Updating my review to 5 stars after workouts but leaving my first unboxing 3 star impressions intact. After all it’s about the workout. I still think the seat can be improved but I bought an aftermarket cushion that has made the workouts much more comfortable. The footrests do the job but still meh in plastic quality. I still think there are some cheaper inconspicuous plastics but overall the build quality will last a very long time and what are important parts like the chain, handle, monitor arm, stanchions and track are very high quality but I wasn’t happy about some scratches on the stainless track out of the box.The workout is 5 stars but you must focus on the proper rowing technique to benefit and this makes the workout more interesting and interactive because you have to concentrate on every pull. The catch is a little light early but the drive and finish is very smooth and linear. The machine is no louder than a room fan so I don’t understand all the online comments about “loudness”. Certainly it’s not louder than a treadmill or stationary bike. The PM5 monitor though not flashy is very responsive and interactive to your technique and provides a vast array of feedback like watts, cals, splits and expected finish. It’s all you need.I think the C2 is a better choice on paper than the competing WaterRower though I have never tried the latter. Having to purify water in a plastic container and a wood frame though aesthetically more appealing at first is subject to temp and humidity conditions on tightness of fittings over time. I think this combination of water and wood becomes a problem over time. Last word, rowing is the best indoor workout and I’ve have them all all, treadmills, bikes and ellipticals. Remember this isn’t a weight machine that’s all about resistance and no pain no gain. Indoor rowing is all about technique and that’s the workout. The C2 website has great instructional videos.Original 3 star Unboxing review intact:I will update this review after some actual use. I purchased the Model E as my research showed undoubtedly that the C2 Model D/E are the leaders in the indoor rower field. I purchased the E for seat height and expecting a little higher build quality than the D. I ordered via Amazon vs C2 direct to control delivery time with scheduled delivery vs UPS leaving it in my driveway whenever they get here. The truck firm was a bit of a challenge to communicate with. But they were friendly, it arrived when they said it would and the box was in good condition. It was well packed and protected.I have higher end home exercise equipment in a bike, treadmill, and elliptical so I have a standard for “commercial grade”. I think the quality of the unit is a bit oversold in the marketing materials. The E is basically spray painted steel. I have no idea what “high gloss” finish C2 is talking about. It’s as matte as can be. The steel gauge is ok, but not as substantial as I expected vs other equipment I have. Rather thin but the positive is it’s lighter to move around. There is a lot of hard plastic including the fan cover so do not over tighten screws when installing the monitor or there will be a crack in your future. The seat is rather flimsy, rickety and shakey side to side. It has some give in the cushion but not a lot. Just not a solid I’m locked in feeling. If I had to guess what part of this machine was made in China, it’s the seat. The footrests are rickety and rather cheap plastic but I suppose functional enough. One foot strap was twisted under the footrest cover and I had to take the cover off and untwist it. Note to C2 plastic snaps like on dog collars are around for decades so you don’t have unstrap and restrap for every workout. One fan cover screw was loose almost to the point of falling off. The stainless steel monorail was surface scratched and scuffed in an area but not enough for me to ever imagine reboxing this for a return and I don’t believe it will affect the glide. You would think C2 would protect and quality inspect the most expensive part of this machine, the stainless steel monorail. Overall at least minus 1 star as the build quality was not what I expected. Kind of a lot of hard plastic rickety parts is the best I can explain it.I’ve read about easy assembly and it’s only 8 screws. I’ve assembled many complex things. This isn’t the hardest by far but it wasn’t the easiest. First it’s more than 8 screws. The instructions are awful. There’s a pretty good You Tube video out there. Instructions are only pictures and no words and what seems like 20 languages. Took about a half hour by myself. The good news is it’s one screwdriver for all the bolts. Minus 1 star on the bad instructions, but this not something you’d need to pay someone to do. The less mechanically or physically challenged would find it a lot easier with a buddy to hold things that need to be screwed.The PM5 monitor though I only checked that it turned on with a couple of rows seems very simple with a gray black display, yet most reviews say this is the best or the others are so much worse. I suppose rowers need to catch up with treadmill and bike displays for reasons I don’t understand. It tells you what you need however in numbers.Some You Tube reviews say the machine is loud. It is not loud at all. It’s a quiet breeze sound and an AC or a room fan will be louder.This is my first indoor rower, though I’ve used many club rowers, none of them C2. I will update this review if the workout quality ups it a star or two. The first 30 minute workout I had just to test the machine was very smooth. So without a lot of workout experience yet, this machine has left me a little underwhelmed in build quality vs the hype. I don’t intend to abuse it and I expect it will far outlive me....but it’s just that parts feeling we all have had when you’re putting something together and you say, oh this part is “blank”. The seat and the footrests are unforgivable cheap quality at this price point.

Like the other reviews that you've probably read... this really is the Rolls of the rowers. Look online at rower events and at every college that has a rowing team, as well as those professional teams, and you will see the Concept models.It is so well engineered and perfectly machined. From the smooth welds to the final trim pieces, this rower will last more than a lifetime. Parts "if ever needed", are readily available. They even provide you the correct sized full length torx driver to ensure that you drive the screws properly.Yes, you will pay a bit more for these Concept units, but you will never find a better built and backed unit than this. You won't ever be able to compare the junk at the box stores to the Concept rower...Period! Trust me, I've compared. There is only a German made model that comes close to this. That's it.Do yourself a favor, stop wasting your time trying to compare this with other mfg models. Spend the extra money and reward yourself with unmatched quality that you can enjoy for years to come. You can read the in's and out's through other reviews. I just want to convey what you're really paying for with this rower. Its quality is really that good. Just think: a company that produces a product that they want you to only buy once and for it to last for YEARS and YEARS!!!When yo get this rower, find a YouTube video and slowly learn the correct rowing posture and technique. Don't just think You know how to row. Ease into the skill and your experience will reward you with a great workout, without joint stress or back pain. As you quickly master the feel, your rowing strength and stamina will easily increase.At first, 500 meters will seem far, but you'll soon be cruising past 2000 meters with ease.If you truly want a fantastic rowing experience, this is your rower! Do it!!! Get this Concept rower in your home TODAY.You need to checkout the online rowing events and rowing forums too.

Glad I got this model it's easy on my knees. One less excuse not to exercise. Easy to put together. Beautiful machine, I finally enjoy exercising.

The Concept 2 rower was simple to assemble and separates easily if moving or storage between sessions is needed. The rower is built solid, reasonably quiet and a pleasure to use. The monitor for me is small, LCD but connects to my iPad easily for a great display. Lots of exercise choices. I just row for now but hope to work into it. Highly recommended.

Im 604 and was concerned about how these machines would fit me till I found this model reviewed on youtube by someone who is 605. The machine was simple to put together thanks to the youtube video and so far it works awesome. It is very smooth and would easily fit someone who is 606. Some complaints I read about the hard seat...it is a little hard but I don't seam to have any issues with it and you can put padding on it if needed. I did have a minor issue with assembly, 2 screw holes did not line up quite right so I took the provided screwdriver and wiggled it in the holes to widen them out a bit and it worked, The screen display is real nice and easy to use. It does take up a lot of room but that is to be expected with any row machine. I have no regrets purchasing it and look forward to using it several times a week to. I would definitely recommend this. Just 3 minutes and I really feel the workout. I have a treadmill, helix machine and elliptical, all great high quality machines that provide great workouts but I can say that this row machine kicks my but much more in a shorter time than the other machines.

Great for fitness. easy way to lose calories in the shortest time (easier to row for 15 minutes than hike for 40 minutes to lose the same amount of calories). One part didn't go together properly, the company sent a replacement part immediately. Brilliant customer service

This is a 5 star product. Beautiful to use and to look at. I like the 'high off the ground' architecture as it is easier to get onn and off without the low-down architecture of all the others. The settings are simple to use, and not over-complicated. The rowing 'Oar is comfortable. Highly Recommended.

Money well spent