Cox Box - Strokes Per Minute (SPM) or Rating

Strokes Per Minute (SPM) or Rating

Almost all modern cox boxes have a liquid crystal display, showing the strokes per minute (SPM). On most Cox box systems, a magnet is positioned under the stroke man's seat. In bowloaded boats, the magnet is placed under the bow man's seat. As the rower moves up the slide (moving forward to prepare for the next stroke), a measurement is taken, and fed to the cox box. The stroke seat (first rower in the stern) sets the rate of rowing for the whole crew so this is very important. The Cox Box also usually features a timer which can be stopped, cleared, and reset, along with a stroke counter. For early morning or late evening rows, the Cox Box is also equipped with a backlight.