Before our house was hit by the tornado and my vasa erg crushed I had one and used it about. 2 x week.

I loved the vasa erg. I don't have room for one now. But it is a great piece of equipment. I found that for wetsuit swims it kept me very fit, gave me good form and kept me strong. My wetsuit times were just as good as when i simply swam 3 x week and no vasa. Plus, it was a "substitute" for not going to the pool when time did not allow.

I think a perfect swim week for me would be 2 long pool interval sessions and 2 vasa sessions per week.

I highly recommend the vasa erg. I wish I had mine back.

Hope this helps.

Eric

I've found good use on my Halo Swim trainer since this summer. 10 min 3 x week to supplement swims.

http://www.haloswimtraining.com/guest/index.php

I use a vasa ergometer 2x/wk. Not sure if it helps actual swimming or not but it has more resistance and you can measure your power output. I also use the simulated rowing for additional core strengthening.

Lightheir, we have one at my training facility in SF - great tool. Feel free to come on by during class hours and check it out.

Also, for those cyclists/triathletes whose travels take them to San Francisco, feel free to drop in on our indoor cycling classes - power-based training using the CycleOps 300Pro Indoor Cycles. Injured runners might opt for the Alter G.

Michael McCormack
www.m2rev.com

Michael....where is your studio located in the San Francisco area. Would love to drop by if schedule permits. I was in San Jose for 5 out of 10 weeks this fall...hopefully I don't have to be on that travel schedule in the new year, hopefully less than once a month, but would love check out your place and try the vasa erg and your cyclops machines. What pedal system do you have on them?

I've posted some reviews, so I won't repeat. But I still have mine, still use it, and I think it is a great piece of equipment. Aftrer having it for many years, I have found this: I can go a year with no swimming, just training on vasa, and still jump into an Olympic distance tri and swim around 27-minutes, which is fine for me. Only thing is my heart feels a bit higher than normal in the triathlon swim when I am training exclusively on the vasa (but that goes away after the first minute or so). Bike and run improved dramatically when I had more free time for that and less time getting to and from pool. Last year, I signed up for Alcatraz for first time, and the swim made me nervous, so I spent a lot more time swimming than in the past. In about a month of swimming 3 times a week in the pool, my swim times were best ever for me, and I got down to a 25-minute Olympic distance swim by end of summer.
So: If you want to swim fast, I would recommend vasa plus pool. If you want to maintain and can handle slightly higher heart rate in actual race, can train exclusively on vasa. Also fun for basement brick workouts.

I was interested in one last year and tried one for a quick 20 minutes or so stopping to ask questions. My problem was that it forces you to be flat the entire time. I swim with a good amount of rotation and by it's very nature the Vasa won't and can't account for that. I asked 'so if I swim and I'm up on my side like this when I initiate the catch in the water, how is this helping me by forcing it totally flat'. He had no response for that and that was the end of my Vasa test. Now then maybe there is a way to incorporate that and the salesman didn't know? I just know I felt zero similarity to my 'water stroke' b/c it forced me to stay totally flat.

I'd be interested if someone could answer that for me, perhaps a Vasa rep in on here?

I'm curious if anyone has heard from Vasa recently? I was interested in testing one out and maybe purchasing this past year. I emailed several times over the course of about a 3 month period, and ordered the DVD and brochure as well. I didn't receive the DVD, brochure, or a return email. Their customer service seems to be lacking (to say the least).

Dev, thanks for checking in. We are in downtown San Francisco, 1440 Bush Street which is just off of Van Ness, and a pretty easy shot coming up the 101.

Pedals are SPD. We could either loan you a pair of cycling shoes or you could bring your own pedals and swap them out. The CycleOps bikes are sweet, and we have a lot of fun toys - Alter-G, high speed16mph treadmill, vasa ergometer and benches, TRX, etc.

We run a 60inch plasma and BlueRay in front of class; TdF videos, NFL games, etc. - currently having fun making our own "Powerfest Videos" using footage we gather from our rides on classic NorCal routes, road and off-road.

Let me know when you will be in town.

Best,

Michael McCormack
www.m2rev.com

Ed,

I happened to notice your comments on ST today. I apologize if you have not received the information you requested. That must be frustrating for you. Also I am very surprised to read that you have not received our typical outstanding service. We pride ourselves on such and I will investigate what happened in your case.

It would be very useful to know the forms by which you attempted to contact us so that we can fix anything not working properly.

Please feel free to contact me directly with your requests. We'll make it happen.
Sincerely
Rob Sleamaker


Founder and Owner
Vasa, Inc.
1 Allen Martin Drive
Essex Junction, Vermont 05452 USA
Telephone: 802-872-7101
Fax: 802-872-7104
Email: robert@vasatrainer.com
Vasa website: http://www.vasatrainer.com

Again to you, I am sorry you have not received the information you were seeking from my company. This is quite uncharacteristic of Vasa and I will look into the reasons why you did not get a reply.

If you will email or call me, I will personally attend to your needs and get the information you need to make a good decision.

Coincidentally, there was a recent pod cast Q &A from Coach Al Lyman. The question came from a triathlete wanting to know:
Vasa Ergometer or CompuTrainer. Here is the link to listen to the coach's answer.

http://pursuitathleticperformance.com/...eter-or-computrainer

Rob Sleamaker
Vasa, Inc.
1 Allen Martin Drive
Essex Junction, Vermont 05452 USA
Telephone: 802-872-7101
Fax: 802-872-7104
Email: robert@vasatrainer.com
Vasa website: http://www.vasatrainer.com

I purchased a Vasa Erg a few years back and still use it regularly. I use the Vasa Erg to develop muscular endurance/strength rather than as a replacement for pool swimming. I believe that you can more effectively develop a good EVF swim stroke using the Vasa Erg as compared to swimming in the pool. I tend to do shorter workouts with a high damper setting and a low arm turnover to focus on my catch and pull. You still need water to work on balance, timing, rotation, etc. I feel the investment was worthwhile and has helped with my swimming.

I have been using the Vasa Erg since 2007. I train with it 2x/week throughout the year. Come May/June when the outdoor pools open, I'll add two pool sessions to the mix. This has been what I have needed to stay competitive for my AG when I race Sprint to HIM.

Vasa customer service has always been great. On any given day when you call, don't be surprised if the owner (Rob) picks up the phone. Vasa makes a great product and I have never been disappointed.
-Joe

In my experience the Vasa Erg has been the best training tool next to the bike power meter.

It absolutely without a doubt worked for me.
During the racing season I mix pool and Erg sessions. For 7 months through the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011 I trained exclusively on it. In the first race of 2011 my pace was as good as the last race in 2010 and probably better (hard to compare different swim courses).

Of course I'm sure I'd have been faster if I'd gone to the pool during the winter too.
The manufacturer doesn't recommend training exclusively on it.
But, the Vasa Erg saved me tons of time to spend with my family or to ride/run more.

I love it.

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____________________________________________________

"on downhill bits I can sometimes attack without pedaling =)

it is the uphill bits that are hard though" Jackmott

I have been using an ergometer since the late fall of 2008 and find that it will do different things for different people. If you have good swim form and are one of those guys (like desert dude) who can jump in a pool after months off of swimming and swim 1:30 100s then that person could probably "swim" using the Vasa two or three times a week and never go to a pool but still crush the rest of us in a tri swim.
If you don't swim regularly because pools are darn inconvenient then you can definately up you fitness level with a Vasa.
If you are a bad swimmer because you have bad swim form then the Vasa will only make you a more fit bad swimmer.
For the past three years I have used mine about eight months out of the year; I tell myself every fall that I need to "swim" through the winter and then just cannot do it. That said, I have equalled my best (still modest) tri swim times by swimming only on the Vasa and only getting wet at races.
The ergometer has a power function that provides a similar function to a bike power meter and so this past year I used it to do threshold and VO2 swimming and that was all I did; generally 2-3 times per week. By late September, after starting in late March, I did a pool swim that was faster than I had ever managed before.
Definately a great tool that makes your training time more efficient.
Chad
P.S. Just a warning. If you think pool swimming is a boring as it is, then the Vasa is even worse. Use it to get on, warm up quick and then hammer hard. Or you can watch a movie and zone out. I even read a book using a Kindle. That definately helps.

Have one, love it when I use it. Wish I used it more.

I happened upon this video clip on YouTube... when you buy the erg it comes with a full length video showing and describing different uses. Thought this might answer your question about roll/rotation?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-u0akR23yo&feature=related

Chad,

I certainly appreciate your positive comments about the Vasa Ergometer, which you have generously submitted on ST.

However, I cannot completely agree with your recent statement:
"If you are a bad swimmer because you have bad swim form then the Vasa will only make you a more fit bad swimmer."

It is true that if one uses a poor form swim stroke on the Vasa Ergometer, it will likely improve the fitness, yet it is unlikely it will magically improve one's stroke technique. Perfect practice makes perfect.

In fact, many swimmers with poor stroke technique actually leverage the unique characteristics of the Vasa Ergometer frame, resistance, and power meter to make significant improvements to their swimming form and efficiency. It works even better with occasional feedback from a qualified coach and also if the athlete arranges a mirror or video camera to see themselves. The latter is especially valuable when fatigue begins to set in.

Allow me to post a recent email note from a Vasa Erg user. It is merely one of numerous comments we receive from swimmers, coaches and triathletes of all abilities who use the Vasa Ergometer to improve their technique, as well as their swim-specific fitness:

story: "I am a 46 year old masters swimmer and am faster now than I was in my
thirties, and much credit goes to my Vasa Ergometer. When I first started
training on the erg, I would "pretend" I was swimming in the water. Now that
I understand the biomechanical advantage of stroke training with the Vasa,
it's just the opposite. When I'm swimming, I "pretend" I'm on the Vasa
ergometer! The result has been more distance per stroke and less fatigue for
equal yardage!"

Available on the Vasa website are several video clips that were produced to assist in making improvements to stroke mechanics. They use the Vasa Ergometer as the teaching framework, however the technique advice may be used effectively in the pool or open water, regardless of using a Vasa Erg or not. I hope that will prove useful.
http://www.vasatrainer.com/...age=movie_BT_KPN_EVF

Rob, are there any plans to allow you to export a workout from the vasa erg? For example it would be useful to be able to upload a data file to training peaks.

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____________________________________

Are you ready to do an Ultraman? | How I calculate Ironman race fueling | Strength Training for Athletes |

robgray,

In the Fall of 2013, we will be launching a wireless version of the power meter for the Vasa Swim Ergometer. It employs ANT+ technology for transmitting data to a variety of receivers. Athletes and coaches will be able to upload data to Training Peaks, and use it with Trainer Road or Wahoo Fitness apps.

One useful function is the ability to monitor Right and Left arm Power independently in real time. This biofeedback will allow the athlete (and coach) to balance R & L power during the workout, which is telling once fatigue sets in. This affords the athlete and coach to diagnose the imbalance and take corrective measures on and off the Vasa Swim Erg to achieve R & L power balance and develop fatigue resistance while maintaining efficient Freestyle technique.

If you are interested, please contact us at Vasa for more information and notifications.
Thank you,

Rob Sleamaker
Vasa, Inc.

Has the ANT+ function been released yet?

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My Blog - My Tweets - My Strava
My Bikes - CF SLX, 622SLX, O-1.0, AL9.0, 4.3Disc, Slice BI, C60

http://kayakpro.com/swimfast/

We have a new Swim Ergo out, regards, Gray

Looks really nice. Too bad the pricing is just as painful as the vasa... :(

Yes with ATN+ function now - and to come compatibility with iPhone, tablets and all other smart devices. One of the principle reasons we are developing this smart device compatibility is that you will be able to wirelessly program and display workout sessions, record previous training data etc.

Yes, I agree and understand, - part of the main reason why we are integrating SwimFast with smart devices is that we can at a later stage sell the SwimFast without console - reducing the cost, by simply substituting your smart fone - as the data programming storage and interactive platform....Hope this helps.
We think the SwimFast even now has any upgraded features that will make it value for money.

Gray

Can it transmit data to something like a Garmin device?

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Nanoo Nanoo

The Vasa Computer works with Garmins ANT enabled devices, as long as you have the Ant+ VASA Computer!

---

My Blog - My Tweets - My Strava
My Bikes - CF SLX, 622SLX, O-1.0, AL9.0, 4.3Disc, Slice BI, C60

Not yet, but integration with other devices is something - through smart device apps is something we are considering and working on.

Yes, the same with the SwimFast on board console it is ANT+ compatible. http://kayakpro.com/swimfast/index.php

I can't find any ANT+ info on their website. I recall reading that they were going to offer some sort of ANT+ towards the end of last year.

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Nanoo Nanoo

Vasa were kind enough to send me an early version of their ANT+ enabled Computer! Disclaimer: I did pay for it myself. Looks exactly the same same as their standard version! Works fantastic, when I m using it, which sadly is not enough, although with winter coming up now, I will start using it more to work and improve my technique again. The two months I used it quite heavily for technique training in Feb and March this year did pay off overall in the season with a 28min swim at Mallorca 70.3 with Wetsuit, and a 59:44 Swim at Ironman Mallorca which was non-Wetsuit Swim.

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My Blog - My Tweets - My Strava
My Bikes - CF SLX, 622SLX, O-1.0, AL9.0, 4.3Disc, Slice BI, C60

That's great news. I was holding off for ANT+ and can't wait until they release it to the general public.

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Nanoo Nanoo

It's important to use correct technique while on a swim bench. Keep high elbows, proper head position and straight spine.

Is it possible to retrofit the Ant+ computer to the older Vasa Erg?

Thanks,
Ken

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"the trick is to keep losing weight until your friends and family ask you if you've been sick. then you know you're within 10 pounds. if they start whispering to each other, wondering if you've got cancer or aids, you're within 5. when they actually do an intervention, you're at race weight." - Slowman

Great question...In for reply

That would be awesome.

Maybe they would sell less $2000 units, but they could probably sell a lot of $100 (?? a guess) ANT+ adapters?

I'm interested in a reply

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~The Diesel~

Yes
http://vasatrainer.com/power-meter-ant.html

Thanks!

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~The Diesel~

What is the difference between the Vasa Erg and the Vasa trainer?

I used Stretch Cordz for a while to build strength, but wanted a more robust trainer, so I bought an Erg. Got a great deal on a new Erg for $1200 that was never taken out of box for 2 years, so I couldn't pass it up. I use it 3x a week. It feels like swimming with paddles and I can save time by performing my swim strength work at home. Still go to the pool 3x a week to build endurance. It has been great and I have improved my 70.3 swim by 5 minutes and my 100m times by 10s. My lats feel less fatigue allowing me to focus on my stroke and body position. Still a slow swimmer, but feel fresher coming out of the water.



Vasa Trainer: Works by body weight. Steeper incline = more resistance. Bench slides up and down.
http://vasatrainer.com/vasa-trainer.html


Vasa Erg: Works by resistance (level 1-7). Incline is static. Bench can slide, but stays in same place depending on resistance. Tracks cadence, power(left & right or both arms), and distance on a head unit (optional ANT+).
http://vasatrainer.com/vasa-swim-ergometer.html

So I raced IMMT for the 2nd year in a row. I swam a 1:37 last year before I got a VASA Erg. I improved to a 1:17 this year and I credit this to my work on the VASA erg. I found that my work on the VASA has improved my strength and form. My weekly workouts consisted of 2 pool swims and 2 VASA workouts a week because that is all the time I had. It definitely help to improve my pull. I'm still slow and will never be a fish, but am a lot faster now and came out of the water feeling fresher.

Great work jdais!!! Congrats on the 20-min improvement!!! Have you noticed any changes in your upper body due to getting stronger???

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"Anyone can be who they want to be IF they have the HUNGER and the DRIVE."

I have been focusing on my form not just strength. You can get the same effect from using paddles in the pool, but I find that dry-land training works better for me for convenience. In the past my shoulders would get very sore, but now I have a better EVF and feel my lats doing most of the work. No real size added to my upper body. I think I improved my efficiency in the water and definitely felt fresh coming out of the water.

If I were to ever have to move somewhere where i did not have easy access to a pool, i would def look at getting a Vasa but for me, i have 4 pools within a 15 min drive from my house. Also, i just love being in the water anyway, always have. Anyway, congrats again on your big improvement:)

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"Anyone can be who they want to be IF they have the HUNGER and the DRIVE."

Congratulations on your improvements! That's fantastic and consistent with many similar reports we receive from Vasa Swim Erg and Vasa Trainer users. We've posted a new video technique clinic by Karlyn Pipes on our YouTube channel that you will find useful in continuing your improvements. Here's the link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLndFq9-c_rxD_obLvtKa70K71S0SCGCyh

Do let us know how we can be of further service.

Thank you!
Rob Sleamaker
Vasa