Thank you for asking why and staying curious.

I break down three areas of the damper in this video.

What is it? (@0:17)

The damper simply adjusts how much air is let in or out of the fly wheel compartment. By letting more air in (a 10) you feel more resistance and by restricting the air flow you feel less resistance.

The reason there is a damper setting on the rower is to simulate rowing on the water to create different resistances and drag factors.

Finding The Right Damper Setting (@3:20)

Test different ones out. Be ware of your technique. A lot of people feel “better” at a higher damper because it improves their connection to the rower and in turn their technique. If you can only row will at a high damper than practicing you row technique can make a huge difference.

Generally higher damper settings are for distance and slow twitch athletes and lower settings are for sprinting and fast twitch athletes.

Check out the Dark Horse Workout to find your preferred settings.
https://youtu.be/rySeSi93KYc

Calories vs. Meters (@10:23)

Production is production. Good technique is the name of the game. What is the best strategy for calories? We want good technique, consistency, and efficiency. What is the best strategy for meters? We want good technique, consistency, and efficiency.

Check out these videos from Dark Horse Rowing

• Damper in 2 minutes - https://youtu.be/JY0DaUZ2Jao

• Damper for Calories vs Meters - https://youtu.be/rK4McdYmetM

• Find Your Efficiency Point for Damper - https://youtu.be/4COPlfJfnuA

• Find Your Ideal Damper Setting - https://youtu.be/rySeSi93KYc

Thank you and cheers,
Coach Berek

Check out the full video podcast here —-> https://youtu.be/S4KigqRpElU