Let’s talk about the Concept2 Model D. If you’ve ever set foot in a CrossFit box or even glanced at a serious training program, chances are you’ve seen one of these machines. It’s basically the gold standard of rowing machines—like, the rower that other rowers look up to.
From the get-go, the Model D feels solid. Not flashy, not over-engineered—just purpose-built to take a beating and keep going. Whether you're doing long steady-state sessions or gut-busting sprints, it holds up. The flywheel uses air resistance, so the harder you pull, the more resistance you get. It's kinda like a rowing machine that matches your energy—calm when you’re warming up, brutal when you’re going full send.
And the PM5 Performance Monitor? Game-changer. It’s not just a screen—it’s your onboard coach. You can track distance, pace, watts, calories, and more. Plus, it has built-in workouts, games (yep, rowing games!), and it even connects via Bluetooth to heart rate monitors and fitness apps. You can sync it with your phone, use apps like ErgData or even connect it to training software like Zwift. Super nerdy in the best possible way.
Oh, and setup? Super easy. It comes mostly assembled. You just bolt a few parts together and boom—you’re ready to row. And if you’re worried about space, don’t be. The Model D separates into two pieces for storage and has wheels to roll it around. Takes up less room than a treadmill, and way more fun (or at least more satisfying).
Now, let’s talk feel. Rowing on the Concept2 isn’t like fighting a machine. The motion is smooth, natural, and whisper-quiet (well, almost). You don’t feel like you're yanking a chain—you feel like you’re gliding across water. And that ergonomic handle? Comfy for long sessions and doesn’t destroy your hands. Thank goodness.
If you’re someone who takes their training seriously—or you’re just starting and want something that’ll grow with you—the Concept2 Model D is a no-brainer. It’s used by Olympians, military groups, CrossFit athletes, and regular folks who just want a killer cardio workout without pounding their joints into dust.
Oh, and it lasts forever. People buy these once and keep them for a decade or more. Even if something breaks (rare), replacement parts are easy to get, and Concept2's customer support is legendary.
Why People Love It
Honestly? Because it just works. No drama, no breakdowns, no mystery buttons. The Concept2 Model D has earned legendary status in the fitness world for a reason. People love how it feels—smooth, sturdy, and like you're rowing on real water (without the whole falling-in thing). The air resistance gives a natural, scalable workout: beginners don’t get overwhelmed, and hardcore athletes still get smoked.
Then there’s the PM5 monitor. It’s like your personal trainer with zero attitude. Stats, goals, heart rate, intervals—it shows it all. Want to race a friend? Done. Want to row 500m just to burn off stress? Go for it.
And let’s not forget how easy it is to maintain. You can beat this thing up every day, and it’ll still roll smoothly like it just came out of the box. A lot of users have kept theirs for 10+ years. Some even call it their best investment. That says a lot.
Who’s It For?
Pretty much everyone. That’s the beauty of it. Newbies: It’s beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be an athlete to hop on and get moving. CrossFitters & Athletes: It’s a training staple in competitions and boxes around the world. Rehab or Low-Impact Seekers: No pounding on the knees or hips. It’s super joint-friendly. Data Nerds: PM5 gives you performance metrics down to the split-second and even syncs with your apps. Busy People: You can fold it, roll it, store it, and it lasts forever with minimal fuss. Anyone who hates boring cardio: The rhythm of rowing is oddly therapeutic, especially when paired with music or a good podcast.
In short: whether you're building endurance, chasing PRs, burning calories, or just want to feel strong again, this rower fits the bill.
How Does It Work?
Alright, let’s break it down like we’re chatting over coffee.
You sit down, strap your feet in, grab the handle, and start pulling. The Concept2 uses air resistance, meaning the faster you row, the harder it pushes back. It's not pre-set like a treadmill—it's dynamic. You control the intensity with your own effort. Want to take it easy? Row light and slow. Want a killer full-body workout? Go hard. It’ll meet you there.
The flywheel spins as you pull, drawing in air. That’s where the resistance comes from—no buttons or dials. There is a damper (think of it like a gear shift) that adjusts how much air goes in. Lower damper = easier feel, higher damper = heavier feel, like rowing a boat loaded with bricks.
And while you row, the PM5 Performance Monitor keeps track of everything—pace, distance, time, strokes per minute, watts, even estimated calories. You can customize workouts, save progress, or just jump in and go. It even connects to fitness apps via Bluetooth or ANT+ if you want to get fancy.
Setup is quick (like 20 minutes tops), and storing it is just a matter of standing it up or popping it into two easy pieces.
So yeah—no frills, but full of function. That’s how it works. And it works really well.
FAQs
1. What makes the Concept2 Model D different from other rowing machines? The Model D uses air resistance and a PM5 monitor, offering a smooth, adjustable workout with precise data tracking. It's also built to last and easy to maintain.
2. Is the Concept2 Model D suitable for beginners? Absolutely. It’s user-friendly, low-impact, and lets you scale your workout intensity. Whether you're starting from scratch or getting back into shape, it's a great choice.
3. Can it support tall or heavy users? Yes. The Concept2 Model D has a 500-lb (227 kg) weight capacity and fits users up to 6'8". The monorail length accommodates long legs and strong pulls.
4. Does it require electricity to work? Nope! It’s powered by your workout. The PM5 monitor uses batteries (and your rowing activity helps extend their life).
5. How noisy is the Concept2 Model D? Since it uses air resistance, it makes a gentle whooshing sound. It's not silent, but it’s not disruptive either—many users watch TV or listen to music while rowing.
6. What’s the difference between the Model D and Model E? The Model E sits higher off the ground and has a sturdier frame. Functionally, they're nearly identical. The Model D is more compact and slightly more affordable.
7. Can I track my progress over time? Yes! The PM5 monitor stores your data, and you can connect it to apps like ErgData, Strava, or Garmin for long-term tracking.
8. Is it hard to store or move around? Not at all. It separates into two pieces without tools and has wheels for easy rolling. Fits nicely into most closets or against a wall.
9. What kind of maintenance does it need? Very little. Just wipe it down after workouts and occasionally oil the chain. It’s built to take years of use with minimal upkeep.
10. Can I use it for HIIT or strength workouts? Definitely. The resistance adapts to your effort, making it great for high-intensity intervals. Crank the damper up for a more strength-focused session.
