched a lot of videos/reviews, they all recommend some $20 phone holder.

can you run both ergzone, ergdata at same time? or any other app which also syncs to the PM5? I'm guessing they all connect to PM5 directly, is there a connection limit or is it like a pc with multiple connections?

the whole tracking thing and now with added HR tracking is new to me and very tempting.

this will be setup in my living room which is the only place it can go. I have a floor fan.

[JaapvanE]

HRM - I have eliminated Garmin due to multiple reviews that its BT connection isn't reliable, also the Garmin Connect app doesn't seem to be as well liked as Polar's. I will be using without their $500 watches.

I've been using a Garmin strap for over two years now, I never had issues with it. I use both ANT+ (to the PM5) and BLE (other sports).

The Garmin connect app is actually pretty good. But I don't think you can use it with only a HR strap (I never could with mine). The PM5/C2 Logbook can also automatically upload to Garmin Connect, which is handy when you do multiple sports and don't want to search for all your data. I don't know if C2 can automatically upload to Polar. But it is a matter of personal preference.

phone stand - C2 sells theirs for $1. I have no idea why no one has mentioned this and I've watched a lot of videos/reviews, they all recommend some $20 phone holder.

I've been using the C2 phone holder for over a year now. Never had an issue with it, aside that it sometimes pushes the buttons on my phone when inserting it.

can you run both ergzone, ergdata at same time? or any other app which also syncs to the PM5? I'm guessing they all connect to PM5 directly, is there a connection limit or is it like a pc with multiple connections?

The PM5 only handles only one Bluetooth connection. So it is either ergZone or ergData (or EXR or KinoMap). Some apps can handle the upload to the C2 Logbook for you (like ergZone, ergData and EXR).

[ecrow]

I've been using a Garmin strap for over two years now, I never had issues with it. I use both ANT+ (to the PM5) and BLE (other sports).

The Garmin connect app is actually pretty good. But I don't think you can use it with only a HR strap (I never could with mine). The PM5/C2 Logbook can also automatically upload to Garmin Connect, which is handy when you do multiple sports and don't want to search for all your data. I don't know if C2 can automatically upload to Polar. But it is a matter of personal preference.

my comments on Garmin are purely based on reading some reviews I have no experience with any brand tracker/hrm. It seems like you can't use any of their platforms without their corresponding expensive watch. But it looks like I could install the Wahoo/Polar/Garmin app on phone and then connect their respective chest hrm. Then there are other platforms like Strava (with free and paid) and Google Fit/Apple Health and their own websites that all want to consolidate everything.

The PM5 only handles only one Bluetooth connection. So it is either ergZone or ergData (or EXR or KinoMap). Some apps can handle the upload to the C2 Logbook for you (like ergZone, ergData and EXR).

well that changes my plans to use multiple apps (on tablet and phone). I was assuming I'd always have ergdata recording everything and then if needed use another app for extra features.

as usual I'm overthinking all this and its probably quite funny to the regulars here

[JaapvanE]

my comments on Garmin are purely based on reading some reviews I have no experience with any brand tracker/hrm. It seems like you can't use any of their platforms without their corresponding expensive watch. But it looks like I could install the Wahoo/Polar/Garmin app on phone and then connect their respective chest hrm. Then there are other platforms like Strava (with free and paid) and Google Fit/Apple Health and their own websites that all want to consolidate everything.

For data consolidation I don't think the Garmin platform actually checks what you use. I think you can use the platform without their watches, and have it all work via background upload. Might be that Polar works like that as well. It is a good way to build a relation with a future buyer....

For HRM straps during rowing, the PM5 will do the work for you. It will record you HR and send it whoever is recording.

When you do other sports, it might be worth checking out what is custom there. In cycling, you really want ANT+ as most equipment uses and understands that. But other sports might lean more to Bluetooth.

An important thing to keep in mind: some HR straps have their own memory and data can be read via an app post excercise. Other straps (most?) only broadcast the HR data via ANT+ and/or Bluetooth, but can't store data. So for a recording you really need something listening and recording like an app, PM5 or watch.

well that changes my plans to use multiple apps (on tablet and phone). I was assuming I'd always have ergdata recording everything and then if needed use another app for extra features.

ErgData is a nice app, but ErgZone has the same functionality and a lot of extra's. Another is PainSled, which records even more data. I believe all three can upload to the C2 logbook (not certain about PainSled), so in the end your logbook gets filled, it is just a matter of preference of the GUI and your data need.

Looking beyond that, you have EXR, RowPro and CoZweat. These three connect your PM5 and allow you to row in virtual environments. A bit like Zwift. Some like it, some don't. I know EXR can also upload to your logbook, not certain about the other two. So you get your basic data, but not the extremely detailed info like PainSled will provide.

as usual I'm overthinking all this and its probably quite funny to the regulars here

No, there are a lot of options, and it is a bit awkward that the PM5 only allows one connection. In my preferred setup, I use ErgData ord ErgZone to program the PM5, using these apps to display all kinds of metrics, and have EXR to keep me entertained during my row. But C2 forces you to make choices.

[Slidewinder]

I am of the opinion that you should be able to wear loose flowing clothes on an exercise machine without the danger of getting your clothing caught in the machinery.

... couldn't you just slightly tuck in the back of it to your shorts?

That depends on the length of the tail of my shirt - whether it will come loose during the catch. Your advice is like the advice before operating a milling machine - tuck in your shirt, roll up your sleeves... This is an exercise machine, not a milling machine. The rear seat roller should be equipped with a guard. The guard I added to my unit would add a couple of dollars to the new cost of the RowErg. Simple, effective, and considerate of all those who do not wish to wear a tight, revealing top in a public gym.

[Dangerscouse]

well that changes my plans to use multiple apps (on tablet and phone). I was assuming I'd always have ergdata recording everything and then if needed use another app for extra features.

I use Ergzone for every session, and I can't think of anything that it doesn't do that I'd like it to do.

I've not looked at the most recent Ergdata version, but it was no contest for an option for me with the older version.

[Dangerscouse]

That depends on the length of the tail of my shirt - whether it will come loose during the catch

Surely the flaw in your comment is that if it's so long to catch on the roller, it has to be long enough to tuck in properly?

I don't wear a "tight revealing top" and never have, but I've also rowed many millions of metres without an issue, nor have I ever heard anyone mention this issue. That's not to say it isn't an issue, but if it required a solution, I'd have have expected to have heard at least some people mention it before now.