Concept2 Articles on Damper and Drag Settings

[Mike Channin]

Probably one of the most common topics of indoor rowing discussions - drag factor and damper settings.
Here are some definitive articles from C2 themselves...

https://www.concept2.com/training/artic ... er-setting
Basics of how Damper and Drag Factor work and how to set them

https://www.concept2.com/blog/what-is-t ... ing-for-me
Discussion article

https://www.concept2.com/blog/the-dampe ... -olympians
TLDR: 112-140 with 2 quoted as saying Damper 10 is a recipe for injury

https://www.concept2.com/blog/debunking ... -intensity
Another explanation that Damper 10 is not the aim, and if 'the rower is "too easy" for you', it's because you're doing it wrong!

What about you? What are you using and why?

[Mike Channin]

Personally, I've always rowed High Drag.

I did weights before I rowed, and when I first used a Model B, I found it 'easier' to row hard on the 'high gear' cog.
On the Model C, this corresponded to high-end drag, and I guess I just stayed there. I'm not tall for a rower (180cm), so generating more power in less distance is one way to compensate for a relatively shorter stroke.
When I competed in person (2004-2006), I'd set up for 180 drag (which did cause some curious looks), but it seemed to work.
I've had to contend with some awful gym machines where max drag is ~130. I spent a period rowing at 130 in 2011/12 and did OK, but always felt a bit rushed, and was happier when I got back onto higher drag in the next gym. I like being able to squeeze on the power and feeling the fan spin up.
Over the years, I became a bit of an expert at cleaning dust out of fan cages armed with a trusty gym towel - again, gets you some funny looks
I'm currently rowing at (checks log) 171 on my veteran Model C (which is Damper 7) and quite happy with it, although part of me knows I should probably be rowing at lower drag to improve my technique...

[Iain]

Tumbleweed!

I have usually rowed between 115 & 120 being a weak lightweight. I only increase for sub 500m, but reduce to 105 for FM or longer TTs as I find the largest issue for these is usually leg muscle tiredness so increasing the rating and loading CV a little more that happens on lower DF.

Interestingly as Ian rows on a higher DF than me, I have upped by DF to 126 as we have agreed an intermediate 115 for the MM, 126 to 115 is the same proportion as 115 to 105.

I have found this tough and definitely have had more muscle stiffness, especially upper body. But hopefully this will increase muscular endurance that will be tested in the MM.