Drag Factor Recommender

Answer 3 questions to get a personalized drag factor and damper setting recommendation for your Concept2 erg.

1. Your experience level

2. Your body weight

3. Primary training goal

Drag factor vs damper setting

The damper (1-10 lever) controls airflow into the flywheel. The drag factor is the actual resistance number the PM5 calculates. Two machines at damper 5 may have different drag factors depending on dust, altitude, and wear.

Most competitive rowers use a drag factor of 110-130 (roughly damper 4-6). Higher drag factor is NOT “harder” — it changes the feel of the stroke. Think of it like gears on a bike: higher drag = heavier, slower strokes; lower drag = lighter, faster strokes.

How to check drag factor on the PM5

Go to More Options → Display Drag Factor, then take a few strokes. The monitor will display your current drag factor. Adjust the damper lever until it's in your target range.

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