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I have been erging on the Concept 2 for as long as I can remember. The time has come for me to buy a rower to use at home, but I am really torn between the Concept 2 Model D and the Waterrower Classic. My head says, go for the Concept 2, but my heart says, get the Waterrower. Do any RJers have experience of both? What is your verdict?

Have you thought about getting the Concept 2 with sliders? We used sliders in college in pairs or fours, and it's a pretty good replacement for rowing off the water.

i've only used a concept2, but have always wanted to try a waterrower.

Do you actually row, or just erg for fun? I would see if you can try a waterrower before making the investment.

I lack faith in how accurate the monitor would be...plus can you adjust the resistance in a waterrower?

Concept 2 ergs for me have always been more confortable and just overall better in my opinion for exercising.

tk86Have you thought about getting the Concept 2 with sliders? We used sliders in college in pairs or fours, and it's a pretty good replacement for rowing off the water.

Totally agree if you have any need for something like that.

Thanks for your replies guys!

I do not row on water. I use the C2 as my main form of cv work. I am very happy with it. I have seen the sliders, but I do not think the limited space in which I will be using the rower will accommodate them. In any case, not being a water rower, I am very content with the static position.

It is really a question of aesthetics (which I know it should not be). I think the Waterrower looks really cool and would fit in better with the style of my home. I think it is possible to add or remove resistance by adjusting the water level, but I tend to row at a set resistance level anyway, so that is not really an issue.

I know a store in London that stocks the Waterrower, so I think I will give one a try next time I'm in town.

My head is still telling me I will end up with a C2 though!

Concept II model E.

Best rowing ergometer there is. Basically the standard commercial rowing ergometer in the sport of Rowing.

Get one and also get the slides that make it into a Row-Perfect.

If you can afford one, get a Row-Perfect but they are very expensive.

Having almost talked myself out of the idea of getting a Waterrower, I tried one out today. I have to say I was very impressed. The slide is very smooth. The catch is a little less jarring than on the Concept 2 and the drive is very firm, with very even resistance throughout. The monitor gives good feedback. The construction feels and looks very sound and it looks like a classy bit of kit, I am tempted to get one.

For me concept IIs are more sutiable for home use as you can dismantle them or stand them up. YOu can also put one on slides to emulate a Row-Perfect. You cant (or not as successfully) with a water-rower. Slides totally make you focus on technique and stop you bum-shoving (something easy to pick up on a rowing machine!)

What is the interface, display and whatnot like? I love the way the display on the concept II can be programmed and you can put in your card and log all your work outs and then display your data on your pc or similar.

The monitor displays intensity (metres per second, mph, /500m, /2km), watts and Kcalories per hour. It displays strokerate, heartrate (with heartrate attachment), distance in units of meters, kilometers, miles and total strokes and duration.

It does not have the various programmes of the C2 monitor, nor does it have a card slot. But frankly, provided I have my distance, 500m split and time, I am happy.

You can store it standing on its end. I do not have enough room at home for slides, so I am quite happy static rowing. I am not now, nor have I ever been, a bum-shover.

Bum -shoving I did a bit but then slides on the concept II cured it!!

Sounds like you're pretty much sold on the water rower! Let me know how you get on.

Whats the price differance? and after sales care like?

It depends on the model, but the Classic, as pictured in the OP, is £1100, as opposed to £980 for the C2 D or £1315 for the C2 E.

I really did not want to like the Waterrower, but I thought I should give it a try. The Concept 2 is all I have ever known and it has been excellent for me, but the action and build of the Waterrower seems just as good. Damn you Waterrower!

Warranty for C2 is 2yrs for moving parts and 5yrs for frame parts. Waterrower 3yrs for moving parts and 5yrs for frame parts. Other aftercare stuff seems similar.

Well guys, after much deliberation, I bought the Concept 2 in the end. It is what I am used to and I know I made the right choice.

Rowing_Ant saidConcept II model E.

Best rowing ergometer there is. Basically the standard commercial rowing ergometer in the sport of Rowing.

^^^This, and glad to hear you made the right choice. Hope you enjoy it. Good luck!