The Concept2 RowErg is an iconic piece of fitness equipment, cherished by athletes and home exercisers alike for its durability, reliability, and smooth performance. Used in professional rowing competitions for over four decades, it’s undeniably a favorite — earning our top spot in rowing machine reviews year after year. However, its hefty price tag (around $990) puts it out of reach for many. Luckily, the Merach NovaRow R50 offers an appealing alternative without sacrificing quality.
Similar Design, Budget-Friendly Price
At first glance, the Merach NovaRow R50 and Concept2 RowErg are remarkably alike. Both feature sturdy frames, 10 levels of air resistance, basic LCD displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with popular fitness apps like Kinomap, asensei, and EXR. The key difference? The Merach NovaRow R50 comes in at a significantly more approachable $639.99, making it over $350 cheaper than its premium counterpart.
Assembly and Storage: A Mixed Bag
Putting together the Merach NovaRow R50 takes less than an hour, mostly thanks to pre-assembled parts. While manageable for one person, a second set of hands is definitely recommended for ease (and safety) due to the machine’s substantial weight (29 lbs heavier than the Concept2 RowErg). The real snag is storage. Unlike some rowing machines that can be folded upright, the Merach NovaRow R50 requires detaching the rail from the flywheel when not in use – a somewhat cumbersome process that might be a deal-breaker for those living in smaller spaces or lacking help with lifting and maneuvering.
On the plus side, this design lends itself to accommodating taller and heavier users. The Merach NovaRow R50 can handle weights up to 350 lbs and heights up to 6 feet 10 inches – impressive specs at this price point.
Comfort Meets Functionality: A Balancing Act
The Merach NovaRow R50’s design has its highs and lows. The generously padded seat, crafted from foam leather instead of the Concept2 RowErg’s more plastic-focused approach, makes for noticeably better comfort during longer workouts. The handle is firm, grippy, and slightly longer than on the Concept2 – a welcome improvement that doesn’t feel intrusive.
Adjustable footplates with six sizing options offer a decent fit but could benefit from increased flexibility. Remember, wearing proper training shoes while using these footplates is recommended.
The LCD display, however, feels like an area where budget cuts were made. While it clearly displays essential metrics (time, distance, calories, strokes per minute, wattage), its two-tone design and the constant cycling through stats make readability difficult, especially in bright light. The included phone holder is also rather narrow and might struggle to keep larger devices secure during vigorous workouts.
Air Resistance Performance: Smooth and Quiet
Despite the minor drawbacks in aesthetics and app integration, the Merach NovaRow R50 truly shines when it comes to performance. Its air resistance system delivers smooth strokes with no jarring or delayed response from the flywheel – even at higher intensities. The difference between each resistance level is distinct and noticeable, allowing for precise workout adjustments.
One of the most impressive aspects is its surprisingly quiet operation. While air resistance rowing machines are notorious for being loud, especially at high speeds, the Merach NovaRow R50 remained remarkably subdued (reaching a maximum of 77 dB). This puts it on par with noise levels found in a moving car or busy street – a significant improvement over louder competitors like the Concept2 RowErg.
The Bluetooth connectivity is reliable and seamless, pairing easily with the Merach app (free to use) and other third-party fitness platforms. The provided Merach app itself is basic but functional for tracking metrics and accessing guided workouts. For those craving more interactive experiences or virtual rowing environments, additional subscriptions might be necessary for apps like Kinomap.
Should You Take the Plunge?
The Merach NovaRow R50 is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a high-quality rowing experience without breaking the bank. While it doesn’t boast all the bells and whistles of premium smart rowers, its smooth performance, affordability, quiet operation, and solid build quality make it a fantastic value proposition.
Consider this rower if:
- You prioritize budget-friendly options without sacrificing core functionality.
- A reliable workout experience with good resistance progression is essential.
- Quieter operation during workouts is important to you.
Look elsewhere if:
- A touchscreen display, gamification, or an extensive library of online classes are top priorities.
- Compact storage solutions (folding mechanism) are crucial due to space constraints.
