| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Merach Q1 Check Discounted Price | L:68.1" W:19.3" H:24.8" | 350 lbs | 52 lbs | Magnetic, 16 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Scan, Bluetooth, Kinomap compatible |
The Merach Q1 is one of the rowing machines released at the beginning of 2022. It’s a smart rower featuring a LED console similar to the one included with the RHYTHM FUN Mini-Change treadmill. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and you can pair it with your phone via the Kinomap app.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 68.1L x 19.3W x 24.8H inches (173L x 49W x 63H cm)
- Assembled weight: 52 lbs (23.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Motorized-magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: Time, speed, distance, calories, scan, Bluetooth, Kinomap compatible
- Warranty: 12 months
Frame construction
The Merach Q1 rower features a steel frame made of oval tubing, painted black (there is also a white version) with a
durable, corrosion-resistant, and chip-resistant paint finish. It’s a dual-rail machine, similar to the OVICX rower. The rails feature aluminum covers to protect the paint finish of the frame.
The rower also integrates several plastic parts. The most notable ones are the covers of the flywheel, the footrests, and several other small covers.
The rower is not extremely large. It is only 68.1″ (173 cm) long, and 19.3″ (49 cm). However, the length between the footrests and the rear section of the rails is approx. 46″ (117 cm). Therefore, the machine should be able to accommodate users up to at least 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension.
This particular rower does not have a folding design, like the Sporfit ROW-F0701, for example. However, it can be stored vertically. The front unit that hosts the drive and resistance elements has a rubber bumper at the front which can serve as a stabilizer when the machine is stored vertically.
The rower is also fairly light. Its net weight is approx. 52 lbs (23.5 kg). This being said, the packaged unit can be carried by only one person. Once the unit is assembled, it is even easier to transport as its front base has a set of small wheels. The rear stabilizer features adjustable levelers, and there is a third leveler on the frame section under the footrests.
Seat and other parts
The Merach Q1 rower is equipped with a sturdy seat and rail system. It’s actually rated for a maximum user weight limit 
of 350 lbs (159 kg), which is quite great for a home-use machine. The top of the seat is approx. 12.2″ (31 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface. It is also contoured for extra comfort.
The top of the seat is made of high-density foam in order to reduce some of the impact on your tailbone. The base of the seat is steel-made. It integrates three sets of wheels. Two sets slide on top of the rails, while the third set slides on their bottom closing the seat on them for extra stability. The wheels are V-groove type. They’re made of polyurethane (or nylon) with sealed internal ball bearings.
As we’ve mentioned above, the footrests of the Merach Q1 rower are made of a durable thermoplastic material. They are pretty large, approx. 11.4″ (29 cm) long, and 4.9″ (12.4 cm) wide so they should be able to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They also have adjustable straps.
The unit’s footrests are not fixed. They have a pivoting design and can swivel back and forth on their shaft. They have stoppers at the heel, though, so they won’t swivel back past an angle of approx. 65°.
The pulling handle has a pretty simple design. It features textured sleeves made of high-density foam for an improved grip. It does not have pulse sensors or other controls for the rower. It attaches to a heavy-duty tension belt made of polyethylene fiber highly resistant to abrasion.
Resistance system
The Merach Q1 rower is equipped with an electromagnetic resistance system. This means that it requires an external
power source to make the resistance adjustment possible. An adapter with cable is included with the machine.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a small servo motor which makes the connection between the brake and the console. When you adjust the resistance from the knob around the console, the motor changes the magnets’ pull which increases or decreases the rowing difficulty.
The main advantage of the magnetic resistance is that the magnets don’t touch the flywheel. This results in a very smooth rowing sensation. It also means that you don’t have to take the front unit of the rower apart to lubricate the brake or replace the brake pad. Plus, the usage of the rower is very quiet.
The machine makes available 16 levels of resistance. The internal flywheel is not super heavy; it’s only 6.6 lbs (3 kg), so the lowest resistance level delivers a fairly light workout difficulty. Conversely, the 16th tension level offers considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants to improve strength and stamina, and burn more calories.
It’s important to mention, though, that the Merach Q1 rower does not provide a dynamic response during usage, like the rowers with air resistance or water resistance. In other words, the resistance does not depend on how fast you pull the handle. It only depends on the selected level on the console. This shouldn’t be a problem, as the machine does provide a pretty consistent workout, the only difference is that the rowing sensation is not as close to rowing a real boat, as is for a water or air rower.
Console
The Merach Q1 rower is equipped with a pretty neat console. It features a circular LED display with the tension 
adjustment knob incorporated. It has touchscreen technology and it can also be pressed for the turn-on function.
The console tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. Speed and distance are shown in British Imperial units (MPH and miles); you cannot set them to metric units. It does not have a pulse reading function, though. In other words, you cannot sync it with a wireless heart rate transmitter.
The console does not have pre-set programs in its memory. However, it has Bluetooth connectivity and you can sync it with your phone via the Kinomap app. This app is available for both iOS and Android phones. It is not completely free; in order to access some of the features such as coaching videos, you will need to pay a monthly subscription. However, it does have several free features. Plus, it shows extra workout metrics such as stroke count, watts, time/500m, and more. It’s important to mention that once the rower is connected to the app, depending on the training mode in use, the app can automatically adjust the resistance of the rower.
The usage of the app or the Bluetooth connection is not necessary to use the rower. However, if you’re not going to pair it with the app, you can only adjust the resistance manually, from the knob incorporated into the console.
As we’ve mentioned above, the rower comes with an adapter which you must connect to a power outlet in order to power up the console. The console cannot function with batteries. It also has an automatic turn-off function. It will turn itself off if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than 3 minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the machine with the resistance system and the console comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the front stabilizer, the rail system with the seat, and the footrests. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the rower clean, especially the rails, to prevent any damage to the wheels. The internal mechanism does not require any maintenance or lubrication.
The Pros
- Solid frame – can support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg);
- Dual rail system for extra seat stability;
- Can be stored vertically;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the mid base and rear base;
- Padded seat for optimal comfort;
- Large, pivoting footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
- 16 levels of electromagnetic resistance;
- Smart touchscreen console – it can track time, distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Kinomap app;
- Device holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the tools for the assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The Kinomap app requires a paid subscription for certain features.
Summary
The Merach Q1 is a rowing machine made for home use. It features a 16-level electromagnetic resistance system, a sturdy dual rail system with a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs, and a console with Bluetooth connectivity and compatible with the Kinomap app. It’s a rower for users of all levels, for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.