Help a girl out with buying a rower

[Jess312]

I am looking at two used options:
A Model C with a PM5 or a Model D with a PM3. The D is about $200 more than the C. Is the newer one worth the extra money?

My usage will be very basic. I am not competitive, I just discovered I enjoy rowing as part of my exercise routine during rehab after ACL reconstruction. I don’t care about Bluetooth capability.

Are there questions I should be asking the sellers that would change the answer on which is the better buy? They both work fine and were just used in people’s homes rather than at a gym.

[iain]

The main difference in my mind isn't the age per se. THe Model C is much noisier, so will this annoy anyone? While the PM5 allows more convenient and extensive data uploads, so if you like data and don't want to waste time transferring by hand and the noise isn't an issue, I would take the Model C. If running smoothly either is likely to outlast you with the most basic maintenance!

[JaapvanE]

I am looking at two used options:
A Model C with a PM5 or a Model D with a PM3. The D is about $200 more than the C. Is the newer one worth the extra money?

Both are great machines and they will outlast most of us. These machines are mechanically indestructable. Perhaps look at the state of the chain etc. if you can.

My usage will be very basic. I am not competitive, I just discovered I enjoy rowing as part of my exercise routine during rehab after ACL reconstruction. I don’t care about Bluetooth capability.

Welcome to the club . Aside the metrics mentioned by Ian, some games (like EXR or Ergatta) might break the boredome of long rows. At least they do for me.

Are there questions I should be asking the sellers that would change the answer on which is the better buy? They both work fine and were just used in people’s homes rather than at a gym.

See if you can get photo's of the chain and the PM. PM3 is at least over a decade old, and older ones are slowly dying. Especially when batteries have been used that leak you might have to replace it (with a PM5, for roughly $200).

[lazy_rower]

You can buy a drive train kit (Concept2 Part #: 1915) to upgrade the Model C to the latest (quieter) drive train for $48 plus shipping and handling. That included a new axle, bearings, sprocket, chain, shock cord and more. Adding new seat rollers, tax and shipping, I just paid $80 to revamp essentially everything but the flywheel on my Model C.

A PM5 upgrade is $160.

I'd go with the Model C.

[lazy_rower]

Oh, the plastic on the handles can degrade, probably from sweat and stuff on people's hands. I had to replace the handle that came with mine because the plastic had gone soft and sticky. A new handle is Part #: 1042, and is cheap ($15). I wouldn't decide based on the handle, but be aware that it might be an extra cost.

[micc2]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown, @lazy_rower — that’s super helpful! I didn’t know about the drivetrain upgrade kit; sounds like a great way to get most of the Model D experience at a lower cost. Also, thanks for flagging the handle issue, something I wouldn’t have thought to ask about when checking out a used one. Appreciate the heads-up!

[Tsnor]

FWIW, the local boathouse has a mix of model C and D ... and a mix of pm5 and prior. I don't care if I get a C or D. I always find a pm5.

After you start using logbook you will really appreciate Bluetooth logging. PM5 is also easier to program including variable intervals if you decide you'd like that as part of your workout. PM5 is supported with new firmware, PM3 is not. Electronics degrade then fail over time, PM3 is getting quite old.

If you get a chance, try rowing each and pick the one that looks and feels better. Some model C cages get rust and do the older chains. Some rowers get abused. You do not want to buy one that has a failed bearing, makes a funny sound, is damaged somehow, etc. unless you like to fix things. If you like to fix thing then C2 erg are awesome, plenty of spare parts even for 20 year old ergs.

[Tsnor]

Oh, the plastic on the handles can degrade, probably from sweat and stuff on people's hands. I had to replace the handle that came with mine because the plastic had gone soft and sticky. A new handle is Part #: 1042, and is cheap ($15). I wouldn't decide based on the handle, but be aware that it might be an extra cost.

Suspect the previous owner had a grip of some kind on the handle, and the grip left residue.

None of the handles degraded on the boathouse ergs even though they are in unheated space year round near water and used daily in season by high school kids.

[lazy_rower]

Suspect the previous owner had a grip of some kind on the handle, and the grip left residue.

The handle surface had actually softened and become sticky in the handhold area. If I were to point to a similar phenomenon, it's like what DEET bug spray does to plastics. I could scrape the base handle material with my fingernail. Wiping with isopropanol didn't make it less sticky. Hard to say what exactly got it -- I was the third owner, and the first owner was a gym.

[lazy_rower]

FWIW, the local boathouse has a mix of model C and D ... and a mix of pm5 and prior. I don't care if I get a C or D. I always find a pm5.

Agreed, the PM5 built in wireless support is no gimmick. Built-in heart rate monitor support, easier logging, and easier workout setup are all really nice.

[Ombrax]

Assuming the usage on the rowers is proportional to the age I'd get the D, if the C has a lot less use and is in better shape I'd get that instead.

Another comment: as was mentioned above, the C2 ergs last a long, long time, but there are a few parts on them that do eventually have to be replaced, especially if they're used a lot. Two that come to mind are then handle retract bungee and the brass handle-chain swivel bushing.

Good luck, and welcome to the club.

[Rowan McSheen]

The model C and PM3 have both been out of production for decades so either machine represents a compromise. I would pass and wait for a reasonably priced model D with a PM5 to come along.