Matrix rowing machine v Concept 2

[Dave Neve]

Hello

My gym in France has been bought out and the new owners are replacing the Concept 2 with Matrix rowers I've already tried them out and hate them with their constant resistance where each stroke feels like you are just starting (no feeling of momentum)

Does anyone have any tips for me please about how to adapt to the Matrix or a similar machine as I don't really have much choice.

Thanks

[Citroen]

Change gym to one that does have Concept2 machines.

[JaapvanE]

Although I am a big proponent of cheaper or better alternatives to C2, this is neither. Your feeling is correct: magnetic resistance machines have a constant dragforce, where air-based machines the dragforce varies based on flywheel speed. You could see what happens when you set drag to its lowest setting.

But switching gym might be an option indeed..

[Carl Watts]

Buy your own Concept 2 rower if you use it that much.

Just about to sell my Model C but will keep the Model D (its now just an expensive monitor repair test jig) after purchasing it in 2000, definitely had my monies worth out of it.

I did the math years ago and bought a rower and quit the gym because Gyms used to be very expensive.

[Sakly]

Talk to the gym owner and tell them you absolutely don't like the equipment. Otherwise they have no change to know and think about it.
As I think it won't make a difference to them, I can only echo Citroen.
Third option: buy your own. I did in '22 and never regretted.

[Dave Neve]

Thanks to all of you for your input.

My gym is Basic Fit which is well established in a number of countries in Europe and there is zero chance of them listening to me as they have a deal with Matrix.

Changing gyms is out too as one of the great advantages of Basic Fit is that I can walk into any of their gyms across Europe, and I do this constantly when on holiday.

Finally, I don't have the space in my apartment for a Concept 2 rower, so I'm stuck with the Matrix rower.

What a bummer

Dave Neve

[JaapvanE]

Finally, I don't have the space in my apartment for a Concept 2 rower, so I'm stuck with the Matrix rower.

You do realize you can fold a RowErg? It doesn't have to be in its lengthy shape all the time.

[Ombrax]

Finally, I don't have the space in my apartment for a Concept 2 rower

Granted, I live in a house plus I'm single and don't have to worry about what others think of my interior decoration choices, but my C2 Model C and my C2 Dyno sit right in the middle of my living room. Plenty of space for them there!

Good Luck finding a solution to your problem.

[Erik A]

It's probably too late but you possibly could have bought one of the C2 that were replaced. I have mine in my man cave/office/storeroom and I have to step over it to get to my desk for work. Unless I stand it up in the corner which is an option

[jamesg]

With limited space, weights could be an option. 200 20kg deadlifts in 20 minutes? And what floor is your flat on? Climbing the stairs could be nasty enough, even without a backpack.

Both are simple to quantify, if not to do. You only need a stopwatch.