Concept II Model C vs. Tunturi R701
Sandy Bodzin
Tunt.. by Karen Tro...@philabs.ph
>I'm interested in rowing for indoor exercise (a toddler's mother -
>can't get out like I used to) and am considering
>the Concept II Model C and the Tunturi R701. Since I haven't had
>the luxury of testing the Concept II - they are mailorder only -
>I thought I'd ask the pros.
>
>Which model would you advise for home use?
>
>For me the following things are important factors:
>
> Smooth operation
> Fold & Storage (both do as far as I know)
> Noise
> Comfort/seat position/handles,etc.
> Reliability
> Strength
>
>But I'd like to hear any other words of wisdom on these or other
>close products.
>
>Please send e-mail direct - I see that most people here are
>water competitors.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Karen Trovato
>
Karen -
Let me prefice my comments with this disclaimer: I have never rowed
competitively in my life. In fact I have never rowed on water in my
life. My experience with rowing has been limited to two years on a
Concept II Model B.
Having said that, the general consensus on this newsgroup is that
Concept II is the standard by which all other rowing machines are
measured and that non in the price range measure up. I have
consistently found the staff at Concept II to be as friendly and helpful
as I wish every customer service representative would be and am
generally thrilled with their product.
I find the rowing machine to be a perfect balance between a muscular and
cardiovascular workout. My thighs, back, lats, and trapezius are the
priciple muscle groups to benefit and at the end of 30 minutes I know
that I've burned some real calories. My wife uses the rowing machine to
alleviate a back problem (though I think the readers of the newsgroup
would disagree about rowing with a bad back - I suppose it depends on
the nature of the back problem).
As far as the model B goes, it is quite durable but the fan noise is not
insignificant. I'm told that the model C is quiter. The model B is not
easily moved whereas the model C is. There are a number of other
improvements made in the model C (I mention these because, to my
knowledge, Concept II still sells the model B and some people on the
newsgroup have expressed a preference for them). The one design change
that was not regarded favorably was the change in the seat. From what I
understand, users of the model C complained of chafing near the tail
bone. I don't know if Concept II has corrected this problem but I was
told that they were willing to ship the model C with the model B's seat.
Good luck shopping.
- Sandy
Disclaimer: Comments above reflect the understanding of a newbie,
never-been-in-the-water, doesn't-use-his-legs-enough ergo user. Kindly
turn the flame throwers off.
Karen Trovato
I'm interested in rowing for indoor exercise (a toddler's mother -
can't get out like I used to) and am considering
the Concept II Model C and the Tunturi R701. Since I haven't had
the luxury of testing the Concept II - they are mailorder only -
I thought I'd ask the pros.
Which model would you advise for home use?
For me the following things are important factors:
Smooth operation
Fold & Storage (both do as far as I know)
Noise
Comfort/seat position/handles,etc.
Reliability
Strength
But I'd like to hear any other words of wisdom on these or other
close products.
Please send e-mail direct - I see that most people here are
water competitors.
Thanks in advance,
Karen Trovato
Senior Member of Research Staff
Philips Laboratories
Software & Services Dept.
Briarcliff Manor, NY
k...@philabs.philips.com