Question:

I want a rower, and have spent about a month researching them.  The main problem is that it's hard to find rowers to try out.

Budget: We can spend what is necessary, but of course no more than that. 

Goals: I'm 66, 5 foot even, 117 pounds, and in pretty good shape.  My husband is 60, 5'10", 177 pounds (plans to get to 165).  We presently have 2 treadmills (a newish PaceMaster and an old Landice), an old but usable Monarch exercise bike, and an inexpensive weight machine (Body By Jake) that works fine.  We want to keep weight off and keep our hearts healthy.
(We are also vegetarians). 

Space:  Our equipment is in the unfinished basement, so we have a good amount of room.  We usually exercise at the same time, with the TV on (and we talk to each other), so don't want a too loud rower.

Health:  Health is good. I usually hold on while using the treadmill, and this hurts my left shoulder (I'm working on not holding on, but then I can't walk/jog at a 10 degree incline).  I would have the same problem with an elliptical.  I have mild osteopenia.

Location: Near Fredericksburg, Virginia

In the past, I have used (and worn out) 2 piston type rowers.  I like a rower.  I do know that the treadmill is better for bones, and I will be using that too. This past Tuesday, we went to Maryland to see a used Kettler Coach.  I liked it, BUT didn't think the resistance was very strong.  I tried it at a setting of 8 and then 10, and didn't see much difference.  It gave a good workout, but I thought that I would have to work up to the 10 setting instead of being able to row at it right away.  Does it have to be plugged in or something (what causes the magnetic resistance to increase)?

Then we stopped at a fitness store and saw the Lifecore R100 (that's big). I didn't like that the belt (rope) went slack on the return (the Kettler stayed taut on the return).  Even though this had air as well as magnetic, it wasn't that loud.

Today we went to Richmond, Va and saw a well used older Concept II.  It wasn't as noisy as we expected, but the footpads did not swivel, and the seat was terrible.  Then we went to another store and saw the Stamina ATS air rowing machine.  That had no way to modify resistance except to go faster.  And the seat wasn't comfortable.  I guess I don't like the skinny seats.

My husband likes the programs (but he mostly uses the treadmill), I like a comfortable rower with variable resistance.  And a large display, since we don't wear glasses while exercising.  My husband says he will use it too. I have been in contact with a very helpful guy at ifitnessdirect.  He says that only the more expensive rowers have stronger magnets, like the Kettler Ergo Coach which goes to 400 watts.  The Lifecore 900 goes to 350 watts.   I have also read about the Omega, which looks good but has no reviews.

Answer To Which Is The Best Rower

Thanks for the detailed question about rowing machines - it makes answering the question much easier for me when I get a good solid look at your budget, goals, fitness level and intended use.

Sounds like you're pretty serious about a good quality rower and will be using it a lot so I would recommend getting a rowing machine that will take some punishment and is built for hard regular use. Unfortunately that means you'll need to invest in a machine that's above the $1000 mark. If you get a rower like the Stamina or a lower end piston rower (like you had before and have gone through 2 of them already) it's going to cost you more in the long run.

Although I don't usually recommend the Concept 2 Rowing machine to the general public in my rowing machine reviews, I feel that in your case this is an appropriate machine for your intended use.

I know you said in your question that you tried out an older "well used" Concept 2 rower that you weren't impressed by, but I think you'll find that the newest Concept 2 machines (the D and E model) are among the best rowers on the market and will do everything you said you want in a rowing machine.

The only problem with the Concept 2 is that you can only buy one from them directly, so there's really no chance to get a discount. Here's their website where you can find out more about their rowing machines Concept 2 Rowers.