How To Read the Graphs
One of the most interesting parts of our 8-Weight Challenge was the great data we got from Admet - which we translated into easily readable graphs. Here's a quick guide to help interpret the graphs.
For each test, the initial rise is caused by the stretching of the line before the drag engages. Once it engages, the drag strength is easily visible on the Y-axis. Drag smoothness is also easy to see. Ideally, you'd want every drag to be a horizontal line, which corresponds to perfectly uniform drag force across the test. In reality, we see some waviness.
1. Slower speeds allow us to see how the drag performs in more detail.
2. The Tibor Signature graph is due to a large amount of startup inertia, as you pointed out. The line stretches more and then the drag gives, which essentially stops the drag again, and the process repeats. If you were to do this at a much higher speed, you'd still see the drop, but the drag would then engage in a more reliable way.