Static vs. Dynamic ERG Split Differences

[ampire]

When I went to slides it felt really hard to row my normal splits at low rates. I could barely complete a 30' or 10KM workout that would have been easy on static. It did feel easier to rate higher. It took me about 2 months to reach the same splits I had on the static erg. I think some of that was I needed to develop better technique.

One thing to note in any model is the slides have resistance in the form of the two elastic bands and the additional rolling resistance of the wheels.

I've been on slides for about 14 months. When I occasionally row on the static it feels like I am stomping the ground with my heel. The heel pressure feels totally different. However, I think I could get some good pacing at low rates on static because I don't need to worry as much about my form and just try to haul it. On the other hand, at higher rates the slides are much easier. Also I think a user with more mass that has trouble rating higher normally would experience greater gains on slides.

Personally I prefer the feel of slides a lot over the static erg, I wouldn't want to go back unless I was in some pre-competition phase. Feels easier on the body, nice to have my head stay in one place, I also think my technique and form improved a lot from using the slides.

[frankencrank]

So what stops you from flying off the back of the slides?

Pulling the handle, which is work done. On a Dynamic, body-mass speed is much lower, so there's less work to be done to stop, and more is transferred to the flywheel, if we hold the total constant.

I'll be away for a few days, and if you wish to continue this conversation ponder this: If the energy generated by the body is not going to accelerating the flywheel, where is it going? What is the energy sink? What is getting hot? The excess energy has to go somewhere (conservation of energy).

Someone finally asking the right question. Where are the losses? Are they modifiable? Muscles contract at a maximum efficiency of about 40%. Rowers see about 20% on the ergometer. Rowers lose even more trying to get the energy into the water.

[jamesg]

Mechanical energy, in whatever form, sooner or later ends up as heat.

[frankencrank]

Mechanical energy, in whatever form, sooner or later ends up as heat.

Some "heat" production resulting in reduced efficiency has nothing to do with mechanical energy. For instance, contracting a muscle pushing against a wall (pushing down on the stretcher for instance) does zero work (no mechanical energy) but still costs energy and has a net mechanical efficiency of zero. As I said, muscles have a maximum potential efficiency. The rower's goal should be to get the maximum efficiency out of the most muscle they can utilize. That involves investigating where the losses occur and can the be reduced.

[mict450]

When I went to slides it felt really hard to row my normal splits at low rates. I could barely complete a 30' or 10KM workout that would have been easy on static. It did feel easier to rate higher...... I think some of that was I needed to develop better technique.

Personally I prefer the feel of slides a lot over the static erg, I wouldn't want to go back unless I was in some pre-competition phase. Feels easier on the body, nice to have my head stay in one place, I also think my technique and form improved a lot from using the slides.

I am on a dynamic, which is slower than a static D at the same rating. I agree with ampire as quoted above, esp being easier on the body & reinforcing the necessity of better technique.

If I were at a gym & had my choice of C2 static, C2 on slides, any dynamic (C2, Rowperfect-Dutch or Aussie, Oartec-Slider or DX), the static would be my last choice. Also with my body relatively stationary, it makes it easier to aim the fan at myself.

[ampire]

When I went to slides it felt really hard to row my normal splits at low rates. I could barely complete a 30' or 10KM workout that would have been easy on static. It did feel easier to rate higher...... I think some of that was I needed to develop better technique.

Personally I prefer the feel of slides a lot over the static erg, I wouldn't want to go back unless I was in some pre-competition phase. Feels easier on the body, nice to have my head stay in one place, I also think my technique and form improved a lot from using the slides.

I am on a dynamic, which is slower than a static D at the same rating. I agree with ampire as quoted above, esp being easier on the body & reinforcing the necessity of better technique.

If I were at a gym & had my choice of C2 static, C2 on slides, any dynamic (C2, Rowperfect-Dutch or Aussie, Oartec-Slider or DX), the static would be my last choice. Also with my body relatively stationary, it makes it easier to aim the fan at myself.

Definitely having a good cooling fan position is a big perk. Another is it becomes easier to watch TV as your head stays more in one place. Quality of life improvements.

[mict450]

The static erg has a heavier front end and a lighter back end than the dynamic. It will also be heavier in general. (Think pair with). Your stroke rating will by necessity be lower and the force you apply to the handle will go up a bit

Not sure I understand what the heavier vs lighter means. You have instantaneous engagement of the flywheel at the catch on the dynamic. No slack like a static. You can apply more force at the finish with the static as you have the momentum of bodyweight moving down the slide to move the flywheel. Is that what you mean by heavier front end & lighter back end? Or maybe something else entirely?