Drag Factors

[[old] billy.bags]

Reading through the various posts, I notice that we all use different DFs - only natural I suppose but is the correct that there is no standard DF when in a competition? Surely a rower using 130DF will be at a disadvantage to someone using 110.

[[old] PaulS]

<!--QuoteBegin-billy.bags+Oct 28 2004, 07:42 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td class='genmed'><span class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></span> (billy.bags @ Oct 28 2004, 07:42 AM)</td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Surely a rower using 130DF will be at a disadvantage to someone using 110. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><br> Why on earth would that be "Surely"? Or is that the same "Surely" that is used when slides are said to be an advantage also?<br><br>OR maybe it's related to the same "surely" used when refering to Electric cars being resonsible for less pollution, though the burning of coal to charge up those batteries is conveniently overlooked?<br><br>Okay, probably a bit deep for early in the morning, but please! <br><br>- Paul Smith

[[old] Birdi]

In my search for understanding I read: <a href='http://www.concept2.com/update/S2002/drag.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.concept2.com/update/S2002/drag.htm</a>

[[old] KMurphy]

Finding the right drag factor?<br><br>Is there a good way to tell what the best drag factor for you to race/train at is? Is it the same for both under normal conditions. I realise going very low on drag factor helps with some aspects of technique. But here i'm talking about optimum race pace at various distances?<br><br>I found (and I'm very much a beginner) that if I go very low on drag factor I'm not quick enough at the catch at all and I can't generate the same watages I can on a higher drag factor. But as I go up to the higher drag factors I find myself using to much upper body and back early in the stroke so I don't really gain any benefits there either regarding improved pace. I'm sure this may change as I improve. But is there any way to tell what the optimum drag factor is for a given person?<br><br>Right now I am liking 120 DF or so.<br><br>KMurphy<br>32M 6'5" 110kg 7:37.7 2K

[[old] GeorgeD]

Heres a thought .... no it was just an itch. Anyway an opinion espoused on a wet Friday afternoon when all I really want to do is go home.<br><br>Lower drag the better ... less resistance at the catch BUT if you do not have the leg speed to catch the wheel at the start of the catch then you are going to lose drive length and so this is bad <br><br>I for one, and it is only an opinion believe in training at the drag that I would race a 2k at .... so if I choose a rate for my 2k of 32/33 and I cant catch the wheel at a drag setting of 110 then I can do one of two things (or maybe both)<br><br>1/ Train myself to be faster at the catch<br>2/ Up the drag<br><br>If we agree that the lower drag places less stress on the body at the catch and is a good thing then improving my technique and speed within my physical limitiations is the best option ... it may take longer but but the benefits are longer term.<br><br>Slower pieces and rates are not so much an issue as with the lower spm the recovery takes longer, the wheel slows more and hence you should not have to many problems achieving a full length drive.<br><br>Delete delete delete ... there that sorted out the rest of the rubbish i wrote but I think above makes sense.<br><br>regds George

[[old] GeorgeD]

<!--QuoteBegin-Birdi+Oct 29 2004, 07:11 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td class='genmed'><span class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></span> (Birdi @ Oct 29 2004, 07:11 AM)</td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--> In my search for understanding I read: <a href='http://www.concept2.com/update/S2002/drag.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.concept2.com/update/S2002/drag.htm</a> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><br> Looking at the monitor in that link they are doing a 20 minute piece and rating 45spm at a 1:42 pace .... must be a really short person

[[old] Birdi]

Probably like me 5'5"....well, anyways, that's why I like to jump into these discussions, cuz ya get better feed back from 'real time' folks anyhow, that's why I read up and check it out in the forum where you're bound to get the answer...thanks! I am fairly new to this site, just got my new D delivery today...been outa the sport for 3+ years (car accident, no $ for club dues) decided to spend club $ on own erg! I have been 'hawking' this site for the 2 weeks or so waiting for my D to come and so anxious to renew myself to the sport! I only rowed a couple of years but became hooked, I'm no elite pro or anything, just love it for what I get out of it. Thanks to this online community one can enjoy the sport with others.