Model B drag factor on PM5

[Niemanj]

I’ve been reading posts on the forum. One suggests that the drag factor on a model B vs model D are different due to the number of cogs. I would think that after you tell the PM5 it is on a model B is adjusts for that. Correct? Asking as I think I need to reduce my drag factor from the 180 that I have now. I’m 59 years old, 5’ 11” and 190 lbs. First time rowing after 20 years. All advice is welcome. I will research the forum more of course on the training side.

[Mahone]

Out of the factory, I think the B has a much higher drag factor than later machines. There are two cogs available to give you a basic way to adjust resistance -but even on the "easier" cog the drag is still quite high. To really get it down to the sort of levels most people would now train at, use a "speed ring" - basically a plastic ring that restricts air into the flywheel: It's also allows you to adjust the drag in a smimilar way to later models. You can still buy them (cheaply) from the Concept 2 shop - or making your own out of cardboard or similar would also work. Even something like draping towels over the cage will give you a much lower drag factor. I use a model B with speed ring and a PM 5 and it's no problem to get the drag factor down to 115 or lower if you want to. Regarding your other point - yes, you do have the set the monitor to match the machine - it's easy to do and explained in the instructions and the online resources too.