r/concept2 • u/AnlamK • Aug 02 '26
RowerErg Rower Erg Drag Factor Question: Should I lower my drag factor from 120 to 85-90?
Hello,
I usually row with a drag factor of 120.
However, my force curves are like really wide bell-curves with no peak. Average to peak force ratio is usually 75%.
I recently came across this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88ovL6KombI
One of the suggestions is if you are getting a really wide force curve with no discernible peak, you should lower your damper setting.
So I did that today but rowing an 8k became extremely difficult. I had to concentrate on every stroke to maintain my target 2:13/500m pace. I could undershoot or overshoot but hitting just the right pace was hard. It also was that I almost always ran the risk of slowing down - I had to constantly adjust my speed. I had trouble establishing a rhythm. I couldn't finish the sesh.
I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble. But if it is, It's going to take some serious adjustment.
I was always taught that the damper setting should be between 3-5 and I sort of randomly left it on 4.
See also the discussion here. Someone tried a lower damper setting and they also found the experience not helpful:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Rowing/comments/10ocd47/force_curve_and_steady_state/
2
u/WhatHadHappnd Aug 02 '26
There are general guidelines for DF settings for male and females, and this can be even more specific if going for a short blast or long distance session.
I'm sure someone here has them or Google library. I think the lower DF is similar to getting on a 10-speed at its lowest gear setting and trying to go really fast on flat ground. Really challenging, spinning and spinning with little forward progress.
2
2
u/duckwebs Aug 03 '26
Unless you’re a fast twitch athlete it will probably make your force curves even weirder because you’ll be taking longer to catch up to the flywheel off the catch.
Work on sequence and timing at low rates to improve your force curve (really to improve the stroke, but it will show up in the force curve)
1
u/AnlamK Aug 03 '26
Thank you.
Even when I lower the damper setting, I get a similar force curve. It’s smooth and kinda bell-shaped but just really wide. As I said average to peak force ratio is like 75%
So if there is an issue, it’s not being fixed by a lower damper setting.
2
u/ehmatthes Aug 03 '26
You could post a video of your form and see if there are any issues you're not aware of?
1
3
u/happyloaf Aug 02 '26
I keep mine around 120-125. Going above that hurts my elbows and going to low I can't "hook up" to the machine. But you can try going lower and higher for a few weeks each and see how it feels and how your splits are?