At home rowing machine recommendation

boomhower1820

Looking to pick up a rowing machine for home. I have odd knees that make a lot of exercises not possible. Had been doing various DVD's but the lungs made an odd revelation, I can't walk up steps. (level walking is fine and pain free, steps feels like someone is shoving a butter knife in my kneecap) Due to my job this is literally a life threatening deal. This is something I am hoping will be doable.

All that said looking into something in the $500 range but can spin more is it's really needed. I would prefer a magnetic or hybrid one. Would prefer to stay away from an all air model due to the noise.

Thanks a lot folks.

WalkingAlong

I like the Concept 2 best but it's a lot more. I had a water rower from Costco.com for a while that was about $700 that was ok but I didn't keep it long. Maybe watch your local ads for used deals.

BrianSharpe

This is going to sound highly opinionated (because it is...) but the only rowing machine worth buying is the Concept2, the model D will set you back about $900 and it's worth every penny (you may be able to find a used one if you're lucky)

These are the same rowing machine that Olympic athletes train on during the off season and are built to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.

In addition to making a great product C2 has a very active on-line community and they run challenges etc during the year to help keep the motivation levels high (and they do goofy stuff like free t-shirts at 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 metres) and they have great training resources on their web site.

Azdak

BrianSharpe wrote: »

This is going to sound highly opinionated (because it is...) but the only rowing machine worth buying is the Concept2, the model D will set you back about $900 and it's worth every penny (you may be able to find a used one if you're lucky)

These are the same rowing machine that Olympic athletes train on during the off season and are built to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.

In addition to making a great product C2 has a very active on-line community and they run challenges etc during the year to help keep the motivation levels high (and they do goofy stuff like free t-shirts at 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 metres) and they have great training resources on their web site.

Agree 100%. IMO, there is really no alternative. I don't row now, but if I did, for me it would either be a C2 or I would switch to a different exercise.

ElizabethOakes2

The Concept2 is lovely, if you have $900 lying around.
I had a Stamina 1205 that I really liked for about five years, and then one of the hydraulic arms started to go out, then was uneven. When I called about the ten year warranty, they told me it didn't 'include the hydraulics' but they could send me a new arm for $100 plus shipping. Since I'd paid 200 for the whole thing, I didn't bother. But if you want cheap alternative to get you through a few years until you can afford a Concept2, the Staminas are just fine.