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
Table of Contents
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
- 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.
Merach Rower Alternatives
Xebex AirPlus Rower
The Xebex AirPlus Rower is similar to the Dragonfly rower in that it has magnetic and air resistance.
It has also folds in half to save space and has a set of wheels that make it easy to roll around.
This one does have a damper to control air flow and a display console to track metrics.
Current price on this rowing machine is $1010.
Rogue Echo Rower
The Rogue Echo Rower is the new kid on the block in the rowing machine space.
In typical Rogue style, it is overbuilt and comes with oversized turf tires.
It does have an adjustable damper and digital display console but no magnetic resistance.
This currently sells for $895.
Yosuda Dragonfly Rower
The Yosuda Dragonfly rower is a more affordable option that comes without a digital display console.
This lets you use your phone or tablet with any fitness app or just for entertainment purpose while you row.
It uses air resistance and 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
Concept 2 RowErg
The Concept 2 RowErg is considered the top of the line and gold standard when it comes to rowing machines.
It also has a digital display console, adjustable damper settings, and can be broken down into two sections to save space.
Version with the standard leg height (14″ seat height) currently sells for $990 and the version with tall legs (20″ seat height) sells for $1150.
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!
Merach Water Magnetic Rowing Machine Review
I like having the combo of magnetic and water resistance in the same rower.
Sometimes I use just the water resistance and other times I use both.
Regardless of what resistance method I use, the motion is very smooth.
And the workout always kicks my ass which I love!
Check Out The Merach Water Magnetic Rowing Machine
Merach Water Magnetic Rowing Machine
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