Concept2 Forum

Hi all!

First 5,000m. This is the distance I’m aiming at completing 4-5 times a week.

22m44.9s. Dampener setting was at 10.

The dampener of 10 seem to be the best resistance for me and my body weight. I’m 6’7” and 125kg. Anything lower feels like I’m going to quick and I can’t keep up if that makes sense.

The plan now is to get in to the swing of rowing 4 - 5 times a week for the next month or so and focus on form. After this time, I will start to set goals.

Sam

Sam damper setting obviously varies a lot from one person to another and you are a big guy and you should find a sweet spot for you. Worth pointing out though that the very fastest times ever recorded for 2ks (sub 5:40) were done with DFs 100-130 and they are all very big guys too.

mightymayesy wrote: ↑

October 20th, 2019, 12:51 pm

22m44.9s. Dampener setting was at 10.

The dampener of 10 seem to be the best resistance for me and my body weight. I’m 6’7” and 125kg. Anything lower feels like I’m going to quick and I

If the machine you are using is dust free then 10 is way too high for anyone....you need to understand drag factor and concentrate on ''pulling the handle hard'' , here's some info that should help;

If the damper lever is on 10 (for example) on one machine it could have a very different level of resistance to 10 on another as they all vary depending on how much dust is accumulated in the fan cage so the way to know the resistance is ...the ''Drag Factor'' which is a measure of the speed at which the flywheel slows down. To set it.... On the monitor press ''More Options''.... then press ...''Display Drag Factor'' a box will come up with a number in it…that’s the drag factor...row some strokes raising or lowering the lever to adjust it. Raising the lever raises the number...lowering the lever lowers it. I'd suggest starting at 125 then experiment from there to find what suits you best, here's some useful info;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52gBjqVGWXs

mightymayesy wrote: ↑

October 20th, 2019, 12:51 pm

22m44.9s. Dampener [SIC] setting was at 10.

Damper 101 is here:
https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/ ... etting-101

Thanks all.

I'm very much experimenting. It'a brand new machine so no dust (I would think).

Tonight, I am trying another 5,000m with the setting at 1.

Thanks for the info. Will have a good look.

Sam

mightymayesy wrote: ↑

October 21st, 2019, 5:24 am

Tonight, I am trying another 5,000m with the setting at 1.

That's an equally wrong damper lever setting to having it on 10.

Go and read the damper 101 link I posted.

I will have a good read. Thanks.

I will also go through all the settings.

Sam

Yeah, a damper setting of 1 is no use for you to gauge what works for you. I'd suggest on a new rower 4, and possibly 5, is the lowest you'd want to set it.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I look forward to working this out. The info on this thread will be invaluable.

I also want to test each setting for my own peace of mind.

I do have a related question;

I have just entered for the "Mizuno British Rowing Indoor Championships" on 7th December.

Is the dampener setting the same for all in a competition? Or do I have the option to set it to what works best for me?

Many thanks in advance.

Sam

You can choose your damper setting Sam, and they are all brand new machines.

Good luck with the training, and depending on your age I might be racing in the same heat.

Useful to know. Many thanks.
I'm 35.I think you'd lap me!
Sam

mightymayesy wrote: ↑

October 21st, 2019, 10:04 am

Useful to know. Many thanks.
I'm 35.I think you'd lap me!
Sam

Hahahaha, ok, you're in a different race and next year you'll be a totally different proposition.

If you really start to enjoy your training there should also be the English IRC in early February in Manchester, but it is still tbc, and Just Row in March, also in Manchester

Evening all!

Second 5,000m. Damper setting of 1. The drag factor was 80. 23m21.9s.

It felt very different than damper 10. I was c.41 seconds slower.

Tomorrow is damper setting 2.

Sam

mightymayesy wrote: ↑

October 21st, 2019, 4:05 pm

Evening all!

Second 5,000m. Damper setting of 1. The drag factor was 80. 23m21.9s.

It felt very different than damper 10. I was c.41 seconds slower.

Tomorrow is damper setting 2.

Sam

This is really funny. You skipped over damper setting 1.5. I'm guessing you still haven't read the link suggested by Citroen. Most use a damper setting between 4 and 6 on a new machine.

Just set your damper to whatever equates to a Drag Factor of 120, leave it there and crack on with your rowing .