Decent rower?

[Brown and Boris]

I know the Concept 2 is widely regarded as 'the business' as far as rowers are concerned but they are pretty pricely and I wondered if some of the 'reconditioned' ex-gym machines are not just knackered and likely to only live a short while after the warranty, having been hammered for 12 hours a day all their life.

And are the Model E machine worth the extra money over the model Dand what about the PM3 or PM4? is it al just 'gadgetville' or are they worth the extra?

So what is the alternative?

I have seen a few celeb ones; Roger Black, Carl Lewis and also the Body Sculpture and Reebok Fusion ones.

Anybody got a robust, easily stored, reasonably priced recommendation?

[M400 NBL]

It's worth reading the forums on the concept 2 website. In all the gyms i've trained in, the rowing machines get by far the least use. A newish concept 2 should be fine but will obviously be expensive.

[whirligig]

I always used a concept 2 at the gym but with not being able to get the time to go to the gym recently got a Reebok one for home and it is very disappointing in comparison. Can't speak for the other models you mention.

[ludo]

I have a concept II now, but I did try a cheapish one first (similar design, chain drive with a fan) and sent it back as the footrests were frankly dangerous. Don't buy one with pivoting footrests if you have large feet. I suspect the static footrests on the Concept II are like that for a good reason.

[prand]

If a Concept 2 has been serviced correctly, then all the moving parts (chain, spring, ratchet, bungees etc) will be replaced, so unless you have a broken track, or bent frame (practically impossible) you can trust you will have a very good working machine.

[Brown and Boris]

prand said:

If a Concept 2 has been serviced correctly, then all the moving parts (chain, spring, ratchet, bungees etc) will be replaced, so unless you have a broken track, or bent frame (practically impossible) you can trust you will have a very good working machine.

Sounds like Trigger's broom from Only Fools and Horses.

[TristanGardner]

Buy a Concept 2 and this will last you a life time. Then when you have finished with it sell it and you are likely to recoup a lot of the money you will have paid in the first place.

As the other guys have said. Buy cheap by twice.

Tris

[911DM]

I had a tunturi r710 for a few years. Fantastic machine, well made, sturdy. It felt very professional yet the arm folded vertical if you needed to lift it when not in use. Highly recomended.

Paid about 650 for it new and let it go last year for 100

I needed space in the garage and the rower went in the clear out. I'm absolutely gutted now as I want to use it again and I clearly am not going to pay 600 odd quid for another as I just sold one!!

[FoolOnTheHill]

Decent rower? Pinsent's chubbed out but Cracknell's still ok.