Watch THIS Before Buying a ROWING MACHINE!

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If you're wondering what kind of rowing machine to buy, or you're thinking, what's the best rowing machine? This video will answer all your questions from, which rowing machine is best, where to buy a rowing machine, and how do different machines stack up against each other.
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[@angelnimi2396]

If you replace the "Rowing Machine" in the video title with any product name, the same video still works.

[@datube2686]

What a sht video indeed

[@rons3634]

This is more like How to Buy Any Piece of Exercise Equipment. I was hoping for something that was specific to rowing machines. Well done video, but a bit misleading on the title.

[@OmarAlAbdulAziz]

Ron S I wish I read your comment before I wasted 13 minutes.

[@palutalu]

@@OmarAlAbdulAziz I just read this and have saved 13 minutes of my life

[@stebahn2265]

Damn I wish I read this comment before I wasted my time.

[@luckyjinxer]

I mean you neglected my first and most obvious question: magnetic vs water vs fan.

[@johnanderson8096]

Exactly!!!!!!

[@Ehrnsmersh]

Link to buyers guide is not working, just takes you to the web store...

[@1dlb]

I have a WaterRower and I'm totally satisfied with it .... it's so smooth and quiet. I've also tried the Concept 2 - I prefer my Waterrower

[@mattroseland1790]

I had spent about a year trying to decide if I wanted to buy one vs just using the ones at the gym. Finally bought a Concept 2 and wish I wouldn't have waited and had just bought it a year ago. I love it. And I love being able to separate my rowing workout from my lifting workout, instead of just tacking it on at the end.

[@Five0Music]

Love your content, Shane. You’ve been a big help to my wife and I getting started on our fitness goals. The “noise” factor, as is covered in every review, is again overstated. It is only a concern if you live in an apartment, and you won’t have to live way out in the country... it is zero concern in ANY stand alone residence. Really a non-factor except in apartments with poorly constructed walls. Thanks for helping everyone, especially those new to rowing, find their way. I went with the C2, being familiar with it from law enforcement testing. Great machine that has turned out to be the perfect fit for us.

[@catherinerourke9158]

The video fails to address the most important factor when buying a rower: resistance. Hydraulic, air, magnetic or water... how do you know what kind is right for you? Never mentioned... and no PDF link either.

[@Noted2024]

Thank you! I had a fan rower in my shopping cart and took it off after your video. I live in an apartment in bldg with thin walls. I bought a water rower instead. Lower decibels. Your review was very helpful!

[@johnfretz1938]

Thanks for the advice. Super straight forward, sensible, and most of all, helpful.

[@kamranrahbar7489]

Great video. After shopping for a used concept 2 model D, I decided it only made sense to buy a new one and get the full 3 year warranty for a couple of hundred dollars more. It holds its value. Thanks Shane.

[@rthille]

Link to the buyer's guide PDF seems broken?

[@mikeg6069]

Very good information on how to conduct research when trying to determine the best choice for you. HOWEVER, this video is not a buyers guide. A buyers guide discusses and compares actual brand/model product options. People want to know how dues the Concept 2 Model D compare to the Waterrower A1? How do Waterrowers compare to First Degree Fitness waterrowers? Etc.

[@bernabadenhorst]

My Concept 2 is on its way. Can't wait!

[@lkjacob1]

Good information. When I started looking for a rower, I checked Amazon (of course) and read the reviews. I would have loved to get a Concept but budget was very limited. After much research and agonizing, I went with the Sunny Magnetic rower. Yes, wish it had more of a monitor but it works for me and still using it today (purchased 2017).

[@hk-jt3nj]

hey i was looking at the same thing. how has it held up? was the resistance ok? ive heard its kind of weak

[@FLGirly]

h k yea same did you end up getting it?

[@patchMKII]

Really great video. 5 stars. Even though I already have a rower, your advice could be applied to pretty much any equipment. Covered points that never even crossed my mind when I bought mine. Luckily in hindsight I made the right decision for me.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Fantastic Garry! Isn't it nice that it just fits sometimes?

[@johnswimcat]

Good, sensible video. I love my rower but it's a cheap one and I've had to do quite major repairs on it. It works well as a rower but build quality is really important if you're going to use the machine regularly. Superb exercise machines though and very satisfying to use once you get used to them. Go easy at first!

[@andyboyle5204]

If you love near a city like Boston or Philly that have a lot of club rowing those clubs often sell their used ergs. Benefit is that they are usually very well maintained

[@jackflash5659]

Great video. Excellent points. I'm researching rowing machines as I plan on purchasing one in the near future. I've never used one before so I was looking for advice on the 3 main types of rowing machines; air, magnetic, water. Pros and cons.

[@Mr-lp7ov]

Got my Concept 2 3 day's ago. Super excited to start rowing!

[@claudiacanales2662]

Do you still like it and use it?

[@Mr-lp7ov]

@@claudiacanales2662 Yes I love it. I finally started rowing last month. I row 5,000 meters in 24 minutes. I love to weight lift & hate cardio that's why I put it off for so long. Now that I row I wish I started sooner.

[@cn9800]

Great advice. Thank you!

[@findsmiles9282]

THANK YOU!!! A truly educational video - and your website... thank you for all the work you do to help us get what is best :-)

[@dariosame2655]

A great video and exactly what I need at this moment looking for a CP2 as a good dark horse that I’m now and trying to get there ( on the other side). Txs again.

[@1plzer]

Another great video! I currently have a concept2 D but will apply this to a GHR machine I’m thinking of purchasing.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Yes absolutely! This is a great checklist for almost any equipment you may want for the gym.

[@bgm1911]

Well articulated points.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Thank you!

[@JGsgarage_unboxings]

I use a concept 2 at work and it's great. But at home I have a stamina X air rower and I equally love it as well

[@bpmakesithappen8395]

I just bought my used concept 2 D on Saturday..... Solid machine ✊🏾

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Hope you got a steal on it!

[@PeterMayIV]

@@DarkHorseRowing Thanks for all of the content. Do you have a recommendation on how to go about getting the best deal on a Concept 2? Wasn't sure if there is any inside info. Sales, promos etc. Thanks!

[@seanmercyhoyt6785]

Great video and thanks for info... is there any one machine you'd recomend for a 6'8"?

[@nige99]

Just bought the newest latest concept 2 erg model ..... cant wait for it to arrive soon!

[@dcmsr5141]

I'm new to rowing and find it quite enjoyable as an alternative to Bicycling during winter months. Having said that, the only reason I haven't bought a rowing machine is because my local YMCA has several and even when it is crowded, its always available. They use the Concept 2 also. Finally if it wasn't for the YMCA, I probably would've never looked into rowing

[@meiliu8147]

I received the same quality as WR, but the price is more competitive, very happy, thanks TOPIOM！www.topiom.com/

[@gregthebaritone]

Excellent point about looking at used equipment prices.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Exactly!

[@veronicab.4200]

I bought a water rower I thought I loved it. Considering that I have been rowing on a concept 2 all my life..well I took it back and bought THE MATRIX!!! Excellent rower!!! Its an investment for me as I row almost everyday and on a dragonboat team!!! The water rower had no resistance challenge. Beautiful sound of water but thats about it!!!

[@mattiabianuccitrainer]

It does have resistance if you'd tried to fill the "tank" with water from level 1 to 5-6 👍 Cheers

[@jayramjr]

I was hoping you would talk about the aspects of more expensive vs. less. After going through Amazon reviews, I found conflicting opinions on resistance. some say it was too easy and they couldn't get a good enough work out and others said it was fine. Maybe some are elderly and some are younger people. Since you have a more expensive professional unit maybe you could share your experience?

[@washrooms]

have you heard or used D Master r3000 rower? Apparently its supposed to be a concept 2 d knock-off and a little cheaper.

[@NormanPorras]

rename the video: "how to buy stuff"

[@MrTsdoubleu]

Having recently purchased a rower, there is one additional consideration I'd add which is the monitor. I made the mistake of only looking at the information it displays without considering it's ability to input workouts which require something more than simply counting down time, distance, etc. This makes it hard to participate with the follow along videos without the use of an app to keep tabs on each segment of the workout.

[@scottm2553]

The download pdf link seems to be broken...

[@AutoQuintas]

Iam looking at nordic track 800 do you have a review for that rower? Many thanks!

[@MarkM2023]

These are all very good advice! Thanks!

[@alecpaterson6688]

Link to the pdf just takes me to your home page...

[@mi55kanu]

Ditto

[@reccoanderson9618]

I ordered a 750r hope its good

[@MatthewChenDirector]

Anyone look into / have opinions on the Octane RO? Seems like it’s really good and my local fitness supplier has them in stock.

[@EvilZ2009]

Hi Shane, I noticed a range rowing machine like kettler Kadett Outrigger that is supposed to give the feeling of rowing on a boat.... Any reviews for this?

[@junglist82]

Can anybody compare the model d to the nordic rw200?

[@bdsummers4]

Bought my rower last week.... can’t ever go wrong with Concept2

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Congrats Brian! And yes, it's certainly the staple of machines

[@floatingchimney]

Sure you can't go wrong with Concept2, just like you can't go wrong with buying a Mercedes. But the deal is - they're both too expensive for the regular person.

[@floatingchimney]

Eduardo Pelegri-Llopart They are not so easily available as you would think. Not everyone lives near rowing clubs, a lot of countries don’t even have them. Buying a used Concept 2 is not like buying a used car, it’s impossible to find one for most people.

[@gen-X-trader]

@@floatingchimney it's only 945 bucks. Will easily last you 10 years or longer. Nice things cost money

[@1dlb]

I've tried both the WaterRower and Concept 2 - the Waterrower IMO is superior .... but I'm glad you enjoy your rower. It really is the best exercise ...

[@johnstrayer4418]

If you click on the link for the buyers guide it takes you to your website not the pdf. Where do we go from there????????

[@highlanderthegreat]

is it better to buy the concept 2 rower or the concept 2 rower with sliders.. is it better to workout on just the rower or rower on sliders???? thanks

[@RickMentore]

Poignant! Your words of wisdom can be applied to just about any purchases.

[@terencedodge3249]

As of this date 2024-01-18 your PDF link is history.

[@kuzzin]

Considering a slightly used Bodycraft V400 for 675. I know everyone likes the C2, but what do you think about a cheaper machine.

[@andrewburrows3005]

If you can, save up and buy a 2nd hand Concept2, doesn't matter if its a good few years old, they are bomb proof and should be fine and if not minor maintenance is normally enough to make it as good as new.

[@vitaliys]

I came here to find out about certain brands of rowing machines ....

[@XavierMontet]

Hi Shane, I've noticed that you talk about LeBonCoin in this video, in another you said "du jour"... Have you any "French connection"? 🙃 Cheers from France anyway 🇲🇫 et merci!

[@phillewis3108]

I can go through the PDF, but the answer will always be Concept2!

[@Hundert1]

Some people just don't like noise. That's why we consider that. We are considerate people over here. I'm searching for that absolutely silent rowing machine that a serious professional athlete would enjoy. Hopefully with great range of resistance levels adjustable from the handle just like on a bicycle. Still haven't found it. Thanks

[@johnnywalker9067]

Sorry, but where is the link to the aforemionrd pdf linkend!

[@SamBessalah]

Wanted to get a concept2, but the noise is clearly not ok for my building. I went for a WaterRower. Not the best, the wooden style and the lack of noise makes it ok.

[@meiliu8147]

I received the same quality as WR, but the price is more competitive, very happy, thanks TOPIOM！www.topiom.com/

[@nate6692]

I bought a Marcy magnetic rower a year or two ago, and was happy until I started using the Concept 2's at the gym. I think it was built by good engineers who never rowed. The track length is decent, but the catch is directly over the pedals, and you lose about a forearm's length from your stroke.

[@patadams3914]

There is not a PDF link

[@sk8ternate1]

can you re link the pdf buyers guide? it doesnt actually take you to a pdf to download

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we can help

[@knarfster]

Where is the buyer's guide, it isn't on your site

[@DarkHorseRowing]

If you email [e-mail] we can just email it to you

[@jdams]

link broke

[@anneblouin1393]

Separating out the specific parts and tools for each of the seven step assembly process steps was brilliant on the part of the manufacturer. For the price, I am impressed at how sturdy this kzbin.infoUgkxvObaTzoHoHQLL4lHbJQmExHqsrZQm-f7 unit is and it does go together easily. Well, I was puzzled at first at Step 5 and maybe the instructions should mention that rail #62 needs to be tilted upwards a little to get the rail to fit into the main part #44. I like it that the rower can be stored vertically in a really small amount of space, but be forewarned that this rower is top heavy and for safety you'll need at least two bungee cords to keep the unit upright, attaching them to something; in my case to a third garage door. I have had this unit only a short time, and I will post an update once I've had it for a year. As for working your legs, I have to admit that I'm mainly rowing for upper body strength and I use other forms of exercise for leg strength (like walking fast, biking, or using a trampoline. But if you pull as far forward as possible, then you can give preference to your legs for the first 4 feet or so of travel. I also admit to not taking the two electronic connectors apart at Step 7. I simply inserted the two batteries while the other parts remained connected. By the way, there is plenty of resistance here, even in the lowest resistance settings. Kudos to Sunny Health & Fitness !

[@saxophonexsb1407]

This video goes in circles and does not focus on the topic.

[@nedderfu]

There's no pdf in the link so this video is useless.

[@LILEE376]

Just beating around the bush, without one real advice…

[@HarpreetSingh-vt6qo]

This video gave me no information, just obvious questions

[@exin4]

I got click baited. Smh..I really wished-You know what?....I already wasted enough time..I'll keep the value comment to myself.

[@mzmail]

sorry, no real info, just lots of talk and links, download at your own risk

[@alambe7275]

Too much

[@KazzArie]

Lotta rowing machine owners in the comment section looking for confirmation bias haha (I’m one of em too)

[@EODCharles]

thanks. this said nothing

[@AbideinChristFully]

I can't find ANY legitimate review on a budget rower. The useless "Top 5 Best" videos dominate youtube. I can tell most designs are bad just by looking at them, but there HAS to be a good rower for $500 or less.

[@anthonypeterson428]

WW3Revelation6 and13 There isn’t unless you find one second hand. You get what you pay for.

[@AbideinChristFully]

Anthony Peterson I found a like new Marcy I took a chance for $200. It will absolutly get the job done, and your statement is regurgitated and false.

[@briangraham9939]

You had a lot of good points but you never talked about any different rowers at all. You’ve been bought and paid for by concept

[@it1333]

Too much information I am still confused. - Too much talk

[@GuidoHendriks1990]

This should have been a 10 seconds video. Buy a Concept2 or go home.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

That is literally the worst attitude you could take to helping people find what's right for them. Get out of here with that attitude.

[@pokrec]

@@DarkHorseRowing Attitude is one thing, but I watched your video replacing the word "rower" with "Concept2" and it fits perfectly. Not a big surprise, this machine is a golden standard in rowing, if you want to compare your results with other people on the internet or take part in internet rowing contests, C2 is practically a necessity. Sad, but true. It is noisy, bulky and expensive. These are the cons. Almost everything else is a huge pro. They keep value, they are almost impossible to destroy, they are just a professional standard in the world of rowing sport. You buy it, because every other oarsman uses it and it is possible to compare results. Plus a good strategy of the producer to make apps and computer programs allowing the community to connect and train together even via internet. This strategy practically monopolizes the market for serious oarsmen. If you want to be a part of a community C2 is practically necessary. Of course, it is a very well made machine, so at this scale it must be very reliable to reach the market success, but this comes at a price. I personally bought a cheap (but not extremely cheap) magnetic rower "made in China". It has a very poor computer (just basic information, like time of training and number of strokes), but it is foldable and quiet. I started this sport as a replacement to weightlifting (my doctor forbade me from lifting loads because of my retinas). I can make a full, proper stroke on this rower and it makes me quite exhausted after 1000 strokes. It is what I wanted: the workout. Do not have to compete with others, I do not aspire to break world records, even do not dream about actual rowing on real water in a real skiff. Maybe someday there will be an opportunity - i will just try. For me it is a good choice for the time being. Time shows if I should invest in professional device (Concept2), or stay as is with the magnetic or else, when it breaks - maybe I will fix it and rebuild it tailoring it to my specific needs? If you want just workout for health, for good physical form - the magnetic rower, not necessarily with rich computer, is enough. It can cost like $400 and do the work for you, the same, as would $1000 device do.

[@pokrec]

OK, update. To be honest I must say what I must. My $400 chinese magnetic rower broke down. Transmission belt was devastated by forces that acted inside the device. It can be fixed by changing the transmission system to bicycle chain, but it needs time + a good mechanical workshop. After such rebuilding it should work for much longer time. But I must say, that what was said in the video is true. Sad, but true. The Chinese magnetic rower has a flaw in construction. The ribbed belt is not able to transmit forces I could exert on the device. It slipped on it's pulleys and got heavily worn and finally torn into pieces. If I replace the $10 belt, it will be destroyed again in several weeks... So it has no sense to fix something, that is designed wrongly in the first place. Similar problem was with the training bike. I had to change the pedal axis to forged steel, because the original one was just a cheapest iron, got worn and finally broke. I bought a new one and it also broke in almost no time. So I took a bicycle support axis, ground it to the dimension and it finally works without problems. Our Chinese friends saved $10 on each axis... But after fix the bike serves me well until now.

[@gregthebaritone]

and what do I do when all of my neighbors in my apartment building complain about the noise?

[@_sneer_]

What a waste of time.

[@arond5462]

Guy talks for 13 minutes about how to do your research into buying the right rower without mentioning any specific rowers. Basically talks for 13 minutes but says nothing useful in regards to picking a rower

[@Robert.E.Edmondson]

Static rowing ergometers such as the C2 Model D should have been relegated to the dustbin of history years ago. A dynamic rowing ergometer is the only sensible choice. On a static device the user flings his or her body mass up and down the rail at every stroke. On a dynamic, the inertial stresses related to that body mass movement are almost eliminated because, relative to ground, the user's mass moves very little. Also, on a dynamic, the energy that is used on a static to move one's body weight up and down the rail, is instead imparted to the flywheel, which results in a more efficient stroke.

[@damiendegrasse]

Yes dynamic machines are better, especially if you ever want to get on the water, but I don't have space for anything else, it's the only sensible choice.

[@scottwebster8220]

Lame. Bleeding obvious.

[@ellindollama9663]

He talks way too much . Boring really

[@marcfarraye2699]

please do not encourage folks to print every day!! so wasteful 😅 download e-copies as many times as you want!! xo

[@skyraidr6624]

Hey, you need to put a disclaimer at the beginning: For millennials only, for old school athletes fast forward to 16 minute mark! There goes 20 minutes of my life I’ll never get back and I don’t have too many minutes left. A demo of the rowing machines would’ve been nice but I digress it was a comparison right?

[@johnsheehan1194]

That was an incredibly lame comment, sir.

[@cd9125]

Dude get your act together

[@davorinrusevljan6440]

If it were 60 second video, it may have been somewhat useful. At 13:06 it is huge waste of time.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Buh bye.

[@davorinrusevljan6440]

@Concrete Head my point is that very little usefull came across after whole 13 minutes. I need to check if machine would fit in my room? really? it would never cross my mind if I were not told by 13 Minutes of video. oh yes I also have to check if it is too heavy! and Google about it! gold mine od non obvious information!

[@ericvaughn3087]

Any one have any thoughts on the Ski-Row by energy.fit?