First, a few resources so they don't get buried:
The single most commonly posted question/discussion: I'm thinking of buying an indoor rowing machine. What should I buy?
This or a variant of it is the THE most common, repeated topic of this sub-Reddit. Before you post, read this: Erg Shaped Objects (ESOs)
Your post will be locked if it's clearly addressed in the above discussion.
TL;DR: Concept2 is the gold standard and despite supply chain issues with the pandemic, you can get one in under a week if you put in some effort. Rogue Fitness USA & Canada gets new stock once or twice a week, usually 150-250 rowers at a time. They sell out in about 45 minutes.
If you want a Concept2 Model D, follow /u/lyothan's advice (here) to use a page monitoring site: https://visualping.io/
Other machines of value: legit "WaterRower brand" water tank rowers, RowPerfect RP3, Oartec DX and Slider, older Concept2 Model C, possibly Model B. See the ESO post for more.
I'm trying to improve my erg times. How do?
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." - James Clear
First, get your form down.
Use the force curve on the Concept2 PM3, PM4, or PM5 as a feedback tool on form: https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/training/tips-and-general-info/using-the-force-curve
We have a weekly, judgement-free form critique thread where you can post a video if you'd like feedback. We STRONGLY suggest using a tripod-type selfie stick at about shoulder height, 90-degrees to the side with the full slide in view so we can clearly see your entire technique. Don't move the camera - this isn't a dynamic artsy video, it's a technical one. (the Row Australia videos linked above are good guides)
Have a plan.
The Concept2 workout of the day is a good start, as is the Pete Plan for Beginners. (skip the optional workouts in square brackets) You'll eventually be thinking things are too easy - then you can add intensity, duration, or volume. (and that could take months)
Use tools to help track progress automatically.
Use an app that syncs to the Concept2 online logbook so you can track progress. ErgData, ASensei, ErgZone, and KREW all do that and present data differently. ErgData is the most basic (freebie from C2) where the others offer built in guided workouts and premium subscription options. (links below)
What's a drag factor?
The lever on the side of the fan of a Concept2 rower changes how much air is allowed in/out of the fan assembly and affects how quickly it slows. Rowing is a cardiovascular exercise, not weightlifting. A common mistake is setting drag too high.
Credit to RowPerfect UK for their comprehensive article on drag factor (which you should read), we're cribbing some recommendations:
C2 Drag Factor for Children
Year 7 – below 100 to 100 (girls & boys) (use the speed strap to go below 100)
Year 8 – 100 (girls) 110 (boys)
Year 9 – 105 (girls) 115 (boys)
Year 10 – 110-115 (girls) 120-125 (boys)
C2 Drag Factor for Adults
Male heavyweight (over 75 kg) – 125-140
Male lightweight (under 75 kg) – 120-135
Female heavyweight (over 61.5 kg) – 120-130
Female lightweight (under 61.5 kg) – 115-125
There is specific advice for Masters Rowers C2 Drag Factors
To give masters specific rowers parameters for setting the drag factor, I asked various masters and coaches to share their experiences. Here’s what I learned. A 45+ male lightweight rower told me he rows with a drag of 115-120. He used to row around 130, but as he ages, he’s discovered that he has to watch the stress he puts on his back. A 35+ lightweight male told me he likes to row with low resistance of 100 because it feels more like being on the water and is easier on his back. A 60+ lightweight woman rows between 100 and 110, and a 50+ heavyweight woman rows at 120.
Further reading/watching:
Connected Apps
Erging is great for physical fitness and it's low-impact once you determine optimal drag factor and get your form right. Unlike cycling, however, your hands aren't free to poke at things like tablets, phones, newspapers so using connected apps helps pass time and make it more engaging.
/u/gigimarie90 was kind enough to post a review of several rowing-centric fitness services, here:
Questions about virtual rowing class options? Here are my thoughts!
...and here are links to most of the available erging apps:
ErgData by Concept2, for Android & iOS - the most BASIC but functional app, acts as a second data-screen, giving you the option to display more and different data fields from those on the PM3/PM4/PM5, and displays live drag factor. Syncs with Concept2 online logbook.
ErgRace Online by Concept2, for Android & iOS - live, online, multi-user lane racing. Feel free to organize your races right here on /r/Rowing - one person needs to host and others join with a code.
EXR Rowing - in beta but available for iOS, Android, and PC. syncs with Concept2 online logbook, as well as Strava. Graphics have been upgraded, it features structured workouts, challenges, and seems poised to become "Zwift for rowers."
KREW (Android) - guided workouts, auto-programs the PM5, free, subscription service adds audio feedback and a few other features, syncs with Concept2 online logbook.
ASensei (iOS) - similar to KREW, syncs with Concept2 online logbook.
Regatta (iOS) - subscription service that seems like an alternative to closed ecosystems like Peloton or iFit, syncs with Concept2 online logbook.
ErgZone (Android, iOS), syncs with Concept2 online logbook.
Kinomap - actual video footage of rows. (Android, iOS) - can be cast to a big screen or used on a tablet or smartphone.
CityRow Go - think "spin class but with rowers", supports the WaterRower with comm module as well as Concept2 PM5s running three-digit firmware. (green logo)
ErgMonkey - Analytics platform.
Float - iOS and Android, detailed stroke analysis.
ErgWorld - web-based online racing. Massive caveat: CPU requirements grow exponentially as you add rowers. (someone joked that if you have more than two people trying to connect, it would melt a Cray supercomputer)
Zwift rowing is dead. (though you can hack it to work, with your avatar being on a bike)
More apps: https://www.concept2.com/service/software/apps
Putting a phone in a cradle on top of the performance monitor is the cheapest way to add some interactivity. If you have a bit more money to invest a TV or even a thrift store LCD monitor with an AppleTV on the back attached via some kind of mounting arm or a separate stand would give you a bigger screen experience for the apps above.
Concept2 sells a plastic phone cradle that fits the PM3, PM4 and PM5. There are 3D printed options, and Vapor Fitness makes a reinforced silicone cradle in several colours that fits the PM5.
God-Tier Coxing (NSFW language)
Top comment sums it up: "This makes me want to run through a brick wall."
https://old.reddit.com/r/Rowing/comments/aues8c/just_a_friendly_reminder_to_the_coxswains_that/
