Having a rowing machine without a performance monitor would be like Torvill and Dean, without Christopher Dean. But it’s not immediately clear which performance monitor is best. So when comparing the Concept 2 PM3 monitor and PM4 monitor, there’s a few things to note.
Firstly when comparing the Concept2 PM3 monitor and PM4 monitor, it should be understood that both perform the same basic functions. The difference really comes down to whether you row alone, or get your mates around for a row together.

Right, let’s take a look at the basic Concept2 performance monitor (or PM3 as its known). It acts as the indoor rower’s smart electronic training partner. Bit easier than having some big bloke with a stopwatch in his grubby hand and shouting in your ear that you’re a lazy, good-for-nothing slacker.
First things first. The PM3 is clever. Don’t think you can fool it by screaming, “…you can’t be serious…” as you manage ten metres and stop through exhaustion. You start rowing and it automatically switches on, monitoring every ounce of energy you’re expanding. It provides an accurate tracking of an indoor rower’s performance. This includes distance rowed, speed and pace at which the boat was gliding through the water, and how many calories and watts (energy) were used to cover a set distance, or timed row. There are also five display options, which consist of All Data, Force Curve, Pace Boat Rowing, Bar Chart and Large Print.

The PM3’s easy to understand menu harbours a number of powerful features which allows a rower to preset workouts, save favourite workouts, row against previous performances, or a pace boat, play games, watch an animated rower doing it better than you, have a look at past workouts and even choose a different language.

And one of the best things about the PM3, is that you can check your nearness to a cardiac by using the integrated heart rate display. You’ll need some optional Polar heart rate gear, but they are easily available.

The PM3 is standard on every Model D Concept2 rowing machine. The Model E machine – there is a comparison article between the differences of the Concept2 Model D and Model E – comes with PM4, although it is an optional extra on Model D.

Also, the latest version of the PM3 includes removable LogCards which cleverly records a workout and tracks any progress made. This data can also be transferred to a rower’s computer via USB Interface. What’s more, the latest PMs have a power generation feature which means that it you put in the hours, then you’ll rarely have to change the two D batteries, as you’ll be charging them as you race along.

Now as to actually comparing the Concept 2 PM3 monitor and PM4 monitor, the differences are small, but focus on refinements. The display on both is bitmapped monochrome with a 3” x 3” active area and 160 x 160 resolution. The onboard memory for the PM3 is 1Mb Flash and for the PM4 is 2Mb Flash. Both also included is 32k removable memory card which acts as a LogCard storing workout data and personal preferences for five users.
The display options are the same, but whereas the PM3 has one game (Fish), the PM4 has a couple of other games called Darts and Target Training.
When it comes to heart rate monitoring options, both can be hooked up to monitor the old ticker. And this will require, at an extra cost, a Polar receiver. Also, the PM4, unlike the PM3, supports wireless communication with the Suunto HR belt which is included with every PM4.

The big difference when comparing the Concept 2 PM3 monitor and PM4 monitor is their rowing machine to rowing machine capabilities. Only the PM4 will support direct machine-to-machine wireless racing.

And that’s it; there’s a few minor differences when it comes to the power supply, but not many.

So when comparing the Concept 2 PM3 monitor and PM4 monitor , if you’re basically using your indoor rower at home, don’t sweat it – a PM3 will do.

When buying a Concept2 rowing machine, most people get a little confused when it comes to choosing between the company’s two main products. So when you’re comparing Concept2 Model D and Model E, here’s what to look out for.

To be honest, when comparing Concept2 Model D and Model E, most of the differences are cosmetic, but there are three issues you need to consider.
Firstly, Model E is taller than Model D. The seat height on the Model E is 20 inches above the ground, whereas the Model D is 14 inches above the ground. That six inches is very significant if you’re coming to indoor rowing after a long period of physical inactivity and don’t want to have to lower yourself down onto the machine. The 20 inch height of the Model E seat is basically the same height as an average dining chair – so you can see how much easier it would be to start rowing on this model. But, those suffering from vertigo need not worry, Model E has a similar sturdy structure as Model D and is very stable.
Secondly, when comparing Concept2 Model D and Model E, the performance monitors are different. Model D had a PM3 and Model E has a PM4, although it should be noted that Model D can be bought with a PM4 at an additional cost.

The performance monitor is the piece of electrical wizardry which makes indoor rowing not only so much fun, but also a valuable training aid. The performance monitor is effectively the rower’s training partner. There is a comparison article specifically on the two different performance monitors, but suffice to say PM3 provides information such as distance travelled, speed and pace of the ‘boat’, and, calories and watts burnt whilst rowing, as well as a whole load more stats and difference screen formats . PM4 does all that, plus provides more games and offers direct machine-to-machine wireless racing between up to eight machines.

Thirdly, the monitor arms are different. On the Model D, the monitor arm is made from injection moulded plastic and easily pivots for height adjustment and when the machine is being stored. The angle of the monitor can also be adjusted for easy viewing. Whereas Model E’s monitor is made from aluminium extrusion which provides a rigid, fixed position which brings the monitor closer to the rower for easy access to the buttons and features. And, the monitor viewing angle can also be adjusted.

Okay, back to comparing Concept2 Model D and Model E. We’ve discovered that the main differences are the height of the rowing seat and the performance monitors. Let’s take a look at the some of the other differences.

The chain on the Model D is high quality steel, whereas on the Model E it is nickel-plated steel. This is not for adding ‘bling’ to one’s machine, but nickel-plated steel gives improved corrosion resistance and means less maintenance. Also on the Model E, the chain housing is fully enclosed, as compared to partially enclosed on Model D.

Back to bling, and the Model D is finished in a powder coat (basically a matt finish) and Model E is double powder coated with a clear over coat for extra durability (a gloss finish). Colour scheme of the Model D is dark blue and light blue; the Model E features dark blue, gray and light gray.
In structural terms, when comparing Concept2 Model D and Model E, they are very similar, although Model E has welded steel front and rear legs which provide a sturdy platform for the higher seat position and frame. Model D has aluminium front legs to save weight and steel legs at the rear. Model D weighs in at 57 pounds, whereas Model E is a little heavier at 65 pounds. But both machines have the same user weight limit of 500lbs.
As to what space you need when rowing, both machines require 8’ x 2’ when assembled and 9’ x 4’ when being used. When storing the machine, the Model D takes up 25” x 33” x 54.5”; and, the Model E requires 27” x 47” x 54.5”.

So, in the final analysis, when it comes to comparing Concept2 Model D and Model E, there’s not a lot of difference. It all comes down to whether you want a lofty position, or not.