Rowing drag factor guide
Drag factor is how a Concept2 RowErg measures the resistance of the flywheel — it's independent of the damper number. Set it once and every stroke you take is comparable across machines.
How to read your drag factor
- From the main menu choose Display Drag Factor.
- Row a few strokes at your usual damper setting.
- The monitor prints a two- or three-digit number — that is your drag factor. Move the damper up or down and repeat until the number matches the range below.
Recommended ranges
These are the settings most coaches and Concept2's own guidance publish. There is no single “correct” number — treat them as starting points.
| Rower | Drag factor | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight or junior rower | 100-120 | Matches the lighter boat load of lightweight sculling and eights. |
| Most adult club rowers (general fitness) | 110-130 | Concept2's default training band; damper 3-5 on a well-maintained machine. |
| Openweight men targeting 2k boat feel | 130-140 | Approximates a heavyweight boat load; commonly used for race pieces. |
| Sprint / power pieces (<500 m) | 140-160 | Heavier flywheel rewards raw force; only for short, forceful efforts. |
| Coastal / adaptive rowers | 120-140 | Simulates the higher drag of a coastal boat or fixed-seat setup. |
Guideline: most rowers train at 110-140. Higher numbers make the wheel feel heavier per stroke but do not equal more watts — pace still comes from how hard you pull.
Source: Concept2 drag factor guidance.