I ride dirt bikes, and this machine offers the perfect workout for the areas I need help with most. Shoulders, Back and Arms. Some people say the legs get a good workout as well, but I would say that is not the case. Very little benefit to the legs, but it is easy on the knees.
Overall the Concept2 Model E is a great machine. I am glad I chose this over the Model D just for the higher stance, PM4 and maintenace free (except for oil) chain. The machine came delivered in two boxes, both of which were pretty beat up when they arrived, but nothing was damaged.
Putting the machine together took me about 30 minutes, and the instructions were OK. For the money I paid for this machine, I was hoping for a little bit better overall quality. Some of the screws did not line up really well with some of the holes for assembly. I may have even stripped one trying to get it in there, but it seems to be holding on ok. Also there is more plastic than I thought there would have been. The two main parts of the rower join together with a plastic fitting, which did not really snap together as I thought it should. This fitting I think should be metal for a more solid, secure and lasting fit. So far no problem with the plastic fitting though, but I never take it apart and stand it up either.
The action of the rower is excellent. I would like to see a bit more adjustability, as I feel like I want a bit more resistance, but can't get it. As you row harder the resistance does increase, although not as much as I would like, but still a great workout, and I am happy overall. I have the wind resistance set as restrictive as it will go, and that helps somewhat.
Overall these are the pros and cons as I see them, keeping in mind that I have owned the machine for about 3 months now, and use it very frequently:
Pros:
*Overall great quality machine.
*Rowing action is excellent.
*PM4 rechargable battery is self charging from the rower action, so no need to worry about batteries.
*PM4 games are actually very good, and can motivate a workout!
*Seat height is perfect, and I think an advantage over the Model D.
*Seat movement is super smooth and secure
*Love the nickle plated chain. Should last a long time
*The upper body workout can't be beat!
Cons:
*A bit too much plastic: Cheap plastic wheels, plastic handlebar mounts, plastic extension arm for the PM4, plastic fitting where two parts of the rower hook together.
*Screws don't line up perfectly when assembling, although I only really had trouble with one, there was another that was close. The rest where ok.
*Assembly instructions were a little vague.
*I would like to see handlebar options. I would have liked a little wider bar with smaller grips, but I can live with the standard bars ok.
If you are trying to decide between the Model D and Model E, I would highly recommend you spend the extra money on the Model E. It is an excellent rowing machine that should last longer than you.