Concept2 Forum

I am interested in where people set their drag factor for general training purposes. And equally curious to know if anyone has a perspective on the relationship between drag factor and age and separately sculling vs sweep. I am a competitive masters sculler approaching Masters F.

I just turned 50. Im 6'1" 195lb and I typically use a DF of 120-130. I do no on water rowing. When I was younger i liked a higher DF. Perhaps influenced by this site I have turned it down over time. I find now that I am more prone to pull a muscle in my back at higher DFs now. But I still think my best times are recorded at higher DFs.

Dave

I used to row at a DF in the 90s, but have increased it to around 112 lately. It's certainly true that a higher DF will tend to produce better scores, but also increases the risk of back injury. I am trying to find the ideal drag factor given my strength. I find 112 to actually be rather "heavy", even though it seems people here think it's rather low. I am going to slowly increase it as I progress with my training. I currently do 30-minute pieces and 2ks.

sharp_rower wrote:I used to row at a DF in the 90s, but have increased it to around 112 lately. It's certainly true that a higher DF will tend to produce better scores, but also increases the risk of back injury. I am trying to find the ideal drag factor given my strength. I find 112 to actually be rather "heavy", even though it seems people here think it's rather low. I am going to slowly increase it as I progress with my training. I currently do 30-minute pieces and 2ks.

Wow thats a low DF for your age, weight and height I would be going nowhere on a DF that low.

Most people start way too high and gradually drop it and as already pointed out it reduces your injury risk.

My body has adapted to a certain level of load, especially in the legs and for training you find you just slot into a groove that suits you with the right mix of DF, SPM and pace that just feels good.

Low rate and distance work: 115 to 125
Middle distance time trials And tempo workouts (5k,6k,30'): 130
2ks TT: 140
Sprints: 150

Carl Watts wrote:Wow thats a low DF for your age, weight and height I would be going nowhere on a DF that low.

Well heavy does not imply strong...But I'm glad to know I'm at a low drag factor, gives me hope about being able to break the 7-minute barrier on the 2k. Hopefully I will be ready in time for the CRASH-Bs on February 17...I'm currently training at around 115 and will gradually increase to avoid injury.