Customer Reviews

Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

I have had the Concept2 model C for over 6 years and still use it 3 to 4 times a week. My company recently got the model D in the office gym and it does have some improvements. Most noticeably the machine is a bit quieter and the electronics are more advanced (although, as has always been the case with concept2 rowers, the electronics can be upgraded to the latest for a reasonable fee).

While I don't see a need to run out and upgrade my home machine I do think the new model is an improvement.

In addition to being a great product, it is backed by a great company. They go out of their way to make rowing safe, and fun, with informative newsletters, regular chalenges and competitions, excellent support, online rowing logs, rankings, and races.

I have owned two Concept 2 rowers, the Model C and now the Model E. I donated the Model C to my parents when I "ascended" up to the Model E. Without doubt, Concept 2 has produced the world's best rower. It's built to last a lifetime of private use. And if parts are ever an issue, Concept 2 still has parts (quite cheap) for all their rowers, even the Model A! If you seriously plan to row for exercise or sport, the Model E (or any model, for that matter) will be your best investment.

It is inconceivable that reviewers would rate this product with only one star when the issue they're having is with Amazon's shipping. They're completely irrational. Rate Amazon with one star if you don't like the shipping, not Concept2.

This product is an incredible piece of equipment. Either a model E or model D are all the cadio equipment you'll ever need. There is no substitute. This is the machine all the pros, Olympians, college and high school crews use, and for good reason.

You cannot buy a better piece of exercise equipment than a Concept2.

Anyone who's done any research knows that this is the standard for indoor rowing machines, so I won't elaborate except to say that I agree.

I almost didn't buy from Amazon (despite the fact that my entire lifestyle depends on Amazon) because of the overwhelming numbers of negative reviews about shipping. I'm happy to say that the shipping was great. The freight company contacted me to arrange a delivery time a couple of days before delivery. At the appointed hour the truck showed up and two big guys carried a large box into the house. Inside the outer box were two smaller boxes that held all the parts. The individual boxes were small and light enough that I was able to get them into the basement unassisted.

I am rating this item by Concept 2's customer service since we don't have all the pieces. We ordered this rower after reading about all the different models and makers we chose this one. Amazon marked the huge box 1 of 2 and 2 of 2. We opened it up and there were 2 boxes in there. Unfortunately for us, the other box was just the electronics,not even the box 2 of 2. We had no idea of not knowing that... only to expect 2 boxes. We have been trying to get Amazon to get us the missing box. No help. They told us to deal with the manufactures, Concept 2. Well, I have to say that the man, Will, was very helpful. I had been contacting him through email and when he hadn't heard from me in a day or two, he went and found our phone number to call us. The box is now on the way but SHAME SHAME on Amazon for not finding the original or admitting their mistake and leaving it up to the manufacturer and us to fix and figure things out(they store a bunch of these rowers in their warehouses). I usually am pleased with Amazon but they didn't impress me with this order. If I had to do it all again, I would just order it from the company.

This is a great product. It is sturdy, gym quality, and easy to set up and use right away. Everything you could ask for in a rowing machine is included here, except the paddles. :-)

I have owned the Model E for five years, using it 3-4 times per week, approximately 1.3 million meters per year. I also row on the water in the summer.The erg is still in perfect shape, with no signs of wear. It is a well-designed, well-engineered and well-built piece of equipment. The support staff is terrific, with any and all issues resolved very quickly and professionally.

This company is deserving of respect for making a great product which it stands behind for many, many years. You will not find a better product or support anywhere.

And Amazon? It is wonderful to deal with, day in and day out.

Ordered the Concept2 Model E from Amazon. I'll separate the purchase/shipping experience from the review of the machine itself.

1. PURCHASE/SHIPPING. Purchasing on Amazon was easy and pleasant, as always, but that is where the fun stopped. The shipper they used, Ceva Logistics did an awful job. They gave me a four hour window on the first shipping attempt, forcing me to stay home, and proceeded to miss the appointment. Next, on the reschedule, they came a day early, when no one was around. Finally, they came on the correct day, but the box holding the rower legs was damaged as were the legs. I complained about the experience to Amazon, who did refund a portion of the shipping charge. Only reason for 1 star. I don't recommend buying any large shipping item from Amazon if they continue to use this shipping company.

Amazon web experience: 4 stars

Shipping experience: 1 star

2. ROWER/CONCEPT2. Rather than call Amazon about the damaged legs, I called Concept2. They immediately shipped a set of replacement legs at no charge. Of course, they would rather I do this than return the whole rower to Amazon for a replacement, but then I didn't want to experience Amazon shipping again, so we were both happy. I was very pleased with the customer service from Concept2 - the people I spoke to were very professional, courteous and helpful.

I rowed in college a couple decades ago, and we used Concept2 rowers then, and the Model E is a refinement of the great product they have been making. The feel of the rower is still better than competing air and water rowers I tried, and remains the benchmark to beat short of a gamut erg.

Concept2 Model E & company: 5 stars

I am very pleased with this machine. It was easy to assemble, easy to use and provides a very effective workout. I used to use a stair climber and a treadmill before, but I suffered from impact injuries due to the fact that you are carrying your whole weight on your legs and feet. Also, these machines only work out your lower body. This rowing machine is much better because it protects you from impact related injuries and works your whole body. It is very easy and fun to use. I set it up in front of my plasma TV and my workouts are no longer boring. This model is better than the cheaper models because it sits higher off the ground which makes it much more convenient.