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In the early part of the 1980s, the Concept 2 rowing machines were introduced to the world. The rowing equipment are manufactured and shipped from Vermont, and the company developed this rowing machine just because they were so aware of the need to train in wintertime. That was the driving thought to come up with a means by which rowing enthusiasts would not have to wait for summer to engage in their sport. However, they intentionally wanted to make the very best rowers possible using intelligent design principles. As an avid user of their rowers, I can attest to the fact that their machines function flawlessly. So I'll discuss some important information in this review of Concept 2 rowers.

The choices are pretty straightforward, you can purchase the Model D or the Model E. The Model E comes just as you see it, but the Model D comes with an option of performance monitor. The performance monitors are referred to as, PM3 or PM4, and they accompany every rowing machine. If you want a better monitor with the Model D rowing machine, then you will have to pick out the D model with the improved monitor. The higher priced Model E always has the PM4 with it as the primary monitor. You can expect to spend up to $350 more with the Model E rower, and the Model D rowing machine has two separate prices for the upgrades.

You will be able to track how well you are doing with the performance monitors as well as monitoring your pulse rate. There is an enclosed pulse monitor you wear across your chest, and there is a strap that keeps it in place. There is no discomfort having it strapped because it is very thin with a stretchable spandex strap. I can tell you from what I have experienced that you'll never know a heart rate monitor is strapped across your chest while you are rowing. There are no wires either since the data is transmitted to the monitoring device.

The resistance to rowing is attained by using an intelligently designed flywheel that is a good deal like a manual fan. There are no safety issues with this since it is entirely covered in a plastic assembly. You can adjust the amount of resistance with a small lever located on the flywheel housing. When you are rowing you will hear the seat travel back and forth, the chain movement and the whir of wind from the flywheel, and the noise level is very low. The flywheel revolves when you row, and it generates a soft air movement that is so quiet. But it is much quieter than any fan because you will not be creating the same amount of RPM's as an electrical fan. Unless someone in the other room is an extremely light sleeper, you won't be disturbing other people.

You can pick out the type of performance metrics that suit you the best from an easy-to-understand menu on either the PM3 or PM4. Some of the available rowing metrics include total rowing time, total distance rowed, 500 meter split times and number of strokes per minute. Your particular needs will help you in determining what you want to keep track of and what is not so crucial. For example, if you are a competitive rower, you will probably keep your eye on different stats from other competitive rowers.