I’m one year older (69) and have had my Concept2 since 1990 - and still use mine too 😊 - I also bike, hike, do some upper body free weight training, eat sensibly, and happily fit into the same size 8 jeans I wore in my 30s and have no chronic health issues (that last part is in answer to Arthur Morgan’s question).
I know many people on here have been rowing for a long time and that is awesome but I figured maybe some people would want to hear from a relative newcomer. I am a very overweight woman. I probably need to lose about 100 lbs to be healthy and I really don’t enjoy exercise because being 250lbs makes it hard on my joints and back which are always an issue because I have back problems and fibromyalgia which is how I got to this weight in the first place. I wasn’t really looking for an exercise routine because honestly I had kind of given up. I have depression and motivation is super hard for me. About a year ago they opened a Row House near me and my daughter badgered me into going. I thought I would hate it. Turns out I loved it. It was the first exercise I had found that didn’t cause excruciating pain. I mean I was sore because I hadn’t worked out in years but it didn’t cause a flare up of my back or joints. So after a month or so I went back again and joined. I was consistent until about thanksgiving which ended up being about 3 months after joining. Then I started not really going because my depression was acting up during the holidays and I couldn’t get motivated. Then the stupid pandemic came. I struggled but time with depression until they opened back up in June. I went back for a bit but was having issues with scheduling classes because they had to reduce class sizes and my schedule is all over the place. I watch my grandkids and never know what time my daughter and son in law will be here to get them. I had used a concept2 at RH so I looked at what they cost. I felt for the quality of machine they were affordable. So I signed up for their waitlist in the beginning of July. I just ordered mine on 29th of September although I could have ordered as early as the 21. So it was about 10-11 weeks on the list. I’m super excited for it to get here because I miss rowing. It is the one thing I like. I was always comfortable on the concept 2. I have never used a water tower so I can’t compare but being a bigger person I was ok on the seat. I never felt like it was too small. Of course the catch positions was a little difficult because in short and chubby but overall I think it is as comfortable as a large person can be on an exercise machine. Just wanted to weigh in since most people are super experienced and maybe some newbies wanted to know what it’s like if u r a bigger person.
Weight is lost in the kitchen not the gym. The biggest lie we have been sold is that we have to exercise to lose weight. If you want to lose weight clean up your diet, if you want to have good health exercise. Over weight people killing themselves in a gym listening to a trainer who has no idea what its like to be over weight tell you to do things that make you not want to come back is not how you get results. Figure out how to eat right for you, your body type and lifestyle, the weight will come off. I am not saying you shouldn't exercise, defiantly do exercise but do it for health not weight loss.
@@TravisInCanada1 What a horrible comment. This is not the time & place to vent your opinion about this. This woman was opening up about her health and you took that as an opportunity to lay into a stranger and attempt to ‘educate’ her based on your (weird) viewpoint. I forget where I read this (Numlock News perhaps?), but a reputable scientific source recently reported on a study where, actually, there are lots of *environmental* factors that contribute to weight gain, and that we may be heavier than our ancestors, on average, but it doesn’t necessarily correlate with diet: Think synthetic hormones, pollutants in air & water, etc. Regardless, your comment was in poor taste, hurtful and tone deaf. Not needed on the internet.
Spouse and I just started intermittent fasting. Only been doing it for a few days. I need to lose a lot of weight and didn’t realize that fasting in actually quite beneficial for physical and mental health. I just thought it was some bizarre ritual. It’s at least an interesting thing to investigate. Take care and hope you are doing okay.
Excellent review Elisabeth! Thank you for your comment; you've actually answered the exact question I had about the seat of the Concept 2. I'm on the waiting list for the Concept 2, but started double guessing myself and considering the WaterRower. Congratulations on getting back to rowing! Exercise can be a great help for depression too, keep it up!! May I ask which model you have? I'm on the wait list for the Model E, which is a little higher. I figured it would be a little easier on the knees and back when getting on/off the rower.
I own both, so here’s my advice: if you’re going to keep the rower in a living area of the house and you want a work of art/piece of furniture, then go with the WaterRower. It looks really nice standing up against a wall when you’re not using it. You do have some maintenance with the water tank - you need to add water purification tablets every six months or so to make sure no algae develops, but it’s simple to do. The water sound is soothing and it is quieter but definitely not silent. I know this is subjective, but I find the Concept2 a little more comfortable, and the monitor is far better than the WaterRower. You have maintenance too with the Concept2 (oil the chain every 50 hours or so and keep the fan free of dust buildup - it’s easy to do), but overall if I had to choose just one for the rest of my life, it would be the Concept2. It’s built like a tank, slightly more comfortable, and the monitor is superior in every way. There are lots of accessories for it (phone mount, tablet mount, etc), it breaks apart for easy storage/transport, and it really is the industry standard. You’ll see a Concept2 in almost every gym around the world. Both will kick your butt and make you sweat - a good portion of the decision just comes down to style. So if you’re solely performance based and can care less about pretty wood colors, Concept2 all the way. If you want a piece of furniture that makes you sweat, WaterRower. You really can’t go wrong with either one.
I agree. I would only add that because of the superior programming capability of the PM5 monitor, the C2 is a better fit for intervals of various types. If your standard workout is just to jump on and row, either is fine and some people may prefer the water rowers for longer, steady state sessions.
Can't improve on your comment. If you need the quietest possible rower and pretty wood, go with the WaterRower. But even then, try one first, because I lot of people don't like the stroke feel or the monitor. For everybody else, buy the Concept2. By the way, this video made the Concept2 sound much louder that reality for the main current home use model, the Concept2 Model D. And watch 6:10 about the seat-to-feet issue on the WaterRower, which I don't like but YMMV.
I feel the exact same way. Having gladly used both for almost a decade in gyms and enjoying both thoroughly I ended up buying a Concept II more or less only because I found them a bit more comfortable and they are better for smaller spaces. I would gladly have both if I had more space. Both provide such an excellent work out.
amazingly, the C2 rowers have been the same price for over 10 years (I bought mine in 2009). I'm not sure there is any other piece of top of the line exercise equipment where you can get a high end machine for less than a grand.
I've used a water rower every weekday for 2-3yrs, the wooden construction and sound of the water can be hypnotic and compelling. In my mind I've moved on from reliance on monitors and electronic gadgetry. If you are imaginative, you can row with your eyes closed and just let the water's sound and feel, hypnotize you, works for me everyday.
I would add that the seating position (height) in the waterower is more true to real world rowing. That been said, the concept seat arrangement is a lot more comfortable for the reasons you mentioned. Recently WaterRower have updated their smartphone app to expand functionality beyond the bare minimum (you will need to buy the Bluetooth addon for the machine), but it still way behind anything else. Also, a visit to the water rower youtube channel will show you there isnt much in terms of ongoing workout content for the owners. And yet i prefer waterower over the concept, 1- you just cant imitate water resistant and feel; 2- the sound is great and lets you listen to the tv or music without crap (headset, pods whatever) in your ears...; and 3- i dont have to hide the machine after each use because it just looks awesome (your significant other cannot win this one :). On a final note, i used to have all kinds of gadgets for working out, heart rate sensors etc. but in the end what matters is that you keep discipline and enjoy it, so the concept monitor while superior is no a deal breaker for me, but it might be for others. Great video
What do you think about adding a pillow or Cushing in the seat to rise it to improved the height and the comfort to be like the concept 2? I want buy my first water tower but I am concerned with the seat/feet position in the wr. It don't look so comfy like the concept 2.
I’m looking at getting my first rower and the noise issue really is a deal breaker for me. I’ve got sensitive hearing and couldn’t cope with the racket from a concept 2 (never mind the neighbours, who I’m sure would be annoyed too). Not made the purchase yet, but think I’m going water rower with the Bluetooth add-on for kinomap etc.
I agree. Everything you said is true. I have a water rower. And what I like the most about it is the sound. As I use to row on a boat for years, rowing this machine gives me the feeling I’m outdoors on the lake I used to row. And during these four months of quarantine... it’s really nice.
Same here... I've been doing research for months and I just got the Xterra Water Rower and I think this guy did a review on it awhile back. I love it!!!! Best purchase I've made in years!
I just got a WaterRower Club, locally used from a previous owner on Thursday and I love it. It’s in great condition and I’m basically rowing daily for recreation (love boating) and physical rehabilitation (series of injuries last year). I’m also a composer-musician so the auditable level was an important factor for me and love the WaterRower’s ethos overall as well. It’s COVID-19 pandemic year, lockdown in mid-March (SFBA), and my gym is essentially closed indefinitely for my purposes unfortunately which was another definite factor for this investment. My gym offered Concept2 rowers that I like as well but for a home investment, the WaterRower just feels like an instrument too, water and wood, defusing the work stress working from home as well. 😷
You'll know which one is the best choice when it needs parts and maintenance. Every single part of the C2 from the original model to the latest is instantly available at a good price and anyone can strip and rebuild the whole machine.
One thing to note on the monitor comparison, is that the water rower now also comes with a power meter and app from SmartRow as an option and it gives many of the features of the C2.
I used to row at university and we would always train on concept 2, I definitely agree they are better for training. My dad has a water rower, and its beautiful, I love the sound a great for home workouts. The one things I would say is the water rowers position is very similar to being in a boat so it is more realistic and you can get used to the positioning better on a water rower xx
Again, I appreciate the advice and consideration for rowers with larger than average midsections. Good to know about the biomechanics of the stroke on the different machines. Thanks, Austin!
Really very nice video regarding both machines differences. I already have got a waterrower device about one year ago, and this equípment has changed my body shape during that time!
Just got myself a waterrower and I agree with you on the monitor part - it's not ideal, but by no means does it matter to me. I hop on it do some cardio and don't care if it was showing me laggy data. I opted for the waterrower because of aesthetics - both visual and aural - a nice wooden construction matching my floor + a soothing sound instead of irritating one.
Austin- great review. I already took the plunge for the WaterRower, only delivered a few weeks ago, and I don't have any regrets. My choice was largely due to the noise difference. I can listen to your instructions on your workouts without blasting the volume or wearing earbuds and the water does make a soothing sound. I have the Xeno Muller model, which is supposed to have a footboard lower to the seat, relatively, than the standard model.I haven't used a standard model, so I've nothing to compare to. I'm not tall, like you, (I'm only 6'4"), but I thought the Xeno model would make sense due to my not being height challenged. I believe that your relative height exaggerates the footboard placement issue. Few viewers have a 37" inseam, like you do. I think it makes the WaterRower footboard placement look worse than it generally is, but it is still a valid point. Again, great review. I'm new to rowing and I'm using your beginner workouts to work on form. I look forward to stepping up to the "grown-up" workouts, and hope that the (admittedly) archaic monitor on the WaterRower won't be an issue. Another person mentioned the upgrade monitor that is available. Does that correct the lag time? Thanks for help keeping me sane w/o my gym!
I’m an older rower & have a C2 at home. I’ve used water rowers from time to time & agree the monitor is way less useful. Also agree the setup is a bit different in terms of seat & feet. Also agree the water rower sounds better. The one thing I’d disagree on is which is kinder on the body & the back. I do have back issues & found the water rower was a good deal kinder at the catch than the C2. As such, if buying one for general fitness & had any grumbling injuries, I’d probably go for the water rower. If, on the other hand, you want to do a ‘true’ 1, 2 or 5km, etc, the C2 is the machine.
I'm 5'10" and have had the Waterrower Natural for about 5 years. I love my machine. It's very comfortable and gives a great workout. One thing that wasn't mentioned, is its ability to connect via USB to a computer. I've used this for online competitions, making the workout more interactive.
I just bought a used (2012) Concept 2 with the Mark 3 monitor and it runs like it was new. I've also recently learned I can upgrade the monitor to the latest Mark 5 and get bluetooth connectivity to track workouts and progress for a very fair price. Also, I can order any spare parts for the rower. Maintenance of the rower is also very easy. I'm not experienced with WaterRower, but those points alone, along with the monitor and the community being so much better are all fantastic reasons to get the Concept 2 and why I'm totally happy I've gotten one.
Oh, and I did some rowing on a machine many years ago and never remembered it to be such a fantastic workout. The machine I was using must have sucked. The Concept 2 feels very nice and even on the lightest setting, it's a really good workout.
Having used a few different rowers, I have to agree with your point about the Importance of the monitor. In addition to what you mentioned in your video the concept 2 also had Bluetooth connectivity, and a solid phone app which syncs to the C2 website, making automatically logging all your workouts really easy. You can then review your performance, splits etc. and share with training partners online.
Having researched MANY rowers side by side in a nerdy spreadsheet, I narrowed my choices down to WaterRower and Concept2. Amazing to find a very informative and honest video addressing the choice between them specifically. Thank you!
Hey everyone!! I have a few spots open left in my online coaching program, ROW-20, for October 5th - October 26th! It's 20 days of exclusive live-streamed workouts with me and a handful of others. You get direct access to me as your health & rowing coach where I can chat with you personally on your own individual goals and review YOUR form specifically FOR YOU! This program is for ANYONE using ANY ROWING MACHINE. Check my website (in description) for more info, testimonials, etc! Would love to get to know you more personally this next month - happy rowing!! Hope you enjoy the video - this one took forever!
I agree with your points on both rowers. I have a waterower now at home in my garage with limited space, and it works just fine. I guess I am in the recreational category, so the waterower works for me. Time or distance is all I really look at. Been using the waterower for 3 months now, and no back issues.
I've put over 16,000,000 meters on my Waterrower, and I have to agree. That distance has been in spite of a LOT of maintenance, most of which is necessary because of British-style engineering. (If you've ever seen a Lotus with headlamps full of water after a rain, you'll know what I mean.) I mean, who came up with the idea of in-house, custom made rubber belts (Which are often faulty!) to drive the display? Changing one of those little suckers takes about 2 hours each time, and because they're poorly made it's a yearly task. Next, the placement of the water fill hole is uncomfortably close to the rest of the mechanism for no good reason! It could have been ANYWHERE on the top of the tank, but nooooooo. Still, I do enjoy the quiet of the WR, I like to listen to music or watch TV while rowing, and you can't do that with the C2, especially if your wife is sleeping a few rooms away!
I own the WaterRower M1 Hi-Rise and I use the Concept 2 at the gym. I would have to say the WaterRower is a better rower because it's easier to engage the legs and glutes. I have no regrets about my purchase.
@@MsWagons That’s great. Glad we all have options that work best for our needs. I don’t need to move my rower anywhere and prefer the WaterRower as a casual rower not a hardcore rower, not that the WaterRower doesn’t give you great results too and a nicer overall experience. The water motion and quietness are more appealing to me than some monster device but, to each their own.
I bought SmartRow before my WaterRower arrived. I‘ve used Concept2 machines a lot, fallen off many after hard sessions, but the sound level made them a no go for home use. The SmartRow overcomes the responsiveness issue of the WaterRower Monitor, gives accurate power readings and a power curve. I would love to see the option for intervals by distance and if the software and eco system was as good as that for Concept2. It would also be nice to know how equivalent SmartRow output is to the Concept2 so I can compare to my old training diary. All in all really happy with my choice. All the best from another Austin
While you called the damper setting inconsequential (more-or-less), since once you set it, you're done; that observation is good if you're in a single user household. The moment you have a spouse whose also rowing, or other family members, the opportunity to easily change the damper resistance starts to become important.
@@bryngarrity5548 I'm curious about your answer. I'm new to rowing, don't even have my rower yet (waiting list), I've only used one a few times at the gym. Would the resistance not change that much between dad (me), and 13 year-old daughter? In a household of 5, I was thinking that we would need to be changing the resistance, but maybe I'm wrong. I really like the sound of the water, and don't really care about competition level workouts or stats, so maybe the inferior monitor on the WaterRower wouldn't bother me, and they look nice. But I'm still undecided between these two machines. The seat has to be big and comfortable for my wife to want to use it, so I'm wondering if the seat-to-feet position mentioned in this video are a deal-breaker for us.
@@luisvilla7 the damper setting adds resistance, but also pulling harder adds resistance. You will pull harder than your daughter and therefore feel more resistance. As my coaches always told me, pull harder if it’s too easy. According to one of my coaches, a world rowing coach who has coached many world and olympic rowers over the years, the feel of water on the concept 2 is between 2-4. Those guys you may see at the gym with the damper up to 10 make my heart hurt. Most people new to rowing equate power to the higher resistance, but proper rowing form is actually hindered the higher the resistance is. In my rowing club, the coaches won’t allow anyone to go above 4 during an erg session. But also, think about actual rowing. How does every rower on a boat get different resistance? We don’t. We pull harder.
Thanks for the video and all the facts you described. In the end, everyone needs to decide his own preferences and style of training. You clearly described the pros and cons. Precious info was about the ergonomic position, where one machine might feel a bit more comfortable. The other aspect was the noise level and style. Something nobody paid attention to. The video helped me with my decision, ordering a water rowing machine. And I found a manufacturer who elevated the seat position, which makes it more comparable to concept 2. I accept the limitations of the water technique, but I was looking for an entry-level machine. The goal is to get on the machine every day. 15 to 30 minutes, and slowly gain back fitness and reduce weight. Maybe after 12 months, I change my mind.
The Concept 2 wins for me because I've been able to upgrade mine over the years so I have the latest PM5 and I use it with Kinomap. The Concept 2 support and development community is unique in the rowing a equipment world. The company can sell you replacement parts for pretty much everything. You're buying an investment which is cheap per mile rowed & calorie burned.
Hey Austin. That was a great review and everything was spot on. Ive got a Waterrower GX with the very old computer and after almost a year of rowing the lack of programming and the lag is starting to impact my rowing progress. You can get around the shortcomings with a note book, a stopwatch and a spreadsheet but it's quite inconvenient. I am now seriously considering a concept 2. Thanks again. Great honest review 😉👍
I bought the Fluidrower Neon Plus, highly recommended, the seat is super comfortable and the rowing action/noise is amazing, at £800 it's brilliantly priced too
Excellent comparison video. Very comprehensive, but not to the point it's annoying. I bought the waterrower a few months ago and I really like it. I must say I wanted a Concept2, but the noise was the deal breaker (you mentioned that as one of the main consideration points and it's true). I just couldn't convince myself that it would produce low enough noise to not bother my wife and kids at the time I thought I'd use it more frequently. If someday I manage to have an air conditioned acoustically isolated room where I can have a rowing machine, I'll get the Concept2.
Great video, I’ve gone for a waterrower with Bluetooth connection so hopefully that’ll improve the monitor feedback. I have to have the machine in the house so the aesthetics were a deal breaker plus when my wife took a look at the concept 2 her first reaction was ‘that’s not coming in here!’
WaterRower is great for taller rowers (6’ plus) with the extension they offer. Mine is over 15 years old and still works beautifully. Low to zero maintenance. I upgraded the monitor and length for very little directly from WaterRower UK.
Water rower it is for me. Thanks for this video it really helped. I use a concept 2 at my gym by I hate the monitor on it and don't really care for that. I like how the water rower has sleek designs, is quiet, and the monitor looks out of the way and not in exactly in my face. My main workouts consist of weight lifting, body weight workouts and mma.
I've had a C2 Model D for 14 years, (about 18MM meters on this one) and with a little maintenance it's as good as new. I've also raced in crew for years, and I think it's worth noting that any rowing club boathouse I've seen use Concept 2 machines for off-water training and testing.
with all respect to your great experience, and acknowledging all the Concept 2 advantages detailed in the vid, I do think that citing the ubiquity of Concept 2 as evidence of superiority is like saying VHS is better than Betamax because it became more widely used, and eventually won out
@@mattgagan3419 The concept 2 is superior and is more widely (exclusively) used by athletes and rowing clubs because the C2 mechanics is spot-on compared to actual rowing.
I use the Smartrow with force curve and no lags. It‘s not perfect at the moment, but it‘s so much better than the S4 monitor. I think (hope) it could be very comparable to the PM5 in year from now.
I've tried the concept in the gym and it was great, but I'm more inclined towards the Water Rower at home due to noise levels since I live in an apartment. I would go with the cheapest A1 water rower since the foot plates are further apart and closer to to the concept. I want to do HIIT interval training. The water rower monitor looks a bit rubbish but I guess I could just put my Ipad on a clamp, attach it to the rower and play a video of HIIT training sessions whilst checking my speed by the strokes per minute rate. Just my newbie thoughts.
Used to row during my student time and always used C2 for indoor training. Now I own my own C2 rower while I have a waterrower at my gym. IMO the C2 rower blows the waterrower out of the water when it comes to any performance metrics or training customization. The only downside is that it does get really loud when you start pumping (and of course the cost.. but any decent rowing machine is going to cost you).
thanks for the video! Feel like you cover everything really well. As someone with lower back problems, I appreciate your comparison focusing on which would be better in that department.
Love my Waterrower. The sound, the action, stroke--all of it. The Concept2 is excellent too. It is great to choose either one--working on your health is always great!
I am 6‘10“ or 208cm tall. Love your content. I’d like to add that you can not just take apart the concept 2 with ease but also purchase an extended slider if you have super long legs. On a regular slider I tend to sit a bit too far back on my seat in order to get that extra leg room. Design and sound points go to waterrower and Kevin Spacey is going to keep rowing that thing in House of Cards. However, every competitive rower is training on concept 2.
From one Austin to another...thanks man! You got me kick started back into getting in shape and into buying a rowing machine and rowing. 6"4 guy now training tall!
One main point missed is the feel if one actually does rowing on waterways in a boat. The water rower has dimensions to a boat seating and the feel of water resistance.
Thanks for making this video. I am buying rowing machine for myself & for my sons (11yo) training. I was considering waterrower since its more quieter. Thanks to your introduction to how to change resistance I realised that concept 2 would be better so there would no need to hassle with water between my & sons rowing.
assembled the WaterRower yesterday and had my first session this morning - my god i'm out of shape. love the sound of water though and hopefully the screens will eventually get an update and will become upgradable.
The screens are completely upgradable. There is ofcourse a adaptor inwhich you can attach your phone or tablet to the rower and it then becomes a completely immersive experience with a virtual rowing video on a lake, progress reports, workout recordings, watt measurements and way more.
Thanks for the review comparison. Tip: I'm a sea kayaker had all kinds of seats, back rests, etc... there is no comfort issue that I haven't been able to solve with cheap 1/2" yoga mats from Amazon. I cut them up, roll them into tubes. I think they're more versatile and more comfortable than gel pads. (1/4" yoga mat material is good for foot braces and for the bottom hull of my kayak, but I don't think chill from surrounding water is an issue with a rowing machine) . Shafts and blisters. I use to feel kind of special to have calluses on the web skin by my thumbs from the paddle shaft. I use the nylon covered pads for the paddle shaft. No blisters, no calluses, no gloves needed. Not sure how these might fit with these machines. The lag in information reporting breaks the feedback loop. Feedback is critical. If you suddenly paddle with more force seeing the numbers change reinforce the feel you have. Now, have you done one of these for Kayak ergs?
I prefer the feel of the WR. My competition is myself so the relative speeds don’t matter. Using club machines, I noticed that he C2s around here are really rough. Some are so bad my hands tingle after just a 2k. Now, I know that’s more of a club/Mx issue than the design but I’ve not run into that problem on WRs (yet).
Air rower tend to have a pause or catch at the beginning. The other significant difference is one is a double rail and the other is monorail. Double is more stable and better longevity in seat movement over time. The monorails rail system tends to get wobbly over time, more maintenance to keep the seat stable
I will add a little extra point for shorter people like me. I'm 5ft9, and I tried both the concept 2 and waterrower; the waterrower is far more comfortable at the front of the stroke, I felt I had to stretch quite a lot more on the concept 2 in order to get a comfortable flow on, to the point that it harmed my form. My wife is 6ft1 and found the concept 2 more comfortable as the video showed. So something to keep in mind 😁
Found the waterrower footplate too small (whole family is flat footed lol) so flattened my nads every stroke. Concept 2's footplate is wider and so avoids the problem lol Waterrower does 'feel' closer to proper river rowing imo from when I used to compete however I couldn't do more than like 500m on waterrower without being crippled xD Sound wise I find the concept 2 to be better for others as its roughly a constant sound so blends into the background noice, waterrower's splash sound penetrates walls much more. (Since we switched to C2, my family have stopped complaining about me rowing late at night) Good video!
I now have a C2 Model D at home, and definitely recommend it. I picked it up recently, after being locked out of my rower workouts at the gym for the last 9mos (thanks to Covid). Really like your videos btw... keep up the good work!
Yeah that was my question. If the big point is that the monitoring is too limited on the water rower presented, are there other models of water rowers that would compete against the Concept 2 monitoring? I'm very interested in this because my water rower has the same limitations than demonstrated in this video.
Karthik Lakshmi I guess it would depend on the data you're driven by. If it were me, I'd say Apple watch (or any activity tracker) would suffice. But if the goal is power, then add the power pulley/Smart Row will offer more data/stats. However, what changes you are not numbers. Your body has to do the work, your body needs to progress. No matter what those numbers say, your body should always be calling the shots to ensure continued improvement.
Karthik Lakshmi the SmartRow hardware has a companion app for iPhone and Apple Watch. You launch the app on each before your workout. The phone app shows you your power graph and rowing instructions as well as your heart rate which it takes from your watch. The rowing sessions are saved to Health app so it fills your rings and shows workouts in the Activity app.
I own both, ask me why... Originally purchased the WR and loved it. I did experience some back issues with the WR and my competitive nature wouldn't allow me to take my eyes of the C2. Eventually broke down and purchased the C2. Have not regretted that decision, back issues solved almost immediately. Should have done better research for my purposes. The rowing community the C2 opens up to you is fantastic. Also I really don't find the C2 to be that loud at all, I think that may be a little overstated. If your prone to being competitive and enjoy that motivation then the C2 is the choice. Both will give you a heck of a workout. I must admit I also wasn't happy that WR kept trying/keeps trying to sell me add-ons to make my WR like a C2. C2 is the standard all others are judged by.
got the WaterRower. looks better in my homeroom over the orange one. That s the most important issue, cause like a fitness studio, after 10 times you don't use it anymore and its looks become important
I really appreciate the part of your review which discusses pros/cons for rowing as a larger person or someone with back pain. I think this is alone is enough to edge me towards buying a Concept 2, even though the sound the WaterRower makes is very soothing.
Awesome review. Fantastic comparison. The point made about the lower foot position on the Concept II is an excellent observation and probably clinched the decision for me. Thanks.
There is also a Waterrower model with a lower foot position, fyi. It’s a midrange model with exclusive training videos by the Swiss American gold medalist. I was going to get that one because of my long legs, but went with the “normal” one instead. It arrived in the mail this week; not unpacked yet ... Excited! I think the “whoosh” will really do it, for me.
I find your videos quite helpful. I have a bad right knee bending it repeatedly is quite painful over a short period of time. And walking for exercise is out because standing and walking on it is difficult after 20 minutes. Your videos gave me the idea of rowing for exercise because it was easy to modify how I keep my right leg straight to eliminate or reduce the pain in my knee. My rowing machine is nearly identical to the concept 2. Thanks for videos.
@@trainingtall your technique guide helped me actually modify starting with just my upper body. Now that I have built my endurance I am increasing the intensity of my upper body rowing and soon will incorporate the use of my left leg in the rowing technique. Thanks again.
I'm 5'11", yes on the potential back issues on the WR. Owned the WR for a couple of years, always had lower back pain no matter how much I concentrated on form. The only thing that helped was shortening the stroke by not going forward as far. Tried the C2 afterwards, it was much more comfortable on my back and the ergos just felt better for my frame. Loved the look and sound of the WR but for my frame I prefer the biomechanics of the C2. Thanks for this great explanation as to why.
All I can say is that confirms my belief in the Concept2 although if I won the lottery I would have a Biorower. Excellent comparison Austin for those who are about to take the plunge and good to se you’re well as been a while since your last upload. Stay Safe 😎
I have made this comment 6 days ago on your other video comparing these rowing machines, and I know how traumatic it can be deciding between the two...
l bought a Waterrower because it was quiet and stylish. But after reading the reviews and how people preferred to use the Concept 2, l was hardly using it, plus the foot placement was so high that it was uncomfortable to row. Then you made a video about foot placement which solved the problem but l still wasn’t committed to working out. After 3 weeks of steady workout, l am happy to say that l have made the right choice. Not only does it looks lovely in my living room, working out on this beautiful thing that swooshes water makes working out a therapeutic experience that l look forward to every time. At times l imagine working out on a Concept 2 and my heart shudders seeing that iron junk in my living room coupled with the noise. I have not experienced any problems and l use it every other day for more than 30 mins. And the resistance works for me as l prefer to row fast in time with techno music. This purchase is the best gym equipment that l have ever made that I have no excuses not to workout.
Great video, thanks. I have a ProForm 750 magnetic rower which broke after 2 months of use. I'm a 58 y/o guy, in decent shape (183lbs) @ 6'1" so no judging there please. I was leaning towards the water rower, but now I'm going with the Concept 2. Water rower is pretty, but that only goes so far. I want durability. Thanks again!
As an about to turn 40 year old typical dad bod guy, I've just bought a concept 2 model B, second hand for £100, no thrills but I can tell its a quality bit of kit, even though its nearly as old as me, and definitely in better shape! I'm an absolute novice/beginner at rowing but really enjoy it because its low impact and actually quite fun. Plus I absolutely love working out on it! Trying to lose the love handles and the beer belly one day at a time.. Ps love the workouts 💪Thanks!
Great comparison and I went Concept2. Also wanted a water rower but never considered body shape initially and after this video, I started to pay more attention to how would I actually row on it. I never got to try the WaterRower as we have no stock here in South Africa, but the C2 is common enough that even my local Crossfit has a few so I have no buyers remorse.
A viable option for people who want the better look of a water rower with more advanced technology would be the machines from First Degree Fitness. Back in March I was looking at a 3 month wait for a C2 or immediate delivery of a FDF machine so I took the leap...I had only used C2's previously. They make water rowers of varying sophistication (Bluetooth, force curves, programmable, etc.), as well as water rowers with adjustable resistance and others with larger tanks that offer even greater resistance. I've put about 500,000 meters on the one I have and my only regret is that I didn't shell out the extra money for one of their Bluetooth enabled models. It eats up meters at about the same rate as a C2; maybe the FDF rowers generate slightly more meters per unit of force than the C2. But definitely a more advanced water rower than the original. Still miss the C2s at the gym...in NYC gyms are still off limits.
Since the site doesn't list the price, what can I expect to pay? My WR is 20 years old and I'm thinking of retiring it, and would rather not have the WR problems again.
Excellent video and not just technical. Individuals with abdominal 'problems' such as surgery and it's consequences will find the differences between foot rest height and seat height to be very relevant!
Thanks for the side-by-side comparison video Austin. I know which one is better for me now... Concept2. I can see how others might want the WaterRower, but for me Concept2 is a no-brainer.
I have an earlier Ergatta hooked up to my Waterrower Club and it responds much quicker to intensity. The display is large and in front of you. You can easily hook up Polar Beat and other heart monitors... and it still looks sexy when put upright between rowing sessions.
I have an Xterra water machine. Love it. I've never bothered to hookup or use the monitor and just row by feel. I wanted the simplest most stressfree rowing experience. My fitness goals are as much about stress relief as streingth and endurance. I also like that it has a relaxing meditative sound. I row while my wife and dog are sleeping at 6am. So noise was a big deciding factor.
Great video. Still deciding - leaning towards Concept2 (sounds like less 'admin') - I wish they would bring out an Oak model, then the decision would be easy for me!! I love the look of the wood water rowers!
Totally agree! I have tried using both. I bought Concept 2 so I can get more data and integrate it into my Strava and Fitbit Accounts. I get motivated when I see my rowing/workout data results, I tend to go for more to improve my workout and in the end, I benefit from it by getting myself healthier. Great video comparison! Thanks!
We've owned a concept II since Christmas 1993. We had to wait extra time for shipment because they were switching from model b to model c. Still love it. Only maintenance has been to oil the chain ever couple years. And to replace the monitor bracket which broke when moving across the country and that was a super easy $10 fix. Almost every year we do the holiday challenge (200,000 meters between Thanksgiving and Christmas), found this video while waiting for my wife to finish her first row of the challenge so that I can go start my 200k!
I agree 100% with this video. I bought a water rower (although the City Row Go model). If you can tolerate a louder rower (which we couldn’t because we have a smaller house and wanted use it early in the morning). The City Row Go model has a lower and wider foot straps, but the computer is laggy.
I own an American walnut WaterRower and it's beautiful. You're rewarded with the sound of an oar going through waves with every stroke and, if you close your eyes when rowing, you can imagine you're on a beautiful lake. A lovely way to exercise.
Totally agree with your comments on them. I used to use a concept 2 in the gym and now own a waterrower. I love the easy of use and be able to change resistance level with concept 2. But for light users, especially for someone who loves to exercise with music, following a HIIT video, or simply watching video when rowing. The concept 2 is just tooooo loud to hear them.🤣
It’s additional cost for the WR but the SmartRow flywheel and app combo gives you superior in-row stats. It becomes a lab grade erg. It makes redundant the S4 monitor that comes with the rower.
We added a smart row sensor to our water rower. Works well and gives pretty good data. Power curve, stroke power and reach all reported per stroke. Was expensive but transformed a gen 1 machine right up to date. Have had the machine for 20 years had to re-seal the drum once and would be lying if i said we have used it lots but currently back on it due to COVID so will see how we go.
Great review, and I agree with everything. The only reason to get the WaterRower is it's more quiet. If it were 40% cheaper, maybe that would get more demand, but as it is, if you're a serious athlete or have serious athletic aspirations, there is NO DOUBT that C2 is the best rower in the world. It's bulletproof and incredibly well designed.
Thanks for your review Austin. the only issue for my pioneer A1 waterrower is the monitor, really is a suck, but I saw a video with new device you can installed and by Bluetooth and mobile app that issue is part of the pass, but really don't know is will work with my model. The concept 2 is an amazing machine as well, but the design and the beautiful noise it is amazing for the waterrower.
I've recently started on a waterrower. The only thing wrong with the monitor is the lack of software. It has a mini usb port. My laptop recognizes it. No software for windows. Kinda sucks. Still a nice thing.
Brilliant review. Concept 2s are by far the best rowers. Model D in my opinion is better than E. AND if your concept 2 sounds like that... it's broken. Concept 2s are not that loud in real life.
@@connorcabalka9563 cant put my finger on it. Ive used the c, d, and e and now own the d. There's something off with the e. The height is one thing I dont like. If you're rowing for a long time and want water you cant easily reach it from the floor. That in itself could make it feel uncomfortable.
Great video. I have waterrower but have been thinking about switching to Concept2. The issues of foot height, and the monitor lag are huge issues for me on the waterrrower.
Got a Cardiostrong water rower with a diagonally constructed tank. Three issues with it: a noisy seat that rather ruins the water sound, a (after about a year ) slightly leaking tank and the monitor doesn't light up. Only gives the basic info and the option of racing the computer, but that's sufficient for me So if having to chose between these two, it would be the concept 2.
I have used all sorts of rowers of my lifetime ( i am 56 ) . Personally I do not like the water rower, I think it sucks for a couple of reason, BUT if you have never rowed before than you may think the water rower is cool and I say then go for it. In MY own opinion, the CONCEPT 2 rower is THE BEST and I have used CONCEPT rowers since the mid 80's and I had used old OLD school rowing apparatus in the mid 70's . I have used Life-fitness rowing computers and the water rower and some other generic type rowing machines almost like the concept 2 but those really fell short also.
Question: Do you eat burgers, pizza, wings, tacos, so fourth? I know that you can't really lose weight without changing your eating habit, but I at least want to stay in a healthier life style, would this allow me to do that? I don't want to change the way I eat. LOL I'm also not super fat.. I'm like 123lbs and I'm 5'0"
![The COMPLETE Guide to the Concept 2 Monitor [EVERYTHING TO KNOW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-95hmzxYAeU/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought a Concept 2 in 1987! Hard to believe I’ve had it so long. I’m 68, I still use it. It’s my baby
NO KIDDING?! That’s amazing!
That's great! Had mine 5 years, use it five times a week and it's almost like new. Great machine.
WOW 👌👌👌
What are the benefits of rowing?
I’m one year older (69) and have had my Concept2 since 1990 - and still use mine too 😊 - I also bike, hike, do some upper body free weight training, eat sensibly, and happily fit into the same size 8 jeans I wore in my 30s and have no chronic health issues (that last part is in answer to Arthur Morgan’s question).
I know many people on here have been rowing for a long time and that is awesome but I figured maybe some people would want to hear from a relative newcomer. I am a very overweight woman. I probably need to lose about 100 lbs to be healthy and I really don’t enjoy exercise because being 250lbs makes it hard on my joints and back which are always an issue because I have back problems and fibromyalgia which is how I got to this weight in the first place. I wasn’t really looking for an exercise routine because honestly I had kind of given up. I have depression and motivation is super hard for me. About a year ago they opened a Row House near me and my daughter badgered me into going. I thought I would hate it. Turns out I loved it. It was the first exercise I had found that didn’t cause excruciating pain. I mean I was sore because I hadn’t worked out in years but it didn’t cause a flare up of my back or joints. So after a month or so I went back again and joined. I was consistent until about thanksgiving which ended up being about 3 months after joining. Then I started not really going because my depression was acting up during the holidays and I couldn’t get motivated. Then the stupid pandemic came. I struggled but time with depression until they opened back up in June. I went back for a bit but was having issues with scheduling classes because they had to reduce class sizes and my schedule is all over the place. I watch my grandkids and never know what time my daughter and son in law will be here to get them. I had used a concept2 at RH so I looked at what they cost. I felt for the quality of machine they were affordable. So I signed up for their waitlist in the beginning of July. I just ordered mine on 29th of September although I could have ordered as early as the 21. So it was about 10-11 weeks on the list. I’m super excited for it to get here because I miss rowing. It is the one thing I like. I was always comfortable on the concept 2. I have never used a water tower so I can’t compare but being a bigger person I was ok on the seat. I never felt like it was too small. Of course the catch positions was a little difficult because in short and chubby but overall I think it is as comfortable as a large person can be on an exercise machine. Just wanted to weigh in since most people are super experienced and maybe some newbies wanted to know what it’s like if u r a bigger person.
Weight is lost in the kitchen not the gym. The biggest lie we have been sold is that we have to exercise to lose weight. If you want to lose weight clean up your diet, if you want to have good health exercise. Over weight people killing themselves in a gym listening to a trainer who has no idea what its like to be over weight tell you to do things that make you not want to come back is not how you get results. Figure out how to eat right for you, your body type and lifestyle, the weight will come off. I am not saying you shouldn't exercise, defiantly do exercise but do it for health not weight loss.
@@TravisInCanada1 What a horrible comment. This is not the time & place to vent your opinion about this. This woman was opening up about her health and you took that as an opportunity to lay into a stranger and attempt to ‘educate’ her based on your (weird) viewpoint. I forget where I read this (Numlock News perhaps?), but a reputable scientific source recently reported on a study where, actually, there are lots of *environmental* factors that contribute to weight gain, and that we may be heavier than our ancestors, on average, but it doesn’t necessarily correlate with diet: Think synthetic hormones, pollutants in air & water, etc. Regardless, your comment was in poor taste, hurtful and tone deaf. Not needed on the internet.
Spouse and I just started intermittent fasting. Only been doing it for a few days. I need to lose a lot of weight and didn’t realize that fasting in actually quite beneficial for physical and mental health. I just thought it was some bizarre ritual. It’s at least an interesting thing to investigate. Take care and hope you are doing okay.
Excellent review Elisabeth! Thank you for your comment; you've actually answered the exact question I had about the seat of the Concept 2. I'm on the waiting list for the Concept 2, but started double guessing myself and considering the WaterRower. Congratulations on getting back to rowing! Exercise can be a great help for depression too, keep it up!! May I ask which model you have? I'm on the wait list for the Model E, which is a little higher. I figured it would be a little easier on the knees and back when getting on/off the rower.
Diet certainly does have a huge huge impact on losing weight. I've lost weight best from changing diet over exercise.
I own both, so here’s my advice: if you’re going to keep the rower in a living area of the house and you want a work of art/piece of furniture, then go with the WaterRower. It looks really nice standing up against a wall when you’re not using it. You do have some maintenance with the water tank - you need to add water purification tablets every six months or so to make sure no algae develops, but it’s simple to do. The water sound is soothing and it is quieter but definitely not silent. I know this is subjective, but I find the Concept2 a little more comfortable, and the monitor is far better than the WaterRower. You have maintenance too with the Concept2 (oil the chain every 50 hours or so and keep the fan free of dust buildup - it’s easy to do), but overall if I had to choose just one for the rest of my life, it would be the Concept2. It’s built like a tank, slightly more comfortable, and the monitor is superior in every way. There are lots of accessories for it (phone mount, tablet mount, etc), it breaks apart for easy storage/transport, and it really is the industry standard. You’ll see a Concept2 in almost every gym around the world. Both will kick your butt and make you sweat - a good portion of the decision just comes down to style. So if you’re solely performance based and can care less about pretty wood colors, Concept2 all the way. If you want a piece of furniture that makes you sweat, WaterRower. You really can’t go wrong with either one.
I agree. I would only add that because of the superior programming capability of the PM5 monitor, the C2 is a better fit for intervals of various types. If your standard workout is just to jump on and row, either is fine and some people may prefer the water rowers for longer, steady state sessions.
I have both. Water rowers junk
Can't improve on your comment. If you need the quietest possible rower and pretty wood, go with the WaterRower. But even then, try one first, because I lot of people don't like the stroke feel or the monitor. For everybody else, buy the Concept2. By the way, this video made the Concept2 sound much louder that reality for the main current home use model, the Concept2 Model D. And watch 6:10 about the seat-to-feet issue on the WaterRower, which I don't like but YMMV.
I feel the exact same way. Having gladly used both for almost a decade in gyms and enjoying both thoroughly I ended up buying a Concept II more or less only because I found them a bit more comfortable and they are better for smaller spaces. I would gladly have both if I had more space. Both provide such an excellent work out.
amazingly, the C2 rowers have been the same price for over 10 years (I bought mine in 2009). I'm not sure there is any other piece of top of the line exercise equipment where you can get a high end machine for less than a grand.
I've used a water rower every weekday for 2-3yrs, the wooden construction and sound of the water can be hypnotic and compelling. In my mind I've moved on from reliance on monitors and electronic gadgetry. If you are imaginative, you can row with your eyes closed and just let the water's sound and feel, hypnotize you, works for me everyday.
I love the water rower too. I have my fitness room set up with a projector and play lake rowing videos on my wall. lol
I would add that the seating position (height) in the waterower is more true to real world rowing. That been said, the concept seat arrangement is a lot more comfortable for the reasons you mentioned. Recently WaterRower have updated their smartphone app to expand functionality beyond the bare minimum (you will need to buy the Bluetooth addon for the machine), but it still way behind anything else. Also, a visit to the water rower youtube channel will show you there isnt much in terms of ongoing workout content for the owners. And yet i prefer waterower over the concept, 1- you just cant imitate water resistant and feel; 2- the sound is great and lets you listen to the tv or music without crap (headset, pods whatever) in your ears...; and 3- i dont have to hide the machine after each use because it just looks awesome (your significant other cannot win this one :). On a final note, i used to have all kinds of gadgets for working out, heart rate sensors etc. but in the end what matters is that you keep discipline and enjoy it, so the concept monitor while superior is no a deal breaker for me, but it might be for others. Great video
Thanks.
What do you think about adding a pillow or Cushing in the seat to rise it to improved the height and the comfort to be like the concept 2? I want buy my first water tower but I am concerned with the seat/feet position in the wr. It don't look so comfy like the concept 2.
I’m looking at getting my first rower and the noise issue really is a deal breaker for me. I’ve got sensitive hearing and couldn’t cope with the racket from a concept 2 (never mind the neighbours, who I’m sure would be annoyed too). Not made the purchase yet, but think I’m going water rower with the Bluetooth add-on for kinomap etc.
I agree. Everything you said is true. I have a water rower. And what I like the most about it is the sound. As I use to row on a boat for years, rowing this machine gives me the feeling I’m outdoors on the lake I used to row. And during these four months of quarantine... it’s really nice.
Thanks for sharing your input, man! I’m glad rowing has done you good these past few months, especially!
The Waterrower is so beautiful to look at whether you're exercising or not. It is so appealing that when it is time to workout, it's not a big deal.
Same here... I've been doing research for months and I just got the Xterra Water Rower and I think this guy did a review on it awhile back. I love it!!!! Best purchase I've made in years!
Thank you, Training Tall ! You’ve been doing a great job. 👍🏼
+1 on quarantine rowing! 1000km so far :D And yeah, water has a little magic touch that I'm very reluctant to let go of... Damn monitor...
I just got a WaterRower Club, locally used from a previous owner on Thursday and I love it. It’s in great condition and I’m basically rowing daily for recreation (love boating) and physical rehabilitation (series of injuries last year). I’m also a composer-musician so the auditable level was an important factor for me and love the WaterRower’s ethos overall as well. It’s COVID-19 pandemic year, lockdown in mid-March (SFBA), and my gym is essentially closed indefinitely for my purposes unfortunately which was another definite factor for this investment. My gym offered Concept2 rowers that I like as well but for a home investment, the WaterRower just feels like an instrument too, water and wood, defusing the work stress working from home as well. 😷
Very well said my friend. My feelings exactly! Congrats to you sir.
I fell in love with the Water Rower form watching House of Cards 😅
Me too holy shit
Me three!!!
LOLLLLLLLLLL true
same here
What does this mean.
You'll know which one is the best choice when it needs parts and maintenance. Every single part of the C2 from the original model to the latest is instantly available at a good price and anyone can strip and rebuild the whole machine.
One thing to note on the monitor comparison, is that the water rower now also comes with a power meter and app from SmartRow as an option and it gives many of the features of the C2.
I used to row at university and we would always train on concept 2, I definitely agree they are better for training. My dad has a water rower, and its beautiful, I love the sound a great for home workouts. The one things I would say is the water rowers position is very similar to being in a boat so it is more realistic and you can get used to the positioning better on a water rower xx
Again, I appreciate the advice and consideration for rowers with larger than average midsections. Good to know about the biomechanics of the stroke on the different machines. Thanks, Austin!
Was thinking the same, he'd be forgiven for leaving that out of consideration given his build but that matters to me
Couldn't you add some sort of riser to the seat to somewhat negate the seating position?
Really very nice video regarding both machines differences. I already have got a waterrower device about one year ago, and this equípment has changed my body shape during that time!
Thanks a lot!!
Just got myself a waterrower and I agree with you on the monitor part - it's not ideal, but by no means does it matter to me. I hop on it do some cardio and don't care if it was showing me laggy data. I opted for the waterrower because of aesthetics - both visual and aural - a nice wooden construction matching my floor + a soothing sound instead of irritating one.
I’ve owned a Concept2 for 20+ years and it still looks and works like new.
Good to here am in waiting list for a model 2
Great info, thanks! Ordered one from Amazon, delivery ETA next Monday!!!!
BTW, my 20y Accord feels like new as well.
Same! 6 years now✌🏻
Austin- great review. I already took the plunge for the WaterRower, only delivered a few weeks ago, and I don't have any regrets. My choice was largely due to the noise difference. I can listen to your instructions on your workouts without blasting the volume or wearing earbuds and the water does make a soothing sound. I have the Xeno Muller model, which is supposed to have a footboard lower to the seat, relatively, than the standard model.I haven't used a standard model, so I've nothing to compare to. I'm not tall, like you, (I'm only 6'4"), but I thought the Xeno model would make sense due to my not being height challenged.
I believe that your relative height exaggerates the footboard placement issue. Few viewers have a 37" inseam, like you do. I think it makes the WaterRower footboard placement look worse than it generally is, but it is still a valid point.
Again, great review. I'm new to rowing and I'm using your beginner workouts to work on form. I look forward to stepping up to the "grown-up" workouts, and hope that the (admittedly) archaic monitor on the WaterRower won't be an issue.
Another person mentioned the upgrade monitor that is available. Does that correct the lag time?
Thanks for help keeping me sane w/o my gym!
The great thing about the Concept 2 is that a chap called Austin makes lots of helpful Concept 2 training videos.
Everytime I see a water rower I want to throw a load of laundry in there. Someone has to make that happen.
😂
Surely there must be YT videos of people who adapted a water rower to be able to do so😅. I will search for it in a bit haha.
I’m an older rower & have a C2 at home. I’ve used water rowers from time to time & agree the monitor is way less useful. Also agree the setup is a bit different in terms of seat & feet. Also agree the water rower sounds better. The one thing I’d disagree on is which is kinder on the body & the back. I do have back issues & found the water rower was a good deal kinder at the catch than the C2. As such, if buying one for general fitness & had any grumbling injuries, I’d probably go for the water rower. If, on the other hand, you want to do a ‘true’ 1, 2 or 5km, etc, the C2 is the machine.
I'm 5'10" and have had the Waterrower Natural for about 5 years. I love my machine. It's very comfortable and gives a great workout. One thing that wasn't mentioned, is its ability to connect via USB to a computer. I've used this for online competitions, making the workout more interactive.
Great information! Thanks👍
I just bought a used (2012) Concept 2 with the Mark 3 monitor and it runs like it was new. I've also recently learned I can upgrade the monitor to the latest Mark 5 and get bluetooth connectivity to track workouts and progress for a very fair price. Also, I can order any spare parts for the rower. Maintenance of the rower is also very easy. I'm not experienced with WaterRower, but those points alone, along with the monitor and the community being so much better are all fantastic reasons to get the Concept 2 and why I'm totally happy I've gotten one.
Oh, and I did some rowing on a machine many years ago and never remembered it to be such a fantastic workout. The machine I was using must have sucked. The Concept 2 feels very nice and even on the lightest setting, it's a really good workout.
Having used a few different rowers, I have to agree with your point about the Importance of the monitor. In addition to what you mentioned in your video the concept 2 also had Bluetooth connectivity, and a solid phone app which syncs to the C2 website, making automatically logging all your workouts really easy. You can then review your performance, splits etc. and share with training partners online.
The app also gives you data like peak force etc.
Concept 2 rower vs treadmill. Which one burns the most calories & fat in the shorter amount of time?
0
@@rico9391 rower - and is not even close
Having researched MANY rowers side by side in a nerdy spreadsheet, I narrowed my choices down to WaterRower and Concept2. Amazing to find a very informative and honest video addressing the choice between them specifically. Thank you!
@@iamOwenG C2. Very happy with it.
Hey everyone!! I have a few spots open left in my online coaching program, ROW-20, for October 5th - October 26th! It's 20 days of exclusive live-streamed workouts with me and a handful of others. You get direct access to me as your health & rowing coach where I can chat with you personally on your own individual goals and review YOUR form specifically FOR YOU! This program is for ANYONE using ANY ROWING MACHINE. Check my website (in description) for more info, testimonials, etc! Would love to get to know you more personally this next month - happy rowing!! Hope you enjoy the video - this one took forever!
F
I agree with your points on both rowers. I have a waterower now at home in my garage with limited space, and it works just fine. I guess I am in the recreational category, so the waterower works for me. Time or distance is all I really look at. Been using the waterower for 3 months now, and no back issues.
Glad I made the call and purchased a Concept2 many years ago. Good vid. Keep at it!
I've put over 16,000,000 meters on my Waterrower, and I have to agree. That distance has been in spite of a LOT of maintenance, most of which is necessary because of British-style engineering. (If you've ever seen a Lotus with headlamps full of water after a rain, you'll know what I mean.) I mean, who came up with the idea of in-house, custom made rubber belts (Which are often faulty!) to drive the display? Changing one of those little suckers takes about 2 hours each time, and because they're poorly made it's a yearly task. Next, the placement of the water fill hole is uncomfortably close to the rest of the mechanism for no good reason! It could have been ANYWHERE on the top of the tank, but nooooooo. Still, I do enjoy the quiet of the WR, I like to listen to music or watch TV while rowing, and you can't do that with the C2, especially if your wife is sleeping a few rooms away!
Really appreciate the insight here! Thanks for sharing!!
I own the WaterRower M1 Hi-Rise and I use the Concept 2 at the gym. I would have to say the WaterRower is a better rower because it's easier to engage the legs and glutes. I have no regrets about my purchase.
@@MsWagons Taking it where? Mine is staying in my apartment.
@@MsWagons That’s great. Glad we all have options that work best for our needs. I don’t need to move my rower anywhere and prefer the WaterRower as a casual rower not a hardcore rower, not that the WaterRower doesn’t give you great results too and a nicer overall experience. The water motion and quietness are more appealing to me than some monster device but, to each their own.
@@MsWagons And no leakage issues that I’ve heard of, and it can stand nicely against the wall.
I bought SmartRow before my WaterRower arrived. I‘ve used Concept2 machines a lot, fallen off many after hard sessions, but the sound level made them a no go for home use. The SmartRow overcomes the responsiveness issue of the WaterRower Monitor, gives accurate power readings and a power curve. I would love to see the option for intervals by distance and if the software and eco system was as good as that for Concept2. It would also be nice to know how equivalent SmartRow output is to the Concept2 so I can compare to my old training diary. All in all really happy with my choice. All the best from another Austin
While you called the damper setting inconsequential (more-or-less), since once you set it, you're done; that observation is good if you're in a single user household. The moment you have a spouse whose also rowing, or other family members, the opportunity to easily change the damper resistance starts to become important.
tfb Exactly my thoughts when the comment came up. Two of us to use it, and the hassle of changing water would be no less than annoying.
The resistance shouldn’t change that much rower to rower.
@@bryngarrity5548 I'm curious about your answer. I'm new to rowing, don't even have my rower yet (waiting list), I've only used one a few times at the gym. Would the resistance not change that much between dad (me), and 13 year-old daughter? In a household of 5, I was thinking that we would need to be changing the resistance, but maybe I'm wrong. I really like the sound of the water, and don't really care about competition level workouts or stats, so maybe the inferior monitor on the WaterRower wouldn't bother me, and they look nice. But I'm still undecided between these two machines. The seat has to be big and comfortable for my wife to want to use it, so I'm wondering if the seat-to-feet position mentioned in this video are a deal-breaker for us.
@@luisvilla7 the damper setting adds resistance, but also pulling harder adds resistance. You will pull harder than your daughter and therefore feel more resistance. As my coaches always told me, pull harder if it’s too easy. According to one of my coaches, a world rowing coach who has coached many world and olympic rowers over the years, the feel of water on the concept 2 is between 2-4. Those guys you may see at the gym with the damper up to 10 make my heart hurt. Most people new to rowing equate power to the higher resistance, but proper rowing form is actually hindered the higher the resistance is.
In my rowing club, the coaches won’t allow anyone to go above 4 during an erg session.
But also, think about actual rowing. How does every rower on a boat get different resistance? We don’t. We pull harder.
@@bryngarrity5548 That makes sense. Thank you! I actually went ahead and got off the waiting list for the concept 2, and ordered the WaterRower.
Thanks for the video and all the facts you described. In the end, everyone needs to decide his own preferences and style of training. You clearly described the pros and cons. Precious info was about the ergonomic position, where one machine might feel a bit more comfortable. The other aspect was the noise level and style. Something nobody paid attention to. The video helped me with my decision, ordering a water rowing machine. And I found a manufacturer who elevated the seat position, which makes it more comparable to concept 2. I accept the limitations of the water technique, but I was looking for an entry-level machine. The goal is to get on the machine every day. 15 to 30 minutes, and slowly gain back fitness and reduce weight. Maybe after 12 months, I change my mind.
The Concept 2 wins for me because I've been able to upgrade mine over the years so I have the latest PM5 and I use it with Kinomap. The Concept 2 support and development community is unique in the rowing a equipment world. The company can sell you replacement parts for pretty much everything. You're buying an investment which is cheap per mile rowed & calorie burned.
Hey Austin. That was a great review and everything was spot on. Ive got a Waterrower GX with the very old computer and after almost a year of rowing the lack of programming and the lag is starting to impact my rowing progress. You can get around the shortcomings with a note book, a stopwatch and a spreadsheet but it's quite inconvenient. I am now seriously considering a concept 2. Thanks again. Great honest review 😉👍
I bought the Fluidrower Neon Plus, highly recommended, the seat is super comfortable and the rowing action/noise is amazing, at £800 it's brilliantly priced too
"If you can get away with the loudness of the C2"... I think that sums it up.
Thank you! I didn't want to watch a lot of yap
Excellent comparison video. Very comprehensive, but not to the point it's annoying.
I bought the waterrower a few months ago and I really like it. I must say I wanted a Concept2, but the noise was the deal breaker (you mentioned that as one of the main consideration points and it's true). I just couldn't convince myself that it would produce low enough noise to not bother my wife and kids at the time I thought I'd use it more frequently.
If someday I manage to have an air conditioned acoustically isolated room where I can have a rowing machine, I'll get the Concept2.
Great video, I’ve gone for a waterrower with Bluetooth connection so hopefully that’ll improve the monitor feedback. I have to have the machine in the house so the aesthetics were a deal breaker plus when my wife took a look at the concept 2 her first reaction was ‘that’s not coming in here!’
WaterRower is great for taller rowers (6’ plus) with the extension they offer. Mine is over 15 years old and still works beautifully. Low to zero maintenance. I upgraded the monitor and length for very little directly from WaterRower UK.
Water rower it is for me. Thanks for this video it really helped. I use a concept 2 at my gym by I hate the monitor on it and don't really care for that. I like how the water rower has sleek designs, is quiet, and the monitor looks out of the way and not in exactly in my face. My main workouts consist of weight lifting, body weight workouts and mma.
I've had a C2 Model D for 14 years, (about 18MM meters on this one) and with a little maintenance it's as good as new. I've also raced in crew for years, and I think it's worth noting that any rowing club boathouse I've seen use Concept 2 machines for off-water training and testing.
with all respect to your great experience, and acknowledging all the Concept 2 advantages detailed in the vid, I do think that citing the ubiquity of Concept 2 as evidence of superiority is like saying VHS is better than Betamax because it became more widely used, and eventually won out
@@mattgagan3419 The concept 2 is superior and is more widely (exclusively) used by athletes and rowing clubs because the C2 mechanics is spot-on compared to actual rowing.
I use the Smartrow with force curve and no lags. It‘s not perfect at the moment, but it‘s so much better than the S4 monitor. I think (hope) it could be very comparable to the PM5 in year from now.
I really need to try that out!
Tried both in the store. Bought the concept2. No regrets.
I've tried the concept in the gym and it was great, but I'm more inclined towards the Water Rower at home due to noise levels since I live in an apartment. I would go with the cheapest A1 water rower since the foot plates are further apart and closer to to the concept. I want to do HIIT interval training. The water rower monitor looks a bit rubbish but I guess I could just put my Ipad on a clamp, attach it to the rower and play a video of HIIT training sessions whilst checking my speed by the strokes per minute rate. Just my newbie thoughts.
Used to row during my student time and always used C2 for indoor training.
Now I own my own C2 rower while I have a waterrower at my gym. IMO the C2 rower blows the waterrower out of the water when it comes to any performance metrics or training customization. The only downside is that it does get really loud when you start pumping (and of course the cost.. but any decent rowing machine is going to cost you).
thanks for the video! Feel like you cover everything really well. As someone with lower back problems, I appreciate your comparison focusing on which would be better in that department.
Thank you. I am new to this rowing exercise This video helped me with picking the correct rower
You’re welcome!
Love my Waterrower. The sound, the action, stroke--all of it. The Concept2 is excellent too. It is great to choose either one--working on your health is always great!
Working on your health IS always great! :)
I am 6‘10“ or 208cm tall. Love your content. I’d like to add that you can not just take apart the concept 2 with ease but also purchase an extended slider if you have super long legs. On a regular slider I tend to sit a bit too far back on my seat in order to get that extra leg room. Design and sound points go to waterrower and Kevin Spacey is going to keep rowing that thing in House of Cards. However, every competitive rower is training on concept 2.
The extended slider is great!! Awesome to hear from another tall guy - keep up the great work, man!
Olympic rowers in europe use waterrower and concept? Not just house of cards.
From one Austin to another...thanks man! You got me kick started back into getting in shape and into buying a rowing machine and rowing. 6"4 guy now training tall!
That’s awesome!! Love hearing from other tall guys (and Austin’s!). You’re on your way man! Keep up the great work!!
One main point missed is the feel if one actually does rowing on waterways in a boat. The water rower has dimensions to a boat seating and the feel of water resistance.
Thanks for making this video. I am buying rowing machine for myself & for my sons (11yo) training. I was considering waterrower since its more quieter. Thanks to your introduction to how to change resistance I realised that concept 2 would be better so there would no need to hassle with water between my & sons rowing.
assembled the WaterRower yesterday and had my first session this morning - my god i'm out of shape. love the sound of water though and hopefully the screens will eventually get an update and will become upgradable.
One day at a time, man! Happy rowing!
The screens are completely upgradable. There is ofcourse a adaptor inwhich you can attach your phone or tablet to the rower and it then becomes a completely immersive experience with a virtual rowing video on a lake, progress reports, workout recordings, watt measurements and way more.
There is also the ergatta upgrade
Thanks for the review comparison. Tip: I'm a sea kayaker had all kinds of seats, back rests, etc... there is no comfort issue that I haven't been able to solve with cheap 1/2" yoga mats from Amazon. I cut them up, roll them into tubes. I think they're more versatile and more comfortable than gel pads. (1/4" yoga mat material is good for foot braces and for the bottom hull of my kayak, but I don't think chill from surrounding water is an issue with a rowing machine) .
Shafts and blisters. I use to feel kind of special to have calluses on the web skin by my thumbs from the paddle shaft. I use the nylon covered pads for the paddle shaft. No blisters, no calluses, no gloves needed. Not sure how these might fit with these machines.
The lag in information reporting breaks the feedback loop. Feedback is critical. If you suddenly paddle with more force seeing the numbers change reinforce the feel you have.
Now, have you done one of these for Kayak ergs?
I prefer the feel of the WR. My competition is myself so the relative speeds don’t matter. Using club machines, I noticed that he C2s around here are really rough. Some are so bad my hands tingle after just a 2k. Now, I know that’s more of a club/Mx issue than the design but I’ve not run into that problem on WRs (yet).
Air rower tend to have a pause or catch at the beginning. The other significant difference is one is a double rail and the other is monorail. Double is more stable and better longevity in seat movement over time. The monorails rail system tends to get wobbly over time, more maintenance to keep the seat stable
pause or catch? what does that mean? i'm new to rowing
I will add a little extra point for shorter people like me. I'm 5ft9, and I tried both the concept 2 and waterrower; the waterrower is far more comfortable at the front of the stroke, I felt I had to stretch quite a lot more on the concept 2 in order to get a comfortable flow on, to the point that it harmed my form. My wife is 6ft1 and found the concept 2 more comfortable as the video showed. So something to keep in mind 😁
Found the waterrower footplate too small (whole family is flat footed lol) so flattened my nads every stroke. Concept 2's footplate is wider and so avoids the problem lol
Waterrower does 'feel' closer to proper river rowing imo from when I used to compete however I couldn't do more than like 500m on waterrower without being crippled xD
Sound wise I find the concept 2 to be better for others as its roughly a constant sound so blends into the background noice, waterrower's splash sound penetrates walls much more. (Since we switched to C2, my family have stopped complaining about me rowing late at night)
Good video!
I now have a C2 Model D at home, and definitely recommend it. I picked it up recently, after being locked out of my rower workouts at the gym for the last 9mos (thanks to Covid). Really like your videos btw... keep up the good work!
What about a waterrower with smartrow option ? The data is much more complete and responsive.
Yeah that was my question. If the big point is that the monitoring is too limited on the water rower presented, are there other models of water rowers that would compete against the Concept 2 monitoring? I'm very interested in this because my water rower has the same limitations than demonstrated in this video.
Ive rowed w/Smart Row, the install is a bit cumbersome but once it's set up, it delivers excellent data if your interested in improving your power.
What if one uses an Apple Watch to monitor the rowing work out?
Karthik Lakshmi I guess it would depend on the data you're driven by. If it were me, I'd say Apple watch (or any activity tracker) would suffice. But if the goal is power, then add the power pulley/Smart Row will offer more data/stats. However, what changes you are not numbers. Your body has to do the work, your body needs to progress. No matter what those numbers say, your body should always be calling the shots to ensure continued improvement.
Karthik Lakshmi the SmartRow hardware has a companion app for iPhone and Apple Watch. You launch the app on each before your workout. The phone app shows you your power graph and rowing instructions as well as your heart rate which it takes from your watch. The rowing sessions are saved to Health app so it fills your rings and shows workouts in the Activity app.
I own both, ask me why... Originally purchased the WR and loved it. I did experience some back issues with the WR and my competitive nature wouldn't allow me to take my eyes of the C2. Eventually broke down and purchased the C2. Have not regretted that decision, back issues solved almost immediately. Should have done better research for my purposes. The rowing community the C2 opens up to you is fantastic. Also I really don't find the C2 to be that loud at all, I think that may be a little overstated. If your prone to being competitive and enjoy that motivation then the C2 is the choice. Both will give you a heck of a workout. I must admit I also wasn't happy that WR kept trying/keeps trying to sell me add-ons to make my WR like a C2. C2 is the standard all others are judged by.
got the WaterRower. looks better in my homeroom over the orange one. That s the most important issue, cause like a fitness studio, after 10 times you don't use it anymore and its looks become important
truth!!
I really appreciate the part of your review which discusses pros/cons for rowing as a larger person or someone with back pain. I think this is alone is enough to edge me towards buying a Concept 2, even though the sound the WaterRower makes is very soothing.
Awesome review. Fantastic comparison. The point made about the lower foot position on the Concept II is an excellent observation and probably clinched the decision for me. Thanks.
There is also a Waterrower model with a lower foot position, fyi. It’s a midrange model with exclusive training videos by the Swiss American gold medalist. I was going to get that one because of my long legs, but went with the “normal” one instead. It arrived in the mail this week; not unpacked yet ... Excited! I think the “whoosh” will really do it, for me.
I find your videos quite helpful. I have a bad right knee bending it repeatedly is quite painful over a short period of time. And walking for exercise is out because standing and walking on it is difficult after 20 minutes. Your videos gave me the idea of rowing for exercise because it was easy to modify how I keep my right leg straight to eliminate or reduce the pain in my knee. My rowing machine is nearly identical to the concept 2. Thanks for videos.
Well thank you for your support, John! Keep up the great work my friend!
@@trainingtall your technique guide helped me actually modify starting with just my upper body. Now that I have built my endurance I am increasing the intensity of my upper body rowing and soon will incorporate the use of my left leg in the rowing technique. Thanks again.
@@trainingtall just found you on Facebook
Great review equally comments on both. Mentions so many aspects. Fabulous! Also since I am tall it is good to see how the machine fits!
I'm 5'11", yes on the potential back issues on the WR. Owned the WR for a couple of years, always had lower back pain no matter how much I concentrated on form. The only thing that helped was shortening the stroke by not going forward as far. Tried the C2 afterwards, it was much more comfortable on my back and the ergos just felt better for my frame. Loved the look and sound of the WR but for my frame I prefer the biomechanics of the C2. Thanks for this great explanation as to why.
C2. I am looking for something both my wife and I can use and changing water change resistance may not be ideal. The Water does sound nice.
All I can say is that confirms my belief in the Concept2 although if I won the lottery I would have a Biorower.
Excellent comparison Austin for those who are about to take the plunge and good to se you’re well as been a while since your last upload.
Stay Safe 😎
Much appreciated, Steve! You rock man... hope all is well!
It would be my dream to own the BioRower Pro. It can do both sculling and sweep rowing and it can also pivot side-to-side like a real boat.
I have made this comment 6 days ago on your other video comparing these rowing machines, and I know how traumatic it can be deciding between the two...
l bought a Waterrower because it was quiet and stylish. But after reading the reviews and how people preferred to use the Concept 2, l was hardly using it, plus the foot placement was so high that it was uncomfortable to row. Then you made a video about foot placement which solved the problem but l still wasn’t committed to working out. After 3 weeks of steady workout, l am happy to say that l have made the right choice. Not only does it looks lovely in my living room, working out on this beautiful thing that swooshes water makes working out a therapeutic experience that l look forward to every time. At times l imagine working out on a Concept 2 and my heart shudders seeing that iron junk in my living room coupled with the noise. I have not experienced any problems and l use it every other day for more than 30 mins. And the resistance works for me as l prefer to row fast in time with techno music. This purchase is the best gym equipment that l have ever made that I have no excuses not to workout.
Thanks for sharing your input - I think your usage of the WaterRower fits exactly how I described in this video :)
Great video, thanks. I have a ProForm 750 magnetic rower which broke after 2 months of use. I'm a 58 y/o guy, in decent shape (183lbs) @ 6'1" so no judging there please. I was leaning towards the water rower, but now I'm going with the Concept 2. Water rower is pretty, but that only goes so far. I want durability. Thanks again!
Great presentation. I understood everything. Answered any possible question i could have had and then some.
As an about to turn 40 year old typical dad bod guy, I've just bought a concept 2 model B, second hand for £100, no thrills but I can tell its a quality bit of kit, even though its nearly as old as me, and definitely in better shape! I'm an absolute novice/beginner at rowing but really enjoy it because its low impact and actually quite fun. Plus I absolutely love working out on it! Trying to lose the love handles and the beer belly one day at a time..
Ps love the workouts 💪Thanks!
Great comparison and I went Concept2. Also wanted a water rower but never considered body shape initially and after this video, I started to pay more attention to how would I actually row on it. I never got to try the WaterRower as we have no stock here in South Africa, but the C2 is common enough that even my local Crossfit has a few so I have no buyers remorse.
A viable option for people who want the better look of a water rower with more advanced technology would be the machines from First Degree Fitness. Back in March I was looking at a 3 month wait for a C2 or immediate delivery of a FDF machine so I took the leap...I had only used C2's previously. They make water rowers of varying sophistication (Bluetooth, force curves, programmable, etc.), as well as water rowers with adjustable resistance and others with larger tanks that offer even greater resistance. I've put about 500,000 meters on the one I have and my only regret is that I didn't shell out the extra money for one of their Bluetooth enabled models. It eats up meters at about the same rate as a C2; maybe the FDF rowers generate slightly more meters per unit of force than the C2. But definitely a more advanced water rower than the original. Still miss the C2s at the gym...in NYC gyms are still off limits.
Since the site doesn't list the price, what can I expect to pay? My WR is 20 years old and I'm thinking of retiring it, and would rather not have the WR problems again.
@@phaedrusalt I bought mine here: www.recoveryforathletes.com/collections/rowing-machines
Excellent video and not just technical. Individuals with abdominal 'problems' such as surgery and it's consequences will find the differences between foot rest height and seat height to be very relevant!
Thanks for the side-by-side comparison video Austin. I know which one is better for me now... Concept2. I can see how others might want the WaterRower, but for me Concept2 is a no-brainer.
I have an earlier Ergatta hooked up to my Waterrower Club and it responds much quicker to intensity. The display is large and in front of you. You can easily hook up Polar Beat and other heart monitors... and it still looks sexy when put upright between rowing sessions.
Oh very nice!!
@@trainingtall I'll send photos if you haven't seen it yet! I fully understand it makes the rower more expensive.
I have an Xterra water machine. Love it. I've never bothered to hookup or use the monitor and just row by feel. I wanted the simplest most stressfree rowing experience. My fitness goals are as much about stress relief as streingth and endurance. I also like that it has a relaxing meditative sound. I row while my wife and dog are sleeping at 6am. So noise was a big deciding factor.
Great video. Still deciding - leaning towards Concept2 (sounds like less 'admin') - I wish they would bring out an Oak model, then the decision would be easy for me!! I love the look of the wood water rowers!
Seriously consider the noise.
You know it's a good review when: it introduces criteria you hadn't thought of nor manufacturers mentioned. Thanks!
Thank you! Means a lot!
Great and comprehensive evaluation; thank you for your careful walk-through on both -- *much respect, sir*.
Totally agree! I have tried using both. I bought Concept 2 so I can get more data and integrate it into my Strava and Fitbit Accounts. I get motivated when I see my rowing/workout data results, I tend to go for more to improve my workout and in the end, I benefit from it by getting myself healthier. Great video comparison! Thanks!
We've owned a concept II since Christmas 1993. We had to wait extra time for shipment because they were switching from model b to model c. Still love it. Only maintenance has been to oil the chain ever couple years. And to replace the monitor bracket which broke when moving across the country and that was a super easy $10 fix. Almost every year we do the holiday challenge (200,000 meters between Thanksgiving and Christmas), found this video while waiting for my wife to finish her first row of the challenge so that I can go start my 200k!
I agree 100% with this video. I bought a water rower (although the City Row Go model). If you can tolerate a louder rower (which we couldn’t because we have a smaller house and wanted use it early in the morning). The City Row Go model has a lower and wider foot straps, but the computer is laggy.
I own an American walnut WaterRower and it's beautiful. You're rewarded with the sound of an oar going through waves with every stroke and, if you close your eyes when rowing, you can imagine you're on a beautiful lake. A lovely way to exercise.
Totally agree with your comments on them. I used to use a concept 2 in the gym and now own a waterrower. I love the easy of use and be able to change resistance level with concept 2. But for light users, especially for someone who loves to exercise with music, following a HIIT video, or simply watching video when rowing. The concept 2 is just tooooo loud to hear them.🤣
It’s additional cost for the WR but the SmartRow flywheel and app combo gives you superior in-row stats. It becomes a lab grade erg. It makes redundant the S4 monitor that comes with the rower.
I'll have to check it out!
Very helpful for someone new to rowing. Thank you for the breakdown, as well as the clear, easy to understand differences in the 2 types of rowers.
We added a smart row sensor to our water rower. Works well and gives pretty good data. Power curve, stroke power and reach all reported per stroke. Was expensive but transformed a gen 1 machine right up to date. Have had the machine for 20 years had to re-seal the drum once and would be lying if i said we have used it lots but currently back on it due to COVID so will see how we go.
Great review, and I agree with everything. The only reason to get the WaterRower is it's more quiet. If it were 40% cheaper, maybe that would get more demand, but as it is, if you're a serious athlete or have serious athletic aspirations, there is NO DOUBT that C2 is the best rower in the world. It's bulletproof and incredibly well designed.
Thanks for your review Austin. the only issue for my pioneer A1 waterrower is the monitor, really is a suck, but I saw a video with new device you can installed and by Bluetooth and mobile app that issue is part of the pass, but really don't know is will work with my model. The concept 2 is an amazing machine as well, but the design and the beautiful noise it is amazing for the waterrower.
I've recently started on a waterrower. The only thing wrong with the monitor is the lack of software. It has a mini usb port. My laptop recognizes it. No software for windows. Kinda sucks. Still a nice thing.
Brilliant review. Concept 2s are by far the best rowers. Model D in my opinion is better than E. AND if your concept 2 sounds like that... it's broken. Concept 2s are not that loud in real life.
What do you like about the Model D over the Model E? Thanks for your input!
@@connorcabalka9563 cant put my finger on it. Ive used the c, d, and e and now own the d. There's something off with the e. The height is one thing I dont like. If you're rowing for a long time and want water you cant easily reach it from the floor. That in itself could make it feel uncomfortable.
Very helpful-thanks. You are right about the Concept II's being indestructible. I think I'm coming up on 30 years on mine?
Great video. I have waterrower but have been thinking about switching to Concept2. The issues of foot height, and the monitor lag are huge issues for me on the waterrrower.
Look into the SmartRow add on for water rower.
Got a Cardiostrong water rower with a diagonally constructed tank. Three issues with it: a noisy seat that rather ruins the water sound, a (after about a year ) slightly leaking tank
and the monitor doesn't light up. Only gives the basic info and the option of racing the computer, but that's sufficient for me So if having to chose between these two, it would be the concept 2.
Regardless of how weight is lost, loving to row is a true gift.
There's a reason C2s are everywhere. That's why I bought one
I have used all sorts of rowers of my lifetime ( i am 56 ) . Personally I do not like the water rower, I think it sucks for a couple of reason, BUT if you have never rowed before than you may think the water rower is cool and I say then go for it. In MY own opinion, the CONCEPT 2 rower is THE BEST and I have used CONCEPT rowers since the mid 80's and I had used old OLD school rowing apparatus in the mid 70's . I have used Life-fitness rowing computers and the water rower and some other generic type rowing machines almost like the concept 2 but those really fell short also.
Question: Do you eat burgers, pizza, wings, tacos, so fourth? I know that you can't really lose weight without changing your eating habit, but I at least want to stay in a healthier life style, would this allow me to do that? I don't want to change the way I eat. LOL I'm also not super fat.. I'm like 123lbs and I'm 5'0"