New Model D user with sweaty palms and sore seat

[labrite]

I have wrapped my grips with tennis racquet grips. Like this:http://www.amazon.com/Head-Prestige-Ten ... =8-2-fkmr3. It is great for long rows, reduces slipping and sore hands. I tried gloves but they weren't confortable. The grip tape was perfect.

For my butt, I usually row with a seat pad; for longer rows I will add a gel mouse pad wrist rest after 15k or so for a bit of change. works great.

[Rockin Roland]

That's one thing I certainly don't miss after selling my C2 erg to get a Rowperfect. The seat on the model D is too big and hard allowing your butt to move around and cause discomfort. And the hard plastic handle goes greasy very quickly and feels like yuck(if others have just used it).

C2 could learn from Rowperfect. They have a seat that is soft and is as small as those used in rowing boats. It holds your butt firmly in place and is good for at least an hour without the need to lift it to get more comfortable. Plus the rubber slip on oar handle grips feel excellent on your hands even during very humid conditions.

[Carl Watts]

C2 could probably progress and just sell three different seat sizes.

The seat it comes with is really a L-XL and at 100Kg and a 44inch hip measurement and decent glute's the seat is perfect for me. Also it doesn't need to be softer either, compared to a racing bike seat it's bliss. The one size doesn't appear to fit all however.

The earlier generation plastic handle with the foam grips is a little more comfortable but it probably got dropped in favour for something easier to keep clean & hygenic that doesn't absorb the sweat. Use fingerless bike gloves and thats the end of that problem.

[johnlvs2run]

A pair of thick cotton socks over the handles was suggested on this forum some time ago.

Bob S.

I highly recommend reverse wrapping the handle with NYLON socks, the same as is done with bicycle handlebars.
You can tape the socks at the ends, and again near the middle of the handle, one sock on each side.

I would definitely not use cotton socks, because cotton absorbs water and this would result in blisters on the hands.

Cotton wrist bands are helpful in keeping perspiration from rolling down from the arms.
You can find them for $1 or so at Walmart. They have the nylon socks too.

[carlb]

A few days ago I replaced my handle with a new one from C2 and the new rubber feels much nicer. I did 60 mins today and my hands didn't hurt during or after.
It was only $15 from C2. I had a Model D so it was the identical handle, just new grip rubber and the rubber did feel better/softer. My machine was 3 years old and the old rubber did feel harder. So if your handle is making your hands hurt I would suggest trying a new one from C2.

I've done a few more 60 min sessions and one 90 min HM all with zero hand discomfort, no blisters. I have some callouses at base of fingers but nothing that is obvious, growing or bothering me. I'd continue to suggest if your handle doesn't feel good, and is 2+ years old, try a new one from C2.

As far as cotton versus nylon I used cotton. The most I did was 60 min with them and did not sweat enough to get the socks wet enough for it to matter. I love the way some of the high tech socks fabric keep my feet dry, but I would wonder if they would be slippery on the handle. It's easy to try both.

[Atorrante]

I tend to have the same problems but solve it with a pair of gloves and a cushion for the seat. To be more specific I bought a pair of bodygloves multisport gloves at costco and a fitted cushion for stools at bed bath & beyond and no problems since...

[Rockin Roland]

But you shouldn't have to wear gloves. wrap tape around the handle and add cushions to the seat. These are all things that C2 should address when designing an erg but to date haven't. If you try other brands of ergs you'll be pleasantly surprised that there are other brands of ergs available that don't give you the same sore butt and hands problems as the C2 model D.

[flan48]

Although I no longer row/erg (spinal surgery 1 year ago -laminectomy + fusion at L4/5), when I did I used John Rupp's suggestion as to reverse wrapping nylon socks. Cotton will tear up your hands/fingers as it gets moist.

Best regards
Barry