When comparing Concept 2 Model D vs WaterRower Classic, the Slant community recommends WaterRower Classic for most people. In the question“What are the best home rowing machines?” WaterRower Classic is ranked 1st while Concept 2 Model D is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose WaterRower Classic is:
The WaterRower is equipped with a water flywheel. Inside the flywheel there are paddles that spin as you start pulling on handles, thus creating friction with water and creating resistance. This is the closest thing that you can get to simulate rowing on water.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Air resistance provides smooth and even performance
This is an air rowing machine which means that the resistance is provided by an internal flywheel. The flywheel creates wind as you pull on the handles which creates more resistance. Pulling harder means the flywheel will spin faster and create more wind, thus creating more resistance. This creates a similar feeling as rowing on water.
Pro Great build quality
The Concept 2 Model D is made of high quality material that is built to last.
The front legs are made of aluminum and rear legs are made of steel. The cord is a nickel-plated steel chain, the monorail itself is made out of aluminum, and the seat track is made of stainless-steel.
Pro The control panel has a variety of helpful features
The Model 2 is equipped with Performance monitor 5, a mini-computer that is full of features and workout preferences. Along with tracking 5 different stats, it has built-in pre-set workouts or you can customize a workout routine. You can even play games on it.
Pro You can race yourself for more motivation
You can set your previous workout as the pace boat, so you can race against yourself.
Pro For an extra $50 you can buy a heart rate monitor
You can get a compatible heart rate monitor which is strapped to your chest and monitors your heart rate on the display.
Pro Can be folded up when not being used
The machine can be easily taken apart and stored while it's not being used. When folded up the rower measures in at 25 x 33 x 54 in, which is about the same size as a mini fridge.
Pro The monitor gives great information on your workouts
The display shows total time of your workout, the number of strokes per minute, the distance that you have achieved, and the 500m split time.
Pro Resistance levels can be adjusted
The settings on the damper can be adjusted from level 1 to level 10. Different levels will give you a different sense of rowing. Lower levels give you a perception of a smaller and faster boat, while higher levels will feel like rowing a heavier boat.
Pro Uses water resistance to simulate physics of rowing on water
The WaterRower is equipped with a water flywheel. Inside the flywheel there are paddles that spin as you start pulling on handles, thus creating friction with water and creating resistance. This is the closest thing that you can get to simulate rowing on water.
Pro Prominently featured in House-of-Cards
Feel like the president of the United States (or Kevin Spacey).
Pro Great build quality
This machine is hand-made and is one solid piece of equipment. It's made out of black walnut hardwood and is coated three times with danish oil. The water tank is made from polycarbonate, which is a material that's also used to make bulletproof windows.
Pro PC software stores your data and lets you compete against other users
The WaterRower can be connected to a PC and has its own software called We-Row. This software can be downloaded to your PC and it allows you to have rowing races against other WaterRower users. It also stores your training data.
Pro User friendly control panel
The WaterRower is equipped with Series 4 Multifunctional Performance Monitor. The display is divided into 5 parts in which you can see your stroke rate, intensity, duration, distance, and heart rate.
Pro Looks good
The WaterRower Classis is one of more aesthetically pleasing rowing machines. It’s handcrafted and made out of American Black Walnut. Because of this material, its color may vary from rich brown to purple-black.
Pro Easy storage
To store this machine all you have to do is to lift it up and stand it upright. When upright the rower measures 20 x 22.25 x 82.25 in.
Pro Fits almost any size user
This machine is suited for users up to 6 foot 4 " tall and can support a weight of up to 700 lbs.
Cons
Con The wind created inside the flywheel can get loud
It creates a “whooshing” sound. The harder you row, the louder this machine gets.
Con Takes up a lot of space while working out
You will need a space of 9 x 4 feet to be able to workout on this machine.
Con Adjusting the resistance can be tedious
Adding more water to the tank will increase the resistance. If you want to decrease the resistance you have to drain some water from the tank.
Con Expensive
At $1,495.00 it is one of the more expensive machines available.
Con The performance monitor is not backlit
There has to be some light if you want to be able to see the information on the screen.
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