Trouble with PowerFactor readings..

Has anyone else had trouble getting consistent, acccurate readings with push presses and hang snatches? I have tried several set ups and cannot seem to get a consistent or high enough power reading for these lifts even with the bar (no I am not that weak!). It seem like movements with a dip to start are not measuring the peak power of the movement, maybe only the first upward phase after the dip? Anyone else have any thoughts on this or ideas? I have had one of these for a couple of years, but I guess I am still a novice. Thanks!

Also anyone used chains or bands with the PF?

John Odden

I have the same problem with overhead presses, even when following the instructions Craig posted. Sometimes it's great, sometimes I can't
get consistent readings at all. One rep will be above 3 ft/s, the next will be less than 1 ft/s, with seemingly no rhyme or reason.

there has to be some kind of a dip ***at the top*** for the PF to recognize the rep and stop counting. If you don't dip the bar at the top, it just keeps counting until you lower the bar. Even if this is only a split second, it can significantly lower your time. So the PF measures speed by how fast the cord uncoils/unravels, right? If the cord never gets a chance to recoil, it's not sending the signal that the eccentric portion of the rep is completed and therefore the time keeps ticking.

I have the same issue with snatches. Because I catch them high, there is no dip at the top like you would see with an oly lifter. I tend to only sink low enough to catch the bar RIGHT AT the height of the bar path. If I sunk lower and caught it an inch or two below the height of the bar path, it would register the rep.

I hope that makes sense, I don't articulate my thoughts very well sometimes.