Hi - Concept2 is the “originall rowing machine dating back to the 1980’s (I had the original one also back then). It’s the machine all rowing clubs use. You also find it in many gyms. They have world championships on this thing when people all over the world compete over fixed distances with fixed resistance. Since Concept2 started the rowing machine craze many others got into the game but honestly I would never buy anything other than the Concept2. The only thing you need to consider is that given the air resistance wheel it does make a bit of noise (other machines with the same resistance system also do). In either case - as I said - to me there is only one rowing machine to have in your gym and it’s Concept2. Incredibly durable construction and gives you what you need in terms or information etc. John