The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower might be an entry-level rower that is ideal for home use, however, it has excellent construction, a beautiful design, and it offers the opportunity to give its users a decent, total body cardio workout.
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower is one of the best affordable rowing machines available in the market that comes with a system of magnetic resistance. The machine has a frame that is constructed with steel, thereby making it sturdy and durable.
So, if you have a budget to consider yet you wish to have a well-constructed rowing machine for your home, then the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower is worth picking up.
Read through our Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Review 2021 to get a better understanding of the specifications, features, pros, and cons and whether this machine is the best choice for you.
Best Suited to Whom?
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower offers its users a very smooth and quiet rowing stroke. This is good for people who would want to work out while watching their favorite TV shows.
It is a great option for those who love to exercise in the mornings or for those who reside in small apartments and wish to save on some space. The machine can be folded up and rolled away which helps in easy storage of this machine.
Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Assembly, Design and Build Quality
Assembly
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Assembly process is quite straightforward and simple. It would require a minimum of 30 minutes to set up this machine. The package includes all the tools that are required for the assembling of the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower. It also includes a 1AA battery that is needed for the monitor.
All you have to do is take some time out and read the instruction manual before you begin the process. You might face the issue of removing the monitor from the casing when you have to replace the battery. You can make use of a flat-head screwdriver to sort out this issue.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to any fitness equipment, the build quality is a vital element to be looked into when you opt for a fitness machine priced lower than the rest.
Many times, the models are created in Taiwan or China, and you can expect a lower quality in terms of manufacturing at times. There are a few flaws in the quality of the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower in comparison to other rowing machines in the same price range.
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower comes with a frame constructed using steel and has a seat rail which can handle a user weight capacity of about 264 lbs (120 kg). In this machine, all the steel parts have a durable and corrosion-resistant powder finish.
The covers of the footrests, the flywheel and many other covers of this machine are made using ABS material.The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower machine is not very large in comparison to many other models like the LifeCore R90 and the Conquer AR5600, for instance.
When the frame is completely assembled, the dimensions are around 73″ (185 cm) long, and about 16″ (41 cm) wide. The rail of this machine is quite is long, thereby enabling the machine to accommodate users within the height range of 4’10” and 6’2″ (147 – 188 cm).
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower has end-caps that are adjustable thereby enabling the user to balance the rowing machine on any uneven surface. This is ideal for a stable rowing stroke and makes sure that the rower does not move when in use.
The machine has a center-support mechanism and this adds an additional point of contact with the flooring where you can fold the seat rail for storage. Usually, in many rowers, this is a weak point. The support helps in ensuring sturdiness in the frame and rowing stroke.
The rowing handles and the straps are of good quality and can sustain for a long period of time.However, the design of the footrests of the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower does not appear to be that great. They look a bit cheaply made and they have very little grip and they cannot be adjusted. Also, the heel-cups make you feel that the foot can slip out.
Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Adjustable Resistance Features
LCD display
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower comes with a fitness meter and this is an additional feature over the standard basic unit. The meter has a “Set” function that enables the user to set a countdown value for count, time, and calories burned.
It has quite a large LCD display that tracks the time spent, count (i.e.number of strokes), the total count (i.e. the total number of strokes) as well as the calories burned.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The machine is not telemetric and doe not track your pulse. So, if you need to keep a tab on your heart rate while you exercise, then you may have to make use of a separate heart rate monitor.
Air-resistance
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower does not come with any kind of water resistance or air resistance elements. The resistance system of this machine includes a small magnetic brake that is fixed to the tension dial located atop the front part of the Merax Rower machine via a steel cable.
Check out the Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 in case you wish to compare the Merax and understand the different resistance systems.
Noise
As the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower does not consist of any air resistance elements, due to which the operation of this machine does not generate any noise. This feature of the machine makes it best suited for use in apartments.
The internal flywheel is not very heavy however, this weight is enough to give users a consistent momentum while rowing. The machine is perimeter weighted and this leads to a smooth and steady motion.
Rail
In contrast to numerous magnetic rowing machines, the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower has a rail that is not horizontal. In fact, the rail is set at an approximate angle of 15°.
This feature has two main advantages – one, the rowing motion’s recovery phase is completed a little faster, and during the motion of “leg drive” you will be required to beat a little gravity and this leads to little more consistent workout for your legs.
Cushioned Seat
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower has a seat that is padded and has a contoured top, along with a surface that does not slip and these add to the comfort of the user.
The frame of the seat is well-equipped with about three sets of wheels that combine ball bearings to give a smooth operation. They are concealed in order to increase safety while using the machine. Check out some of our best rowing machines for home use.
Large Pedals
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower has large pedals which are quite comfortable and are pivoting.
Resistance Levels
The rower has about 8 different resistance levels. The highest level of resistance does not provide the resistance that is required by professional athletes. However, it delivers a light or medium cardio workout. This machine is great for a person who wants a workout for the entire body.
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower is a complete magnetic rower. In other words, this unit does not come with any kind of air or water resistance element. The resistance system of the Merax Magnetic Rower includes a little magnetic brake that is connected to the tension dial that is located on top of the machine’s front part with the help of a steel cable.
When you turn the tension dial, the brake component shifts its position in connection with the internal flywheel and this leads to a shift in the intensity of the magnetic field, as well as on the resistance while rowing.
Max User Weight
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower has a frame made of steel and a seat rail that can handle a user weight capacity of about 264 lbs (120 kg). The steel parts are durable and have a powder finish that is corrosion-resistant.
Fixed or Folding
The machine has a folding frame. The rail of the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower can be easily folded and locked in a vertical position. When the rail is folded up, the length of this unit is about 26″ (66 cm) and its height is about 49″ (125 cm).
Footrest
The footrests have a pivoting design. In other words, the footrests of this rower are not welded directly onto the frame. They can tilt either towards the front or back on the main axis so as to give the user the perfect position during every single part of the rowing motion.
They also have adjustable velcro straps as well as heel guards to deliver maximum foot stability.
Handlebar
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower has a pulling handle that includes a straight steel bar having rubberized grips to provide optimal comfort and grip. The handle is fixed to a sturdy and durable nylon strap, which ensures that no lubrication is required as a chain drive.
Additionally, another advantage of a strap is that the user can do side twists while rowing without facing any issues. On the contrary, a chain drive in a rower might jump off its gears in case it is twisted.
Power method
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower is battery-powered. It also comes with a sleep mode that enters once the machine is inactive for a few minutes. You can start up the machine by either rowing or pressing the Start/Stop button.
Transportation Wheels
The front base of the brand Merax Rower comes with transport wheels that help in easy relocation. Additionally, the rear base has two adjustable stabilizers that offer the likelihood to level the unit perfectly on any kind of flooring.
Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Workout Program
This magnetic exercise rower is best suited for users who wish to do rowing exercises at home. It helps them perform a decent and full-body cardio workout. It also offers a low impact cardio workout which makes it suitable for those who do not wish to strain themselves.
Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Warranty
The manufacturer offers a warranty of 3 years on the frame of the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower and a warranty of 180 days on the parts.
Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Adjustable Resistance Pros and Cons
Pros
- The machine has a frame made of steel which makes it sturdy and durable
- It can withstand a user weight of about 264 lbs
- The design is an aesthetic and space-saving one
- The machine has transport wheels that are merged into the front base
- It has adjustable stabilizers at the rear
- The rower has a magnetic resistance system
- The operation is smooth and quiet
- There are 8 resistance levels for light or medium workouts
- The seat is ergonomic, padded and offers optimal comfort
- The pivoting footrests enable to get a perfect foot position
- The sliding beam of this rower can accommodate users who are 6’2″ tall
- It also has an exercise meter
- The assembly process is quite easy
- The machine needs little maintenance
Cons
- The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower does not have the function of pulse tracking
- The meter does not have an LED backlight
- The warranty offered is less just 180 days on parts
Verdict
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower is one of the best entry-level rowing machines and is completely magnetic. It comes with a standard fitness meter. The frame construction is quite sturdy and can support user weight up to 264 lbs. The frame of this unit is foldable, thereby offering the user better storage possibilities if required.
Although the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower might not be a rowing machine for professionals, yet, it can still give its users a good full-body cardio workout. The Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine is a great trainer for those who wish to tone their muscles, build up stamina, and lose some weight.
And finally, the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower is one of the best affordable magnetic rowers available at present. So in case, you are on a tight budget and are looking for a rower machine that will fit into your tiny apartment, this model is the best pick for you.
