basic rowing machine - recommendations?

[Thorne]

I'm in the market for a cheap used rowing machine -- no, not a boat, got some o' those already....grin.

Want something to prep for very basic fixed-seat rowing, although a rowing machine with the sliding seat would provide better overall exercise, I guess.

I'd like something that matches 'real' rowing closely, not a horizontal weight bar or other systems that are sorta kinda close.

Any suggestions? Here's the current SF Craigslist offerings:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=%22rowing%20machine%22

[Tom Robb]

I've never seen on for sale new around here.
Where do people buy these things? Only on one of the coasts?

[rbgarr]

Go for the Cardio-glide. It doesn't take as much room as a real rowing machine (Concept2) and will be good for stretching also.

[Thorne]

How about the Stamina or Kettler? The latter is advertised as being more like real rowing...which is what I'm looking for.

http://images.craigslist.org/0101100115090103072008052462431147e3c5c00c1b00b149 .jpg

for the price ($40) and features, the used Edge 250 looks pretty good, as the outrigger arms with adjustable pistons seem to come close to a real oar...

http://images.craigslist.org/01020001030301160320080525b2b8e50edf9f3ed55d00fcc6 .jpg

[py]

I'm no expert, but what I've found is that the shock absorber/hydraulic based ones just don't feel right-I think its because you don't get any feeling of momentum as you pull through the stroke. I really like the concept 2, but can't afford it. I'd tend to go for cheaper, similar style, where you pull on a handle that spins something against magetic resistance.

[elad]

I use a Water Rower www.waterrower.com during the winter when I can't get out.
I like it. It uses water as resistance.

Dale

[Peter Belenky]

The Concept 2 ergometer is the world standard, used by every rowing program, and it will maintain a very high resale value. (Correspondingly, you can find one used, for a price.)

http://www.concept2.com/us/default.asp

My gym has PFS rowers:

http://www.performancefitnesssystems.com/r80a.html

After using the Concept 2, I find the PFS geometry infuriating.

[Yeadon]

Sometimes at the gym, I use a rowing machine that has a sliding seat and a big resistance fan at the front of the machine. The thing is effective. It blasts my back in about 12 minutes.

Of course, I don't know what the brand is, and no way I'm going to the gym today.

I have my doubts about those machines that have the hydraulic arms.

[TomF]

Concept 2 is the gold standard ... they're also essentially bulletproof. Not infrequently able to find a used model C for $300, or a used model B for $150 or less. Either is a good buy.

We had an "Integrity" rower for a couple of years, when getting into rowing. It also uses a fan, is cheaper than a C2 new, and is relatively similar in mechanics. It's an OK machine, though the monitor is exceptionally limited compared with the Concept 2 ... Also proved to be not as durable - I changed a belt and dinged the not-great monitor in 2 years of use.

But when we got a used C2 model B, the Integrity machine rapidly gathered dust. And it's durable enough that even though I bought it from the local rowing club when they upgraded ... and it likely has more km on it already than I'll ever equal ... I've no doubt it will be going strong in another 10 or 15 years.

[Thorne]

How about the Concept Model A? Is the fan too loud to use indoors?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/spo/696757742.html
http://images.craigslist.org/0115030102000116022008052760173ead6b8aee5f4f00e1db .jpg

[rbgarr]

I've owned two C2s, a Waterrower and a Cardioglide. The Cardioglide mimics fixed seat rowing best and is absolutely silent.