Drag factor

[hjs]

Thanks for the feedback. My main concern is establishing a consistent standard that matches the world standard for C2 ergs, so my logbook statistics are accurately reflected. I realize variables: location, settings, mechanics, physiology, (honesty) etc., etc. make the ideal merely a guidepost for better performance - but I like to aim for the ideal so the less than ideal better approximates my effort.

I don't know if you have already understood this, but just to be sure:
A filthy fan cage will not cause your workout stats to lose any accuracy.

If you have two rowers, one with drag factor 140 with a clean fan cage on setting 4, and one with drag factor 140 with a dirty fan cage on setting 9, you will get the same resistance on both rowers, and you will get the same workout stats if you do the same effort.

So there are no problems until the fan cage starts getting so dirty that you can't get the drag factor you want.

That was his point. He needs high drag for his sprinting. Even 190 is low ish for some.

[lindsayh]

I can find my best DF setting at the lower levels because they fall within the parameters of the dirty machine. But my sprint distances are compromised because I can't set the DF high enough. No doubt, any time on any rower is going to have a positive effect (barring poor form injuries), but I use the rankings for motivation.
I enjoy the push of friendly competition, and for that reason I try to represent myself accurately.

You are still representing yourself accurately Gordy - the times you are comparing with are done with DFs from 100-200 depending on the individual so your logged results are a true and fair representation of what you have achieved. If you are very strong then you may be able to do a bit better with a drag >150 but in my experience the effect for most of us is less than you may think. I reckon it is worth opening a discussion with gym management, show them the numbers and offer to do the clean yourself - it is really easy.

[Allan Olesen]

That was his point. He needs high drag for his sprinting. Even 190 is low ish for some.

I fully get that point. I think we all do:
1. For some sessions, he can't get the drag factor he wants.


I wrote what I wrote because there seemed to be another, implicit, point too:
2. In all sessions - also those where he can get the drag factor he wants - he is worried about getting wrong training stats because of the dirt.

[hjs]

That was his point. He needs high drag for his sprinting. Even 190 is low ish for some.

I fully get that point. I think we all do:
1. For some sessions, he can't get the drag factor he wants.


I wrote what I wrote because there seemed to be another, implicit, point too:
2. In all sessions - also those where he can get the drag factor he wants - he is worried about getting wrong training stats because of the dirt.

Did not get the wrong part, but for pure raw sprinting, more or less everybody gets slower results on a normal drag. Those slower results are not wrong ofcourse simply slower. In sprinting, not pure power alone, but also speed of motion is the limiting factor. Having more drag means needing less speed of motion.

Re max drag, I have seen a skier pull a 1.45 full marathon using max drag, rating 30 spm. If you can,t stand it and like the slow drive, high drag is fine. I myself certainly don,t like it.

[mitchel674]

Thanks for the feedback. My main concern is establishing a consistent standard that matches the world standard for C2 ergs, so my logbook statistics are accurately reflected. I realize variables: location, settings, mechanics, physiology, (honesty) etc., etc. make the ideal merely a guidepost for better performance - but I like to aim for the ideal so the less than ideal better approximates my effort.

I don't know if you have already understood this, but just to be sure:
A filthy fan cage will not cause your workout stats to lose any accuracy.

If you have two rowers, one with drag factor 140 with a clean fan cage on setting 4, and one with drag factor 140 with a dirty fan cage on setting 9, you will get the same resistance on both rowers, and you will get the same workout stats if you do the same effort.

So there are no problems until the fan cage starts getting so dirty that you can't get the drag factor you want.

That was my point as well. The OP states he likes the DF between 135-140. All three of the machines at his gym can get him to that range (with different damper settings). He is not looking to get over 200 (Henry). Yes, the machines are dirty and should be cleaned, but the OP can feel confident that he is accurately using the displayed DF on each of those machines when he checks with the PM and sets the damper lever accordingly.

[GordG]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on the matter. Ultimately, like most people rowing, my main interest is lifelong fitness. The numbers simply keep me focused and serve as an indicator of progress, as I work to improve my skills in a new fitness activity.Take care. See you on the boards.

[MDLGTO]

I have a PM5 430409754 w/ 896,255 meters on it (built early 2016, I bought in Dec 2016). I cleaned the flywheel for dust and get the these drag factor values for the following damper settings:
DS:DF
1:53
5:93
6:106
8:135
10:161
I'm 50yo, 6'7", 235lbs & have long, decent stroke. damper setting seems extremely hard (i.e. correct) at 10, even though the drag factor is only 161. I"m at 1,900M so I would imagine this might influence DF? Question is, do these readings appear right for a relatively new, cleaned machine?
All this said, when I used a trial gym membership a month back, my 5K time was significantly faster--15 sec...

Thanks,
Markus

[Citroen]

Markus, your fan cage is full of dust and cruft. Open it and give it a clean out.

[MDLGTO]

Actually, I realized that it's the altitude. I'm at 1,910 meters where I am in Mexico. I would guess the air is ~20% less dense here, all else being equal, using % atmospheric oxygen tables (b/c of ease of search and my sloth) as a proxy.