In This Article
What Is Drag Factor on a Concept2® Ergometer?
Every Concept2® ergometer — whether it is a RowErg®, SkiErg®, or BikeErg® — uses a flywheel to create resistance. When you pull the handle (or push the pedals), you spin the flywheel. Between strokes, the flywheel slows down because of air resistance inside the fan cage. The drag factor is a numerical measurement of how quickly that flywheel decelerates.
In simple terms: the drag factor tells you how "heavy" or "light" the erg feels. A higher drag factor means the flywheel slows down faster between strokes, requiring more force to accelerate it again. A lower drag factor means the flywheel maintains its speed longer, creating a lighter, more fluid feel.
The Concept2® PM5 Performance Monitor measures the drag factor automatically. It does this by tracking the flywheel's deceleration rate during the recovery phase of each stroke — the moment between when you finish pulling and when you begin the next stroke. This measurement happens continuously, recalculating with every single stroke you take.
The Physics in One Sentence
Drag factor = the rate at which the flywheel decelerates between strokes, measured by the PM5 and expressed as a dimensionless number (typically between 80 and 220).
Why does this matter? Because the PM5 uses the drag factor to calculate your actual power output. It knows how fast the flywheel is spinning, and it knows how quickly the flywheel is decelerating. From these two measurements, it can determine exactly how much work you are doing — regardless of what the damper lever is set to. This self-calibration is what makes Concept2® scores comparable across different machines, different gyms, and different countries. It is the foundation of fair indoor racing and the Concept2® world rankings.
Drag Factor vs. Damper Setting: The Critical Difference
This is the single most important distinction in Concept2® training, and the one that causes the most confusion. The damper setting is the physical lever on the side of the fan cage, numbered 1 through 10. It controls how much air flows into the flywheel housing. The drag factor is the resulting measurement of flywheel deceleration that the PM5 calculates.
Here is the critical point: the same damper setting can produce different drag factors on different machines. Damper 5 on your home RowErg® might produce a drag factor of 125. Damper 5 on the RowErg® at your gym might produce a drag factor of 140. The difference comes from environmental factors — air temperature, altitude, humidity, and most importantly, how much dust and lint has accumulated inside the fan cage.
Think of it this way: the damper setting is like the position of a faucet handle. The drag factor is the actual water flow. Two identical faucets can produce different water flows at the same handle position if one has mineral buildup inside. The handle position is just an input — the flow rate is the output that actually matters.
Damper Setting
- Physical lever on the fan cage (1–10)
- Controls airflow into the flywheel housing
- Varies from machine to machine
- Not comparable across different ergs
- Analogy: Faucet handle position
Drag Factor
- Calculated by the PM5 (numerical value)
- Measures actual flywheel deceleration rate
- Standardized across all machines
- Comparable across different ergs and gyms
- Analogy: Actual water flow rate
The bicycle analogy: Concept2® compares the damper setting to bicycle gearing. A low damper setting (1–4) feels like riding in a low gear — light, fast cadence, like rowing a sleek racing shell. A high damper setting (7–10) feels like riding in a high gear — heavy, slow cadence, like rowing a heavy rowboat. In both cases, you can produce the same power output — the difference is in how that power is applied across the stroke.
How the PM5 Calculates Drag Factor and Your Score
The Concept2® PM5 Performance Monitor is a remarkably sophisticated piece of engineering. Here is what happens during every single stroke you take:
Recovery Phase: Measuring Deceleration
After you finish the drive (the pulling phase), the flywheel begins to slow down. The PM5 measures the flywheel's rotational speed multiple times during this recovery phase and calculates the rate of deceleration. This deceleration rate is the drag factor.
Drive Phase: Measuring Acceleration
When you begin the next stroke, the PM5 measures how much you accelerate the flywheel. It knows the starting speed (from the end of the recovery) and the ending speed (at the end of the drive).
Power Calculation: Combining Both
Using the drag factor (how quickly the flywheel decelerates) and the acceleration you produced (how much you sped it up), the PM5 calculates your actual power output in watts. From watts, it derives your pace (/500m), distance, and calories.
Self-Calibration: Fair Comparison
Because the PM5 accounts for the drag factor in its calculations, your score reflects your true effort — regardless of the damper setting or the condition of the machine. This is why a 2:00/500m split at drag factor 110 represents the same physical work as 2:00/500m at drag factor 150.
This self-calibration system is what makes Concept2® ergometers the gold standard for indoor rowing, skiing, and cycling. It is the reason that Concept2® world rankings are trusted, that indoor racing is fair, and that your scores from your home gym are directly comparable to scores from the Olympic Training Center. No other ergometer manufacturer has achieved this level of measurement accuracy and cross-machine consistency.
Recommended Drag Factor Ranges for RowErg®, SkiErg®, and BikeErg®
Each Concept2® ergometer has a different drag factor range because of differences in flywheel design, fan cage geometry, and the type of movement. The RowErg® and SkiErg® have similar ranges, while the BikeErg® operates at a lower range because of its different resistance mechanism. Here are the recommended drag factor ranges by experience level:
| Ergometer | Full Range | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Competitive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RowErg® | 90–200+ | 100–120 | 115–135 | 120–145 | 120–140 |
| SkiErg® | 80–200+ | 85–105 | 100–120 | 110–135 | 105–130 |
| BikeErg® | 40–210 | 40–70 | 60–100 | 80–130 | 70–120 |
RowErg®
Typical damper: 3–5
Light racing shell → Heavy rowboat
SkiErg®
Typical damper: 3–5
Dry fast snow → Wet sticky snow
BikeErg®
Typical damper: 3–6
Flat road → Steep hill climb
Which Drag Factor for Which Workout Type?
Different training goals benefit from different drag factor settings. Just as a cyclist shifts gears depending on whether they are climbing a hill or sprinting on flat ground, you should adjust your drag factor based on your workout type. Here are specific recommendations for each training modality:
Steady State / Endurance
RowErg®
110–125
SkiErg®
95–110
BikeErg®
50–80
Lower drag allows sustainable effort over long durations. Mimics a light, efficient boat.
Interval Training (HIIT)
RowErg®
120–135
SkiErg®
105–120
BikeErg®
70–100
Moderate drag provides enough resistance for powerful intervals without excessive fatigue.
Sprint Pieces (500m, 1K)
RowErg®
125–140
SkiErg®
110–130
BikeErg®
80–110
Slightly higher drag for maximum power output on short, all-out efforts.
Technique / Recovery
RowErg®
100–115
SkiErg®
85–100
BikeErg®
40–65
Low drag forces focus on technique and stroke efficiency rather than brute force.
CrossFit / Hyrox
RowErg®
130–150
SkiErg®
115–135
BikeErg®
90–120
Higher drag for short, intense pieces typical of functional fitness competitions.
How to Check Your Drag Factor on the Concept2® PM5
Checking your drag factor on the PM5 takes less than 30 seconds. You should do this every time you use a different machine — and periodically on your own machine to monitor for changes caused by dust buildup. Here is the step-by-step process:
From the PM5 main screen, press Menu (or the center button).
Navigate to More Options and press OK.
Select Display Drag Factor and press OK.
Start rowing (or skiing/biking). The PM5 will display the current drag factor after 2–3 strokes.
Adjust the damper lever up or down until the displayed drag factor matches your target.
Press Back to return to the main screen and begin your workout.
Pro Tip
Write down your preferred drag factor and the damper setting that produces it on your home machine. When you use a different machine at the gym or at a competition, you can quickly dial in the damper to match your target drag factor. For a complete guide to connecting your PM5 to apps via Bluetooth, read our PM5 Bluetooth Setup Guide.
Why Your Drag Factor Changes (Even at the Same Damper Setting)
If you have ever noticed that your erg feels "heavier" or "lighter" than usual — even though you have not changed the damper setting — you are not imagining things. Several environmental and maintenance factors affect the drag factor independently of the damper lever position:
Dust and Lint in the Fan Cage
The most common cause. Hair, dust, and lint accumulate on the fan blades and inside the housing, increasing air resistance and raising the drag factor. A dirty fan cage can add 20–30 points to your drag factor.
Air Temperature
Cold air is denser than warm air. In a cold garage or basement, the same damper setting will produce a higher drag factor than in a warm room. Temperature swings of 15–20°C can change drag factor by 5–15 points.
Altitude / Air Pressure
At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, producing less resistance on the flywheel. If you move your erg from sea level to a mountain location, you may need to increase the damper setting to maintain the same drag factor.
Humidity
Humid air is slightly less dense than dry air (water vapor is lighter than nitrogen and oxygen). Very humid conditions can slightly lower the drag factor, though this effect is smaller than temperature or dust.
How to Clean the Concept2® Fan Cage
Cleaning the fan cage is the single most important maintenance task for keeping your drag factor consistent. Concept2® recommends regular cleaning, and the process is simple — no tools required beyond a vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air. Here is how to do it:
Set the damper lever to 10 (fully open) to expose the fan blades.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean the fan blades and the inside of the housing. Alternatively, use compressed air to blow dust out from the other side.
For stubborn buildup, use a soft brush or cloth to wipe the individual fan blades. Do not use water or cleaning solutions inside the fan cage.
After cleaning, set the damper back to your preferred position and check the drag factor on the PM5. You should notice a decrease compared to before cleaning.
Repeat every 50–100 hours of use, or monthly for regular training. If you have pets, clean more frequently — pet hair is the number one cause of elevated drag factors.
Maintenance Schedule
Home gym (3–5 sessions/week): Clean every 4–8 weeks. Commercial gym (daily use): Clean every 2–4 weeks. Pet owners: Clean every 2–3 weeks. If your drag factor has increased by more than 10 points at the same damper setting, it is time to clean. For a complete Concept2® maintenance guide, check our upcoming article in the blog.
5 Common Drag Factor Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
After years of working with Concept2® athletes, these are the five most common mistakes we see when it comes to drag factor and damper settings. Avoiding these will immediately improve your training quality and reduce injury risk.
Setting the Damper to 10 for Every Workout
The Problem
Many beginners believe that higher damper = harder workout = better results. In reality, a damper setting of 10 creates excessive resistance that exhausts your muscles before your cardiovascular system gets a proper workout. It also increases injury risk, particularly for the lower back.
The Fix
Start at damper 3–5 and focus on technique. Use the drag factor display on your PM5 to find a consistent setting. Most competitive rowers train at drag factors between 120–140 on the RowErg®.
Comparing Damper Settings Instead of Drag Factors
The Problem
Saying 'I row at damper 5' is meaningless without context. Damper 5 on your home RowErg® might produce a drag factor of 125, while damper 5 at the gym produces 140 — because of differences in air temperature, altitude, or how much dust is in the fan cage.
The Fix
Always compare drag factors, not damper settings. Check your drag factor on the PM5 every time you use a different machine and adjust the damper to match your preferred drag factor.
Never Changing Your Drag Factor
The Problem
Using the same drag factor for every workout — whether it is a 5K steady state or a 500m sprint — means you are not optimizing your training stimulus. Different workout types benefit from different drag factor settings.
The Fix
Use the workout-type table in this guide to adjust your drag factor based on your session goal. Lower for endurance, moderate for intervals, slightly higher for sprints.
Ignoring Machine Maintenance
The Problem
Over time, dust, lint, and pet hair accumulate inside the fan cage, increasing air resistance and raising the drag factor at every damper setting. A dirty fan cage can add 20–30 points to your drag factor without you realizing it.
The Fix
Clean the fan cage every 50–100 hours of use (or monthly for regular users). Check your drag factor periodically — if it has increased at the same damper setting, it is time to clean.
Thinking Drag Factor Affects Your Score
The Problem
Some athletes believe that rowing at a higher drag factor will produce a better score. The PM5 self-calibrates using the drag factor, so your score reflects your actual power output regardless of the drag factor setting. A 2:00/500m split at drag factor 110 is the same effort as 2:00/500m at drag factor 150.
The Fix
Choose the drag factor that allows you to produce the most efficient, sustainable power for your workout type. Your score depends on how hard you pull, not on the drag factor.
Track Your Drag Factor with ErgUltra
While the PM5 displays your current drag factor during a workout, it does not store this data for long-term analysis. ErgUltra fills this gap by connecting to your PM5 via Bluetooth and automatically recording the drag factor for every workout — along with pace, watts, stroke rate, heart rate, and all other erg-specific metrics.
With ErgUltra, you can track how your drag factor changes over time, compare your performance at different drag factor settings, monitor your machine's maintenance status (rising drag factor at the same damper = time to clean), and share your training data with the global ErgUltra community. The app turns your PM5 data into actionable insights — making the invisible visible.
Drag Factor Tracking
Automatic drag factor recording for every workout. See trends over weeks and months.
Performance Analytics
Compare your splits, watts, and stroke rate at different drag factor settings to find your optimal zone.
Multi-Erg Support
Track drag factor across RowErg®, SkiErg®, and BikeErg® — all in one app.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concept2® Drag Factor
What is the best drag factor for a beginner on the Concept2® RowErg®?
For beginners, a drag factor between 100 and 120 is recommended. This corresponds to a damper setting of approximately 3–4 on most RowErg® machines. Start at the lower end and gradually increase as your technique improves. The key is to focus on a smooth, connected stroke rather than fighting heavy resistance.
Does a higher drag factor make my workout harder?
Not in the way most people think. A higher drag factor changes the feel of each stroke — it makes the initial pull heavier and slower, similar to rowing a heavy boat. But the PM5 self-calibrates, so your score reflects your actual power output regardless of drag factor. You can achieve an equally intense workout at drag factor 115 as at drag factor 160 — the difference is in how the effort is distributed across the stroke.
Why is my drag factor different on different machines?
Several factors affect drag factor: the amount of dust and lint in the fan cage, air temperature, altitude, and even humidity. A clean machine at sea level in a cool room will have a lower drag factor at the same damper setting than a dusty machine at altitude in a warm room. This is exactly why drag factor exists — it allows you to standardize the feel across machines by adjusting the damper to match your preferred drag factor.
How often should I clean the fan cage on my Concept2® ergometer?
Concept2® recommends cleaning the fan cage regularly. For home users who train 3–5 times per week, cleaning every 1–2 months is a good guideline. For commercial gym machines that see heavy daily use, monthly cleaning is recommended. If you notice your drag factor has increased at the same damper setting, it is time to clean. The process takes about 5 minutes and requires only a vacuum cleaner or compressed air.
What drag factor do Olympic rowers use?
Most competitive and Olympic rowers train at drag factors between 120 and 140 on the RowErg®, which typically corresponds to damper settings of 3–5. Contrary to popular belief, elite rowers do not train at damper 10. They prioritize stroke efficiency and power application over raw resistance. Some may use slightly higher drag factors (140–150) for specific strength-focused sessions, but the majority of their training volume is at moderate drag factors.
Is drag factor the same as resistance?
No. Drag factor is not resistance in the traditional sense. On a Concept2® ergometer, resistance is generated by the speed of the flywheel — the harder you pull, the faster the flywheel spins, and the more air resistance it encounters. Drag factor determines how quickly the flywheel decelerates between strokes, which affects the feel of each stroke. Think of it as the 'gear' you are rowing in, not the resistance level.
Can I compare my scores with someone using a different drag factor?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most important features of the Concept2® PM5. Because the PM5 uses the drag factor to self-calibrate, your pace, watts, and calories are calculated based on your actual power output — not the drag factor setting. A 2:00/500m split at drag factor 110 represents the same physical effort as 2:00/500m at drag factor 150. This self-calibration is what makes Concept2® rankings and indoor racing fair and comparable.
Does ErgUltra track drag factor?
Yes. ErgUltra connects to your Concept2® PM5 via Bluetooth and automatically records the drag factor for every workout. You can track how your drag factor changes over time, compare settings across different machines, and see how your performance varies at different drag factors. This data helps you optimize your training setup and maintain consistency across sessions.
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