Wednesday 12 March 2014

WaterRower versus Concept2 Rowing Machine, How do they Compare?

Both the WaterRower and the Concept2 are top quality indoor rowing machines for people serious about rowing and getting fit. The Concept2 has a more modern look to it, while the WaterRower is handcrafted in solid wood and looks more like a piece of furniture you would have in your home rather than a piece of exercise equipment.


 
WaterRower compared with Concept2 Rowing Machine
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The WaterRower and the Concept2 not only look different but work in completely different ways too.  The WaterRower is considered to be more of a rowing simulator rather than a rowing machine as it is designed to emulate the movement of a boat paddling down the river.

The WaterRower features a “flywheel” that consists of 2 paddles that sit in an enclosed water tank, and offers unlimited resistance in the sense that the faster you paddle, the higher the drag will be increased.  This self-regulating resistance system eliminates the need for setting or adjusting the resistance throughout the workout as with other types of rowing machines.  This system is designed to give a smooth and virtually silent workout with even strokes to spread the work more evenly over your muscles groups and without the pronounced jerky movement that is common with other types of rowing machines.

In addition, the WaterRower is virtually maintenance free, with no messy lubrication that is normally required with other types of rowing machines.  In fact, the only maintenance necessary with the WaterRower is the purification of the water, which is easily done by adding water purification tablets (included) to the water.

The Concept2 on the other hand, does require some maintenance, although minimal.  The Concept2 is a more traditional mechanical rowing machine, featuring a Spiral Damper which allows you to adjust the airflow to the flywheel to change the feel of the stroke.  The Concept2 features a nickel-plated chain which although is low maintenance, does require occasional oiling.  The flywheel itself is designed to minimize noise whilst maximizing a smooth operation.

The WaterRower takes up less floor space than the Concept2, with the WaterRower measuring around 1ft (12 inches) shorter in length than the Concept2.

The WaterRower Oxbridge and the Concept2 both come with a Performance Monitor to track your workout progress in varying forms.  (See full features & specifications below.)

WaterRower Performance Monitor, image
WaterRower Performance Monitor

Concept 2 Performance Monitor, image
Concept 2 Performance Monitor



Useful tip:  A 30 minute workout on a rowing machine can burn between 262-449 calories for ladies or 310-531 calories for men, depending on the intensity of the workout.


There’s so much more to these rowing machines!  Let’s take a look at the features in detail of the WaterRower Oxbridge and the Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machines to help you decide which one is best for you:


Main Features of the WaterRower Oxbridge Rowing Machine in Cherry with S4 Monitor:


WATER ROWER OXBRIDGE ROWING MACHINE
IN CHERRY with S4 MONITOR
PRICE
Retails online at around $100 more than the Concept2 Model E with PM4
FLYWHEEL
·        Water Flywheel that simulates the actual feel of rowing on water
·         he flywheel consists of 2 paddles enclosed in a tank of water.
·        Offers a smooth and virtually quiet workout.
RESISTANCE
·        Self-regulating resistance system.
·        Unlimited resistance, the faster you paddle, the more the drag is increased.
·        No motor and no moving parts that need maintenance or that could wear out.
CONSTRUCTION
·        Handcrafted in solid cherry wood that absorbs sound and vibration.
·        Hand-finished with 3 coats of Danish oil.
PERFORMANCE MONITOR
Series 4 Performance Monitor is easy to use and shows your workout performance, including:
·        Intensity
·        Distance
·        Time
·        Stroke rate
·        Zone bar
·         Heart-rate

The monitor features:
·        6 information & programming windows
·        6 Quick Selection buttons
·        3 Navigation buttons

Compatible with optional heart-rate chest strap and receiver.
COMPONENTS
·        Dual rails with 4 corner wheels for maximum seat stability.
·        Recoil belt and pulleys require no lubricating and no maintenance.
USER WEIGHT CAPACITY
Up to 1000 lbs
OVERALL SIZE OF WATER ROWER
Approx.:   84” long x 21” high x 22” wide.
Frame flips upright to save space and for storage.
WEIGHT OF WATER ROWER
Approx.:  117 lbs with water in the tank.
WARRANTY
·        Frame – 1 year (upgradeable to 5 years on completion of a registration form)
·        Components – 1 year (upgradeable to 3 years on completion of a registration form)





Features of the Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine:


CONCEPT2 INDOOR ROWING MACHINE
MODEL E with PM4  (Now upgraded to PM5)
PRICE
Retails online at around $100 less than the WaterRower Oxbridge in Cherry with S4 Monitor
FLYWHEEL /
RESISTANCE
·        Designed to minimize noise whilst maximizing a smooth feel.
·        Spiral damper allows you to easily adjust the airflow to the flywheel to change the feel of the stroke.
·        Nickel-plated chain, requires only occasional oiling (chain oil included).
PERFORMANCE MONITOR
Performance Monitor 4 tracks your workout progress including:
·        Distance
·        Speed
·        Pace
·        Calories burned
·        Watts

Workouts include:
·        Preset workouts
·        Save favorite workouts
·        Row against a previous performance
·        Pace boat
·        Learn techniques by rowing with an animated rower
·        Playing games, including FISH
·        Review previous workouts

Additional features of the PM4 include:

·        Built-in wireless heart-rate monitor (compatible with Garmin and Polar).  Chest heart-rate belt included.
·        Includes 1 removable Log Card to store your workout data and personal preferences.
·        USB cable included to connect to a computer.
·         Increased memory capacity allows for any future expansion.
·        Rechargeable battery pack.
·        Recharge the battery as you row or by connecting to a computer.
·        Free online motivational tools.
·        Machine-to-machine wireless racing.
·        Compatible with Concept2 Slide which adds an on-water feel and gives the ability to connect to multiple machines for team training (not included, available separately).
CONSTRUCTION /
COMPONENTS
·        Frame – double powder coated plus clear top coat.
·        1-piece leg design for a solid stable feel.
·        Welded steel support legs.
·        Fully enclosed chain housing.
·        54” long Aluminium monorail (fits inseams up to 36”).
·        Stainless steel track for smooth gliding of the seat.
·        Adjustable footrests.
·         Ergonomic handle.
·         High profile 20” seat.
·         Quick-release frame lock mechanism to separate the rower into 2 pieces for storage.
·         Castor wheels for portability.
USER WEIGHT CAPACITY
Up to 500 lbs
OVERALL SIZE OF CONCEPT2
Approx.:   8ft x 2ft.
Separates into 2 pieces for storage.
WEIGHT OF CONCEPT2
Approx.:  65 lbs
WARRANTY
30 day money back guarantee.
Frame – 5 years limited
Parts – 2 years limited



You won’t be disappointed with either of these rowing machines.  Both are built to very high standards.  For the relatively small extra cost, the WaterRower offers a more realistic feel of outdoor rowing on a river, is virtually silent in operation and has virtually no maintenance.  The Concept2 is still a fairly quiet machine and although it does require some general maintenance, it is fairly minimal.  The Concept2 has a more modern look which may appeal more to some people.




See what people who have bought either the WaterRower Oxbridge or Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine have to say about them:

J.G.:
“The WaterRower is the perfect rowing machine for me.  I researched lots of different exercise machines before buying this one.  I chose the Cherry model for its looks, but any of the WaterRowers would have suited my needs.  This one is beautifully designed.  It’s solidly designed, is whisper quiet, and comfortable to use.  The resistance and motion of this rower is so smooth.  This machine is built to last and is worth every penny.  If you wanted, you can buy software which enables you to race other WaterRowers online.  I highly recommend it.”


H.S.:
“The Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine arrived in perfect condition and was easy to assemble.  It is everything you would expect it to be for the money.  It’s built with very high quality materials and is sturdy and robust.  The PM4 is effective and simple to use.  You can customize your workouts or use pre-installed ones.  There are several simple programs to get you started.  This rowing machine is something everyone can use.  I recommend it.”

N.B.  It’s always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before undertaking any new exercise regime.

See also Benefits of Rowing

*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change anytime.  E&OE.


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