I have a Model D erg, and I am in high school. I want to train with it to improve my 2k score so it helps me get into college.
I was wondering what is the standard setting on the resistance( the number between 1 and 10) that is on the rower that is used in competitions and tests? Just in case I am not using the right terms, this is the number that you turn the setting on the fan part to (sorry, I don't really know what you call the different parts)
Standard resistance on the erg?
As TabbRows said, what you really need to consider is the drag factor (DF). The DF does increase as you increase the damper setting, but it is also affected by several other factors:Greg3 wrote:I looked it up, and what I want to know is what damper setting should it be on?
1) Cleanliness of the machine. Dirt in the cage can restrict the air flow and thus lower the DF at any particular damper setting.
2) Atmospheric Pressure. If the air pressure is lower because of higher altitude or a weather front moving in, the resulting lower air density will result in a lower DF.
3) Air temperature. At higher temperatures, the air density is lower, so the DF is lower.
There is no standard drag factor. It varies a lot from one erger to another and many ergers use different DFs for different types of workouts. Typical DFs range from 110 to 140, with taller, heavier ergers tending to favor the upper end of that range. Some will stay in that range for most erging, but will use a DF higher than that range for short intense workouts like 500m or less.
To get the DF that you want, you have to get the DF reading at various damper settings so that you can set it for the approximate range that you want. Once you have the setting you want, that setting will probably get you a Df within ± 5 of the one that you set it for, but it is a good idea to check it each time you use the machine for an important workout.
Taking the erg to a much different altitude will definitely require a different setting. Extreme weather conditions might also do that. If you notice a significant continuous lowering of the DF at your favorite damper setting, it is time to open up the cage and clean it out. Another item that can effect the DF is having some object near the cage that might block air flow.
Some people install an accessory known as a "C-Breeze" that directs to flow of air to the erger to help cool the body. This device restricts the air flow, so you have to use a higher damper setting to get the same DF. That is not a problem for most workouts, since the normal DF used is well below the maximum.
Bob S.
