Concept2 Forum

If a rower has a very strong upper body with "functional muscle," should he choose an oar that may take advantage of that? Right now I am using the Fat 2 by C2 and, according to their site, they have a heavier loading profile in the first part of the stroke and then lightens up to the finish. The Smoothie is supposed to be more even on the the loading with a heavier load at the end.

Why, at the last Olympics, are most of the pictures with the smoothie type oar and not the Fat if the Fat are more efficient?

Can an oar with the extreme loading profile of the Fat2 create overuse injury from the forces going from a relaxed finish to full power?

You should ask this on the rowing illustrated board, but here goes...
I think what blade type is better more determined by how you apply power rather then your body type. Heavily loaded blades have the reputation as more likely to cause injuries but that is also very dependent on length. Also technique/posture is more important then blade type. Finally shaft stiffness is an important factor.
Don;t expect changing blades to change your speed. More consistently clean catches and releases will make more of a difference then any change in blade.
I've been told many times by different coaches that using Macons make one a better rower. I'm thinking of getting a pair for training.

There is no such thing as a heavy loaded blade. A heavy loaded blade can be changed into a light loaded blade by adjusting the inner and outer oar shaft length.

An important improvement with many flat blades is hydrodynamic efficiency. So, heavy loaded or not your performance will improve because of better efficiency.

The only question which remains is whether or not the specific loading profile fits your style of rowing. But even this can be adjusted by changing the angle of the oar (with regard to the boat) at the catch position and the release position (e.g. change position of the foot stretcher in relation to the oarlocks or vice versa).

I like your insights Tinus , I will remember that

thanks
bongski