What's the best rowing machine under $1000?

pinkledoodledoo
pinkledoodledoo Posts: 290 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Looking for opinions from those who have rowing machines and their opinions on the various models they've used. I'm getting my annual bonus next week and will likely (finally) be able to afford a rower in the sub $1k price range.

Not to be rude but please do not post links to online reviews or respond if you have not personally used the machine you're referencing. I can look up reviews online myself and have many times already, just looking for opinions from people who have actually used their machines for a while instead of those who put it together, used it once then posted a review. Thanks! Looking forward to your opinions. :smile:

Replies

  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    How many people actually have a lot of different recent rowing machines they've used regularly for months at a time?

    I have a Concept 2. Cost less than $1k. Had it over a year. My wife and I use it regularly. Solid machine. Other people seem to like it too, since it gets consistently good reviews.

    Seat starts off a bit hard, but you get used to it. Or you can get a pad, I guess.
  • skillingsrobertj
    skillingsrobertj Posts: 45
    I purchased a Concept 2 Model B rower for $250 thru CraigsList in Sept of last year and love it. I used it to lose nearly 50 pounds.

    Concept rowers are generally considered very high quality machines, my rower was built in 1985 and is still going stong. There are a few parts that wear out or stretch (i.e. shock cord to retract handle on recovery, rollers underneath the seat, chain, etc), so they need periodic checking and replacement. Parts are available from the C2 website, and are very reasonably priced.

    Having said all that, the best workout machine is the one you use, so I would suggest finding a few different machines at gyms near you and give each of them a try. There is also a Rowing forum here on MFP, feel free to join us and ask questions. Most of us have or use Concept rowers, but a few have other brands. The group will freely give you their advice on what is working for them and why.

    Good luck !
  • morielia
    morielia Posts: 169 Member
    Another vote for Concept 2. It'll probably crest 1k with tax, but you can find them used as well.

    I used to erg an hour a day and was on the water about 2 hours a day from age 12-15. Coaches had Concept 2s as well.
  • pinkledoodledoo
    pinkledoodledoo Posts: 290 Member
    I purchased a Concept 2 Model B rower for $250 thru CraigsList in Sept of last year and love it. I used it to lose nearly 50 pounds.

    Concept rowers are generally considered very high quality machines, my rower was built in 1985 and is still going stong. There are a few parts that wear out or stretch (i.e. shock cord to retract handle on recovery, rollers underneath the seat, chain, etc), so they need periodic checking and replacement. Parts are available from the C2 website, and are very reasonably priced.

    Having said all that, the best workout machine is the one you use, so I would suggest finding a few different machines at gyms near you and give each of them a try. There is also a Rowing forum here on MFP, feel free to join us and ask questions. Most of us have or use Concept rowers, but a few have other brands. The group will freely give you their advice on what is working for them and why.

    Good luck !

    Unfortunately the one gym in my area that had a rowing machine closed down a couple years ago. Almost every gym I've called that's close to home/work doesn't have one. I wish they did, I'd just join and it'd probably be cheaper! :laugh:

    I'll check out the concept ones and check out CL, thanks!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Concept 2 model D with the PM3 - $900 plus shipping.

    They are the gold standard of rowing machines.
  • skillingsrobertj
    skillingsrobertj Posts: 45
    Unfortunately the one gym in my area that had a rowing machine closed down a couple years ago. Almost every gym I've called that's close to home/work doesn't have one. I wish they did, I'd just join and it'd probably be cheaper! :laugh:

    I'll check out the concept ones and check out CL, thanks!

    Try this locator tool from the C2 website; http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/finder

    This locator will tell you everyone in your area Concept has sold rowers (erg's, actually). Could be universities, gyms, clubs, etc. Hope you find someone close to you !
  • pinkledoodledoo
    pinkledoodledoo Posts: 290 Member
    Unfortunately the one gym in my area that had a rowing machine closed down a couple years ago. Almost every gym I've called that's close to home/work doesn't have one. I wish they did, I'd just join and it'd probably be cheaper! :laugh:

    I'll check out the concept ones and check out CL, thanks!

    Try this locator tool from the C2 website; http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/finder

    This locator will tell you everyone in your area Concept has sold rowers (erg's, actually). Could be universities, gyms, clubs, etc. Hope you find someone close to you !

    Awesome tool, thanks for the link! Unfortunately this was the result:

    City: smithfield, State: RI, Country: United States, Location Type: All, Model: All

    Found 1 match

    BRYANT UNIVERSITY
    1150 DOUGLAS PIKE
    SMITHFIELD, RI 02917-1284
    Telephone: 401.232.6000
    Model D Indoor Rowers: 6

    So much for that... Brant is gated from what I can remember. :grumble:
  • skcardiog
    skcardiog Posts: 316 Member
    Concept 2 model only choice under 1000.00

    I use a Water Rower - cost me 1200.00 , but it s worth every penny.
  • cemlynjones
    cemlynjones Posts: 2 Member
    I bought my Concept2 from Amazon, PM3, for $900, 950 with delivery to the Philippines. Best rower on the planet.....the machine not me lol !!!

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