Dynamic Indoor Rower
Features
The Dynamic Indoor Rower is designed to meet specific training needs of the competitive rowing athlete. The difference between this machine and the Model D or E is that as you row, your feet do most of the moving rather than the seat. The seat is also free to move, but due to the physics of rowing, the seat movement is minimal.
The Dynamic Indoor Rower:
- Offers a closer simulation of the dynamics of on water rowing.
- Demands similar concentration and body control needed when rowing in a boat.
- Serves as a training and coaching tool that is more sport-specific than the Model D or E.
- Encourages effective technical movements and more consistent power application.
- Connects for team training via the Dynamic Link.
Try Before You Buy
The Dynamic Indoor Rower will be available at some of the regattas we will attend this year. We encourage you to stop by and try it out! View dates and locations.
You can also use the Indoor Rower Finder at concept2.com to find locations that have the Dynamic.
Dimensions
| Length | 76 in | 193 cm |
| Width | 24.25 in | 61.5 cm |
| Height (to monitor) | 33 in | 84.5 cm |
| Seat Height | 21.5 in | 54.6 cm |
| Weight of Machine | 92 lbs. | 42 kgs. |
| Maximum User Weight | 500 lbs. | 227 kgs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is it called the Dynamic Indoor Rower?
The Dynamic Indoor Rower more closely simulates the physics experienced while rowing a racing shell and the "dynamics" between the boat and athlete. On the dynamic erg, a user's body mass is relatively stationary while components of the machine actively move in response to the rowing motion, similar to the way a lightweight rowing shell moves around the rower's body.
- How does rowing on the Dynamic compare with rowing on the Model D or E?
The functional difference between the Dynamic and the Model D or E is that as you row, your foot stretchers do most of the moving rather than the seat. The seat is also free to move, but due to the physics of rowing, the seat movement is minimal.
The Dynamic encourages body control, early body preparation and good connection between the oar handle and foot stretchers during the drive. On the Dynamic, body mass movement is minimized during the stroke cycle, while on a Model D or E, total body mass moves back and forth during the stroke cycle.
The design of the Dynamic Indoor Rower has allowed us to reduce the handle return tension significantly compared to our Model D and E. Handle return tension, inherent in erg rowing, is not something experienced in the boat, so we view this lower tension as a positive feature. The tension is set low when we ship the Dynamic Indoor Rower, and we suggest rowing with it like this for a while before choosing to tighten the bungee if you really want it to feel "more like an erg."
- What is the difference between the Dynamic Indoor Rower and using the Model D on Slides?
Both the Dynamic Indoor Rower and the Model D on Slides attempt to mimic boat dynamics. The Dynamic offers a feeling of rowing in a lightweight shell because only the foot carriage is moving. This is consistent with a boat where the footstretcher moves relative to the water. The Model D on Slides is more like rowing in a heavy boat, due to the movement of the entire mass of the machine. Both the Slides and the Dynamic (when used with the Dynamic Link) allow you to connect multiple indoor rowers for rowing as a team.
- Which indoor rower is right for me?
For general fitness, the Model D or E may be a better choice, since it provides an efficient workout for all abilities. The Model D is our most affordable option for those looking for a rowing workout.
On water rowing athletes who are looking for a more specific technical approach should consider the Dynamic. It encourages the rower to use the same precise coordination, connection and power application required to achieve maximum speed in a racing boat. The Model D is currently still the standard for rowers who are training for indoor rowing competitions, attempting world records, or submitting scores for recruiting.
- With its shorter size, will the Dynamic fit better in my house?
You should understand the differences between our indoor rowers before considering the Dynamic only because of size. In use, the Dynamic has a smaller footprint of 76 inches (193 cm) than either a Model D, 96 inches (244 cm) or a Model D on Slides, 132 inches (335 cm). However, both the Model D and Model E can be
quickly separated into two compact pieces for moving and storage. All three models include caster wheels to make moving the indoor rowers easy. The Dynamic, however, does not separate for storage and weighs 92 pounds (41.7 kg); it works best in a dedicated location. It is important to understand the function of the Dynamic before choosing it on the basis of its footprint.- How does the sound made while using the Dynamic compare to the Model D or E?
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The Model D and E are engineered to be our quietest machines. The complexity of the Dynamic's action involves more moving parts. These moving parts generate more sound than the Model D or E.
- Will the Dynamic be easier on my back?
There are no tests that can claim that the Dynamic is better for backs, knees, or other injuries; however, there are important differences between traditional ergs and the Dynamic that may address the source of problems for some people. On a static erg, body weight moves back and forth, changing the direction of that moving mass (the body) every stroke with the back, core muscles and hamstrings. Perhaps the more significant difference is that the Dynamic promotes rowing at a higher stroke rate than when rowing on the Model D or E, more similar to an on-water stroke rating.
It is commonly understood that intense rowing at low stroke ratings results in high force per stroke, which is transmitted through the rower's body. Higher stroke ratings on the Dynamic result in a lower force per stroke for the same level of power output.
- Do you feel the breeze from the flywheel while you row?
On the Dynamic Indoor Rower, the flywheel is located near the athlete, providing some airflow from below while you row. All Concept2 Dynamic Indoor Rowers ship with an optional Wind Shield. The clear plastic Wind Shield is located on the top of the flywheel and designed to deflect air coming from the flywheel away from the rower's body. Athletes who prefer the additional breeze can easily slip the Wind Shield off.
Using the Wind Shield will slightly reduce the drag factor at the current setting. The flywheel damper may be adjusted as needed to maintain the desired feel. More about damper setting and drag factor can be found on the Damper Setting 101 page.
Customers who purchased a Dynamic Indoor Rower prior to the Wind Shield's release may call customer service for details on obtaining this accessory as a retrofit. The Wind Shield is also available as a replacement part.
- Why is a cord used on the Dynamic instead of a chain like on the Model D and E?
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The left cord is new.
The middle cord shows acceptable wear and is still usable.
The right cord shows excessive wear and should be replaced.
The drive system of the Dynamic Indoor Rower uses a high-tech, high-strength cord made of Dyneema®.
The cord's light weight results in a system that is more responsive to the rower's movements and reacts more quickly, especially at high stroke rates. Using a cord instead of a heavier chain makes a lighter handle return force possible, which is more similar to the feel of rowing in a boat.
Dyneema® cord is three-and-a-half times stronger than the Model D and E chain, and is used for sailboat rigging, commercial fishing nets, industrial lifts and slings, and even trapeze support ropes. Owners of Dynamic Indoor Rowers should inspect the cord regularly for visible signs of wear. The cord may become fuzzy, but does not need replacing until the fibers begin to separate. See the photo above.
- How will times on the Dynamic Indoor Rower compare with times on the Model D/E and Slides?
There are dynamic and mechanical differences that work both in favor of and against each type of indoor rower. Times may vary slightly depending on the individual. We are finding that there is a learning curve, and as individuals spend more time on the Dynamic, their times become more similar to what they expect on the Model D or E.
- Will the Dynamic Indoor Rower be used in indoor competitions?
There are no planned changes for the CRASH-Bs. Race directors make individual decisions on what events to include in their races, so some indoor races may incorporate the Dynamic Indoor Rower at their discretion.
Pricing
| Dynamic with PM3: | $1250 plus shipping |
| Dynamic with PM4: | $1400 plus shipping |
Concept2 CTS collects sales tax for any institution that has product shipped to CA, FL, IN, MA, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, VT or WA.
Call 877.887.8014 to order.
Dynamic Videos
Bryan Volpenhein:
- Oklahoma City High Performance Center Head Coach
- USRowing's Lightweight Coach
- Three-time Olympian
- 10-time US Team Member
In these videos, Bryan shares his impressions of the Concept2 Dynamic Indoor Rower and demonstrates its use.



