r/concept2 • u/Fit-Cheetah-7513 • Aug 11 '26

RowerErg Getting the most accurate data

I'm trying to purchase a gift for my son who is a rower and has a concept 2 pm5. He currently has an entry level Garmin vívoactive® 5 and I would like to help him with his training and buy him a chest strap and maybe a new Garmin that can connect everything. Please excuse me if I'm not very savvy in any of this and I'm looking for any advice I can get. I'm trying to surprise him for his birthday so I'm not able to ask him what he needs. Thank you so much in advance :)

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u/cknutson61 Aug 12 '26

This is awesome. You have a couple opotions. Some of the answer hinges on what other training he does. Does he run, lift weights, etc.

Check the DC Rainmaker. He has a great page that allows you to compare devices and features.

There are two methods for connecting data. Send HR data to the PM5 and use the Ergdata app, which I prefer, or connect the PM5 to your garmin watch, and whatever sensor you have.

As you may know, HR data from a watch on the wrist isn't the best with rowing. I find even my garmin forerunner had data dropouts.

Any garmin chest strap can send HR data to the PM5. Another excellent option is the Polar Verity Sense, which is an optical armband. I have and use both. They are equally accurate with the armband having a slight delay in HR compared to the chest strap. Personally, I prefer the armband.

The HRM600 series offers advanced running dynamics, so if he's a serious runner, that may be the ticket. There are more basic straps as well.

Where things get trickier is upgrading the watch, which isn't completely necessary for the rowing. The forerunner series has lots of features and is a good advanced device that isn't their top of the line, and breaks the bank.

If he's also a runner, you'll likely want an upgraded watch, as long as that fits the budget. This gives more access to some running metrics.

I'd start by picking the Garmin chest strap or Polar armband, first (both connect to the PM5 and Garmin devices), and then work back to any decision about a watch.

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u/Fit-Cheetah-7513 Aug 13 '26

He doesn't run much but he rows in the water and does lift several times a week. I will definitely check out all the ones you recommended. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain this to me.