review – I have been exercising 4 days a week for years. By exercising, I’m talking about weight-based workouts, because I’m also walking 20 minutes twice a day on the treadmill Monday-Friday. When it comes to my workouts, I use Boflew, got a brief gym membership at Planet Fitness (this was long before the pandemic), and lately, my equipment of choice is the budget-level TotalGym, which has some resistance when I’m bored When the band will throw in. Boredom is a valid word there. Like with gadgets, I get bored using the same gym equipment day in and day out. So when it came time to propose a review of the Merach Q1 Smart Magnetic Rower, I thought it would be an interesting change of pace. Let’s have a look!
What is it?
The Merach Q1 Smart Magnetron is a rowing machine that uses magnets instead of air, water or hydraulics for resistance.
What’s in the box?
- Merach Q1 Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Assembly tools
- AC power adapter
- manual
Assembling the Merach Q1 Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine
Before you start using the Merach Q1 rowing machine, you need to assemble it. Don’t worry though, it’s not a difficult process and it’s easy to assemble it yourself by following the step-by-step instructions.
The only step in assembly that worries me is attaching the rails to the main unit. I couldn’t slide the rails far enough to get access to the screw holes.
But then a light bulb went off in my head and I lifted the machine off its “back” so I could use my body weight to pull down from the top of the track. This makes it easy to install the rails. Plus, in this position, you can roll the rower into a corner and let it sit out of the way.
There are two stick-on pedals/feet on the bottom bar with wheels. One of the sticky pads fell off whenever I tried to move the paddlers. The adhesive is not very strong, so it needs to be glued in place. Not a big deal, but I think it’s worth mentioning.
Design and Features
Once the Merach Q1 rowing machine is fully assembled, you can start using it.
The Q1 comes with a comfortable sliding seat, Velcro foot straps and an adjustable phone holder.
The Merach Q1 also has a handle/paddle for rowing motions. The handle has a rubber overlay for a comfortable grip. A strap is attached to the handle, as is the flywheel inside the unit.
This rowing machine also features an electronic control knob that communicates with your phone and the Kinomap app via Bluetooth. A display built into the control knob shows speed, duration, distance, calories burned, resistance level and stroke rate.
Kinomap app
You can use the Merach Q1 Magnetic Rower without the app, but the app makes this exercise machine more fun and helps track your performance and improve over time.
The only problem is that the Kinomap app is only free for 14 days. After that, you have to pay a monthly subscription fee of 11.99 euros. Merach will soon offer its own app for $9.99 for the first year, then $19.99 per month. This annoys me. I hate it when you buy a product and have to spend more to take advantage of all the features.
The Kinomap app lets you choose from a variety of training sessions, scenic rowing sessions, and more.
The app connects to the Q1 rowing machine via Bluetooth to control resistance during training sessions.
You can then view real-time statistics for the session.
If you don’t use the app, you can use the control knob to change resistance and view your real-time stats.
Walk around your (virtual) boat
Getting started with the Merach Q1 rowing machine is as easy as sitting on a sliding seat, anchoring your feet to the footrests, pressing the control knob to turn on the unit, then using the Kinomap app or manually adjusting the resistance control knob by turning.
see it in action
I’ve never used a rowing machine like this before, so don’t comment on my form because I know I’m not that good at it yet. Even if I’m not in good shape, rowing on this machine gets my heart rate up within minutes, and I can easily work out a lot of sweat.
I’ll mention that I’m 5’6″ and I don’t think the rails on this machine can accommodate really tall people. This is just a guess.
what do I like
- easy to assemble
- quiet
- Ability to stand up when not in use
- Kinomap app controls resistance levels for rowers
what would i change
- Includes free subscription to the app
- Rails may be too short for some
final thoughts
I’ve been curious about rowing machines for a long time, and when the Merach Q1 Magnetic Rowing Machine was offered for review, I was excited to try it out. I love that it’s easy to assemble and that the app gives you a wide variety of rowing lessons. I also like that the machine is quiet and doesn’t disturb others while you’re exercising, even if they’re in the same room as you. I do hope the app doesn’t require a subscription. Given that this unit is over $500, you’d think they could throw in for free.
price: $539.99
where to buy: Amazon
source: Samples for this review provided by Merach.
