A direct comparison of the DT Pro and the Concept2 Model E demonstrates that Stamina Products has raised the bar for the luxury indoor rower.
Fitness enthusiasts have recently begun to again embrace the unbeatable results of the high-quality rowing machine. While the corner gym may still be lagging behind the movement back to rowing, with just a couple of dated rowing machines that don’t see much use, many leading fitness experts agree that proper rowing offers an unsurpassed cardio workout while minimizing stress on joints. Because rowing machines require significant output from all major muscle groups in both the upper and lower body, the workout drives heart rates and efficiently burns calories at an impressive rate.
Breakthroughs in rowing machine technology during the last few years have also increased the popularity of the equipment. More comfortable, better built rowers allow people to push themselves longer—for an entirely challenging low-impact, full-body cardiovascular fitness routine. These technological advances culminate in high-end indoor rowers like the Stamina® DT Pro Rower and the Concept2® Model E Rower.
The Indoor Rowers at a Glance
So how does Stamina’s answer to the Concept2 Rower perform in a head-to-head comparison? We think the details below make it clear the DT Pro takes the title.
The DT Pro Indoor Rower
The most sophisticated rowing machine Stamina produces, the DT Pro Rower is engineered for those who take their rowing workouts seriously. Featuring both magnetic resistance and airflow resistance, Stamina’s unique Dual-Resistance Technology offers a dynamic rowing stroke that provides a physical challenge for even the most seasoned athlete, yet the stroke is smooth enough for any dedicated rower.
The sleek style and heavy-duty construction materials give the DT Pro all the appeal of a reliable commercial rower, while its high-strength nylon strap results in quiet rowing performance that makes this machine a welcome addition to your home. The quick, two-step foldability ensures easy storage when the rower is not in use.
Available from reputable retail sources at varying prices, including directly from the Stamina Products website for just $1,199, even the cost of the DT Pro Rower compares favorably to the Concept2 Model E.
Concept2 Model E
Positioned as Concept2’s luxury machine, the Model E is built for durability and is sold for use in either fitness centers or residences. The Model E brochure notes that the “one-piece leg design” helps with stability, and a taller frame (20″ height) than other Concept2 rowers is meant to help people get on and off the rower. Like the Stamina DT Pro (for its nylon strap), the Model E is built with an enclosed housing to protect the rowing chain from dust and dirt—though, regular lubrication with 20w motor oil or the equivalent is required after every 50 hours of use.
The Model E Rower uses airflow resistance to provide a full-body cardiovascular workout. While the Model E footprint is a slightly over half a foot longer and 4″ wider than the DT Pro, it can be taken apart to store in two separate pieces: After using the rower, owners can disconnect the monorail end of the machine from the flywheel end, allowing less cumbersome storage than when the two ends are connected.
Priced slightly higher than the DT Pro, the Concept2 Model E can be found for $1,250 on the manufacturer’s website.
Comparing Features
While each of these luxury indoor rowing machines is complete with impressive features, the Stamina DT Pro yet again boasts better value.
The DT Pro Indoor Rower
Stamina Products engineers have designed the DT Pro Indoor Rower for superior performance and convenient, innovative features:
Dual-Technology Resistance
Magnetic and airflow resistance combine to challenge users with an optimally effective rowing stroke.
Durable Nylon Rowing Strap
Housed in a protective casing, the rowing strap is made of a high-strength nylon material that’s selected for its longevity and to ensure a smooth, quiet stroke.
Comfortable Heart Rate Transmitter Chest Strap
Built-In electrodes track your heart rate, wirelessly transmitting the data to the DT Pro display monitor.
Programmable LCD Monitor
The sophisticated monitor displays heart rate, distance rowed, workout time, strokes per minute, calories burned, stroke count, watts / power produced, and the adjustable workout program profile—all on an easy-to-see, back-lit display.
Preset Workout Programs
The LCD Monitor contains 12 challenging rowing routines, designed to increase in difficulty as you graduate to loftier goals.
Upholstered, Contoured Seat
With generous padding and contoured design to support nearly any body shape, the DT Pro seat is designed for lasting comfort during longer workouts.
Pivoting Foot Plates
Molded with pedal caps and straps to hold feet securely in place, the foot plates also pivot to ensure a comfortable position as you row.
Aluminum Rowing Beam & Painted Steel Frame
To provide a smooth, consistent rowing motion even after years of heavy usage, the DT Pro is constructed with a durable painted steel frame and an aluminum seat rail.
Quick-Folding Design & Wheels
To allow easy storage, the DT Pro folds in just two quick steps, and its built-in wheels make moving the rower a one-person task.
Concept2 Model E
The Model E is also built with its share of useful features:
Air Resistance
Using airflow to control resistance makes the difficulty of the rowing stroke dependent on the user’s rate of exertion. The Model E is built with a spiral damper, so users can adjust the flywheel settings to change the airflow.
Nickel-Plated Rowing Chain
Though the Model E’s rowing chain requires maintenance, Concept2 has applied a nickel plating to its chain to reduce the frequency of necessary oiling. Lubricating the chain with 20w Motor Oil or an approved equivalent after every 50 hours of use will help ensure a smoother rowing stroke.
PM5 Monitor
The Concept2 website states that the PM5 monitor “is what sets Concept2 Indoor Rowers apart from other training devices,” citing the ability to wirelessly transmit the user’s heart rate to the monitor as a major selling point. However, the Model E is not shipped with a heart rate transmitter strap, so users must purchase a transmitter separately (requires ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart). The back-lit monitor, which is compatible with USB flash drives and starts when the flywheel spins, can display many of the data the DT Pro displays: “distance, speed, pace, calories, and watts.”
20″ Tall Seat
The Model E is built with a 20″ seat to help users mount and dismount the rower.
Adjustable Footrests & Angled Handle
The Model E footrests can be adjusted to fit most shoe sizes, and the rowing handle is designed with a 10-degree angle to provide ergonomic support.
Two-Piece Storage
Users can separate the monorail end and the flywheel end of the Model E into two pieces for storing. Like the DT Pro Rower, the Model E features built-in wheels for moving the machine.
Construction Materials
The Concept2 Model E is built with a stainless steel frame and an aluminum rail.
Bringing Home the Victor
The direct comparison of the Stamina DT Pro Rower and the Concept2 Model E results in an obvious victor. With more impressive, results-oriented features, a smaller footprint, less maintenance required, quiet rowing performance, and a better price point, the DT Pro Indoor Rower is the right choice for your home and your body.
References
“Concept2 Model E Indoor Rower Review.” TopFitness Magazine. Accessed on Jan. 28, 2015 at topfitnessmag.com/rowing-machine-reviews/concept2-model-e-indoor-rower/.
“Model E.” Concept2.com. Accessed on Jan. 28, 2015 at concept2.com/indoor-rowers/model-e.
Concept2 Indoor Rower Product Brochure. Produced by Concept2, Inc. Accessed on Jan. 28, 2015 at http://www.concept2.com/files/pdf/us/indoor-rowers/Rower_Brochure.pdf.
CONCEPT2 INDOOR ROWER SPECIFICATIONS – Models D and E. Concept2, Inc. Accessed on Jan. 28, 2015 at concept2.com/files/pdf/us/indoor-rowers/DE_Specs.pdf.