Dynamic Rower for sale - has anyone tried it?

[Alissa]

I live in Toronto and have been unable to test either the C2 or the oartec, so would appreciate any inputs on both machines
Jeremy

Hi Jeremy,

Check out the Indoor Rower Finder Page, as there seem to be a number of C2 machines listed as present in Toronto (including the ARGONAUT ROWING CLUB which is listed with 65 Model Ds and 308 Model Cs and the CANADIAN INDOOR ROWING ASSOC. which is listed with 493 Model Ds). Surely someone would be willing to let you try one out...

HTH,

Alissa

[Bob S.]

I live in Toronto and have been unable to test either the C2 or the oartec, so would appreciate any inputs on both machines
Jeremy

Hi Jeremy,

Check out the Indoor Rower Finder Page, as there seem to be a number of C2 machines listed as present in Toronto (including the ARGONAUT ROWING CLUB which is listed with 65 Model Ds and 308 Model Cs and the CANADIAN INDOOR ROWING ASSOC. which is listed with 493 Model Ds). Surely someone would be willing to let you try one out...

HTH,

Alissa

The Dynamic is another matter. For example, I spotted only one listed on that site for the state of California. (It was at the Marin Rowing Association.) It would be helpful if he could find a static C2 mounted on slides, but the site doesn't show whether or not slides are available.

Bob S.

[Rockin Roland]

James, thanks for the detailed review on the C2. like some others on the thread I have been reading various blogs to get a better view on the pro's and cons of the various dynamic rowers and am torn between the c2 and the oartec slider.
I am not a rower..................... whilst reducing wear and tear on my lower back.
I live in Toronto and have been unable to test either the C2 or the oartec
Jeremy

As I own one I'm biased towards the Rowperfect dynamic erg, but I won't talk about it here because you are trying to decide between a C2 dynamic and Oartec Slider.

Jeremy, it's very important that you try both of these ergs before you purchase. The reason being is that all the current dynamic ergs on the market are completely different to each other. They each have their own unique features which may not suit everyone, so in many ways it's like buying a new car. You need to try them first. Both are manufactured in the USA so access to a demo model shouldn't be impossible in Toronto.

Both the C2 and Oartec dynamic ergs suit non rowers and reduce the wear and tear on your lower back dramatically over a static C2 erg.

I had a chat to the owner of the Oartec business last week and had a demo on their Slider erg which was on display at a regatta I participated in. Their erg has had some minor mods since first going on sale as a result of customer feedback. The Oartec Slider has a very comfortable seat and rowing position. Easily the most comfotable of all the ergs out there on the market, dynamic or static. If your a big guy then you'd love their erg. It has a solid feel to it and should be able to take a lot of abuse from a big bloke. Yet it's so smooth and enjoyable to row on. Its dynamic movement would be far easier to master by a non rower than the other dynamic ergs.

Dynamic ergs are very sensitive to unlevel ground. One feature I liked about the Oartec Slider was the little spirit level on the back of the erg next to the height adjustment knobs. I wish my Rowperfect had something like that. The only thing I didn't like about the Oartec Slider was it's bulk and weight. Although it's shorter than a C2 static erg it's a bit harder to move around despite the wheels on it.

I'm told that the Oartec monitor will soon have WIFI for those that want to race each other. It will also be getting some software to record, map and pace results amoungst other things. I was also told that so far about 300 units have been sold in the USA and each day at least one unit is purchased online from their website by individuals. Furthermore, they are starting to appear in gyms and Colleges. Harvard University has already about half a dozen of them.

The ultimate decision should come down to how comfortable and easy you find these ergs to use. They are all a step forward from the basic static erg that we've known for so long.

[JRBJR]

As I own one I'm biased towards the Rowperfect dynamic erg, but I won't talk about it here because you are trying to decide between a C2 dynamic and Oartec Slider.

As I recall, you purchased the Australian version of the new Rowperfect. Both the Australian Rowperfect and the Dutch-manufactured RP3 are currently available for ordering from their respective North American sales reps at similar prices (slightly over $3000 USD).

I finally had a chance to try out the C2 dynamic erg and have decided to focus instead on one of the two new Rowperfects, and am trying to determine which of these two similar dynamic ergs is the better product. It appears the Dutch RP3 doesn't provide a mountable performance monitor like the Rowperfect's RowMate monitor. I've also heard the sliding roller mechanism on the Australian model's flywheel assembly is superior to that on the RP3.

Would appreciate any input you can provide.

[jeremyg]

Alissa, Bob S and Rockin Roland
thanks very much for your comments and feedback, it is greatly appreciated. I will let you know what I decide to go with.
Jeremy

[Rockin Roland]

As I recall, you purchased the Australian version of the new Rowperfect. Both the Australian Rowperfect and the Dutch-manufactured RP3 are currently available for ordering from their respective North American sales reps at similar prices (slightly over $3000 USD).

I finally had a chance to try out the C2 dynamic erg and have decided to focus instead on one of the two new Rowperfects, and am trying to determine which of these two similar dynamic ergs is the better product. It appears the Dutch RP3 doesn't provide a mountable performance monitor like the Rowperfect's RowMate monitor. I've also heard the sliding roller mechanism on the Australian model's flywheel assembly is superior to that on the RP3.

Would appreciate any input you can provide.

JRBJR, you said you'd tried the C2 dynamic erg but didn't mention if you'd tried the other dynamic ergs. Although I own the Aussie version Rowperfect I believe both Rowperfect ergs are over-priced compared to the C2 and Oartec dynamic offerings. But once you've rowed on one for a while that soon is forgotten.

The Dutch and Aussie Rowperfect ergs have exactly the same dynamic movement. However so many of their parts differ. They have different seats, handles, flywheel cages, monitors and number of wheels on the flywheel unit. The Aussie Rowperfect erg (known as the indoor sculler) is more refined than the Dutch version hence would be the obvious pick. It's about 95% made in Australia including the monitor which is made by the same company that makes Coxmate monitors for boats. The Sigma heart rate chest strap that's included in the standard purchase price however is not made in Oz but gives identicle performance to my Suunto on the C2 PM4. The RP Mate monitor, in about a couple of months I'm told, is getting added capability and rowing software. That's welcome because the current monitor doesn't store workouts like a PM4 does.

The Aussie Rowperfect's flywheel unit moves better on the central bar than the Dutch one due to having quite a number of more wheels (both nylon and stainless steel) to give it a more stable and smoother feel. The seat is better padded and the handle is spring loaded to mimic the feel of an oar flexing through the water. Plus the cosmetics are better finished making it quite an attractive looking erg.

Hope that helps with your decision JRBJR.

[JRBJR]

Hope that helps with your decision JRBJR.

Thanks, it will help.

I believe the Dutch RP3 still relies on a PC hookup for performance data displays, which is a drawback for those who don't have a spare laptop sitting around and would prefer something mounted on the erg.

How do you like the 10-degree tilting seat on the Australian indoor rower? The product videos from the Canadian distributor for North America would have one believe this tilting seat design is standard and not simply optional.

P.S. I located a C2 dynamic erg to try out up the road on the Stanford campus. I haven't been able to locate either RowPerfect model in the SF bay area for a preview test drive. I'll call the reps to find out if they've sold one to a local gym or rowing center.

[Rockin Roland]

How do you like the 10-degree tilting seat on the Australian indoor rower? The product videos from the Canadian distributor for North America would have one believe this tilting seat design is standard and not simply optional.

I've never tried a Core-perform seat on a C2 erg so I can't compare the Rowperfect's "indoor sculler" limited tilt seat to that. However it comes as standard on the erg and can't be turned off. Hence it adds an extra degree of difficulty to your workout. Great for your hip/core muscles. Tilt your bodyweight too far in either direction and the seat will lock up. I really like the balancing floatation feel about it and combined with that small seat size your butt is committed to the same position for the duration of the workout. Luckily the seat is well padded. As I've mentioned before on this forum, I can erg condiderably longer on the small wobbly Rowperfect seat than on the relatively larger, hard and flat seat on the C2 erg.

As the Rep is located in Vancouver there's bound to be a few ergs sold down your way by now to try out.

[johnlvs2run]

I finally had a chance to try out the C2 dynamic erg and have decided to focus instead on one of the two new Rowperfects

How does the c2 dynamic compare with a c2 on slides?

Have you tried an oartec glider?

How does performance (pace) compare on the dynamic, vs c2 with slides, vs oartec?

[JRBJR]

I finally had a chance to try out the C2 dynamic erg and have decided to focus instead on one of the two new Rowperfects

How does the c2 dynamic compare with a c2 on slides?

Have you tried an oartec glider?

How does performance (pace) compare on the dynamic, vs c2 with slides, vs oartec?

To me, the sliding footrest assembly on the C2 dynamic erg is the crux of the problem. IMO, It doesn't provide a sufficiently-weighted resistance platform I can repeatedly and consistently push off from at the start of the catch. The C2 erg on slides is fine, where you push off against the weight of the entire erg moving along the slide tracks and can establish a nice steady momentum. I imagine the feel of the C2 erg on slides is very much like the feel of pushing off against the moving footrest/flywheel assembly on either RowPerfect model. The downside of the C2 erg on slides, of course, is that it takes up so damn much floor space.

I haven't had a chance to try out the Oartec yet.

[Rockin Roland]

To me, the sliding footrest assembly on the C2 dynamic erg is the crux of the problem. IMO, It doesn't provide a sufficiently-weighted resistance platform I can repeatedly and consistently push off from at the start of the catch. The C2 erg on slides is fine, where you push off against the weight of the entire erg moving along the slide tracks and can establish a nice steady momentum. I imagine the feel of the C2 erg on slides is very much like the feel of pushing off against the moving footrest/flywheel assembly on either RowPerfect model. The downside of the C2 erg on slides, of course, is that it takes up so damn much floor space.

I haven't had a chance to try out the Oartec yet.

The weight of the moving flywheel mass is critical to successful dynamic erg design. Ideally it should be as close as possible to the 14 kg average weight of a racing single scull.

Many prefer the feel of a C2 erg on slides to that of the C2 dynamic.There's a huge difference in the moving mass between the two and for many the C2 dynamic feels too light. However, the C2 erg on slides has by far the greatest moving mass of all the dynamic ergs. This becomes obvious each time you have to change direction around the front and back turns. It's just too heavy IMO.

Step onto an Oartec Slider and you'll notice straight away that the moving flywheel design is well weighted and closer to the ideal. Or even better still, the moving flywheel mechanism on a Rowperfect is just 17kg.

[Bob S.]

To me, the sliding footrest assembly on the C2 dynamic erg is the crux of the problem. IMO, It doesn't provide a sufficiently-weighted resistance platform I can repeatedly and consistently push off from at the start of the catch. The C2 erg on slides is fine, where you push off against the weight of the entire erg moving along the slide tracks and can establish a nice steady momentum.

As Roland mentioned, the weight of the full C2 on slides is too much. As for the dynamic, on the short trial that I had on one at the 2010 C-B, it seemed fine. That was one of the earlier versions and I heard that the moving stretcher was weighted to give it a fair amount of momentum. I heard later that C2 was still experimenting with the stretcher weight and that, on the recommendations of various people testing them out, it was lowered quite a bit by the time the production version was put out. If my memory serves me right, the item about lowering the mass of the stretcher was posted on this forum by one of the C2 staff.

It just occurred to me that it probably would not be too difficult for a dynamic erg owner to customize the stretcher by attaching additional weight.

Bob S.

[johnlvs2run]

The c2 dynamic seat slide is too long, and is improperly tilted to the front.

Notice on these videos that Raja from Estonia, banged the front of the seat slides with his feet.
http://www.concept2.com/us/company/blog ... 1222449301

Additionally, none of the 5 rowers used more than 1/2 the length of the seat slides, and all of them
came much closer to the front of the slide than the back, because it is improperly tilted in that direction.

The problem is that the excess length causes banging of the seat slide in front, and the excess length
in the back makes the footprint too long. C2 tried to make up for the front part by tilting the forward part
downward, a Rube Goldberg type of remedy, i.e. a way too complex solution, which should have been simple.

The solution is to (1) reduce the seat slide length to no more than the diameter of the fan cage,
preferably less, and (2) balance the slide so that rowers generally stay an equal distance from each end.

[Bob S.]

The c2 dynamic seat slide is too long, and is improperly tilted to the front.

The dynamic was designed for rowers. Rowing shells have tracks that are tilted to the stern, so the C2 indoor rowing devices all have tracks that are tilted to the back - or to the front of the user if you prefer that perspective.

Bob S.

[c2jonw]

The c2 dynamic seat slide is too long, and is improperly tilted to the front.

Notice on these videos that Raja from Estonia, banged the front of the seat slides with his feet.
http://www.concept2.com/us/company/blog ... 1222449301..........

That's an old clip of a prototype design that utilized a concave seat rail surface to provide the centering force for the seat. Current production Dynamic uses a single straight rail for the seat and foot stretchers. A light bungee provides the seat centering force, with adjustable front feet for changing the level of the machine. If you're tending towards the front of the seat travel you raise the front and if your tending toward the back you should lower the front. C2JonW