Bad Experience on our new Concept 2 Model D

[efg]

Hello,

We just got a Concept2 Model D with a PM4. I was looking forward to playing the Fish Game, and did so for the first time today. Well, in the middle of game #5, my sweaty left hand slid off the handle. The resulting jerk pulled the chain from my sweaty right hand as well. There was nothing to hold onto, just slippery plastic. I went zooming backwards with such force that I landed on the floor BEHIND the rower, right on my tush. Funny? Perhaps. Painful? Definitely. So...has anyone else had trouble holding on? Do you all wear gloves? I hate gloves, but if I continue to use this rower, I'll have to consider them. Right now, I'm just looking at the rower suspiciously and steering clear of it. My feet were NOT tightly buckled in. I like the fish game, but I never went flying off my Model C. Maybe I'm just not advanced enough for the new, improved version of the rower.
Emilia

[igoeja]

Years ago, first year on erg, after 1.5 hours lifting, did a short piece and after 20 minutes my hand slipped. Twisted my lower back, requiring NSAID's and relaxation.

Never happened again, and only concerned when sweating very heaviliy, and even then not much of an issue. I simply make sure I keep my grip.

[johnlvs2run]

I went zooming backwards with such force that I landed on the floor BEHIND the rower, right on my tush. Funny? Perhaps. Painful? Definitely. So...has anyone else had trouble holding on?

I'm very impressed, Emilia!

That hasn't happened to me but I'll be getting a new model D tomorrow and will watch out for it.

Cheers.

[MomofJBN]

Emilia - Some people have recommended putting baby socks over the ends to absorb the sweat. Or just wipe it on a corner of your t-shirt every now and then. That has worked fine for me.

BTW, my husband fell off the erg the first time he played the fish game. He tried to "dodge" a fish and fell off to the side.

[Citroen]

My feet were NOT tightly buckled in. I like the fish game, but I never went flying off my Model C.

For anything over 5K, it's unlikely that I would ever tie my feet down (not even loosely). I do a load of strapless rowing. I can't believe that the fish game had anything to do with it. I will say that I still prefer the short wooden model C handle.

We had a model C in the gym where the sprocket let go and the chain went loose. I was rowing at 1:56 pace about 25SPM at the time. The erg made some horrible noises, but I didn't fall off. (All our model Cs have model D handles fitted.)

The only time I've landed on the monorail has been by loosing the seat on a 500m sprint (going hard on the first few strokes).

[efg]

I think I am going to try the socks.

I will miss the wooden handle, though.

Emilia

[johnlvs2run]

Taping and reverse wrapping nylon socks works very well.

I used them all of the time on my model B and probably will do the same on the D.

This gives you a comfortable feel for the handle and no slipping.

http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?p= ... ocks#64501

[Slow Boat]

You could also go to a bicycle store and get some handlebar wrap - that stuff is tough, cushioned, and made to absorb sweat.

Another solution could be to get some tennis racket handle wrap from a sporting goods store.

I think either of these would be "tidier" than taping socks on the handle.

[chgoss]

wrist sweat bands, $2 at Kmart... I have a drawer full of them

[johnlvs2run]

Tennis handle wrap is slippery and doesn't work very well. Also it is hot on your fingers.

Tennis wrist bands are great for longer distances, as they keep perspiration from running down your arms to the handle.

I did try some regular bicycle handle wrap but it didn't stay on very well, kept moving around and was messy to take off. Cork bicycle handle wrap might work well but probably not as well as thin nylon socks.

Do not use cotton socks for this, as they absorb moisture, and would peel the skin off your hands. However, thin nylon socks work very well, and better than anything else I have tried.

[MomofJBN]

John - In the picture of the erg, what's on the foot rests? Have you changed the angle of your feet? Please explain, including rationale.

TIA

[johnlvs2run]

Hi Schenley,
The picture is from a model C I used for two years and then sold.
The foot plates were not moved, but my toes were reaching past the ends.
So I attached a couple thin pieces of wood with plastic ties, to give me a firm base for my toes.
This worked very well.

[RowtheRockies]

Emilia,

If you miss the wooden handle, you can order one from the Concept2. I did not have a problem with hands slipping with the model D handle although I can definitely see how you would be more susceptible that with the model C wooden handle.

I did not like the model D because I was having a problem with blisters. Someone suggesting ordering a model C handle from Concept2. They did not have it available on the website at the time but I called the company and they shipped me a model C handle for about 12 bucks.

Rich[/quote]

[Yukon John]

Hi Emilia,
I mainly row on a model C but have done this with a model D too. It's not very high tech, but I keep a couple of tea towels (the softer the better) next to me and when my hands get sweaty I put it on top of the handle with most of the towel thrown over the top (resting on the chain.) Once my hands feel dry I toss the towel to the side until I need it again.

Recently I completed a 100k row. I used the towel like above but would put it over the handle for 300 meters and off for 700. It was another way to pass the time . I ended up with a couple of blisters on one hand, but they weren't bad. I used cotten towels. John R.'s idea with the nylon socks sounds good (haven't tried it) but I sweat heavily and I like to get rid of the moisture. I wouldn't use the towel all of the time because the wrinkles could cause blisters. The towels do need to be changed often as moist towels can add to the blister problem instead of helping. John