Comparing the Concept2 Model D and the Concept2 Model E is very hard.
Not so difficult but all the same, fairly difficult.
Making a decision on which rower to purchase is quite confusing.
Especially when the two rowers you are comparing are so similar.
The Concept2 Model D is very similar to the Concept2 Model E but they also have their differences.
Concept2 Model D vs. E
The Concept2 Model D and Concept2 Model E are very similar and thus very difficult to compare them.
Looking at them up close you may think they look alike and may wonder how the Model E is an upgrade of the Model D.
Well, I promise to make you understand where the two rowers differ in this article.
The biggest difference these two rowers have is their price because the Model E costs more than the Model D by almost 20%.
You may fairly be shocked by the difference in price but I believe when it comes to picking our a rower the price difference should not be your deal breaker.
What I mean is, do not buy a rower simply because it is cheap, pick one because it has the specifications that you need.
The most important thing to ask yourself in this comparison should be:
Are you willing to pay more for the extra features on the Model E?
Are the features on the Model D enough for you?
It will not be as difficult to decide because I will openly describe the difference between these two rowers and also give you my opinion.
Concept2 Model D
This is an air rower that is commercial grade and is made by Concept2
The Concept2 brand is among the most respected rowing machine brands in the rowing industry.
Their models are strong built for use in gyms, studios and boathouses by children, athletes, Olympians and people of all fitness levels.
The Concept2 Model D is also suitable for home use because it can be stored easily in to half its size as well as move around easily because it has wheels.
The rower makes one feel as though they are rowing outside and is smooth all the way but not easy.
Rowing on it can be difficult or easy depending on the rowing intensity because it self-adjusts to your intensity.
This rower also has a special feature where you can adjust the amount of air going in to the flywheel housing which in turn adjusts how you feel as you row. Just like changing gears on a bike.
Fitted with the best features such as a performance monitor that you can use to track your fitness data, heart rate, upload that data into an online log book, teaches you how to row with proper form and best of all, it lets you even play games!
The Concept2 Model D is suitable for body types and can accommodate up to 500 pounds without worry of damage since you have a warranty that comes with it as well.
Concept2 Model E
Well, now it’s time to review the Concept2 Model E.
Funny thing is that the exact same features I stated above about the Model D are also on the Model E.
I am actually serious, the same things are featured on both Models apart from these few features:
- Chain Housing
- Seat height
- Monitor arm
Sounds confusing?
Well, here is a breakdown of the exact differences between the two models.
Similarities between the Model D and Model E
| Manufacturer | Concept2 |
| Monitor | Ø PM5 monitor and all computer features |
| Resistance | Ø Air |
| Frame | Ø Extruded aluminium I-beam monorail |
| Handle | Ø Ergonomic handle with 10-degree angle |
| Footrest | Ø Flexfoot footboard system |
| Seat | Ø Padded-contoured seat |
| Wheels | Ø Caster wheels |
| Noise level | Ø Quite noisy from the flywheel spinning |
| Storage | Ø Can be taken apart to be stored |
| Resistance adjust | Ø Damper setting option
Ø Determined by intensity of rower |
| User Capacity | Ø Weight: 500 pounds
Ø Height: No limit |
| Warranty | Ø Frame: 5years
Ø Monitor/Parts: 2years |
| Dimensions | Ø Length: 96 Inches
Ø Width: 24 Inches Ø Inseam length: 48 Inches |
Differences between the Model D and Model E
| Concept2 Model D | Concept2 Model E | |
| Chain: | Steel | Nickel-plated steel |
| Chain Housing: | Partially enclosed | Fully enclosed |
| Machine Weight: | 57 pounds | 65 pounds |
| Price: | Around 945 dollars | Around 1160 dollars |
| Machine Legs: | Front: Aluminium
Rear : Steel |
Welded steel |
| Exterior Finish: | Powder coat that looks matte | Double powder coat with glossy top coat |
| Monitor Arm: | Flexible monitor arm; it seems shorter than the Model E but its height and viewing angle can be adjusted. | Fixed extended monitor arm; the viewing angle can be adjusted. |
Now that I have listed the differences I am sure you are wondering how exactly they affect anything.
Well, let’s discus each difference well to facilitate understanding.
- The height of the seat on the Model E is literally the same height as an ordinary chair and it is 6 inches higher than the one on the Model D.
- The reason for this is because there are people on wheelchairs, people using crutches as well as those with balance issues and even the elderly who would also want to use the rower.
- The weight difference between the two rowers is quite insignificant.
- The upgraded chain and its housing mean that you will require less maintenance of the rower in future but this upgrade is not so important.
- Both models have the PM5 monitor and come in black and grey which are both new colours.
- The Concept2 Model D arm is shorter than the Model E and it can be adjusted as well as its viewing angle. The Model E arm is fixed so you can only adjust the viewing angle.
- The monitor on Model E is closer to the user thus easier to use but cannot be folded for storage. The monitor on the Model D is large enough so the upgrade on the Model E is quite irrelevant.
- In fact, being able to fold the monitor on the Concept2 D is better.
- The Model E finish makes it very durable but the Model D is also very durable and is used commercially worldwide.
- Both legs on both models are stable and the only reason the Model E was upgraded is to cater for the high seat it comes with.
My Opinion: Concept2 Model D or Concept2 Model E?
The differences on both the Concept2 Model D and the Concept2 Model E do not change anything in terms of how the rowers function.
Both rowers will give you same workout.
The only differences worth considering are the monitor arm, seat height and the price.
I believe that the monitor arm on the Model D is better because the arm can fold back when you want to store it and the best thing about the Model D is that it is cheaper.
The most crucial thing you probably would want to consider is the seat height. Are you willing to pay more for the seat on the Model E? If not, then I would advise on buying the Model D.
The reasons above are the sole reason why I often recommend the Concept2 Model D to my clients.
Conclusion
I can honestly say that Concept2 is a very respectable brand when it comes to rowing machines production. I actually think they are among the best, if not the best. The Concept2 Model D and the Concept2 Model E are their best rowers.
If you choose the Concept2 Model D or the Concept2 Model E, you will not be disappointed with either because they are both good machines.
The truth is, whether you buy the Concept2 Model D or the Concept2 Model E, they will both guarantee you a lifetime of rowing excellence.
I hope I have addressed any queries you had about the two machines. Feel free to ask any more questions you may have in the comment section below and I will be sure to answer them!