The Merach water magnetic rowing machine is a dual resistance rower.

If you’ve ever used a rower, you know the workouts gas you out quick.

Dual resistance makes an already brutal workout deadly (in a non-dying way).

I’m a glutton for punishment so I’m excited to try the Merach R06 rower.

Let’s check it out!

Unboxing

merach water magnetic rowing machine reviews

The Merach rowing machine came in one box.

I was expecting a bigger box but they packaged everything tightly and made all the parts fit well.

Here’s everything out of the box before I assembled it.

It comes with the frame separated in half, three legs (front, middle, and rear), seat, two pedals, AC adapter, water dispenser, and hardware.

Assembly

The Merach R06 comes with an instructions manual but I just watched the video above.

This was one of the easiest assemblies I’ve done and it took roughly 30 minutes.

Specs

merach water magnetic rowing machine review

Weight capacity: 350 lbs

Weight: 50 lbs

Resistance: Water and magnetic (Dual resistance)

Frame: Alloy steel and aluminum

Magnetic resistance: 16 tension levels (requires electricity)

Dimensions: 74.8″ L x 20.8″ W x 34.6″ H

Features

Water Tank

The water tank comes attached to the frame and gives the rowing machine a nice aesthetic look.

Right on the top left side of the water tank there’s a rubber plug.

It’s easily pulled off just using my fingers.

The rowing machine came with an automatic water dispenser but I didn’t use it.

I just filled it up manually with a water hose.

On the left side of the tank there’s 6 levels of resistance levels.

I filled it up to the highest mark so I can get the most resistance when working out.

Right above the resistance level marks you can see rubber seals sandwiched in between both halves of the tank.

Both halves are held together tightly by screws to prevent leaks.

LCD Monitor

Right in between the pedals there’s a round LCD monitor that applies magnetic resistance and helps me keep track of several metrics.

But in order to use it, I have to connect the rowing machine to an electrical outlet.

The AC adapter inserts on the left front side of the frame.

Once I insert it, the LCD monitor automatically turns on and beeps.

I can change modes on the LCD monitor by pressing it.

To adjust the levels of magnetic resistance, I get to the Levels mode, then turn the dial around the monitor.

Other modes include number of reps (count), calories, time, distance, and speed.

Pedals

The pedals are made of hard plastic and have spike-like bumps on them to prevent slipping.

And on top of them there’s velcro straps that secure my feet to them.

From this angle you can see there’s a lip on the back of the pedal for extra support so my heel can rest on there.

The pedals swivel as my feet move so they flow with the motion of my ankles.

Right below the heel you can see there’s a metal rod that prevents the pedal from moving forward as I push off.

And here’s what my feet look like once I’m all strapped in.

Between the heel support and velcro straps, my feet don’t move at all.

Handle

The handle is fully rubberized and is connected to a strap that looks like seatbelt material.

I like that it’s fully covered so I can grab it from anywhere.

When it’s not in use, the handle retracts by itself and sits on two hooks.

I’m not sure how long the strap is but it’s pretty long.

Sometimes I attach my Angles 90 grips to the handle so I can get my elbows further back and get a bigger contraction in my back muscles.

Seat & Tracks

The seat is thick and feels very comfortable.

It gives a little bit but it’s still supportive and has a cut out in the front to make it comfortable for the jewels.

Right below the seat there’s four rollers that glide up and down two tracks.

The double track is lined with aluminum that gives it a smooth motion.

From the side you can see the tracks are slightly angled up towards the back so I’m pushing back against gravity.

Legs

The front legs have wheels that touch the floor when the rower is tilted forward.

As it is, the Merach R06 is not heavy but this makes it way easy to move around.

The middle leg adjusts in height by twisting it clockwise and counter-clockwise.

This gives the rowing machine more support.

The back legs are the same.

Rubberized and adjustable to give the rower stability from front to back.

Device Holder

The device holder is basic.

It has a rubberized surface, a lip to hold a device, and tilts.

Storage

One thing I really like about this Merach rowing machine is that I can stand it up to save space.

On the front there are two rubber squares screwed to the frame.

These are feet that allow the rower to stand up vertically so it takes up way less space when I’m not using it.

As you can tell by the way I use my walls, I’m big on home gym storage and organization to get the most out of the space I have.

Merach Fitness Workout App

I don’t follow a particular workout when using the rowing machine.

But I do like that Merach Fitness has their own app with workouts specific to their equipment.

It’s free and has a lot of follow along workouts.

Water vs Magnetic Rowing Machine

Water and magnetic resistance rowing machines use different mechanisms of resistance.

A water rower uses fan blades to push against the water for resistance.

With water rowing machines, the resistance is unlimited so the faster I row, the more resistance I create.

Plus I get to hear the water like if I was really rowing (it’s very therapeutic)

Magnetic resistance rowing machines are controlled manually.

So the resistance is constant regardless of how hard I pull.

The Merach R06 rower has both types of resistance integrated into the same machine…

Dual Resistance Rowing Machine

Having dual resistance takes workouts to another level.

On top of the water resistance I have the ability to add 16 levels of magnetic resistance.

And just like when I use my elliptical machine, the Merach rowing machine is a whole body workout.

I like to use it at high intensity so that I can get a quick cardio workout on my non-lifting days.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Resistance: Water and magnetic resistance combo give me a killer workout

Comfortable: Seat cushion is thick, soft, and very comfortable

Stable: Three adjustable legs give it good stability so it can be used on all types of flooring

Smooth motion: Pedals and seat move smoothly and without restrictions

Storage: Stands up vertically to save floor space when not in use

Trackable: LCD monitor keeps track of metrics

Cons

Maintenance: Water rowers require a water change every 6 months or so. It’s not hard to do, just requires more work than magnetic rowers

Merach Discount Code

This Merach rowing machine is currently listed on their website for $499.

But I’ve got an exclusive coupon code specifically for this rower and my readers only.

Click here and use coupon code 170FORSD at checkout for a massive $170 discount!