Drag Factor

By the Watta Team · Updated

Drag Factor: Drag factor is a normalized number on the Concept2 PM5 that measures the actual air resistance the flywheel feels, so you can replicate the same stroke feel on any erg.

What is Drag Factor?

Drag factor is a normalized measure of the resistance the flywheel feels during each stroke on a Concept2 rowing machine. It is calculated automatically by the PM5 monitor from how fast the flywheel decelerates between strokes, so it reflects real air resistance — not just the damper lever position. Because it accounts for temperature, humidity, dust, and machine wear, drag factor lets you set the exact same feel on any Concept2 anywhere in the world. Most adult rowers train at a drag factor of 110-140. Concept2 recommends roughly 120-130 for general training. Heavier or more powerful athletes often prefer 130-150, while lighter athletes and those working on technique may choose 100-120. Sprint pieces are sometimes done slightly higher, but training day-to-day at very high drag factors increases injury risk and hides technique flaws. To check your drag factor, press Menu → More Options → Display Drag Factor on a PM5, then row a few strokes.

How Watta Uses Drag Factor

Watta reads the drag factor from your erg screen when available, helping you maintain training consistency across sessions and machines. It provides context for your Effort Score — the same split at different drag factors represents different physiological demands.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is drag factor on Concept2?
Drag factor on Concept2 is the actual air resistance the flywheel experiences during each stroke, displayed as a number on the PM5 monitor. It is more accurate than the damper lever because it accounts for temperature, humidity, dust, and machine wear.
What drag factor should I use for rowing?
Concept2 recommends a drag factor of 120-140 for most rowers. Lighter athletes and those focusing on technique may prefer 100-120, while heavier athletes or those training for specific on-water conditions may use 130-150.
How do I check my drag factor on the PM5?
On a Concept2 PM5, press Menu, then More Options, then Display Drag Factor. Row a few strokes and the monitor will show a number such as 120 or 130.
Is a higher drag factor better?
No. A higher drag factor is not better — it simply changes the feel of the stroke. Setting it too high can lead to poor technique and injury. Most elite rowers train at moderate drag factors (115-135).
What is the difference between drag factor and damper setting?
The damper setting is the physical lever (1-10) on the side of the erg. Drag factor is the actual resistance measured by the monitor. The same damper setting can produce different drag factors on different machines due to wear, dust, and environmental conditions.
What drag factor should a beginner use?
Beginners should start at 110-130. The priority is learning good technique, not pulling against maximum resistance. Once technique is solid, you can adjust up or down based on your size and training goals.

Related Content

Damper SettingThe damper setting is the adjustable lever (1-10) on the side of a Concept2 rowing ergometer that controls airflow to the flywheel and affects resistance.Concept2 RowErgThe Concept2 RowErg is the industry-standard air-resistance indoor rowing machine used by Olympic teams, universities, CrossFit boxes, and home gyms worldwide.Force CurveThe force curve is a graph on the Concept2 PM5 that shows how much force you apply to the handle during each stroke, used to diagnose rowing technique.Split to Watts ConverterErg Technique GuideFor Concept2 Users
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