One of my biggest exercise hurdles is finding a way to stay in shape while being stuck inside. On those days, a water rowing machine is a lifesaver.
The Merax Water Rowing Machine is one of the best rowers because of its convenience and ease of use regardless of experience.
Below you’ll learn more about this exercise machine as well as what to look for in water rowers and any alternatives you might want to consider.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Water Rowing Machine
Before we dive into my review about the Merax Water Rower, let’s discover more about water rowing machines and what features are best to look for when shopping for one.
Resistance
Water rowers aim to resemble real rowing as much as possible. So, resistance is provided via the water and the blades inside the tank.
There are different ways to adjust the resistance. Some water rowers only change resistance by having you add water to the tank.
Others are self-regulating. This means you change the resistance level based on how soft or hard you decide to row.
Monitor
Most exercise equipment today allows you to keep track of your workout routine.
On a rowing machine, you should be able to monitor things like distance, strokes, calories burned, time, and more. Many also let you cycle through various workout modes to change up your day-to-day routine.
The monitor screen should be easy to read too so you can check on your progress at a glance.
Some have multiple buttons to handle each feature, while others have a more simplified build with one-button operation.
Storage
One thing I love about rowers is that you can tuck them out of the way when you’re done.
Take a look at the transportation wheels to see if they glide easy enough for you to slide the rower to the side. Consider the weight of the rower as well since you’ll have to tilt it upright to move it on the wheels.
Ease of Use
You want to break a sweat on your water rower, but not because it’s difficult to use.
The rower should have a smooth glide so you can get an efficient exercise. It helps if it’s low in noise too other than the gentle swishing of water from the tank.
Introducing the Merax Water Rowing Machine
The Merax Water Rowing Machine is a dynamic water rower that lets you customize your rowing experience.
You can adapt the resistance as well as switch up the workout modes when you’re ready to up the intensity and get more competitive.
With the large LCD screen monitor, you can keep track of your progress with ease.
This water rower even has a compact build with built-in wheels so it won’t take up too much space in your home.
Pros
- Stable construction
- Comfortable, wide seat
- Smooth rowing action
- Good for small spaces
Cons
- Disappointing warranty
- Monitor can be hard to read
- Poor instructions
Features & Benefits of the Merax Water Rowing Machine
This water rower from Merax aims to give you a realistic and dynamic rowing experience.
There are several benefits you can gain thanks to its standout features.
Ergonomic Design
The Merax Water Rowing Machine features a 19in. long handle to help you achieve smoother gliding movements.
You’ll feel secure as well thanks to the contoured molded seat that sits 12in. above the floor.
The footrests, 12in. in length, provide additional security with the adjustable Velcro strap. You can pivot with ease, a helpful feature once you increase resistance.
Inclined Water Tank
The Merax Water Rowing Machine stands out against the competition thanks to the design of its water tank. Instead of it being flat, it sits at an incline.
With this unique design, you may notice a stronger level of resistance that improves your aerobic workout.
This water tank has a pleasing aesthetic as well. It’s sleek with a comforting blue appearance to help the water standout more.
6-Level Water Resistance
Unlike some other water rowers that allow you to change resistance based on a setting or on how strong you pull it, the Merax Water Rowing Machine adjusts resistance according to how much water is in the tank.
There are six levels you can fill the water to. At the lowest setting, there’s a minimal amount of resistance. Level three provides adequate resistance for average users and any higher than that creates an intense rowing workout.
Resistance adjustment levels such as these give this machine a universal appeal for people at various fitness levels, giving them confidence that they can use it.
Also, this lets you increase the intensity as your skills improve during your fitness journey.
LCD Monitor
The Merax Water Rowing Machine has a smart digital monitor that has a low profile so it won’t interfere if you look at the TV in front of you.
On the monitor, there are multiple features you can cycle through:
- Time
- Strokes
- Distance
- SPM (speed per minute)
- Calories
- Pulse
There are quick start and stop options so you can jump into your workout by pressing one button. If you want something more challenging, you can select the competitive race mode and push yourself further.
This monitor can’t connect to the internet, however, so it doesn’t sync up with any fitness apps.
Sturdy Construction
The Merax Water Rowing Machine is made durable with its solid steel body.
The build helps it remain stable as you row so there’s minimal risk of it tilting and causing any harm to you or damage to your home.
Also, this steel construction offers the rower a high maximum weight capacity of 330lbs. By offering a higher weight limit, the Merax Water Rower is more open to different users.
As for the water tank, it’s made from quality plastic that doesn’t seem prone to leaking.
There’s no cushioning in the seat, but with the ABS material that’s reinforced with fiberglass, the seat appears reliable enough to withstand frequent use.
Stable Build
It’s easy to get into some intense rowing when using the Merax Water Rowing Machine, so it must remain in place.
Thankfully, this water rower has an adjustable, non-slip PVC foot pad that stabilizes it. Since it is adjustable, it can adapt to different workouts as well as different floor levels.
Easy to Store
The Merax Water Rowing Machine is ideal for home use thanks to its storage capability.
It has a compact footprint so that it doesn’t take up too much space when you’re using it.
Once you’re finished, it takes little effort to fold it up and push it along using the built-in rubber wheels. They are non-marking to reduce the chances of it scratching up hard floors.
What Others Think of the Merax Water Rowing Machine
Everyone who has used the Merax Water Rowing Machine has their opinion about the product and any benefits they may have gained from using it.
I hope that combining some more unbiased opinions about the machine along with my review from above will help you decide if this is the rower you need to add to your home gym.
Let’s take a look at some helpful comments from consumers just like you:
- Rogers praised the durable construction of the rower and feels it can easily support the stated weight capacity. They also spoke highly of how smooth the rowing process is. Although they mentioned the LCD screen seems lower in quality, they appreciated capabilities like sleep mode.
- A. Grasso enjoyed the strong and variable resistant levels in addition to the space-saving design. However, they also complained that the LCD was too basic and tough to read.
- Kelli R. Bax thought the assembly was easy and appreciated how the resistant levels provided a good workout. They also praised how well the seat glides. One thing they didn’t like was that the only way to change the resistance is by adding water.
Alternatives to the Merax Water Rowing Machine
Sometimes, even if you have as much information and reviews as possible about a piece of workout equipment, it still isn’t the right product for you.
There’s nothing wrong with seeking similar options elsewhere.
So, I spent some time finding three quality alternative water rowing machines that can provide a great workout much like the Merax Water Rowing Machine.
With these reviews, you can decide afterward if any of these machines are best for you over the Merax.
WaterRower Rowing Machine
This handcrafted WaterRower Rowing Machine features a water flywheel to replicate real rowing sensations.
It’s made from solid ash and stained honey oak, standing out against other common rowers that utilize steel construction.
You regulate the resistance based on how you row. Like the Merax, the WaterRower Rowing Machine stores upright and features a display to monitor aspects like intensity and heart rate.
This water rower does appear more expensive compared to the Merax one, however.
WaterRower vs. Merax Water Rowing Machine
- Flat water tank style
- Wooden construction absorbs vibration and sounds
- 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year warranty plans
- Self-regulated resistance
- Est. 1,000lb weight capacity
GOROWINGO Water Rowing Machine
The GOROWINGO Water Rowing Machine features Chile pine wood to help create a more authentic rowing experience.
With a leveled track, vibration is reduced, and as it sits on a double track, it creates a safer and stable environment.
The ergonomic seat further contributes to a more comfortable workout.
Much like with the Merax, the GOROWINGO Water Rowing Machine features a non-slip foot pedal design with adjustable straps.
It also has built-in wheels for transportation and easy storage once you tilt it.
As for the display, the LCD screen keeps you aware of mileage (target and actual), tempo, calories, and more.
GOROWINGGO vs. Merax Water Rowing Machine
- One-button LCD monitor
- Lower 265lb weight capacity
- 3D ergonomic seat cushion
- Flat water tank layout
- Double track design
Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine
This Water Rowing Machine from Sunny Health and Fitness features metal construction, and also like the Merax, the machine has non-marking rubber wheels.
It also has a close weight capacity to the Merax as it can support around 300lbs.
Unlike the Merax, the Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine features a display that’s compatible with ANT+ heart rate monitoring technology.
With the water tank and resistance, it appears self-regulating as it increases in resistance if you move faster and harder. The hydro blades withstand such vigorous rowing as well.
Sunny Health & Fitness vs. Merax Water Rowing Machine
- Wide cushioned seat
- Advanced digital display model
- Flat water tank
- 16 fan blades for unlimited resistance
- Affordable price range
Final Thoughts
Perhaps you can’t get outdoors to exercise or you want to reap the benefits of rowing without going into the water.
Quality equipment like the Merax Water Rowing Machine provides a great aerobic and cardio routine in the comfort of your home without taking up much space when you use it and when you store it.
It’s quiet, the gliding process is smooth, and it’s even comfortable thanks to the wide contoured seat and stabilizing foot pedals.
The product is reasonably priced, and with the six different water-resistant levels and adequate weight capacity, the water rower from Merax is well-designed for multiple users at different athletic skill sets, even if you’re a beginner or nonathlete.
You can be a beginner or an expert and use this machine easily enough.
