When you start looking for a rowing machine for your home gym, chances are high you’ll come across the Merach R50. The brand promises a realistic rowing experience, sturdy construction, app connectivity, and all of that for a competitive price. On paper, this sounds like a strong package. But how does it perform in everyday training? I tested the Merach R50 extensively, taking a close look at its setup, build quality, ergonomics, rowing performance, app integration, and long-term usability to give you an honest verdict.
Setup, First Impressions, and Build Quality
Out of the box, the Merach R50 gives a clean, solid impression. The frame uses a mix of steel and aluminum, the chain is nickel-plated, and the rail combines stainless steel with aluminum. This combination instantly feels reliable. Merach ships the unit largely pre-assembled, which makes final setup quick and hassle-free. You can be ready to row in no time, without having to spend hours bolting parts together.
Looking at the details, the welding and chain guidance are well executed, and the seat glides smoothly without rattling. The seat itself is raised and features a soft cushion, which adds comfort during long sessions. That’s a critical point, as uncomfortable seats are a common issue with cheaper rowing machines.
With a weight of around 33 kg, the R50 strikes a balance between stability and manageability. It sits firmly on the floor but isn’t overly bulky. The maximum user weight capacity is listed at 158 kg, and the rail length accommodates tall athletes up to 2.08 m.
Air Resistance, Damping, and Rowing Feel
The R50 uses an air resistance system, which is a popular choice for rowing machines. The concept is straightforward: the harder you pull, the stronger the resistance. You can also adjust airflow at the housing across ten levels, fine-tuning the base resistance. In practice, this results in a dynamic rowing feel that closely mimics water rowing. Acceleration during the drive is smooth, and the recovery phase is controlled. The resistance range is also sufficient for challenging interval sessions.
The fan wheel is equipped with 32 rotor blades, which help create an even airflow and smooth stroke profile. While that might sound like marketing, it aligns with the actual rowing experience—smooth and free from jerky pulls.
As with all air rowers, noise is unavoidable. The R50 generates a noticeable rushing sound, which might disturb others if you row in a quiet living room late at night. In a dedicated home gym or when using headphones, it’s not an issue.
Ergonomics: Seat, Footrests, and Handle
The ergonomics of the R50 are well thought out. The soft, ergonomic seat makes longer sessions more comfortable. Footrests can be adjusted in six steps, providing stable heel support and sufficient width. The elevated seat height is another advantage, especially for users with knee issues or anyone who appreciates easier access.
The handle feels standard but works well, and the chain moves smoothly. Altogether, the rowing position is balanced and supports long endurance sessions without causing discomfort—assuming proper technique.
The performance console is battery-powered and displays time, split time (per 500 m), distance, calories, strokes per minute, watts, strokes, and total strokes. That covers all key rowing metrics needed for structured training.
One caveat: the console cycles through views automatically. If you want to monitor a specific metric continuously, this may be irritating. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s an area where Merach could improve future versions.
App Connectivity: Merach App
One of the strongest features of the R50 is its Bluetooth connectivity. With it, you can essentially skip the built-in console and rely entirely on apps. The Merach app is surprisingly feature-rich, offering structured training sessions, 3D map views, virtual races, and even game-like modes. This makes rowing more engaging, especially for beginners who need extra motivation.
A gummed smartphone and tablet holder is built into the frame, allowing you to securely place your device directly above the console.
Dimensions, Storage, and Everyday Use
When assembled, the R50 measures approximately 242 × 61 × 102 cm. For storage, the rail can be detached without tools, making the machine much more compact when stored vertically. However, note that the two upright parts are not particularly stable and should ideally be leaned against a wall. Official folded dimensions are about 32.7 × 28.7 × 54.3 inches, which is manageable even in apartments. Thanks to transport wheels, moving the unit around is simple and quick.
Durability and Maintenance
With its steel frame, aluminum rail, and chain drive, the R50 uses a proven design. Regular care is essential: clean and oil the chain, tighten screws periodically, and replace console batteries when needed. The fact that Merach allows for a maximum load of 158 kg and supports very tall inseams speaks to the machine’s durability. At the same time, the relatively light total weight makes it easier to move than heavy studio-grade models, though it may provide slightly less inertia. In practice, this wasn’t an issue during my testing.
Training Performance: Intervals, Endurance, and Technique
For interval training, the R50 shines with its immediate resistance response. Increase your stroke rate and power, and the resistance scales instantly. For endurance sessions, the seat rolls smoothly, and the padding prevents discomfort even after 45–60 minutes. When working on technique, the clear feedback from the fan helps highlight mistakes in stroke sequencing—legs, hips, arms—so you can correct them quickly. The console’s complete set of rowing metrics supports structured workouts.
Noise Levels and Apartment Suitability
Like all air rowers, the R50 generates noise. If you live in an apartment with thin floors or plan on training late at night, using protective mats and focusing on smooth strokes will help. For a typical home gym setup, the noise level is completely manageable. If near-silent operation is a must, a magnetic rower may be a better fit, though you’ll lose the dynamic resistance feel.
Strengths of the Merach R50
The R50 offers a natural rowing experience with responsive resistance and smooth motion. Its ergonomics—including the raised, cushioned seat and adjustable footrests—make it comfortable for longer sessions. The Bluetooth connectivity adds real value, particularly with the engaging Merach app. Storage is simple thanks to its vertical design, and the 158 kg weight capacity ensures it can handle larger athletes without issue.
Who Should Consider the Merach R50?
If you want a robust, budget-friendly rowing machine with realistic rowing feel and motivating app features, the R50 is an excellent choice. Beginners will appreciate the easy setup, while more advanced users will enjoy the responsive resistance during high-intensity intervals. The R50 hits a sweet spot between performance, features, and price.
Final Verdict: High Value with Small Flaws
The Merach R50 delivers everything you’d expect from a solid air rower: dynamic rowing feel, ergonomic comfort for long sessions, app-driven variety, and practical storage. The cycling console display is a minor weakness, but it doesn’t overshadow the overall value. For significantly less money than premium models, the R50 provides a reliable, engaging training experience. If your priorities are fitness, variety, and strong design, this rower is a winner.
