PM5: Upgrade or Retrofit for Connected Fitness

The Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) was introduced in 2014. It was engineered to include all of the best features that have evolved over time in our long line of PMs—reliable workout data, easy navigation, preprogrammed and custom workouts, heart rate monitoring capability, and games, to name a few.

The addition of ANT+ and Bluetooth technology in the PM5 has made it possible to connect to a wide range of wireless devices for a variety of entertainment and fitness apps, including our own ErgData. This has become a compelling reason for many people to upgrade to the PM5.

You can also be assured that workout data is comparable from monitor to monitor, regardless of its vintage.

Connected Fitness

The PM5 allows for easier connectivity to smartphones and tablets. With an ever-increasing number of software and apps to enhance your workout experience, the PM5 makes it easy to set up and start rowing, skiing or riding.

Our Performance Monitor is open-platform which means there are many third party coaching, racing and entertainment apps to choose from. Concept2 also offers the free app, ErgData, which allows you to view additional real-time workout data and record and store workouts directly from your RowErg, SkiErg or BikeErg. Sync your complete workout data to the Concept2 Online Logbook with a simple tap!

With Concept2 you have choices, so you never have to commit to one technology or connection for your workout. There are many options to sync with the PM5 via Bluetooth and ANT+. If you have a PM3 or PM4, there are still ways to connect that may require a cable or other additional device. (See the app’s requirements for details.)

Valuable Data

The PM2 and PM3 do not have wireless capabilities, but that doesn’t mean they are electronic waste. Many of these monitors are still busy recording workout meters! If your older monitor is still working, it does not need to be replaced. (Our team is always happy to troubleshoot if you’re experiencing problems with a monitor that can turn on.) The PM4 monitor included ANT+ technology for wireless heart rate tracking. The PM5 also includes ANT+ technology. With the addition of Bluetooth, the PM5 gives it even more flexibility for wireless functions.

There are plenty of programs and individuals who are eager to use an older monitor—whether it is an upgrade to them or if they accidentally damaged the one they had. We recommend looking around to find older Performance Monitors new homes or responsibly recycle them, if possible. (Concept2 can assist if the monitor needs to be reprogrammed to recognize the model or machine it is on.)

The beauty of the Performance Monitor is that whether it is older or newer, the data is still comparable. Your workouts on an older monitor are comparable to any recorded with a newer PM5. If you use a PM5, you can compare your workouts to what you rowed in 1995. This repeatable data makes gauging fitness informative, challenging and fun.

Performance Monitor Timeline:

• 1986-1993 Performance Monitor 1 (PM1)
• 1995-2003 PM2
• 1998-2003 PM2+
• 2003-2014 PM3
• 2006-2014 PM4
• 2014-present PM5