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Merax Water Rowing Machine Review


The Merax Water rowing machine pitches itself right in the middle price-range of the growing number of fluid resistant models on the market. You can get a water machine for as little $350 - see 'Also Worth a Look' below - or pay up to $2,500 for the top machines. But when there are good alternatives to this offering from Merax for less, what makes it worth the extra cost?

Well, there are a few features that might tempt you - read on.

As with all our reviews, we'll start with the assembly. And here's the good news - it's pretty straightforward and shouldn't challenge even the most novice DIYer :0) And one you've completed the task, the rowing position is quite comfortable also. It has a good-sized and supportive seat at a reasonable height so it's not too tough on the old knees. The handle is well-padded and sits nicely in the palms (should be no blisters), and the wide footrests are up to the job off keeping you secure while rowing. But please note, as this is designed as a compact rower to suit smaller spaces so has a short beam - this means it's not that great for users over six feet tall.

It's steel frame provides a solid feel to this rowing machine, even at high stroke rates with the higher resistance. The Merax is also pretty quiet with smooth runners under the seat, so you can enjoy the sound of the water sloshing around in the tank.
Check offer price on Amazon...
So, onto the water resistance mechanism. All rowing machines use either hydraulics, magnets, air or water to provide resistance - more info here. The Merax has an inclined take which they claim increases the level of resistance (maybe, but only by a marginal amount). You can add or remove water to increase/ decrease the intensity of your workout. Note, for around $150 more, you can buy a model, such as the First Degree Newport, that has a lever to adjust the resistance level without the need to mess around with the water in the tank - something to consider.

The Merax tank can provide six difference levels of resistance with a reasonable amount of difference between the highest and lowest to offer a varied number of workout intensities.
Monitor/ Display Unit
​The Merax Water comes with a monitor you'll find on a number of other similar rowers. It's a reasonable-sized LCD screen that easy to use. It displays most of the usual workout data such as duration, strokes, calories, distance, and heart rate (but note, a heart rate chest strap is not included.)

Additionally, it has a race program where you set a stroke-rate and compete against the computer (we love this feature), plus you can set targets for time, distance, strokes, calories, and pulse, then the display counts down until you've achieved this target - another nice touch.
However, the console is not PC-compatible or has the ability to connect to fitness apps - a feature a number of other brands include.
Summary:
The Merax Water is a solid rowing machine. It looks and feels good, the steel frame is well-built and it should give you a few years service. Our only quibble is it looks about $100 over-priced when compared to other similar rowers in this price range - see below.

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.
Merax Water: 7.5/ 10 7.5 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

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rowing machine review likes
We Like...
  • Sturdy steel frame
  • Great seat - very comfortable
  • Will support the 'heavier' user - but not taller
  • Easy-to-read and use LCD monitor
  • Some useful features on console
  • Easy to assemble
​
Picture
We Don't Like...
  • The price tag - a little over-priced in our view
  • Beam not suitable for rowers over 6'
  • Warranty period not great (unconfirmed)
  • Not compatible with PC or fitness apps
​
 
rowing machine review specification
Technical specification: 
Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:

Water
330 lbs

78" x 20" (W) x 25.5" (H)
72 lbs


Picture
Warranty: (unconfirmed)
6 months frame and parts
QUICK REFERENCE
Click image to enlarge
  
Side view of the Merax Water rowing machine
Merax Water rowing machine
Seat on the Merax Water rowing machine
Good, supportive seat
Display on the Merax Water rowing machine
Easy-to-read and use LCD display
   
​
Merax Water rowing machine tank
Uses water for resistance
Also worth a look:
There's a growing number of water rowing machines in the mid-price range including the Sunny Obsidian and Xterra 600W - many share the same components. Or at the upper end of this price range, the Sunny Phantom Hydro is well worth considering. But just to confuse matters, the Fitness Reality 3000WR is also a contender.

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Do you have a Merax Water? We'd be interested in your comments
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  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer