@Barrett24
I had this issue as well when I started my classes with Echelon. The zones (initially) felt too subjective. I was used to instructors that gave specific resistance ranges. And Echelon does have that as well, 3 I can think of right off hand are Lindsay Gurry, Dallas Jones, and Chris Tracey.
Echelon uses 5 zones and they have you determine them by perceived exertion. The zones are: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, Hard and All Out. Initially did not have an easy time figuring out how to determine these zones. But...read below.
That said, I posted a very similar question on Echelon's Facebook group a while back and got so much amazing feedback. Many people recommended taking a Jama Oliver class, in particular her 45 minute endurance ride. And they were so right! She helps you figure out your zones based on output. This was gold to me! I needed objective data; I like numbers. I also took a fusion class of hers and now I know what output number I should see when an instructor says “moderate, challenging, hard, or all out.” This has changed my entire view of the Echelon classes. I can still take a class with an instructor that gives specific resistance, but I’m actually starting to really enjoy using the zones.... a lot!! When I use zones, the numbers I resistance I use is specific to me. My focus shifted from the numbers they called out to seeing what my output number was when they called out whatever zone I needed to be in. Typically, most instructors will call out the cadence and zone, then you adjust the resistance to meet the right output number for you. I also know as my fitness increases, my zone output numbers will change. I’m loving this change in perspective!
Since that post, I also decided to do Power Zone Training with Peloton, so I have now taken a FTP test. This really helped determine my zones, although Peloton breaks it up in to 7 zones.