What is the optimal Drag Factor

[cooldude_crew]

Never thought of it much I have always kept it at about a 3-4, but after doing a 1k and a lowest pull at a 10, I had a lot better results then when I tried with only a setting of 1.

Just curios on the drag factor

Any help would be great thanks

[coggs]

Optimal drag factor is 115.
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Seriously - if there was an optimal drag factor they wouldn't need an adjustable damper now would they? The setting changes depending on:

fitness of rower
length of workout
intensity if workout
weight of rower
training goals
etc
etc

Do a keyword search of the forum and you will find more information on drag factors than you will ever need.

Since we are in the middle of the 2K indoor racing season I think most people would tell you that the setting of 3-4 you are using is about right for a competitive piece if that is your goal - but you will find a few people that swear by much higher settings. Doesn't work for me.

[jbell]

Somewhere between 110 and 130ish should be optimal unless you are either a body builder or 6'8"in. This is only my opinion. I row at a drag factor of 120.

[Bob S.]

Never thought of it much I have always kept it at about a 3-4, but after doing a 1k and a lowest pull at a 10, I had a lot better results then when I tried with only a setting of 1.

Just curios on the drag factor

Any help would be great thanks

Your setting of 3-4 is not the drag factor. They are related, but only a drag factor measurement is of any real use to you. A drag factor will be a number ranging from a low of about 50 to as much as over 200. Two ergs with identical damper settings can have widely different drag factors. Even on one erg the drag factor for any particular damper setting will vary with the ambient temperature and the atmospheric pressure. In other words, the damper setting number, by itself, doesn't mean crap. It is the drag factor —available from the monitor — that is the important number.

Bob S.

[PaulS]

Seriously - if there was an optimal drag factor they wouldn't need an adjustable damper now would they?

Yes. To be able to adjust to that DF as other factors come into play. Not that I'm suggesting an optimal number, just proposing why the adjustment would need to be available.

[johnlvs2run]

My PB drag factors have ranged from 109 for the 500m to 77 for the marathon.

Shorter distances require the power be applied more quickly, whereas for distance that it be more lasting.

The higher the drag factor, the more quickly power can be applied.

The lower the drag factor the more easily the fan keeps it's pace and the longer it takes to slow between drives.