Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine Review

The Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine is an electromagnetic resistance rower that was released sometime in 2022 and was designed for home use. It has a sturdy build that supports up to 350 lbs./158.7 kg maximum user weight capacity.

It is Bluetooth enabled and compatible with 2 different workout apps, which include the free Merach workout app and the Kinomap workout app.  

Click right here to have a quick peek at the best price of the Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine.  

The Frame & Construction 

The Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine features a double rail to which the seat is attached. The dual rail and the stabilizer bars with adjustable levelers make the rowing machine’s stability top-notch.  

The rower is built on a steel frame that is coated with black anti-corrosion paint. Although, the rails have aluminum tops for protective and smooth slide purposes.  

Other parts such as the drive system covers, the footrests, and the stabilizers’ end caps are made of durable plastic.  

The Merach Q1 Magnetic Rower is not large, it is about the same size as the Bluefin Fitness Blade 2.0 Rowing Machine. The overall assembled dimensions are 68.1’’ long by 19.3’’ wide by 24.8’’ high. 

Simply put, the workout area required would be 5’57’’ (173 cm) in length by 1’6’’ (49 cm) in width, plus additional clearance of at least 2’ on each side and the rear for safety and convenient workout performance.  

Even though it is not foldable like the Sharevgo SRM1000 Rower, it is still storage-friendly because it could be stored vertically for minimal storage space occupation. Moreover, the integrated transport wheels at the front base facilitate its easy relocation process.  

Additionally, the rail length is 46.1’’ and it is estimated to support users that are up to 6’1’’ tall and 350 lbs./158.7 kg maximum weight.  

That said, if you are taller than 6’1’’ and still wish to use the rowing machine you can request a longer rail from the manufacturer that could support up to 6’7’’ tall users.  

The Seat of the Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine 

The seat is padded, and contoured for improved long-lasting comfort. It integrates durable dual rollers at the top that fit onto the dual rails and one underneath for smooth, quiet, and stable motion movement.  

Having said that, you may use a gel seat cover to further enhance the comfort level of the 9.5’’ long seat.  

The Handlebar 

The handlebar is straight and coated with anti-sweat rubber foam for enhanced secure and comfortable grips.  

It is attached to a 1’’ nylon strap that is connected to the drive system. Thus, its operation is smooth and quiet as opposed to rowers that use a chain.  

Although, the handlebar does not have heart rate sensors or control buttons integrated into it.  

The Footrests 

The footrests on the Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine are made of durable plastic with a metallic core. They are large and textured with adjustable safety straps so that users’ feet can fit in securely and comfortably. Users won’t feel ankle stress because they pivot to adapt to movements during a workout. 

The dimensions of the footrests are 11.4’’ long by 4.9’’ wide, therefore, most foot sizes can be accommodated.  

That said, if you have larger feet that do not fit in, you can request better footrests from the manufacturer.  

The Resistance  

The Merach Rowing Machine features an electromagnetic resistance system with 16 adjustable levels. It comprises magnetic brake pads, a small servo motor, and a lightweight perimeter-weighted flywheel.   

This means that the rower needs to be plugged into a power outlet in order for the resistance to be adjusted. Hence, a power adapter comes with the rowing machine.  

Resistance is generated when the servo motor moves the magnetic brake pads close to the flywheel. Therefore, the resistance strength level is determined by how close or far away the magnetic brake pads are from the flywheel.  

You can increase or decrease the resistance level by turning the tension knob that is around the console clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively.  

Moreover, the resistance adjustment knob features an auto-follow adjustment system. What this means is that when an instructor on the workout app suggests tuning the resistance level to 8 to 15 resistance level, the rowing machine will automatically adjust to 10 or a level that is between the target range.  

Also, one of the advantages of this resistance system is that it doesn’t require maintenance or replacement of any part since no part wears out during the process of generating resistance.  

Secondly, the operation of the rower remains silent, smooth, and stable.  

The 16 resistance levels provide easy to reasonably difficult workout experiences that could help anyone with the goals of losing weight, improving stamina, and toning muscle groups to achieve them.  

The Console 

The console is built into the resistance control knob. It features an LED monitor that tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Calories, and Average BPM with good readability that cannot be diminished even when viewed in a poorly lit room.  

The Distance stat is measured by miles only.  

Unfortunately, the console is not telemetric. This means it cannot be synced with a wireless HR chest strap device, and it does not have preset workout programs.  

If you must monitor your heart rate, you will have to use an external heart rate monitoring device.  

However, as aforementioned, the console is Bluetooth enabled and it’s compatible with the free Merach workout app and a third-party workout app, Kinomap.  

The Merach workout app and the free version of the Kinomap offer limited workout resources. But to unlock more features like live coaching workout videos you will have to subscribe monthly.  

If you wish to try the paid membership for the workout app you can email them at [email protected] for a 180-day free trial.  

The free workout apps allow you to track your workout progress online in Realtime, and there are also a couple of workout videos to watch.  

These apps are available for Android and iOS-based smartphones and they are free to download and install.  

The console is powered by electricity through the included adapter.  

Accessory 

There is a tablet holder integrated right above the handlebar and the console so that a device that is placed on it won’t block the view of the display. The tablet holder accommodates a smartphone or even a tablet device for the purpose of watching workout or entertainment videos.  

A water bottle holder is not incorporated into the rowing machine. 

Storage 

The Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine is not foldable but it can be stored in an upright position which takes a lot less storage space. Thus, it is storage-friendly because it only takes about 1.6’’ by 2.1’’ storage space.  

You can have it placed in the corner of the room and one can hardly notice its presence. The integrated transport wheels at the front base also help to easily move it to and from the storage space.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• Strong frame with dual-rail 
• Supports up to 350 lbs./158.7 kg maximum user weight capacity and 6’1’’ tall user 
• Its operation is smooth, quiet, and stable; thanks to the belt drive system 
• The electromagnetic resistance system with 16 adjustable levels provides workout challenges for weight loss and overall physical fitness improvement 
• It is storage-friendly; can be stored vertically 
• Transport wheels included for an easy relocation process 
• The seat is padded and contoured for maximum comfort 
• The handlebar is coated with anti-sweat rubber foam material for secure and comfortable grips 
• The footrests pivot and they are large and textured with adjustable safety straps 
• A longer rail and larger footrests can be requested if the ones on the rower are small for you
• The LED monitor tracks Time, Distance, Average BPM, and Calories with good readability 
• The console is Bluetooth-enabled and Merach & Kinomap workout app compatible 
• A 180-day free trial membership for the workout app is available
• Tablet holder included 
• Transport wheels included 
• Easy to assemble and assembling video available 
• Tools and instruction manual available 

Cons 

• No water bottle holder 
• No preset workout programs 
• No heart rate monitoring function 

Warranty 

• 1 Year  

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 68.1’’ 
• Width: 19.3’’ 
• Height: 24.8’’ 
• Shipping dimensions: 43’’ L x 22.5’’ W x 12.5’’ H 
• Floor-to-seat height: 10’’ 
• Net weight: 52 lbs./23.58 kg 
• Gross weight: 62 lbs./28.12 kg 
• Maximum user weight capacity: 350 lbs./158.7 kg 
• Supported height: Up to 6’1’’ 
• Seat: Large, contoured, and cushioned; dim.  
• Rail length: 46.1’’ 
• Handlebar: coated with anti-sweat soft rubber foam 
• Frame: Steel/aluminum 
• Footrest: Large, pivoting, and textured with adjustable safety straps and heel guards 
• Drive: Nylon belt 
• Resistance: Electromagnetic with 16 adjustable levels 
• Monitor: LED 
• Bluetooth connectivity 
• The console is Merach & Kinomap workout apps compatible 
• Transport wheels: Yes 
• Tablet holder: Yes 

Shipping 

The Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine is shipped in a box that weighs 62 lbs./28.12 kg with dimensions of 43’’ long by 22.5’’ wide by 12.5’’ high.  

Amazon offers free shipping and could deliver in a couple of days or in weeks depending on the destination.  

Assembly 

The rowing machine is not complicated to set up because the major components are preassembled. You are only required to attach other parts such as the rails, the seat, the stabilizers, and the footrests to the core unit.  

The setup will take a maximum of an hour or less depending on your prowess.  

The set-up video is available, and the instruction manual and tools are included in the package.

Maintenance 

The maintenance needed is to keep the unit clean at all times. Also, make it a routine to regularly check the parts to be sure they are tight and in good condition before use for a workout.  

The storage area must be dry, clean, and cool.  

Conclusion 

The Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine is a full-body and low-impact indoor exercise machine that features an electromagnetic resistance system with 16 adjustable levels. It is designed for home use and has the capacity to support up to 350 lbs./158.7 kg maximum user weight and a 6’1’’ tall individual. The console is Bluetooth enabled and compatible with Merach and Kinomap workout apps.