Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine Review
MERAX BACKGROUND
This one sure stands out - it's bright yellow! But does it cut the mustard? (see what I did there?) So here's our review...
The Merax looks pretty good for a budget machine, and, let's face it, you're not going to trip over it are you :0) But you don't buy fitness equipment to look good in your room - although perhaps some do.
The Merax looks pretty good for a budget machine, and, let's face it, you're not going to trip over it are you :0) But you don't buy fitness equipment to look good in your room - although perhaps some do.
ASSEMBLY
Putting the machine together couldn't be easier. There's only a few parts to fix as much of it comes pre-assembled. If you can screw a nut onto a bolt, you're sorted. It only takes around 20 minutes at most.
MERAX MAGNETIC
6.5
Merax Magnetic Rower
THE HARDWARE
Once you're ready to go, the seat is a standard one you'll find on dozens of rowers, but it's comfortable and sculptured to fit the standard backside - whatever that might be! The seat is also at a good height off the ground (17.5") which makes it easier to get on and off. Some budget rowers have a very low sitting position which ain't much fun trying to get off if you're knees aren't what they used to be - especially after a long workout.
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The rail is long which means it's suitable for users of up to 6' 5". This is important as a short rail makes it hard to get a full stroke thus reducing the benefits of using a rowing machine.
The pivoting footrests are wide enough and will hold your feet in place - again, important as there's nothing more annoying that having to stop every few minutes to tighten the straps. The handle is padded and should sit well in all but the largest of hands. You won't be surprised to hear the Merax Magnetic uses magnets and a flywheel to provide the resistance for your muscles to work against. This means is a quiet machine to use (much quieter than a rower you may have used in a gym), so if noise could cause a problem with your neighbors, this would be a good choice. |
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The other factor when it comes to noise is the seat sliding up and down the rail (and perhaps you puffing and blowing during a workout). The seat runners are made of resin and appear hard-wearing and make little noise.
The machine can support a user of up to 330 lbs so it's pretty sturdy.
The Merax had 8 levels of resistance that are selected manually using the knob beneath the monitor (see photo). Some magnetic rowers are criticized for having little difference between the highest and lowest settings, but this model has a reasonable range to suit most users.
And when you're done, the machine can be folded to a smallish footprint, and wheeled out of the way.
The warranty is quite limited at just 12 months - but again, bear in mind it's a low-cost model.
The machine can support a user of up to 330 lbs so it's pretty sturdy.
The Merax had 8 levels of resistance that are selected manually using the knob beneath the monitor (see photo). Some magnetic rowers are criticized for having little difference between the highest and lowest settings, but this model has a reasonable range to suit most users.
And when you're done, the machine can be folded to a smallish footprint, and wheeled out of the way.
The warranty is quite limited at just 12 months - but again, bear in mind it's a low-cost model.
 Very basic but adequate monitor |
 Have a guess what this knob does :0) |
DISPLAY CONSOLE
The LCD screen is small but easier enough to read - not that there's much to read though. It is a very simple monitor displaying only the basic workout data such as distance (in meters), time, stroke rate per minute, total count of strokes per workout, and calories (estimated.)
You can select which information you want displayed using the button - there's only one so it's not difficult :0) You can also select 'scan' mode which cycles through all the data every 7 seconds or so.
There are now pre-set programs but then you'll find no budget machine with this feature. Models with pre-set workouts start at around $450.
You can select which information you want displayed using the button - there's only one so it's not difficult :0) You can also select 'scan' mode which cycles through all the data every 7 seconds or so.
There are now pre-set programs but then you'll find no budget machine with this feature. Models with pre-set workouts start at around $450.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
This is quite a decent rower for such a low price. Yes, it's limited when it comes to features, but you have to be preferred to pay at least twice the price for the whistles and bells. It has a good length rail for the taller user, but folds about to a reasonably small footprint. Add that to the quiet mechanism, and it makes for a good choice if you're on a budget and live in an apartment with neighbors who like to complain about the noise :0)
Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
PROS:
- Looks pretty good for the price
- Very quiet
- Sturdy machine - supports a user of up to 300 lbs
- Long rail makes it good for the taller rower
- No mains required - monitor is battery operated
- Easy to assemble
CONS:
- Basic monitor - but it is a budget model
- Rail is straight - some have angled which makes for a better workout
- Lack of any features
- Limited warranty
SPECIFICATION
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Resistance type:
Max user weight: Dimensions: Machine weight: Warranty: |
Magnetic
330 lbs 81" x 18" (W) x 29" (H) 80 lbs 1 year on frame / 6 months on parts |
ALTERNATIVES
For around the same price, the Stamina 1130 is another magnetic machine but smaller if space is an issue. Another alternative is the Echanfit, or if you can stretch your budget further, the Schwinn Crewmaster has more to offer.
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