Reviewing EVERY Rower I Could Find in a Store?! 

I really wanted to have a Concept 2. BUT, the math makes it impossible where I live. A Concept2 costs 5.5 times more here than in US. So I HAD to settle with a Domyos 120. It's silent, it works, I am using for the last three months, 2- 3 times weekly. I use a mobile App with it (Start Rowing) with a good training program and do not rely much on its display, only for distance measuring. The only thing that bothers me is that the catch is kind of low like he said and I have a belly so it worries me about back problems. Due to the pandemic I have no instructor and gyms are closed. It was a very high investment so I must adjust somehow to it, am looking for advice. Think like if it was in US and the Domyos 120 would "cost" $3000 and the Concept2 $8000. So you know.

I’m glad I went with C2 for my first rower. A nice machine like that just makes you want to regularly use it. I’ve had cheap workout gear in the past and it was often an exercise in frustration. Not the kind of equipment you’re very proud of, compelling you to go intense with it.

I got my 500b few weeks back and a happy user for beginners rower. Reason bought this is due to the size and the connectivity, and it’s self powered! The only complain is the extension from the bar is shorter then c2. But it is what it is for the smaller footprint!

This was such a fun video! I enjoyed getting to see you work your way up through the various rowing machines.

Lots of crappy comments by uninformed people who most probably have never tried one of those magnetic rowers. I've been rowing on a Domyos 500 for a year now and must say that this machine is worth every penny, and so far it's proven to be extremely reliable and sturdy. Build and materials are overall on par with much pricier machines, seating is comfortable, wireless connectivity with training apps (such as Kinomap) as well as with all kinds of chest straps works just fine, all the main performance parameters are monitored. So it's safe to say that it offers more than adequate performance for most non-professional users interested in keeping fit at a sensible pricetag.

I got the 120 at the beginning of lockdown because it was available and cheap. I'm short so it's been great and yes I row along to you most days. Your also right only down side is the monitor. But it's compact and quite.

I just received my Concept2 PM5, and it came with a phone holder. It's a little stiff, but it works.

Hi, I could really use the opinion from someone who actually owns Domyos 500 and use it for a period of time. I'm thinking about buying one for home use and I really don't want to make mistake.

Hi from Italy, really cool vid and i liked every little tip you give on rowing! for example how you hint that even with the bungee one, we could strap/loop some gym elastic band maybe with its own handles too and have a way at burning calories as well. I'm surprised from most comments how the noise factor is underrated. I've had a go at the Domyos ones just like you do here, and the 500 seemed to me ok to offer some decent resistance, but let's all keep in mind it's around 400 euros, and a Concept 2 is about 1200€ ain't it. And then the noise. I gotta say I find it important and the water one is great. Very relaxing, but also motivating. Both the others may be irritating/stressful, but the magnetic ones are still quite silent, at least it's a good point on them. And as soon as I hear the air ones like the C2, I feel kinda thirsty and that the room is getting a very dry environment, to be swearing at it then lol. Personal, of course. Just saying, every rower makes sense on its own, probably. And, it might not have the most precise counter in the world, I can do without really, I'll have burnt say 250 calories instead of 300, at an amateur level it's ok to keep fit, along with other sports. It is often argued that most gym machines are inherently more or less accurate in the calories bill anyway, ex. spin bikes vs ellipticals vs rowers. Whatev... PS. I've seen a spring-activated rower, in the Uk it's called BR3010, in Europe "Stringmaster" by Capital Sports. I'm finding very few reviews here on the net. Some look ok, from sportive people, and some decent value for money, maybe? It would be great to know your opinion about it! Sorry for the long comment. Total respect! 😎✌

Quarantine equipment help! Great video - I was thinking of getting the Decathlon 100 as a cheap way to get some cardio while I'm stuck here in my 21-day hotel quarantine in Hong Kong, but having seen it in action I don't think it's worth bothering with. I'll find some other way to get some cardio in 😂

In the UK the Domyos 120 has came back into stock, and as a relative beginner who is a little out of shape, I have gone ahead and ordered. I wanted something that is of decent quality and will improve my fitness, my partner wanted something that didn’t take up the whole house and cost a relatively small fortune. I think this is a good compromise. I think it will do me and my partner for now, and if I ever get fit enough, or seriously into it, will consider upgrading to an air tower in the future. Good, helpful, comparison, thank you!

Your review really helps! Thanks

Hi, thanks for reviewing all différent modèls, it helps a lot when you're a beginner liké me!

Hi, whats the difference between Domyos 500 and domyos 500 B ?

I've bought Endurance R300 by Body Solid. My first rower. Fits me, fits my budget, which is also very important. It could use better display, but since I do it for me and don't need minute details - it is more than sufficient. Good quality, well made, sturdy - all I need.

They have Concept 2's in stock over there? Might have to make a little trip to france in that case

Oh! You were (sort of) nearby! (I’m living in Brussels, Belgium). I’ve bought some small stuff from decathlon. They have some nice and basic clothes for sports.

Do you have a list of machines you've reviewed? I was wondering if you ever reviewed the one I just got. (Proform 750r) Just curious.

I may live in a small apartment but I am absolutely getting a concept 2. Sometimes neighbors have to make sacrifices

The wider feet on the 500 is interesting. Being 6’4 and having massive calves, they actually rub on the rail of the C2. Really my only complaint with the concept!

This is fascinating. Many thanks. More comments to follow when I've watched the video a couple of times.

Magnetic resistance has a drawback: sooner or later everyone will outmuscle it. While water or air resistance is almost limitless in the amount of resistance; the stronger you push ("push, don't pull"), the greater the resistance is, magnetic resistance is much less dependent on the input force. At some point every more serious rower will feel, that the machine is "weak". I had a magnetic rower (however it was not a Domyos, but still the same "Chinese" quality and construction), I started my rowing adventure on it, but I quite quickly, in 2 months, outmuscled it and my force just destroyed the internal parts of the machine as I tried to stroke harder. Fixing it was futile, since I would destroy it again. I bought the C2 model D, that is with me until today and is virtually indestructible. Magnetic resistance machines can give appropriate range of resistance and a decent durability, but at a cost that is much greater than the C2 or Waterrower. Next thought: If a machine does not allow for a full, correct rowing stroke, it cannot be considered as a tool for training. Maybe the absolute beginner or a child can get some workout on such a machine, but rather sooner than later the purchase a decent rowing machine will be necessary. Plus, in training the performance monitor is an absolute necessity. These magnetic cheap machines do not have it. OK, they can display distance or calories, but they do not measure the input power (as a PM on C2 does), but merely they just count strokes and display some mean value of calories per stroke times number of strokes or, say 10 m/stroke times number of strokes. So they are not performance monitors, they are just toys mimicking the real PM. I would warn before buying the magnetic rower in the several hundreds dollar range. It will almost surely be the waste of money. Much better solution - to buy a ticket to a gym, even to hire some coach that will teach us, and try if we like rowing for a month or two on C2 or Waterrower. And we can decide if we should buy one for home use without risk, that it will become an expensive clothes' hanger at home.

You need to try the Coffey Simulatoar. Nothing comes close to simulating rowing on the water. Everyone should use it before they get in a shell.

Hi Shane, I'm really glad that you have tested Domyos equipment. I have just bought the Domyos 120 rower you tested and I am quite disappointed that I haven't found a community of users for this machine. I am a beginner and I cannot give an deep review on the machine, but it has been of great use in these pandemic times. There are somethings I dislike on this machine e though. The display will only show distance with more than one decimal point, which means I am only able to measure my progress each 100m and it feel frustrating as it too much of distance for a begginer. I was a little suspicious about the monitor precision, since my all out efforts give something of 1km in 10 minute's and though I may not be a super athlete, far form it actually, I thought I could do way better. It gets even weirder since the catch drill you tought would show 100m for each 20 "strokes". I think this should mean my 1k time should be better, doesn't it? Well, this been said the machine has allowed me to keep some physical activity, and mental health. Thank you for your work. I always watch your videos for guidance

With the water rower i fill mine to the max fill indicator line and the resistance on the drive depends on what I put into it with my legs. When I really put give it some power, the resistance gets quite ridiculous lol Also, totally agree though regarding the issue trying to get into a good "catch" position due to the height of the seat and feet. Got mine for 500 brand new though so can't complain too much

Thank you for the quick review. I'm waiting for my Domyos 500 to be delivered this coming weekend. Unfortunately there aren't any Concept 2 rowers available locally and shipping would make it 2.5 times as expensive as the Domyos 500 so I opted for that instead inspite of the few negative points about it. Hoping it will be a good machine to complement my BJJ workouts 3 times a week.

Add a seat cushion to the water/pure rower to increase the height.

I did it :D I bought it from dechatlon and used that phone holder to watch your workouts. Thanks.

Is the 120 big enough for a 6'3 (191cm) tall person?

Have you ever tried the Stamina X AMRAP? At the beginning of the pandemic, I found your videos and tried grabbing a Concept2, but there was a huge backorder. I did my research and chose the Stamina X AMRAP and couldn't be happier. From what I can tell, it's the closest thing you can get to a Concept2, both aesthetically and functionally. For $499, I couldn't beat the price! Just a thought if you ever spot one around to maybe review it.

Why does the decathalon description of the 120 say “ use up to two times per week”. It makes me think it won’t be able to handle regular workouts!

Are rowing machines good for low back pain?

So glad we bought a concept 2

LEGEND❤ Thanks for the video bro

Decathlon is honorable French company, they are very popular in Morocco and around the world, they make quality products

Welcome in France! :)

I use that water rower (Pure Design VR2) and agree the foot height is an issue. Though I’ve found you can get a pretty good workout on it and go pretty hard. (And welcome to France!)

Wish I lived near a store that cool.

So cool to see in France. Have got the chance to talk to Decathlon folks ? They are really passionate and easy to talk to...

Decathlon is my favourite store. However, the Concept 2 makes the Domyos rowers look like toys. Sorry Decathlon. I still love you.

Thank you sooo much for making a very useful video, would like to hear more about Domyos 500 Please. Planning to buy domyos500

09:45 I agree, there's nothing more robust than a Concept 2. And I would add, nothing in the gym is as elegant as the Concept 2.

Bienvenue en France Shane ! Hum must be an old video cause people don't wearing any Masks. Hope you enjoyed beers from Belgium and North part of France....

The bungee rower actually comes with a tighter bungee too... Just so you know... I have one , its cheapest option available for weight loss buyers looking for cheap and compact rower... It comes with a light pull and a tight pull bungee ...

the problem i have with cheaper rowers is they are too light , so the more you pull the bar, it lifts. have to say the concept 2 doesnt have that issue.

C2 still wins! No surprise here. But do you know if Concept 2 plan to compete with those newcomers in terms of "entertaining colored screen" like Ergatta or Hydrow ? I'd be so happy to use my tablet synced to my PM5 dynamized by some more appealing and dynamic app than the ErgData. I'm sold to C2! But I'd want the guys beat the newcomers selling fresh ideas on so-so rowing machines. What do you think?

I just got the 100 before seeing this. Am short and a beginner so I hope I don't regret it

Isn't selling your concept2 akin to a sin? :-) Admittedley I dont use mine enough but the thought of letting it go.... no way

Are you coming to the Netherlands or Just staying in France?

I have a WaterRower with S4 and Bluetooth 1,045$ + $60 with an Ergatta hooked up $550. Also a laptop/tablet holder underneath ($150) that I use to play Hydrow and/or iFit, CityRow, and other instructor led courses. So pretty much I said f*ck you to the industry and cheated everybody by spending less and getting getting the best of all 3 worlds and took the best parts from each 😎

The domyos 100 has two bands one is thicker

Never buy the Xterra 220 magnetic is absolute garbage,your feet slip out all the time living a bad pain in your legs,my next purchase is the Concept 2,learned my lesson the hard way.

Cool store.

Why anybody ain't wearing masks in there? 🤔

Interested in the coaching course. Best to contact you via email?

So long story short. Water rower =No, Concept 2 = Yes.

No masks? C'mon man, 102k people follow you.