Are you looking for a rowing machine to workout at home? In that case, you’d like likely to come across Concept 2 Rower Model D. Let’s get more information about this rower through the review below.
Unboxing
After a lot of reviews about Rowing Machine on the Internet, Nogii chose the Concept2 Model d Indoor Rowing Machine because it received a host of good reviews.
It is one of the best-sellers indoor rowing machines which is designed to meet all fitness levels. It is also ideal for rowing team training since several units can be linked together.
Let’s see how good it is.
I received the rowers after three days after buying it on the Concept2 Rowing machine website: https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/model-d
It was well-packaged in a double-layered box. Every part of the machine was well-protected with large pieces of Styrofoam.
There was a plastic bag with instructions and some tools.
In the bag, there were:
- A welcome flyer from the Concept2 and their hotline for their support
- Detailed instruction for assembling the rower
- A manual on how to use the rower
- A manual on how to use the PM5 performance monitor
- An information flyer about RowPro – a distinctive software of the Concept2
- A screwdriver
- Some screws for front legs
Concept 2 model d Rowing Machine Review: Technical specifications
Dimensions and weight:
- Seat height: 24 inches
- Overall length: 96 inches
- Width: 14 inches
- Weight: 57 lb (26 kg)
Features:
- Latest Performance Monitor: PM5
- Flywheel and Spiral Damper
- Nickel-plated steel chain
- ABS plastic monitor arm
- Aluminum rail capped with a stainless steel track
- Ergonomic handle
- Fan engineered
- Flex foot footrests
- Quick-release frame lock
- Caster wheels for transportation
- Power method: two D cell batteries
PM5 Monitor Features:
- Log Card and USB cable to connect the PM5 to computer and access Log Card data
- Strokes Per Minute (SPM)
- Distance Covered
- Calories Burned
- Pulse Meter
- Heart Rate
Space Recommendations
It can be stored in a small area because it can divide into two parts. Here are the space recommendations for the machine when we assemble, use, and storage.
- For assemblage: 8 ft x 2 ft (244 cm x 61 cm)
- For use: 9 ft x 4 ft (274 cm x 122 cm)
- For storage: 25 in x 33 in x 54 in (63.5 cm x 83.8 cm x 137.2 cm)
Warranty:
- Five years frame warranty
- Two years parts warranty
Was it easy to build by myself?
It had very detailed instructions and all the necessary tools. Therefore, it only took around 30 minutes to put everything together.
While setting up the rower, be careful with the two bars that connected the frame town to go to the leg.
Because you can easily to set the bars in the wrong direction.
At first, I set the bars wrong and it looked really strange. So I had to take it apart and reversed it.
After assembling, Nogii got the rowing machine look like this.
I really loved its luxurious black looking because it made my home more elegant. (If you don’t like the black color, you can choose the light grey version of the rower).
How to use the Concept2 Rower Model D?
The first thing to do is to turn on the PM5 performance monitor and choose the suitable option among these options:
- Just Row
- Select Workout
- Games
- Memory
- More options
At first, you can select “Just row” to test how good the rowing machine is.
On the backside of the PM5, there were four standard communication ports including a USB port to attach a USB stick and log all my workouts.
Nogii tried to connect the PM5 performance monitor to my laptop and used the free trial of RowPro – the first rowing software I have ever used.
By using this software, I can track all my progress which are automatically transferred to C2 online logbook.
This is very convenient for me because, from the collected data, I can set my personal workout goals smarter and more efficient.
I can also race against my performance on earlier rows or compete with other users of Concept2 model d Rowing Machine.
Back to the Rowing Machine, the next thing you need to do is adjusting the height of the monitor and the angle of the display.
Then adjusting the damper to control the air flow into the flywheel house. The more air intake, the heavier your flywheel become. The damper has 10 levels and normally, we should use it between 1 and 5.
After that, we adjust the footrests and foot straps. Put your foot in and tighten the straps. (When you want to get out, press the buckle up and out)
Seat on the sliding seat and take the handle to start rowing.
Once you finish, place the handle in the hook for easy access. If you don’t use the rower usually, place the handle in front of the flywheel.
My review for Concept2 Model D
What I like
Simple to assemble
This one may be the easiest machine I’ve assembled on my own. The instructions are very clear. With the provided tools, it takes no longer than 30 minutes to have your machine assembled.
Automatic
I really love the standard console – the PM5 for this model. Because it switches on automatically when I start to row and also switch off a few minutes after I get off the rower.
Easy to move and store
With the caster wheel, you can easily move the rowing machine around by lifting the monorail.
There is a little junction in the middle of the machine. I can basically lift it up and the rower will fall into two separate parts: the monorail and the flywheel portion.
Then I can rest the flywheel portion of a rower on its head and make the monorail stand up. This helps to saves a lot of floor space especially when I live in a small department.
Smooth and quiet
I live in a small apartment as I mentioned, so I was afraid that my neighbor would hear any complaint about the noise of the machine.
But the machine runs too smoothly and quietly that I hardly hear a noise.
The only source of noise is the fan. But that is okay since I still can watch TV at just over normal volume and row at the same time.
No size restriction for shorter people
Before buying the rower, I made calls to make sure there were no limitations for shorter people since I was only 1.4 meters tall.
The monorail length is 54 inches which fit my height very well.
Full of online available resources
I really love the online resources of the Concept2 especially the good technique in rowing. Concept2 itself provides great training articles and videos which helps users row more effectively to optimize training and prevent injury.
Click here for more information:
https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/training/technique-videos
A good online community
The RowPro software provides an amazing online community where I am encouraged to keep on rowing.
I can easily track my rowing records and set goals for my workouts.
The online community also allows me to compare my progress to thousands of others around the world so I will be motivated.
Another great thing about the online community provided by the Concept2 is that I can compete against myself or others around the world. This makes rowing a lot more exciting.
What I don’t like
It is hard to find anything I don’t like about this rowing machine.
The little high price
The thing I am not satisfied with is the price. It is a little high compared to the other rowers in the markets.
Its huge size
Measuring 96 inches and 24 inches wide, this rower has a large footprint compared to the others. For instance, its cousin – the Concept2 Dynamic measures just 76 inches long and 24 inches wide.
Some maintenance required
Despite the good quality nickel-plated chain, occasional oiling is required every time for the smoothest ride.
Plastic monitor arm
I like the way the monitor arm helps me adjust the monitor angle, bring it closer or farther to the machine. However, I don’t its material – plastic since it is not particularly durable.
Problems with installing the RowPro
Besides, I have some problems while getting the free trial of the RowPro. I had to refill the form three times and that bordered me.
The total rate for it
So for this rowing machine, Nogii will rate it 9.5 because of its high quality and amazing features in spite of some negative points.
Nothing is perfect and I’m very satisfied with the Concept2 model D Rowing Machine.
Wrapping Up
The Rowing machine Concept2 Model D is a smart choice for home use because it provides great features and a useful modern monitor.
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