Merach Fitness Q1S Review

MERACH BACKGROUND

Please note, there are three versions of this machine. This review is for the top model of this range, the Merach Q1S. So, let's get started. While there's quite a few features to this model, it still sits in the budget rowing machine price range.

​Merach only came onto the market in 2018, so have a limited track record to compare to other similar priced brands. Their goal is to bring quality, smart fitness equipment to the home at a reasonable price. And from what I've seen (and heard) of them so far, I'd say they appear to have made a good start.

Oh, and before I go on, just to clear up one point, it's pronounced 'Merak' so it rhymes with sack and not batch :0)

ASSEMBLY

Most of the components are pre-assembled so you only have to fit nine pieces. However, the instruction manual isn't the easiest to follow. And while there's only nine machine parts, there's a heck of a lot of screws, nuts and washers! But if you have a basic level of DIY skills it shouldn't be a challenge and will take around 30 - 40 minutes to complete. 

MERACH Q1S

 7.8 7.8 Stars

merach q1s rowing machine
Merach Q1S

THE HARDWARE

The frame is constructed of alloy steel and aluminum and is built to a high quality for a low-cost machine. It's a compact model (see dimensions below), so takes up relatively little space for a rowing machine. It has a dual rail and six rollers beneath the seat which makes for a smooth and quiet operation - particularly important if you don't want to annoy the neighbors :0) ​
It's also quite sturdy for a small machine. It weighs in at around 59 lbs and can support a user of up to 350 lbs and the manual specifies up to a height of 6' 7". However, I would say 6' 5" is a more realistic height as anyone taller would struggle to get a full finish - see rowing machine technique for an explanation.

The seat is the generic one you'll see on many rowing machines and is comfortable and supportive for long workouts. The all-important footrests do a good job of keep your feet in place for a good drive and return to the catch position. If you've ever used a gym machine that's seen too many years of usage and the velcro and pivots are worn, you'll know just how annoying it can be if your feet keep slipping!

The handle is well padded and sits comfortably in the palm of your hands.​
The resistance mechanism is electro-magnetic and provides both smooth and quiet resistance - see more about types of rowing machine here. But briefly, it uses magnetics to slow down the flywheel spinning when you pull. There are 16 levels of difficulty and unlike some budget machines, the difference between 1 and 16 is good. This allows for a purely cardio workout at the lower levels, and more or a workout for your muscles at the higher levels. The resistance settings can be changed using the knob on the central console.
merach q1s rowing machine console
Monitor is Bluetooth enabled for fitness apps

THE SOFTWARE

This is where it gets interesting. The Q1S can be used with the standard LCD screen that display all the usual workout data such as distance, time, calories burned and row count. There's a slot for smartphone and tablet and that's what give the Q1S a head start over other machines in this price range.

The basic console is... well, pretty basic. But if you use the Merach Fitness  app for workouts (it's also compatible with Kinomap), it can be a real motivator. You just download the app to your phone and connect it to your rower. Then all your workout data is stored so you can track your progress over time - nothing is more satisfying than seeing your performance improve.
There are a number of workouts such as HIIT (hi-intensity), endurance and goal-setting. The icing on the cake though is the real river rowing workouts - and the speed of the video is sync'd with your stroke rate. There are workouts suitable for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced level user. However, the app is not able to change the resistance level on this model, so you need to stop to select if you wish to ramp things up, or slow things down. The app will do this for Merach's higher spec machines.

Note, 2 x AAA batteries are provided to power the monitor.

REVIEW SUMMARY:

For the price you get quite a machine! The build quality is good for a budget model and has the feel of a machine costing twice that. But where it comes into its own is with the Merach Fitness App. Not so long ago you would have never seen anything like this feature on a machine costing less than $1,000, let alone $500. Things are moving on at a pace with tech in the home fitness market and Merach has done a good job bringing it into the range of more people's pockets.

So here's a hat tip to them :0) This is a great machine to get you started on your road to fitness on a rowing machine. 

IS THE MERACH Q1S FOR YOU?

YES - if you're on a tight budget but still want a taste of the latest tech, a rowing novice, but not too fussy about the hardware
NO - if you're looking for a tough rower that will last years with even more fancier hi-tech - but be prepared to pay at least twice as much.

MY OVERALL SCORE:

I gave the Q1S a score of 78% - which is the highest rating for any machine I've tried coming in at under $500. It has some pretty impressive features for a budget machine and would suit those new to the world of rowing to get them well on the way to fitness.

PROS:

  • Compact machine takes up little space - but suitable for tall rowers
  • Good value for money
  • Some great features for a budget rower
  • Looks pretty good - although taste is a personal thing :0)
  • Twin rail for quiet and smooth seat action
  • 16 levels of electro-magnetic resistance
  • Quite sturdy for a compact machine
  • Bluetooth enabled for use with Merach and/or Kinomap fitness apps
  • Good selection of training programs (include scenic rows)
  • Reasonable build quality (alloy steel and aluminum) for a low-cost machine
  • Transport wheels make it easy to move out of the way when done
  • Can be stored vertically out of the way - small footprint

CONS:

  • Not suitable for intermediate rowers and above
  • Manual selection of resistance level - note, the Fitness Apps can't change the level with this model
  • We've heard some have had issues with Bluetooth connectivity, but this wasn't an issue for me.

SPECIFICATION

Resistance type:    ELECTROMAGNETIC
Max user weight:  350 lbs
Max user height:   6' 7" (but we think 6' 5" is more realistic)
Dimensions:           65" (L) x 19.3" (W) x 24.8" (H)
Storage footprint: 19.3" x 24.8"
Machine weight:    59 lbs
Warranty:               2 years on frame / 1 year on parts and monitor

ALTERNATIVES

Fitness Reality 5000x: 7.5/ 10 7.5 Stars
This is a budget water resistant rowing machine so quite different to the Merach. People either love them, or hate them, but I have a soft spot for the swish of the water in the tank. The 5000x also comes with a fitness app - worth a look.
See FITNESS 5000X REVIEW >>>
Circuit Fitness Deluxe: 7.5/ 10 7.5 Stars
For less bucks than the Merach, the Deluxe magnetic rower offers great value for money. It doesn't come with the whistles and bells, but it's a good, solid rowing machine that has a good feel to it.

Read CIRCUIT FITNESS REVIEW >>>
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