Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As a former fitness instructor, when I wanted to get back in shape, a rower/ergometer was the only all-in-one exercise machine I considered. Rowers work almost every part of the body. It's easy on the joints and packs a lot of exercise into a little amount of time. Seriously, get a rower. I looked at many brands and was put off by the negative reviews that inevitably found a glaring deal-breaker in every rower I examined. But time and again, one rower came up as recommended—and with no deal-breaking issues: Concept 2 Model D. Upon receiving the unit (which was shipped in perfect shape and in just two days from Amazon), my son and I had it moved downstairs, out of the box, set up, and operating in just 15 minutes. Outstanding design. Simply one of the easiest to assemble pieces of exercise equipment I have ever used. What immediately strikes you about the Concept 2 Model D is how well-made it looks and feels. Every piece of this device is best in class. Other rowers just don't compare. The Concept 2 Model D is a Tesla among Yugos when it comes to air-resistance rowers. Everything from the manuals to the box it came in screams quality. You are getting your money's worth, and that feels good in this day and age. PROS + Cardiovascular and whole-body workout. + Assembly is a breeze, and tools for assembly are included. + Excellent design, both in setup and use. + Sturdy. Can handle up to 500 pounds when other rowers max out at 250 or 300. + Long rail, which makes it great for very tall users. + Smooth rowing action, with durable chain-driven mechanism. + 10 levels of air resistance that actually feel like 10 different difficulty settings. + Adjustable, easily read, backlit display, with large numbers. + Multiple, built-in, programmable workouts, games, and ways to maximize the exercise time + Secure footrests. + USB flash drive access for storing workouts. + Heart-rate monitor (not included) connects wirelessly. + Effortlessly moved, light weight and with wheeled front end. + Includes a two-year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee. + Worth the money, and you'll feel you got what you wanted, no disappointments. MIXED * Display is a little 1990s in look, feel, and operation, but that's being picky. CONS - Seat may not be comfortable for some people—the main reason for a star loss. Ah, the seat. For me, it's the Achilles heel of the unit. I hate the seat. For whatever reason, it irritates my tailbone despite having a cut-out section to account for this. My wife and son also use the rower and have no complaints about the seat or anything else about the rower. But perhaps the seat just is not the best for someone who is 6' 4" tall and 240 pounds. In truth, I don't have much of a keister for a man my size, so it's not like I'm overflowing the seat, which is generously sized. I'm unclear why this is a problem. So, while everything else about the unit is superb, I find the seat very uncomfortable. YMMV. I understand gel seat covers for Concept 2 Model D rower exist, and I am considering buying one. If not for this issue, I'd have nothing bad to say about the Concept 2 Model. So, perhaps not a deal-breaker, but still a little bit of a disappointment in an otherwise perfect product. SUMMARY Buy a Concept 2 Model D, and don't waste your money on any other sub-$1,000 rower. The differences are enormous and worth it. The only competition for the Model D is the Model E. The Concept 2 Model E costs $200 more, but it sits much higher (to get on and off easier, especially for those with mobility issues), has a sturdier base, and features double-powder-coated metal surfaces for extra durability. Most people will opt for the Model D, and it's the bestseller. When you enjoy an exercise machine and it works perfectly, you'll use it more, which is the whole point. With the exception of my feelings about the seat, everything else about the Concept 2 Model D is a joy. Really, just buy it. You'll love the you it helps you create.