Despite being one of the more expensive flywheel rowers out there, the Concept2 Model 2 Indoor rowing machine is unique in its design, functionality, and is also rich in features that will make it far more practical than competitor models. In this review, we will go over all of its features, see where it shines and what are some of its biggest drawbacks. In the end, we will also compare it to another premium rower to see how it fares when put side by side with other expensive models.
If you want to learn more about rowers and see which the best models for this year are, head over to my buyer’s guide on the best rowing machines. Now, let’s start with a brief overview of the Model D…
Table of Contents
Overview & Features
Our Rating:
- Good build quality
- 500lbs weight capacity
- Detailed on-board computer and controls
- Compact (when stored)
- Comfortable
- Excellent for beginners
- Good value although it is expensive
Design and Build Quality
As I already mentioned, the Model D is a flywheel rower, meaning it will have a flywheel in its body instead of magnetic mechanisms or a water tank. This makes it slightly smaller and much lighter when it comes to its overall dimensions. The rower is actually quite narrow and very long, making it a bit awkward to position. It measures 8 ft long and 2 ft wide when fully assembled but you will need at least 9 by 4 feet in order to use it freely. The Model D is also foldable making it fairly easy to store, even though it still is quite bulky when folded. When folded it is 25 x 33 x 54 inches in dimensions.
I cannot fault the build quality here, though, as it is on par with all the other premium rowing machines on the market currently. Everything is solid, there is no squeaking when using it and all the parts work flawlessly together. The handle and saddle are well-padded and the monorail and other metallic parts are durable and sturdy. Everything is powder painted so it won’t chip or rust over time, no matter where you use it.
Resistance settings
In terms of its resistance settings, there are none here since the Model D uses its flywheel to generate resistance. That means that the harder you row, the more air drag the flywheel will create, ultimately making it harder and harder to row.
Weight capacity
This is an aspect where this rowing machine truly shines. The Model D can hold up to 500 lbs of user weight which is just a testament of its build quality and sturdiness. It also fits people with an inseam of less than around 40 inches. Anyone with an inseam longer than that will require an extra-long monorail. The seat height is also decent at 14-inches. If you want to have a higher seat height (at around 30 inches), I suggest checking out the Model E. As a whole, the overall length of the rower allows for people of all sizes to train on it with quite a lot of freedom in their movements.
Computer
The computer of the Model D is an actual focus point that adds a ton of value to the rower as a whole. At first glance, it is a fairly simple computer that shows you the basic information. However, the deeper you go in its menus and options, the more you realize that it is actually quite helpful and sophisticated. For instance, it includes workout presets that you can follow by trying to match your output to the cone that the computer is suggesting for a certain part of the workout. The metrics the performance monitor 5 (PM5) can track are pace, meters traveled, watts, and calories burned (based on your metrics). The computer itself comes with a smartphone cradle that does an excellent job of holding various smartphone sizes in place. The cradle clicks at the top of the computer and allows you to use your phone as you work out. The computer also wirelessly connects to different devices through its ANT+ and Bluetooth connections. This can be very useful if you want to connect it with your chest-strapped heart rate sensor.
You can find out where chest straps are more accurate than wrist HR trackers by clicking here.
Comfort and Noise
In terms of comfort, everything here is padded and extremely comfortable to adjust to your needs. The handle and seat are beginner-friendly and the actual flywheel is very smooth in its operation. One thing that flywheels are notoriously bad at, though, is the sound. Once you get up to speed, the sound from that same flywheel might become too noisy for some people looking for a stealthy way to work out from their apartments. It is great for ventilating the room you are training in, but it does create a flat noisy background that can be tiring to listen to unless you’re listening to music when working out.