Merax Silver Magnetic Rowing Machine 

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I am wondering why Merax does not distinguish their magnetic rowers with model numbers even though they have a couple of them.  

Previously, we have reviewed Merax Black Magnetic Rower and Merax Yellow Magnetic Rower, and now the Merax Silver Magnetic Rowing Machine with a model number 1…well, not so sure if that’s the model number.  

Having said that, this model has improved features than those two aforementioned. Specifically, the LCD monitor is telemetric, meaning, it is compatible with a wireless HR chest strap (not included) for tracking heart rate during a workout.  

However, in my opinion, it is better to get an external HR device that will be more efficient if you wish to keep an eye on your target heart rate zone.  

Meanwhile, if you wish to have a peek at the best price of the Merax Silver Magnetic Rowing Machine, then click right here. 

The Frame & Construction 

The Merax Silver Magnetic Rowing Machine has an aluminum frame, and durable and quality drive plastic covers that are colored black, silver, and white.  

The unit’s overall construction is sturdy. Thus, it supports a maximum user weight capacity of 340 lbs./154.2 kg.

The 3-degree angled rail is 43’’ long and the rear floor-to-seat height is at 12’’. Therefore, users will experience comfortable quick recovery rowing motion that slightly puts resistance on the legs for better muscle toning.  

Also, users as tall as 6’5’’ can conveniently fit on the rowing machine. This also means that multiple users in a family can take a turn exercising with it.  

The base has robust front and rear stabilizers that integrate floor protectors and adjustable levelers. Hence, your floor won’t be damaged by the rowing machine and you won’t experience instability.  

Nevertheless, the use of a protective rubber mat could do a whole lot more by optimizing stability and keeping your floor protected.

The dimensions of the unit are 80.3’’ long by 18.9’’ wide by 31.5’’ high. Consequently, it requires a workout area with measurements of 6’69’’ (203.96 cm) length by 1’57’’ (48 cm) width.  

Reminder, a 2’ extra clearance on both sides of the machine must be considered for safety and ease of access.  

It doesn’t fold for storage but it’s designed to be stored vertically. So, you can simply roll it away for storage via the integrated transport wheels at the front and then raise it from the rear so that it stands upright. After all, it only weighs 59 lbs./26.76 kg which is mostly located at the front part of the unit.  

The storage area required would be 2’72’’ (83 cm) length by 1’57’’ (48 cm) width, then the ceiling height has to be at least 7’.  

The Seat of the Merax Silver Magnetic Rowing Machine 

The seat is pretty similar to the ones on the other models. It is large (9.8’’ L x 12.2’’ W x 2.2’’ H) and contoured to offer maximum comfort to the butt. Unfortunately, some users had to use a cushion to make it more comfortable.  

It integrates 3 big quality plastic rollers that are attached to the 43’’ aluminum rail for smooth and quiet rowing activity.  

The Handlebar 

The 17.5’’ handlebar is just adequate for everyone, regardless of shoulder-width sizes. It is cushioned with anti-slip rubber foam that provides comfortable and secure grips. Therefore, it won’t warrant the use of a pair of hand gloves for rowing.  

It is attached to a 1’’ nylon strap that anchors to the 2.2 lbs./1 kg flywheel in the drive system. 

The Footrests 

The Footrests are rotary by design. This means they pivot to adhere to the movement of the foot during a workout. This greatly reduces the stress that may occur on the ankles.  

They are large and textured with the necessary features that ensure safe and comfortable foot placement.   

The Resistance 

The Merax Silver Magnetic Rowing Machine has a magnetic resistance system that mainly comprises a magnetic brake pad and a flywheel. The magnetic brake pad does not make contact with the flywheel to generate resistance, instead, it releases magnetic fields around the flywheel to cause a drag that will consequently create resistance.  

Hence, no part wears out or requires maintenance, and the rowing machine’s operation remains smooth and quiet such that you can exercise with family members around or neighbors living in close proximity without disturbing them.  

You can also enjoy watching a TV show or listening to music with no noise interference from your workout activity.  

There are 8 adjustable resistance levels that offer different workout challenges. To increase or decrease the resistance level simply turn the tension knob clockwise or anticlockwise, respectively.  

The resistance system provides easy to fairly difficult workouts that could help in weight loss, muscle group toning, strength, and endurance improvement.  

The Console 

The console is supposed to be telemetric. That is, it’s compatible with a wireless HR chest strap, and the device needs to be purchased separately. However, its reliability is not ascertained, hence, it is better to use an external HR monitoring device if you wish to keep track of your pulse rate.  

The console is basic, and it features an LCD monitor that tracks workout stats such as Time, Stroke, Count, Distance, Calories, and Pulse.  

These workout values are displayed one at a time after every few seconds continuously by the SCAN function. Although, it is possible to set a certain workout value of choice to display constantly without switching to another stat.  

The monitor is not backlit; thus, it has to be viewed in a well-lit environment to clearly see the display, otherwise, it will be difficult to view.  

The console is battery-powered (included), and the LCD monitor automatically turns off when there is no activity for a few minutes on the rowing machine, and it automictically turns on when activity resumes.  

Accessory 

There is a tablet holder that is integrated into the console. This is designed to hold a smartphone device for entertainment purposes.  

However, if a device is placed on the holder, it could block the view of the monitor.  

Storage 

This rowing machine does not fold up but could be stored uprightly, meaning it saves even more space than the conventional foldable rowing machines. 

A storage area with measurements of 2’72’’ length by 1’57’’ width will be appropriate for it. Although, do make sure that the ceiling height is at least 7’.  

There are front-mounted transport wheels that enable you to easily relocate the unit around the room.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• It’s sturdy, durable, and stable 
• Supports a maximum user weight capacity of 340 lbs./154.22 kg 
• Long rail beam (43’’) that supports users that are up to 6’5’’ tall and even more 
• It could be stored in a vertical position thereby saving a lot space 
• Its operation is smooth and quiet 
• Features a magnetic resistance system with 8 adjustable levels  
• It provides low-impact and total body cardiovascular workouts that work for weight loss, muscle toning, strength and endurance improvement 
• Easy to assemble 
• Maintenance requirement is low 
• The large and contoured seat integrates 3 big rollers for smooth gliding 
• The 17.5’’ padded handlebar provides secure and comfortable grips, and it suits users of different shoulder width 
• Its LCD monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Stroke, Distance, Count, Calories, and Pulse (if a chest HR chest strap is used) 
• Transport wheel included for easy relocation process 
• A tablet holder is included for smartphone placement 

Cons 

• The monitor does not have back light 
• HR chest strap connectivity is not reliable 
• No water bottle holder 
• A device placed on the tablet holder could block the view of the monitor

Warranty 

• 1 Year warranty 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 80.3’’ 
• Width: 18.9’’ 
• Height: 31.5’’ 
• Storage dimensions: 32.7’’ L x 18.9’’ W x 80.3’’ H 
• Shipping dimensions: 47’’ L x 26’’ W x 9’’ H 
• Maximum user weight capacity: 340 lbs./154.22 kg 
• Maximum user Height supported: 6’5’’ 
• Net weight: 59 lbs./26.76 kg 
• Gross weight: 70 lbs./31.75 kg 
• Seat: contoured and large; dimensions: 9.8’’ L x 12.2’’ W x 2.2’’ H 
• Handlebar: Coated with anti-slip rubber foam and lengthy (17.5’’) 
• Footrests: Large and textured with adjustable safety straps and heel guards 
• Frame: Aluminum 
• Monitor: Basic, non-backlit 
• Resistance: Magnetic with 8 adjustable levels 
• Tablet holder: Yes 
• Water bottle holder: No 
• Drive: Nylon strap 
• Transport wheels: Yes 
• Floor-to-seat height: 12’’ 

Shipping  

The Merax Silver Magnetic Rowing Machine is shipped out in a box that weighs 70 lbs./31.75 kg with dimensions of 47’’ long by 26’’ wide by 9’’ high. Its delivery is often free of charge by some major vendors such as Amazon.  

It takes a couple of days or more (depending on where you are residing), to be delivered to you.  

Assembly 

The rower is easy and simple to assemble. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the assembly because the major parts are already preassembled in the factory.  

The parts to be attached by you include the slide rail, the seat, the stabilizers, and the console.  

Moreover, an instruction manual and tools needed for the assembly are included in the package. Hence, you will be guided for a successful assembly.  

Maintenance 

It will suffice to say that this is a maintenance-free rowing machine. However, just as with everything else, it requires to be kept clean on a regular basis.  

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

Conclusion 

The Merax Silver Magnetic Rowing Machine is a decent unit that is built to provide low-impact and total body cardio exercises at home. It is sturdy, stable, and durable.  

However, even though it is an affordable rower, I may opt for the Merax Yellow Magnetic Rower, which is even cheaper, despite they have almost the same features and construction.  

That said, read the reviews of both rowing machines and make your purchasing decision. The link to the Merax Yellow Magnetic rower is in the second paragraph of this article.