I still can't wrap my head around paying for a subscription for a piece of equipment I own. I don't think I'm the target market for the smart gear stuff.
The variety of workouts available on the Aviron is great for motivation. I've had mine for 3 months and have only missed 5 days working out. Ive got a few favorites,, but there are so many choices available. If you're looking to jumpstart a fitness routine, I can't imagine a better option. Also, the community and customer support are excellent.
Can you do a video on Gym Lighting??? i have a separate detached garage I am building out into a gym. It currently has regular soft light bulbs. Wondering if you have good tips on best lighting options.
My garage currently has plug in overhead lights. As the ballasts die on the florescent ones I'm replacing with LEDs. Only downside of LEDs is they are a bit harsh on the eyes. Very white light. I have a small mirror hanging on the back cross member of my rack. I have it just so I can see if someone is coming up behind me when when the door is open.
Seen people just buy a Concept 2 and then pay for the Hydrow subscription and run it via a phone or tablet. Get the classes of the Hydrow but at a lower equipment cost. I think that subscription via app is cheaper as well but have not personally looked at that.
@CPowell133 I have heard of people doing this and using other subscriptions. If I didn't have a rower and I wanted a smart rower. Hydrow would be my choice in the smart rower category.-Mike, GGR Community manager
@@GarageGymReviews Yup, probably would have gone that route if I didn't already have my Concept 2. Personally, still think most buy these home gym items for convenience or to reduce long term gym membership costs. Which the subscription flys right in the face of that cost savings. Clearly I am not the intended customer target on that one
I did a lot of research between the hydro, ergatta (not mentioned in your review) and the Aviron before I bought a rower, and ended up with the Aviron. Super happy with it. I enjoy the games (though I wouldn’t call myself a gamer as I don’t play video games and such normally), and I use the guided programs a lot which are very motivating. There is really a huge variety of workouts to choose from, so I haven’t felt bored at all.
Not only just rowing competitions and CrossFit. But literally every national team uses them for selections. Anything else is like someone using a Peloton to get on a TdF team.
I think it is more accurate to say its the only one that is "consistent" in measuring workload across different machines. I don't know what "accurate" means in this context. I don't know what an "accurate" standard would involve.
Good way of explaining the C2 Rower! As an actual rower by sport I find it hard to explain to people how I sit on the machine for so long since it just gives raw data. I would have recommended the RP3 rower for this video but that is designed to feel like being on the water, and it only gives more accurate raw data. Even though it is for people in the sport of rowing, it uses a tablet as the screen and could be marketed as a smart rower once the programming is put in place. Also, it is supposed to reduce the back pain that is felt on a static rower. Ultimately I will always go for the C2 rower due to it's gold standard rating, but I realized that a rower like RP3 could fight these other brands by making videos and keeping the price where the hydrow is.
Haven't used all of them but of the ones I have the Hydrow is my favorite as well. Pricey ( you can almost always get a few hundred off though) as hell but the build quality and feel is best in class. The programming and instructors are top notch imo as well. They could be doing so much more but I guess none of the options has everything really. If I had to pick one it'd be the Hydrow. Hopefully they will keep improving it as they have. Like it could use more gamey / competitive type stuff like some of the competition or yeah make use of the camera tons of potential there. It's all a software update away really so hopefully they focus on that.
All of these smart rowers are overpriced. The fact that you need a subscription to get full functions should essentially subsidized the price. For twice the price of the c2 the programming should be included.
Aviron has SO much more he didn't show....can access RU-vid, with tons of rowing videos, pre-programmed HIIT workouts on and off the rower, Pro's vs. Joes...can row against professional athletes. Monthly challenges, constantly updating software with new upgrades and enhancements. You can row with friends virtually, SO MUCH MORE THAN THOSE OTHER ROWERS!!!!
Because someone is pleased with a machine that means they work for them? Lame attempt at being snarky. I don't work for Aviron and it is a great machine.
Can you access RU-vid videos, HIIT workouts, etc w/o membership? It says on its website you don't get much without one. And if you don't order now, forget about Christmas.
I am proof that if you want a full body workout along with rowing then Aviron is it!!! I've gotten in the best shape of my life just using the Aviron, and I mean I've lost both weight and gained a good amount of muscle throughout my entire body! Also, like others said, you didn't go over so many other things Aviron offers!!!!!
Man, just like bicycle training, there’s definitely room for something like a Zwift for rowing to connect with a high quality rowing machine like a Concept2
C2 is gold standard for me but I have been using Hydrow. My wife loves the instructors, background music, and on the water rowing. It got her into rowing so I will probably invest in another if this one breaks. Another option I have seen is using the C2 with a tablet and the Hydrow app. I may go that route down the line. Gaming doesn't excite me but I would love to try out an Aviron.
@@ladyinred9656 I saw one in bestbuy that looked completely decade the handle bars were crumbling, plastic chips and scuff marks everywhere, the screen is cheap and was faded, it uses to much plastic, it's overly designed, the bottom curve serves no purpose , again way to much plastic, the aviron is simple 1 solid peice of metal it's like buying a lexus over a BMW or shopping at target vs Walmart or buying a Mac vs a PC again to much plastic lol
While "smart" fitness equipment can have its place, I feel that it will end up being an expensive gimmick for most people. A lot of people like the idea of working out but don't actually want to work out.
True. But I think the problem these are trying to solve and thus want to capitalize on is the intimidation factor. A lot of people want to get in better shape and workout but the "how" is overwhelming. The built-in guide/coach is very appealing and engaging. I do think though once they get over that intimidation thanks to these products, they quickly realize they can do this and don't need it as much and want to tailor make their own routine with more equipment. As the saying goes, "You're never finished building your home gym." These are just such massive investments for, what to me, boils down to fitness training wheels. But, I've also not used them myself yet, so they may have more staying power than I'm giving them credit for.
Hi - great review. I'm new to rowing due to a knee injury. My orthopedic surgeon suggested I should get into it. I want to buy a smart rower for my family and myself. After reviewing several rowers, I decided on the aviron. I'm 6'2 345 lb, I realize a lot of the lower brand rowers have a lower weight limit. So I'm stuck with getting a little bit more than I would initially wanted to spend for a rower. So instead of pulling the trigger and buying the aviron. I contacted my local planet fitness and they have two rowers. So I will get a membership for a month and go a few times a week and see if I really like it. From what I read, rowing is a really good full body workout. I really love the StairMaster, but with having bad knees that's not a good decision. So I'm going to give this a try.
Just buy a used Concept to start! Is way better than any connected rower. There isa big community of users online, if you need the additional motivation
I’ll replace my Echelon rower with concept 2. I needed a replacement handle for my Echelon in November of 2023. Customer service said oh you’re covered under warranty, we will send you one as soon as we make some more. I contacted them today January 19, 2024. They said they no longer make that handle and also the damage to my handle wasn’t normal wear and tear! No more Echelon products for me! Customer service is a bunch of liars or at the very least disconnected from the corporate offices. Echelon as a company sucks! Plus if you want to use their machines without the 400.00 dollar app it’s a huge pain to bypass their app!
By far the most unprofessional customer service person I've ever met. Holly Cheung is a detriment to the Aviron company and brand. To have a "supposed" head of customer service talk over the customer, cut them off while speaking, and be so confrontational boggles my mind as to why she would be put in such a position of authority with the public. I've attempted to reach the CEO Andy Hoang without luck.
Similar, imho the rowing workouts in apple fitness+ are a major selling point. Part of me wishes they would do a little more technical coaching or perhaps some longer steady state ut2 style work but what is there is just very easy to enjoy.
This is quite interesting. Think will give it a go, was hoping that Peloton would have a rowing machine by now, just so I could subscribe and use it with the C2, but will give apple fitness a go
Loving the gym reviews. I'm trying to add a rowing machine into my garage gym line up and was looking at the Concept 2 and Aviron. I've seen Concept 2 many times and know what to expect. With Aviron, I haven't seen any videos that review the features without the membership. I've seen some videos that talk briefly but wanted to see if you could do a video on the functionality of the Aviron without the membership. I may ultimately add the membership if I purchase, but wanted to see what the machine / touch screen is able to offer without it. Many thanks in advance!
Have a Concept 2 and love it. Thought about some of these, but I decided to go with tried-and-true. I've thought of just finding a way to clip in my iPad and pull up workouts from RU-vid and doing that to make it a bit "smarter" but it's hard to go wrong with it as is.
@Praxton-de-Noueau I think Concept2 is the rower I'll probably use forever but I do like Hydrow a lot. I've seen people use their table with C2 rower. -Mike, GGR Community Manager
So smart is just data tracking and a screen, videos? That's not really disruptive at all. Pelaton stock spiked because of home fitness skyrocketing at the start of the pandemic and is currently going down because sales have dropped significantly as well as their forward guidance. People can go back to the gym and outside and realize that pelaton is just an overly expensive stationary bike with a screen and not great app. Now they are in competition with companies who can do both for cheaper.
Nice review. I'm considering either the Hydrow Wave or the Echelon row-S. Anyone have suggestions between them? Also - I'm short (5'0"), so being able to reach any screen to use to reset while rowing can be helpful.
Hey coop. New sub here. Loved your vids. Hey would you be able to do a video for those who are trying to decide which ecosystem to buy into if they are going to use more than one piece of equipment? Like I want a rower & bike…. So that limits options to avoid multiple subscriptions. I have a Tonal & love it. So I’d already be paying for 2 subs to add in cardio like biking & rowing.
has to be concept 2 for me, the common complaints i see from most ''smart'' rowers is the interface is just too slow, every now and then you press something and nothing happens or when tracking your info it can slip behind and then catch up etc... very common complaints from what ive seen, its like the hardware within isn't quite fast enough to make it seemless... something the concept 2 has always been is seemless, the basic nature of the display means it does not require the horsepower to drive it, press a button its instant, the accuracy is due to the speed of the unit and its efficiency which is why its the choice for most competitions and its the gold standard just as you said for comparing yourself to others. there is certainly something to be said for the more forward looking machines and the involvement but sometimes it just does not work when you need it to, they are very advanced and more new rower friendly for sure because most going into rowing today will find it far more welcoming and up to date with the onboard technology.
What about dynamic rowers? After twenty years of rowing I switched over to an Oartec Dx to take some of the unnecessary strain off my lower back. If you haven't tried dynamic rowing and you're over 40yrs old I would check them out.
The volume mixing for this channel is still god awful. Always gotta crank up the volume after the intro, then the outro (or next video) blasts your ears off.
Excellent review and please pass along my kudos to the videographer for his great shots. They drew me in. Well done. Your review was perfect or my needs. I love the bells and whistles of the other machines, but I’m going with the old and reliable Concept 2. When paired with a VR headset, it’s an amazing duo. That’s how I stay motivated. Rowing in VR is amazing.
Imagine if someone paired with concept and built a new smart display for the concept2.... Best rower and would have smart features might be reverse compatible to model B's and C's too... It would be really competitive in price with the most budget friendly if it's under $700 and let's be honest you can actually buy a used concept because they're everywhere so if the smart feature is half decent it's a way better value..
@@GarageGymReviews Maybe. However, I think the people buying Concept 2s are not really the target market for smart rowing. Many, for example, mix it in with strength workouts. Others just don't need motivational stratagems.
@@richardmather1906 I think the point is more to target those who are buying smart rowers which concept is missing... Concept does have a long standing reputation for making an excellent product unmatched but this would rope in those specifically looking for smart features... It doesn't even have to be a whole display could be an app for the phone or tablet... You'd be looking to only sell the subscription service at that point it would be offering the most value... It would definitely be hard to Target existing concept owners but may get a spouse to start rowing or encourage owners to row more frequently... you'd only be capturing that market segment that they're missing... Omg update this does already exist and either sub $150 a year or $20 a month... Hope coop will review that...
The thing with a big bright display come with trade offs. All these smart machines need power and network connectivity. Most of concept2 target customers want to be able to work out anywhere. The PM5 runs on a battery lat lasts a long time. In view of this they have an api that allow developers to make applications for the PM5. There is a thriving ecosystem for concept2 app development in all forms.
your technique is better (hands passing knees on recovery) than most rowing machine fitness models BUT you need to hang longer on the drive before swinging from the hip
I have a well fitted out "spare bedroom Gym".. most houses in Ireland don't come with garages so we have to make do. Love this channel, just subscribed.
$ for $ my concept 2 model E is durable, easy to store, most accurate drag, and least expensive. I have a big screen tv to entertain me in my gym. It’s still the gold standard for time trials as well. I’m happy with it
Does the chain on the C2 supposed to feel loose? I tried it at fitness store and chain was loose when I pulled in and out. I didn’t like that feeling .
I wish smart tech gave a lifetime membership for a one time fee option...gives them up front capital to build their inventory and replaces the monthly "gym membership" fee.
@Joe Cowan I could see this being a good idea and would be an initial investment but if smart home gym is preferred setup this could be a good idea for a company to jump on. -Mike, GGR Community Manager
@@richardmather1906 I get what you are saying, I would just like to buy and own the whole software package with the equipment, like a computer disk. It would stay with this current version if they went under, but at least I could always use it.
@@richardmather1906 yup, you are right, same here, I love my C2 cardio equipment as well. I was thinking my wife would love something like this, but we have a home gym so we can avoid the monthly subscription and the 24-7 365 availability.
Great video!!! unfortunately hydro doesn't ship to Canada, so it was a big letdown after watching your video. I really feel like I live in Russian sometimes with how many companies still won't ship here.