Concept 2 Model E Rower With PM5 Review

Is it better to buy from Concept2 Directly or Amazon?

Both options are good, though some customers have commented that they may have been able to save money on shipping costs if they had gone through Amazon whilst being members of the Amazon Prime programme. (As of the time of writing of this page, Amazon.com provides free shipping included when you buy the Model E via their site. You can check the current price here).

Is there a community for Concept2 customers to get support for using the product?

Yes there is indeed! There is a great online community here, and you can see all things Concept2 rowing machine specific here.

Are there any good games on the PM5 computer for the Model E?

Yes, we've looked at the games briefly here on this page.

Where is the concept 2 rower made?

Firstly, the Concept2 company is based in Vermont, USA. As far as where the machines are manufactured, from researching this online, and finding feedback in the Concept2 user community, it seems that the main frame of the Model D, Model E, etc is still made locally, but many if not most of the smaller parts are sourced from different parts of Asia.

That's as specific a details as we could currently find. If you wanted a more definitive answer, you could try calling Concept2.

The Concept2 customer service contact details are as follows:

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US and Canada Phone, Fax and Email

Sales and Customer Service:

Toll-free 800.245.5676 or direct 802.888.7971
Fax: 802.888.4791
Emails:

Indoor Rower, Oars and General Inquiries: rowing@concept2.com
SkiErg: skiing@concept2.com
Online Logbook and Ranking: ranking@concept2.com
Website: website@concept2.com

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Where can I buy a Concept2 rowing machine?

Well you have a bunch of different options. You can either find a local sports shop or similar that will order your desired machine in, and usually depending on how big the store is, you'll have to pay some kind of deposit down before they will order a relatively high priced item in for you. The other popular alternative option is to use an online supplier like Amazon.com or similar. You can find the Model E here on amazon.com.

Which Concept 2 rower should I get for crossfit training?

If you are training for crossfit, then you are probably an intermediate to advanced level athlete. If this is the case, based on the demands that you'll require from your rowing machine, I would recommend the Model E if you can afford it.

The Model D may also be a good option, but the Model E is really the best rower that you can buy (at least in terms of an air resistance based model, there are other models that use water resistance that are more expensive), and it's priced higher than everything else for a reason.

Which concept 2 rower should i buy?

Well of course this will really depend on several factors that are specific to your situation. For example, your budget and your training requirements, and the level of intensity of the training that you'll be doing. For people who want a seriously good rower, depending on budget and other things including what we just mentioned above, the Model D or Model E are good choices.

Who makes the Concept 2 rower? (some people actually asked this question)

Concept2, of course 🙂 You can find out all about them at their website here: http://www.concept2.com/

How long is the concept 2 rower?

Presuming we were talking about the Model E, it's just over 8 feet, or 96 inches (244 cm). You can see all the basic specs for the Model E (the obvious focus of this page). The Model D is also the same length and is worth mentioning here for convenience sake.

How do I assemble my Model E rowing machine?

There's details on the Concept2 website, and here's the video they provide that shows how the assembly process works, it's pretty easy if you just follow that. The Concept2 support receives great feedback from current and past customers too, so if you run into any issues, you can always just call them directly.

Here's the assembly video:

[fvplayer src=”https://healthvibed.com/wp-content/uploads/videos/Concept2-Model-E-Rower-Assembly-Video.mp4″ splash=”https://healthvibed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/playvideo.jpg” width=”600″ height=”338″]

How to service the concept 2 rower?

Bare in mind before reading any further, we have to presume this question is being asked for someone wanting to know about the Model E, as it's impossible to give any sort of information if we don't know what rower make/model, as all information on this specific question is going to of course be model specific.

Firstly, it should be noted that you'll always want to try and have the perspective that you're going to attempt to maintain your Concept2 rower as best as possible. This will ensure that your machine doesn't develop any serious issues from not being well looked after. It's just the same as looking after your car (or bicycle, if you don't drive).

Most maintenance can be carried out quite easily yourself, and you can find all the information about how to maintain your Model E rowing machine here: http://www.concept2.com.au/service/indoor-rowers/model-e/maintenance (this is the .com.au – Australian – version of the website, but you can find all the same information on concept2.com as well here).

If you're actually at the point where you want to get your Concept2 rower serviced by a professional, there are dedicated professional companies setup for this very purpose, some of which do both domestic and commercial servicing for gym equipment.

I suggest Googling online a bit for this, to find something that works for your local area. For example, in my location in Australia, a quick Google search for “domestic rowing machine repair” and I was able to find this particular Australia based gym equipment servicing company.

How can I repair my concept 2 rower?

Pretty much just answered this question in the latter part of the answer to the above question, so please check that. A bit of online researching should help you a lot, and if that doesn't turn in any results, I would suggest calling Concept2 directly for ideas. Their contact details are found here.

Again though, if you're following their recommended regular maintenance routine, you should be able to avoid most issues, of course apart from if something directly damages the machine, which is outside your control.

How do I calibrate the concept 2 rower?

It's a little hard to answer this question based on the fact that you could be referring either to the calibration of the monitor, or the calibration of the damper, to set how much resistance you experience when using the machine. The calibration of the damper is pretty straight forward, as you basically just select a setting from 1-10 based on how much resistance you want to experience whilst training.

As far as the monitor goes, assuming that it's the same as earlier and less advanced models, such as the P3 and P4, the PM5 is self calibrating. This means that you shouldn't ever have to calibrate it yourself. If you do need to for some reason, I suggest being very careful, and contacting Concept2 beforehand, so you don't make anything more complicated than it needs to be.

How does one disassemble a concept 2 rower?

If you basically reverse the process of assembly, you should find it pretty easy. You can find more specific details on the assembly/disassembly process on the manufacturers website right here.

How do I maintain my concept 2 rower?

Just follow the manufacturers recommendations, found here. Here's a quick video running through the maintenance process:

[fvplayer src=”https://healthvibed.com/wp-content/uploads/videos/Concept2-Model-E-Rower-Maintenance-Video.mp4″ splash=”https://healthvibed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/playvideo.jpg” width=”600″ height=”338″]

How loud is the Concept 2 Model E rower?

This is a bit of a hard question to answer based on its subjective nature. What is loud for a rowing machine for some, maybe relatively quiet to others. If you're used to something that's not using air resistance like the Model E, such as the rowing machines that use water to create resistance, then you may find the Concept2 rower fairly loud, but that's because the air resistance system for rowing machines is just generally louder.

If you really want to answer this question for yourself personally, then your best move would be to actually see each type of rowing machine (water and air resistance) side by side “in person”, so you can listen to the difference.

How do I reset the Concept2 Model E rower?

Firstly, this is presuming you are actually referring to how to reset (factory reset) the PM5 monitor itself, as there's no way to really “reset” the whole rower itself, you simply adjust seat positioning, damper resistance settings, etc as you need to.

In order to perform a factory reset of the Concept2 PM5 computer, all you do is simultaneously hold down the unit and display buttons, whilst using a paperclip or similar in order to press in and release the reset button, which is found on the back of the monitor.

If you continue to hold all of these buttons in combination for 7 seconds or more, the unit should do a factory reset and be restored to it's original settings.

How do I clean the concept 2 rower?

It's part of the general maintenance scheme, and therefore you can find details on how to that above here, in another question already addressed about maintenance.

How do I fold the concept 2 rower for storage?

It's fairly simple, and although the directions in the manual (found here) are not overly detailed, as long as you are careful and take your time so as to avoid accidentally hurting yourself during the folding process, you shouldn't find it difficult.

How do I use my Concept2 rower?

It's fairly self explanatory, and a little like riding a bike, to explain this in words would be slightly difficult and a little meaningless as it's an experiential process. Basically as you use the rower, you'll become more familiar and adept at it.

Here's a video that shows some good guidelines to follow, and usage “errors” to avoid:

Is there an option to replace the factory provided seat? I don't find it comfortable…

Yes, there are options for those who find the seat too uncomfortable. For example, you can get seat covers that are universal and fit most rowers, such as this seat cover here (AMZN link). There's also similar products available on the concept2 website itself here.

However for most users, they will find that pain from sitting too long on the rower only happens on marathon or extra long sessions, like 45 mins – 1 hour or more.

So you can simply avoid doing longer sessions, unless you're training as a professional triathlete or athlete, for which the seat padding might be a good thing to look into.

What's the assembly difficulty like for the Model E?

It's said by many customers to be pretty easy, with only 10 screws to adjust, and 2 main parts to piece together. The instructions are also said to be good enough to make assembly easy for most people.

If you're not very “handy” with such things, then it might be helpful to have someone around when you plan on receiving the product to help you put it together, especially if you have back or other bodily issues you want to be careful of.

For those of us with back problems, will this machine cause problems?

Firstly, always seek your Doctor's advice before doing anything that you're concerned might be a risk to your health, this is of course common sense. Having said that, most anecdotal evidence suggests that as long as you adhere to the correct use and bodily position while using the machine, then you should be fine.

Some people  reported that it actually helped to give them some mild form of improvement in lower back strength and conditioning, and others have said that it actually loosened up their back quite a bit, but that doesn't mean everyone will necessarily get these types of benefits. Apart from getting your Doctor's advice, just use your own common sense and caution when starting a new exercise form.

Is using a Concept2 (or any) rower mainly for cardio workouts, or upper body, etc?

Actually using a rower such as this is a full body workout, and you'll get a good burn in your legs too as long as you're at least slightly pushing yourself during your workouts, as many customers have reported.

Is the Model E okay to be used on carpet, or hardwood floors, etc?

The frame and design is pretty solid, and almost all users who have mentioned this aspect say it's a non issue, regardless of the type of flooring you're using the machine on (obviously it needs to be level, outside on the grass might not be ideal).

Can the resistance (damper level) be adjusted?

Yes, the damper level has 10 different settings. From 1-10. Damper level 3-5 is the general recommended resistance setting for most people, but this is highly dependent on how you're using it, you're fitness level, etc.

How many boxes does it come in when being delivered?

In most cases, when ordering from Amazon.com at any rate, it comes in 1 large box upon delivery. According to some users, within the large box is 2 smaller boxes, and this would make sense, as on the manufacturers website, it does indeed state that it's shipped in 2 boxes in the product specs information.

What about if I have big feet, will the Model E accommodate for my size?

Again, this is really a subjective question, what's big in your books? That being said, users have said that even people with size 17 (presumably US shoe size) can use the Model E without any issues. Other users have said that up to 8 inch (length?) of shoe size should be fine, but larger than that maybe not.

If you're really concerned about this, then this is a perfect example of when you might need to at least see the machine in person before buying, even if you do decide to purchase online to save money later on.

What are the dimensions as far as the shipped boxes, etc when getting delivered?

As per the basic product specs for the Model E, the shipping dimensions are:

(two Boxes) 15 inches x 22 inches x 56 inches (38 cm x 56 cm x 142 cm)
13 inches x 25 inches x 28 inches (33 cm x 64 cm x 71 cm)

Does the Model E have velcro or proper foot straps.

Proper foot straps, made from rubber/plastic. This strap is designed with rubber like teeth, which click into place.

Are there any programmes built into the PM5 computer which gradually raise intensity/resistance?

Because the resistance level is really only controlled by a) the damper, and b) your own effort, it doesn't really work this way, and the only way you could create “gradually increasing resistance” is to start off easier and then gradually increase the amount of effort you're applying.

Could you use a backrest with this?

Seeing as there is constant movement from the user in the rowing machine, which changes the arch of the back, it's unlikely this would really work.

What's the specific Db (noise level) from the Model E?

Currently this specific information is not available, but most users report that they think the machine is either really quiet, or relatively quiet (a conversation may be had whilst next to it when in use).

How do you oil the chain on the Concept2 Model E or D?

Seeing as the chain is attached to the handle which you pull during a workout, all you do is wipe the chain with oil from a paper towel, rag or similar while you're working the machine.

What's this model like for folding and storage?

It does come apart, and fold which is great for storage. That being said, it's not super easy, as you have to take do some minor disassembly. However customers have commented that this is beneficial if they are more restricted on space, and have guests they need to accommodate for in the spare bedroom, etc.

I am 6″4′, will I be too big and come too close to hitting the monitor?

Other users who are this size have reported that the Model E is just fine, but any taller and you may want to go with the Model D, as it's a little more flexible in terms of moving the monitor arm. Correct posture while rowing is also said to be pretty important for when it comes to taller users not hitting the monitor.

Is there a warranty that comes with the Concep2 Model E?

Yes, of course. As per concept2's website “Concept2 Model D and Model E Indoor Rowers are backed by a limited 2-year and 5-year warranty. You can find out more specific details in their PDF dedicated to warranty information, which can be found here.

Also, most users have commented on how well built this product is, and the manufacturer state that they have built it in order to be very easy for the home user to maintain and repair if necessary.

What's the main differences between the Model E and Model D apart from price?

The main difference is the height. The Model E just sits much higher off the ground. If you want a comfortable machine, then the height difference is HUGE. It will depend on your needs, and relatively how much more you are willing to pay for that extra comfort.

With that being said, let's get onto the big question that everyone's asking, is the Model E worth it??