| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Frame | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Merax P2000 Check Discounted Price | L:81.5" W:20.5" H:20" | 220 lbs | Steel & aluminum | Water | Time Distance, SPM, Strokes, Calories, Pulse, Goals |
The Merax P2000 is one of the water resistance rowers released in 2020. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Marcy NS-6070RW but has a wider rail made of aluminum. It also features a folding frame and a different performance monitor model.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 81.5L x 20.5W x 20H inches (207L x 52W x 51H cm)
- Supported weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Frame: Steel and aluminum
- Resistance type: Water
- Performance monitor: Time, distance, strokes, strokes per minute, calories
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
The Merax P2000 features a considerably sturdier and bulkier frame than the older Merax water rower. The 
front section of the frame that encases the water resistance tank is made of thick steel tubing with top ABS side guards. The machine’s rear stabilizer is also made of steel. All the steel tubes are painted black with a durable, corrosion-resistant powder finish.
The machine’s rail is made of extruded aluminum. It is not painted like the steel frame parts; it has its own natural polish. It is quite a bit wider than for other rowers in order to provide extra stability for the seat. It’s fairly long, providing approx. 34″ (86 cm) of travel for the seat. This means that the rower should accommodate comfortably users up to 6’4″ (193 cm) allowing a complete leg extension. It’s also important to mention that the rail is not completely horizontal. It is slightly inclined forward which adds a bit of difficulty for the leg push (or drive) during the rowing motion.
The fully assembled rower is fairly large. It is approx. 81.5″ (207 cm) long, and 20.5″ (52 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the unit for easy access. But on the other hand, the rower features a folding design. The rail can be folded up. With the rail folded up, its base remains at a footprint of 34.6″ x 20.5″ (88 x 52 cm) while its height reaches 56.7″ (144 cm).
The rower features three base stabilizers. The front one is equipped with a set of small wheels that facilitate the relocation of the rower. The rear base stabilizer is equipped with a set of levelers that can be adjusted. The middle base stabilizer rests on two rectangular rubber pads for improved stability.
Seat and other parts
The Merax P2000 water resistance rower is equipped with an ergonomic seat. It features a similar design
to the seat of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5854 magnetic rower. Its top section is made of a thick layer of high-density foam which is contoured and textured to provide improved adherence. Its base frame is made of steel. It integrates two sets of wheels that slide through the side grooves of the rail.
The wheels are concealed by the side sections of the seat’s base frame for extra safety. They integrate sealed bearings for a smooth motion and their outer layer is rubberized for reduced noise.
The seat and rail assembly is pretty sturdy. It is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg) and users have reported that the machine holds well even if the user is heavier.
The Merax P2000 rower is equipped with a set of two large footrests. They’re 12.2″ (~31 cm) so they should be able to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have a textured surface, heel guards, and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability.
The machine’s footrests are not size-adjustable. They also don’t pivot on their axis. Their base frame is steel made and sets them to an angle of approx. 45°. The footrests themselves are made of heavy-duty thermoplastic material.
The machine’s pulling handle features an ergonomic design. Its grips are slightly curved to reduce the impact on the wrists. They’re fully covered by a layer of rubber foam for extra comfort. It’s important to mention, though, that they don’t integrate any pulse sensors.
The pulling handle is attached to a durable nylon strap, highly resistant to abrasion. Although it does not have the lifespan of a chain drive, similar to the one on the Concept2 Model D rower, it still comes with a few advantages. For example, it does not require lubrication, it doesn’t make any noise, and generates less vibration.
Resistance system
The Merax P2000 rowing machine is equipped with a standard water resistance system. It integrates a 
large tank made of durable polycarbonate material. Its exact capacity is not specified but as a general idea, it should be around 4 gallons (15 liters).
The main resistance-generating element is the flywheel integrated into the tank. This flywheel is similar to an impeller and attached to the tank’s pulley system and to the pulling handle. As you pull the handle, it spins into the water adding resistance to the rowing motion.
The water tank does not have any manual or automatic resistance system. However, you can adjust the overall provided resistance by removing or adding water. The tank has 6 levels marked on it. As a general idea, if the tank is filled to the sixth top marking, the rower should generate the highest possible resistance level.
It is also important to mention that the rower provides a dynamic response. This is basically a characteristic of all water resistance rowers and air resistance rowers. It means that the resistance generated depends on your stroke rate. In other words, the faster you pull, the faster the flywheel will spin into the water, and the more resistance you will get.
In terms of generated noise, the machine can be heard when in use. It is not completely silent as a full-magnetic rower. However, the noise generated is minimal and most users actually find it relaxing.
Performance monitor
The Merax P2000 is equipped with a performance monitor that offers quite a few more features than a 
basic model. To begin with, it has an LCD display divided into 9 sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible. It tracks time, distance, strokes, strokes per minute, calories burned, and heart rate. It’s important to mention that the rower does not have pulse sensors, so in order to monitor your heart rate, you will have to opt for a wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included.
The performance monitor offers the possibility to set up goals for time, strokes, and calories burned. If a goal is set for any of these metrics, it should count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. It has two reset buttons, one for clearing the selected goals while keeping the total distance traveled, the other is a hard reset which clears all the values to zero.
The unit is battery powered. It starts up when you begin rowing and should automatically turn off if it does not detect any activity on the rower for several minutes. It also integrates a device holder on which you can place your smartphone or tablet. However, it does not have Bluetooth or any other ports to connect your device to it and is not compatible with any fitness apps.
Assembly and Maintenance
The water tank comes pre-assembled and attached to the front section of the frame. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will have to connect the front stabilizer, insert the seat on the sliding rail, connect the rail to the front frame part, add the rear stabilizer, the footrests, and the performance monitor. This may take an hour of your time, but the task if straightforward and the manual provides clear assembly instructions. All the necessary tools are also included.
Once the machine is assembled, all you have to do is fill the tank with water and start rowing. For maintenance, the water inside the tank should be purified with special chlorine tablets for rowers. Other than this, you should keep the machine clean, especially the rail to prevent any damage to the seat wheels.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame with aluminum alloy, wide rail;
- Folding design;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Contoured seat for optimal comfort;
- Large footrests with adjustable straps;
- Water resistance system which provides a dynamic response during rowing and natural feel;
- Performance monitor included – it shows time, distance, SPM, total strokes, calories, and pulse;
- Multi-window display on the performance monitor for the possibility to view as many workout metrics as possible at once;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Device holder included;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- Pulse strap is not included;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The Merax P2000 is a water resistance rower designed for home use. It features a sturdy frame with a wide, folding aluminum rail that offers 34″ inches of travel for the seat. It has a comfortable foam top seat, a set of large fixed (not pivoting) footrests, and a multi-window performance monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics. It’s an excellent machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also considerably more affordable than a commercial water resistance rower offering excellent value for the price.