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Concept2 Model D Rower - PM5

Concept 2

Concept2 Model D Rower - PM5

The Concept2 Model D is an air-resistance indoor rower manufactured from July 2003 through April 2021, when Concept2 rebranded it (unchanged mechanically) as the RowErg. It pairs a flywheel with an adjustable spiral damper (1-10) against the PM5 Performance Monitor, which tracks pace, watts, stroke rate, and calories and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and ANT+. The frame separates into two pieces without tools for storage, rides on an aluminum I-beam monorail with a stainless-steel track, and is rated for users up to 500 lbs. Independent reviewers consistently rank it as the benchmark air rower against which the rest of the category is measured, citing its legendary durability – units commonly running 10+ years with minimal maintenance – and strong resale value. It carries a 5-year frame warranty and a 2-year warranty on parts and the monitor.

Width 24 in
Length 96 in (separates)
Monitor PM5 (Bluetooth/ANT+)
Warranty 5 yr frame / 2 yr parts
Resistance air (spiral damper)
Seat height 14 in
Machine weight 57 lb
Damper settings 1-10
Weight capacity 500 lb
Production years July 2003 - April 2021 (rebranded RowErg thereafter)
Storage dimensions 25 in x 33 in x 53 in (separated)

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 D Rower - PM5 Concept2 RowErg Rower - PM5 Concept2 Model C Rower Echo Rower
GymRadar rating 4.81/5 4.89/5 4.89/5 4.91/5
Price $990.00 $895.00
Width 24 in 24 in 24 in
Length 96 in (separates) 96 in (separates) 96 in 99 in (folds to 38)
Monitor PM5 (Bluetooth/ANT+) PM5 (Bluetooth/ANT+) PM2/PM2+ (stock; PM3-PM5 retrofit-compatible) LCD (Bluetooth/ANT+)
Warranty 5 yr frame / 2 yr parts 5 yr frame / 2 yr parts 5 yr frame / 2 yr parts
Resistance air (spiral damper) air (spiral damper) air (damper lever) air (10 dampers)
Seat height 14 in 14 in (standard legs) / 20 in (tall legs)
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 July 2003 - April 2021 (rebranded RowErg thereafter) 1993 - July 2003 (discontinued)
Storage dimensions 25 in x 33 in x 53 in (separated)

4.8/5 · 12 GymRadar reviews

Reviews by source

Expert 4.81/5 12 reviews

The Model D is Concept2’s long-running air rower – manufactured from 2003 to April 2021, when it was rebranded (unchanged mechanically) as the RowErg – and independent coverage treats it as the benchmark the rest of the category is measured against. Durability is the standout: reviewers report units commonly running 10+ years with minimal maintenance and unusually strong resale value (75-85% of original price), backed by a smooth, infinitely-scaling air resistance system and the widely-used PM5 monitor. Functionality is the weakest dimension by comparison – the PM5’s built-in workout programming is fairly basic next to newer connected rowers, and its plastic monitor arm is less robust than the arm on Concept2’s own higher-end models.

  • +Durability: units commonly operate 10+ years with minimal maintenance and retain 75-85% of original resale value (Rowing Machine Nerd)
  • +Functionality: industry-standard PM5 monitor with Bluetooth/ANT+ connectivity, used for competitive racing worldwide (Rowing Machine Nerd)
  • +Build quality: commercial-grade construction with quick 10-20 minute assembly (Garage Gym Reviews)
  • +Value: open ecosystem with free companion apps and no subscription requirement, on top of strong resale value (Rowing Machine Nerd)
  • +Versatility: separates into two pieces for storage and suits everyone from beginners to elite rowers (Jay's Home Gym)
  • −Functionality: built-in workout programming is relatively basic (Garage Gym Reviews)
  • −Build quality: plastic monitor arm is less durable than the arm on Concept2's Model E and Dynamic (FitRated)
  • −Durability: chain requires occasional oiling, roughly every 50 hours of use (FitRated)
  • −Value: premium pricing, ranging $900-$1,500 across sources and retail eras (Garage Gym Reviews, FitRated)
  • −Versatility: large 96"x24" footprint is a poor fit for tight apartments or small rooms (Rowing Machine Nerd)

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