Concept2 Model D vs WaterRower
81 facts in comparison
Based on 118 Reddit opinions. Close race—Model DConcept2 Model D edges ahead.
118 opinions
Model D leads by 2pts
VS
Reddit's Pick
86%
A-
Based on
216 Redditors
Winner
Concept2 Model D
~$1,209.99
68 opinions
tldr; The previous generation Concept2 (rebranded to RowErg). Features identical air resistance flywheel and PM5 monitor to current models. Reddit confirms Model D and RowErg are functionally identical - buy whichever is cheaper used.
Check pricesVS
84%
B+
Based on
163 Redditors
WaterRower
~$1,298
50 opinions
tldr; Premium water resistance rowers known for aesthetics and quiet operation. The patented WaterFlywheel provides natural resistance that increases with effort. S4 monitor 'overly generous' - splits not comparable to C2.
Check pricesScore by Category
Why is WaterRower better than Concept2 Model D?
- Water resistance: natural feel, self-regulating
- Multiple wood options (ash, oak, walnut, cherry)
- 56-inch rail length for most body types
Based on 379 Reddit opinions
Too Close to Call
Reddit prefers the Model DConcept2 Model D
Winning by 2 points (86% vs 84%)
Air resistance flywheel: identical to current
PM5 monitor: same accuracy & connectivity as
96-inch rail accommodates tall rowers
High confidence (379 mentions)
💬Reddit Sentiment
Based on 379 Reddit mentionsOverall Rating
Model D
8.6/10
216 mentions
WaterRower
8.4/10
163 mentions
⚔️
Head to Head
Model D
86%
84%
WaterRower
Model D86%
WaterRower84%
Close race - Model D edges ahead by 2 points
Key Specs
| Spec | Concept2 Model D | WaterRower |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Concept2 | WaterRower |
| Manufacturer | Concept2 | WaterRower |
| Color | Gray | Oak |
| Weight | 57.32018812 pounds | 83.77565956 pounds |
| Height | 96.0 inches | 8.68110235335 inches |
Key Highlights
Concept2 Model DWinner
📌 Air resistance flywheel: identical to current
📌 PM5 monitor: same accuracy & connectivity as
📌 96-inch rail accommodates tall rowers
🔧 Aluminum I-beam monorail construction
💰 Used Model D is best value in rowing machines
WaterRower
💧 Water resistance: natural feel, self-regulating
📌 Multiple wood options (ash, oak, walnut, cherry)
📌 56-inch rail length for most body types
📏 Stores upright, takes minimal floor space
📌 S4 monitor inaccurate compared to PM5
📈Where They Rank
💬What Redditors Actually Say
Sentiment Over Time
Concept2 Model D
WaterRower
📈Historical Price Data
Concept2 Model D
WaterRower
Concept2 Model D
All-time low: $1099.99(2025-08)
WaterRower
All-time low: $898(2022-11)
Which is Better?
Concept2 Model D Wins
86%
D
vs
84%
WaterRower
Close race, but Concept2 Model D edges ahead by 2 points based on 379 Reddit opinions.
Why Model DWinner
- 📌 Air resistance flywheel: identical to current
- 📌 PM5 monitor: same accuracy & connectivity as
- 📌 96-inch rail accommodates tall rowers
- More discussed (216 vs 163)
Why WaterRower
- 💧 Water resistance: natural feel, self-regulating
- 📌 Multiple wood options (ash, oak, walnut, cherry)
❤️The Love/Hate Breakdown
Sentiment Breakdown
29%Positive
Positive
29%Neutral
68%Negative
3%Based on 216 Reddit opinions
Sentiment Breakdown
28%Positive
Positive
28%Neutral
69%Negative
3%Based on 163 Reddit opinions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Concept2 Model D or WaterRower?
Based on 379 Reddit comments, Concept2 Model D has a slight edge with 86% positive sentiment vs WaterRower's 84%. The difference is small, so both are solid choices.
Should I buy Concept2 Model D or WaterRower?
Both have similar approval ratings (86% vs 84%), so focus on specific features, pricing, and what matters most to you.
What do Redditors love about Concept2 Model D?
Reddit users highlight: Air resistance flywheel: identical to current. PM5 monitor: same accuracy & connectivity as. 96-inch rail accommodates tall rowers. With 216 mentions and 86% approval, it's a well-regarded choice in the community.
What do Redditors say about WaterRower?
Reddit users highlight: Water resistance: natural feel, self-regulating. Multiple wood options (ash, oak, walnut, cherry). 56-inch rail length for most body types. With 163 mentions and 84% approval, it remains a popular alternative.
How many Reddit reviews were analyzed?
This comparison analyzed 379 Reddit comments: 216 about Concept2 Model D and 163 about WaterRower. Data was sourced from Rowing Machines community discussions.
How accurate are these ratings?
Our sentiment analysis is approximately 80-85% accurate compared to manual review. Well-discussed products with many mentions tend to have more reliable scores than niche items with fewer data points.
Why trust Reddit over professional reviews?
Reddit users bought products with their own money and have no incentive to mislead. You're seeing hundreds of real opinions across different use cases, not just one reviewer's take. This crowdsourced approach surfaces both common praise and recurring complaints.
118 Reddit opinions analyzed · Last updated 6/1/2026