The Concept 2 Model D was designed with serious rowers in mind, but its user-friendly deisgn makes it easily accessible to beginners. The Model 2 delivers a challenging workout, but it’s easy on the joints and ergonomically designed to give you the best results.
And with a built-in damper that minimizes noise, you can get in that early morning workout without waking up the entire house.
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When it comes to indoor rowers, the Model D is one the best models you can buy. Concept 2 is known for its quality equipment, and this rower is no exception. Used by Olympic athletes and elite athletes, you can be sure this rower will give you the kind of workout that leaves you dead on the floor.
While the Model D has the look and feel of a gym-quality rower (in fact, many gyms do have this rower), it feels right at home in your living room or home gym. And its durable construction means that you’ll get years of use out of this machine.
Combine all of these great features with Concept 2’s advanced PM5 Performance Monitor and you have one of the most complete indoor rowers on the market.
Concept 2 Model D Features & Technical Specs
Main Features
- Flywheel design minimizes noise
- Comes with the Performance Monitor 5
- Spiral damper for flywheel airflow adjustment
- Separates into two pieces for easy storage
Technical Specs
- Width: 24″
- Length: 96″
- Maximum User Weight: 500 pounds (227 kg)
- Seat Height: 14″
- Monorail Length: 54″
- PM Power: Two D-cell batteries
- Space Requirements (for use): 9ft x 4ft
- Machine Weight: 57 pounds
Monitor Features
- Backlit
- Compatible with USB flash drives to store workout data
- Wireless heart rate monitoring
- Flexible positioning thanks to the adjustable arm
- Displays: heart rate, distance, calories burned, strokes per minute
Warranty Information
- 2-year warranty on moving parts and the monitor
5-year limited warranty on the frame
Shipping and Assembly
The Concept 2 Model D is shipped in one big box. With dimensions of 15″ x 21.5″ x 56″ and a weight of 70 pounds, you’ll want to make sure that you have someone help you move the box.
Assembly is straightforward and simple, but can take some time (about 20-30 minutes). Having an extra pair of hands to help put the rower together can move things along more quickly. Assembly only requires eight screws, and the rower comes with clear instructions.
An In-Depth Look at the Model D’s Design
There’s a lot to love about the Model D, especially if you’re an experienced rower. This model improves on many of the things most of us complain about. It’s just the right height for getting on and off. It’s ergonomically designed, so your feet never feel awkward or out of place. And it delivers a challenging workout – no matter your fitness level.
Let’s take a closer look at this machine’s design and features, so you can see why this is one of the most sought-after indoor rowers on the market.
Damper, Flywheel and Height
Air rowers have a reputation for being noisy. But the Model D is about as quiet as you can get.
The flywheel was designed specifically to minimize noise and ensure that every stroke is as smooth as if you were out on the water.
The spiral damper gives you complete control over the airflow to the flywheel, which changes the feel and difficulty of the stroke.
The machine responds to your effort to give you just the right amount of difficulty. The harder and faster you work, the more challenging your workout will be.
This rower is just the right height for easy use, with a low profile of just 14.”
Ergonomic Design
Concept 2 knows just how frustrating it can be to use a rower that’s uncomfortable and puts your body into awkward positions. That’s why they designed the Model D to have adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle.
The footrests allow for quick and easy sizing, while the handle has a 10-degree bend that keeps your hands and arms in a natural position as you move.
The monorail length is 54,” which is just the right length for most users to perform a full stroke. But if you have an inseam of 38″ or more, you may need the extra-long monorail – which Concept 2 can help with.
Mobile and Foldable
One of the biggest concerns with the Model D is its large footprint. With clearance, you need at least 9ft x 4ft of free space. While not quite as big as some water rowers, the Model D is still going to take up a considerable amount of space in your home.
For some, the large footprint won’t matter. But if you’re short on space or your home gym is on the smaller side, you’ll be happy to hear that this rower separates into two pieces and folds up for easy storage.
The frame lock mechanism controls this feature, and you don’t even need tools to separate the Model D. When folded, this rower’s footprint shrinks to 25″ x 33″ x 54.”
A set of caster wheels in the front allows you to move this rower into any position you want.
Easy Maintenance and Durable Construction
Concept 2 designed the Model D to minimize maintenance. Other rowers have chains that require frequent oiling, but the nickel plated chain on this model allows for longer periods of time between oilings (after every 50 hours of use).
The support legs are made from aluminum, which is lightweight and highly durable.
This machine supports up to 500 pounds of weight, or 227 kg.
Advanced Monitoring
The Model D comes with Concept 2’s advanced PM5 monitor, which allows you to not only track your workout stats, but upload them to a USB drive.
This battery-operated monitor displays: calories burned, speed, distance, pace and watts.
The PM5 has a backlit display, so you can see your stats even in low lighting. While it doesn’t have a fancy design or a touchscreen display, it does offer more advanced and (more importantly) accurate tracking.
And if you have a chest belt, you can monitor your heart rate wirelessly as you row. PM5 supports ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart.
The PM5 also has fun features, like games that keep you motivated and a racing feature. This monitor even supports wired machine-to-machine racing, so you can compete with others and train hard.
Another easily overlooked but convenient feature with the PM5 is its adjustable arm. Made from ultra-durable ABS plastic, you can adjust the monitor’s position (height and angle) for optimal viewing.
Who is the Concept 2 Model D For?
- Beginners and advanced users.
- Anyone who wants to improve their cardiovascular health without putting too much strain on their joints.
- Anyone looking to improve their overall health and fitness
The Model D rower delivers a great cardiovascular workout for users of all levels. Unless you’re not interested in improving your health, this rower is a good choice for you.
What We Love about the Concept 2 Model D
The Model D offers many features that we love, and its high-quality construction makes it one of the best machines on the market.
1. Great Workout
No matter whether you’re just getting started or have been rowing for years, the Model D will give you a great workout.
And because the difficulty level is dependent on how fast or hard you row, there’s no limit to how far you can progress in your fitness level.
There are no resistance levels to mess with, and the uncomplicated monitor makes it easy to just sit down and get started.
If you’re not pouring sweat by the end of your workout, you weren’t giving it all you had.
2. Durable Design
The Model D features a high-quality construction and durable design that will give you years of use with proper care.
Whether you plan to use this rower a few times a week or daily, it can withstand the abuse of rigorous use.
3. Accurate Monitoring
The PM5 offers accurate tracking, so you get an accurate picture of your progress. We also love that you can download your stats to a USB drive to better track and compare your results on a computer.
Things to Consider
The Concept 2 Model D isn’t perfect (although it’s close). There are a few things that you might want to consider before diving in.
Cost
The Model D is a high-end rower, which means it comes with a higher price tag. If you’re serious about rowing and want to invest in a quality piece of equipment, it’s well worth the cost.
But if you’re just getting started with rowing and aren’t sure if you really want to get into shape, the cost may be too high for your comfort.
Size
The Model D does have a large footprint, so keep this in mind before you buy. Measure your space to make sure your new rower will fit comfortably in your home.
Final Thoughts on the Model D
If you’re looking for a quality, durable and reliable rower that’s quiet and will give you a challenging workout, it doesn’t get much better than the Concept 2 Model D.
If it’s good enough for Olympians and elite athletes, it’s certainly good enough for you.
If you like the sound of the model D then it is worth having a look at the Model E version which may look the same but has some subtle differences that you may prefer.