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Concept2 Model C Rower

Concept 2

Concept2 Model C Rower

The Concept2 Model C is an air-resistance indoor rower manufactured from 1993 through July 2003, predating the long-running Model D. It pairs a flywheel with an adjustable damper lever (1-10) against the original PM2/PM2+ Performance Monitor, and rides on the same 96 in aluminum rail as the Model D, rated for users up to 500 lbs. It shipped with wood handles and plastic foot stretchers rather than the ergonomic handle and molded foot pockets of later generations, though Concept2 still sells a retrofit-handle and device-holder kit for it. It is no longer in production or covered by warranty, but Concept2 continues to stock parts and support documentation. Long-time owners on the Concept2 Forum consistently describe a well-serviced Model C’s frame, rail, and fan mechanism as holding up as well as the Model D’s, with the stock PM2 monitor – prone to leaking batteries and failing capacitors after this many years – the component most recommend upgrading to a PM3, PM4, or PM5.

Width 24 in
Height 33 in
Length 96 in
Handles wood with rubber/black grips
Monitor PM2/PM2+ (stock; PM3-PM5 retrofit-compatible)
Resistance air (damper lever)
Frame material aluminum
Machine weight 57 lb
Damper settings 1-10
Weight capacity 500 lb
Production years 1993 - July 2003 (discontinued)

What is a Rower?

What a rower is

A rowing machine (erg) is a low-impact, full-body cardio piece — legs, back, and arms drive each stroke — making it a favorite for conditioning and steady-state work that spares the joints. Resistance comes from air (a fan; harder the faster you pull, the CrossFit/Concept2 standard), magnetic (quiet, fixed levels), or water (a smooth, swishing feel).

What to look for

A trustworthy performance monitor (pace, watts, distance) is what makes training measurable — the Concept2 PM5 is the benchmark. Also weigh footprint and storage (many rowers stand or separate for storage) and build quality, since the seat, rail, and handle take daily abuse.

How it compares

Concept2 Model C Rower Concept2 RowErg Rower - PM5 Echo Rower Concept2 Model D Rower - PM5
GymRadar rating 4.89/5 4.89/5 4.91/5 4.81/5
Price $990.00 $895.00
Width 24 in 24 in 24 in
Height 33 in
Length 96 in 96 in (separates) 99 in (folds to 38) 96 in (separates)
Handles wood with rubber/black grips
Monitor PM2/PM2+ (stock; PM3-PM5 retrofit-compatible) PM5 (Bluetooth/ANT+) LCD (Bluetooth/ANT+) PM5 (Bluetooth/ANT+)
Resistance air (damper lever) air (spiral damper) air (10 dampers) air (spiral damper)
Frame material aluminum Aluminum with steel components
Machine weight 57 lb 57 lb
Damper settings 1-10 1-10
Weight capacity 500 lb 500 lb (Concept2 testing) / 300 lb (EN standard) 500 lb
Production years 1993 - July 2003 (discontinued) July 2003 - April 2021 (rebranded RowErg thereafter)

4.9/5 · 6 GymRadar reviews

Reviews by source

Expert 4.89/5 6 reviews

The Model C is the aluminum-framed predecessor to the Model D/RowErg, in production from 1993 to July 2003 and long since discontinued – Concept2 still stocks service parts and retrofit kits for it, and long-time owners on the Concept2 Forum describe a well-serviced unit as built at least as solidly as the newer Model D. Durability is the standout dimension: the rail, flywheel and fan mechanism are widely reported to outlast the machine’s original PM2 monitor, which is the one component owners consistently recommend replacing. Coverage is the weakest dimension – no independent editorial or video reviewers have tested a Model C specifically in years, so this verdict leans on forum consensus and Concept2’s own support documentation rather than fresh third-party testing. Versatility holds up on paper (500 lb capacity, the same 54” rail as the Model D), but the stock PM2 monitor’s lack of workout programs and connectivity leaves it feeling dated next to any PM5-equipped rower.

  • +Build quality: aluminum frame and rail regarded by long-time owners as at least as well-built as the newer Model D (Concept2 Forum)
  • +Durability: a well-serviced Model C still runs fine decades after production ended -- the rail, fan and flywheel mechanism reliably outlast the original monitor (Concept2 Forum)
  • +Functionality: same 10-level adjustable air-resistance damper and 96" overall footprint as the Model D, so the core rowing feel carries over (GarageGymPro; Concept2 Forum)
  • +Versatility: 500 lb user weight capacity and a 54" rail that accommodates rowers with up to a 38" inseam (GarageGymPro)
  • +Value: secondhand units can be found well below current Model D pricing while offering essentially the same rowing mechanics (Concept2 Forum)
  • −Functionality: ships with the basic PM2/PM2+ monitor, which lacks the workout programs, Bluetooth and app connectivity of the PM3-PM5 generation (GarageGymPro; Concept2 Forum)
  • −Durability: the original PM2 monitor is the machine's clear weak point -- leaking batteries and failing capacitors are the most common failure mode on units this old (Concept2 Forum)
  • −Value: discontinued since 2003 with no manufacturer warranty remaining; only available secondhand at unpredictable pricing (GarageGymPro)
  • −Functionality: no independent expert or video reviewers currently test the Model C specifically -- most fresh coverage focuses on the Model D/RowErg instead

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