My wife and I want a piece of fitness equipment we can use all year round that is a whole body workout, focusing primarily on the core.
I know nothing about rowers. My wants:
- Relatively quiet.
- Can fold/stand up.
- Sealed parts so kiddos won't lose fingers.
Everything I've read is that if you possibly can swing it, get a Concept 2.
I got a cheapo York with a hydraulic system from Craigslist for $60. It's probably worth about $60. You get what you pay for.
Recent thread we had on it: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/learn-me-rowing-machines/177843/page1/
I've put a few miles on a Concept 2 at the gym over the years. Good unit - and I don't think I ever saw one out of service. That says a fair bit about durability.
Plus it has a game where you can chase fish.
four of my good friends each have the Concept2, and they're always comparing distances and times. i'm gonna get one pretty soon so i can join the fun. we used to bike together quite a lot, but are now living in different states and burdened by different life situations. i'm looking forward to "getting the band back together".
I went to the fitness store here with the intention of buying a Concept II, and found out that the patents had expired on the tech, so I bought a Taiwanese knockoff for a few hundred less. It seems to be nice and sturdy, folds up into a not terribly small footprint, and i nice and smooth. The display screen isn't quite as nice as the Concept.
I forget the brand name, but can update when I get home.
Concept 2. I have had one for about a year and a half. As keith said, they are basically never out of service. They are also the 'standard' when it comes to comparing times, or for some sports (Crossfit). They hold their value really well, so in the long run they are worth it.
They can stand upright. They can also split at the center quite easily.
They are far from silent, but I'm not sure they are any quieter/louder than other rowers.
If your kiddos get their finger on the track the seat rides on and you hit them... bye bye fingers. I don't know of any rowers that don't have that issue though.
Do any types of rowers provide more resistance than others? I know that rowers are supposed to be low impact, but there is also something to be said for a "condensed" workout.
I bought a pretty cheap water rower on Amazon, and it's been fine (but is a little squeaky). I tried to find a concept2 for a while but lead times were insane and everything on craigslist was several hundred over list price.
I've badly sprained my ankle twice since I bought it (unrelated) so I haven't used it as much as I'd like, but I have enjoyed getting a relatively quick full body workout in when I've been able to use it.
In reply to pheller :
Have you tried a Concept 2? It provides enough for elite athletes to use it in competition. I don't think any semi-normal human could possibly find the max resistance too low.
You can absolutely get a condensed workout with one, but its still a cardio workout. The rower isn't going to simulate a 600lb deadlift if that is what you are thinking.
If quiet is a high priority, WaterRower is probably what you want. Same costs as the Concept2, but quieter. Don't get me wrong the Concept2 is a solid machine. It is very popular for CrossFiters who jump on it to crank out distance as fast as possible, but they aren't quiet. When I've used WaterRowers there is a definite difference in the smoothness of the stroke and the sound. They also fold up and out of the way.
Ok so I'm liking the new monorail water rower. It's pricier than generic Amazon options, but I think the extra $200 is worth the added support.
However, workout guidance would be a big benefit. I hate the idea of a subscription. I like the idea of something I can hook up a phone or tablet to, and it'll have fun workout challenges on it with a one time fee.
WaterRower has lots of connected accessories, but the raise the cost of the unit and there isn't a good explaination of the apps to accompany those accessories.
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