Product Review: Active Tools Self-Centering Span Gauge

Spread is the distance from the centerline of the shell to the center of the pin. It is a critical measurement to know since it can quickly make your rowing fun or hateful, fast or slow.

Why? Because spread (in sweep) and span (in sculling) is one of the main critical determinants (my way of saying really wicked important) of the leverage of your rigger. And that determines how heavy or light you are geared. Getting your gearing just right is part art and part science. And one of the science parts is measuring your distances correctly so you know what you have.

I reviewed Active Tools Self-Centering Span Gauge over the course of this year. When I first received it, it was not the first tool I reached for to measure the spread . . . I kept grabbing my handy-dandy tape measure. That was more out of habit than out of choice. So I found I had to make myself use the gauge.

After about a week of using it, it became my measuring device of choice. I liked the way it felt, the aluminum is nice, and it gave very accurate measurements. I also found it to be a lot more durable than I thought. One real testimony to it was that the other coaches around also wanted to use it.

The gauge is very easy to handle, and uses a neat system that automatically compensates for distances, so the days of measuring the width of the boat, and dividing by two and then taking that measurement out to the center of the pin are gone. Now all you have to do is place the gauge on the boat, slide the lever under it to the gunwale, pull out the measurement stick, and your done. I timed myself, and could measure an entire eight in about 45 seconds. It would take me about 3 minutes to do one with a tape measure.

Here is a short video of me using it.

Bottom Line

If you find yourself measuring the spread or span of a boat frequently, this might be a good tool for you. It is tough, accurate, and works simply and well. Although some might find the cost prohibitive the Active Tool Self-Centered Span Gauge is a top quality tool that does a great job.

Pros

• simple to use
• storage container included
• easy to read
• quickly gives accurate measurements

Cons

• bulky compared to a tape measure
• significantly more expensive than a tape measure
• just in metric

Details

• Cost: $170 US
• For more information: http://www.active-tools.com/rowing_tools/self_centering_span_gauge.aspx

Measuring Rigger Height in a Rowing Shell (Basic Rigging Video)

The height of a shell’s rigger is important for two basic reasons: efficiency and comfort. When the height is right both of these components are maximized. When the height is off the rower will either be less efficient or uncomfortable, or both.

I recently wrote on how to do a super simple quick rigger-height check while on the water. The following video is about measuring the height while the boat is in slings (although it can be measured while the boat is seats down if you are adventurous).

The steps to measuring are simple, and so are the needed tools. You can go more advanced with tools, such as with the Active Tools rigging stick (which I like) but a basic tape measure and straight edge is really all you need.

Hope this video helps, and if you have questions or comments please leave them below.