Rowing Machine Under £200

[coldel]

I do a fair bit of football, have some free weights in the house but for some extra cardio and overall body work thinking of getting a rowing machine in. Looking for something cheap and cheerful to jump on put some miles on. I've arbitrarily gone for a budget around £200 as there seems to be a few options out there. If anyone has bought a budget one and found it both lasted and was half decent for a basic row, please post below!

[MBVitoria]

If you can stretch the budget get a used concept 2. They're the gold standard and hold their value exceptionally well.

[ATG]

MBVitoria said:

If you can stretch the budget get a used concept 2. They're the gold standard and hold their value exceptionally well.

+1

I can see a couple on ebay for 250 or best offer.

[coldel]

Thanks both I didn’t think of that will take a look

[king arthur]

I wouldn't bother trying to get anything at £200, as above get a used Concept 2. It will give a proper workout and you will get your money back if you ever sell it.

[coldel]

Cheapest Concept2 (working) is around 500 quid plus, the rest are auctions with plenty time still to run. There is one but its in Durham which is a 10 hour round trip for me lol.

[oddman]

Have you used one in a gym for any length of time?

Undoubtedly they are one of the most effective ways of getting a full body workout and some people are able to use them consistently.

For me, they are a time distortion machine where 1 minute on a rower equates to about 4 minutes on a static bike trainer and about 8 minutes running outside. Also you need to row with good form or you'll hurt yourself. I use mine as a warm up for weights or an alternative if injured. Just too unpleasant to put long sessions in.

Agree Concept 2 is the way to go.

[jamgy]

I have a JLL R200, £250 on Amazon. Having used 'good' (Concept 2, Technogym etc.) and also crap machines in the past I was pleasantly surprised with it, and if you just want something to do a bit of exercise rather than training for something more hard core, I'd recommend it

However, I would tend to agree if you can get a used Concept 2 that has to be the way to go - if for no other reason than if you decide you don't want it, you should get your money back

[coldel]

Yes I used to gym and had a personal trainer and used the rower (a concept 2) for various things including warm ups for the session. Its the reason I just dont have time to get the most out of the gym, and I dont really like gyms anyway lol I play football three times a week, lots of walking, eat well etc. and just want to add a little bit of home rowing to that, nothing big, I wont be rowing a marathon a week or anything like that.

[dhutch]

MBVitoria said:

If you can stretch the budget get a used concept 2.

I was waiting to see this, but yes, do that. As said, you will get the investment back when you sell it.

[coldel]

dhutch said:

I was waiting to see this, but yes, do that. As said, you will get the investment back when you sell it.

Unfortunately the stretch is more than a stretch and looks more like a pretty big leap, would need more than double the budget to get a used one.

[lufbramatt]

coldel said:

dhutch said:

I was waiting to see this, but yes, do that. As said, you will get the investment back when you sell it.

Unfortunately the stretch is more than a stretch and looks more like a pretty big leap, would need more than double the budget to get a used one.

You'll always get your money back though so cheaper long term.

[coldel]

lufbramatt said:

You'll always get your money back though so cheaper long term.

Yep, but right now I dont want to throw £500+ at a rowing machine I will use on occasion in the house. The question was really could I get something thats not as good for a lower budget. The answer is yes, but what one?

[dhutch]

I dont know where in the country you are but...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256399653806? Buy now obo £250 Durham
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186285449659? Buy now obo £350 London

Plus £80 Shiply to get them to almost anywhere in the country.
First one states "Might be able to deliver with 20miles for cost of diesel. Need to get rid so open to sensible offers."

Else get a cheaper second hand unit, use it for a year, and then upgrade.

[coldel]

Thanks, saw those two.
I am in London, the second one at £350 the screen doesnt work and needs replacing.
Durham is a long way. Also needs fixing on the display.

[dhutch]

£300-300 new? Feels too good to be true, but if you have a credit card and are feeling brave?
https://centrd.shop/product/indoor-rowing-machine-...
https://guesto.shop/product/concept2-model-d-indoo...

[boyse7en]

dhutch said:

£300-300 new? Feels too good to be true, but if you have a credit card and are feeling brave?
https://centrd.shop/product/indoor-rowing-machine-...
https://guesto.shop/product/concept2-model-d-indoo...

Brave? You'd have to be certifiable to order from there!

Click on the delivery page, or About Us, and it takes you to a completely different (and just as dodgy looking) business's details. Even the quoted reviews are for a site doing Wordpress Templates...

Scammier than a scammy thing.

[coldel]

Just to confirm, I dont have to have a Concept2! It was suggested as an alternative as a used option.
I just want something simple easy, I can jump on and use occasionally in the house. The budget reflects this, and also what the missus would agree with lol