Merach Q1 Smart Rowing Machine | 16-level Magnetic Resistance

Resistance adjustment is easy to operate on the Merach Q1 Smart Rowing Machine. Just turn the Merach eye smart knob, and you can adjust the 16-level electromagnetic resistance system. In addition to changing the resistance, the shuttle knob has an LCD screen that tracks your time, distance, speed, and calories burned in real time.

The Q1 features an upgraded padded molded seat that is very comfortable to sit on. In addition, the slightly curved design also improves the wrapping. Furthermore, the bottom of the entire seat sits high so that the position of the straps of the pedals will be relatively lower, which is more in line with the kinematics design.

The Merach Q1 Smart Rowing Machine widened pedals come with safety straps, and the length of the pedals is also adjustable to secure your feet. Every time you row, 50% of the generated force is kicking your legs, so the load-bearing steel plate that sits behind the pedal is essential to ensuring the service life of the rowing machine.

The Q1 tension belt is a super-strong polyethylene fiber that can withstand high-strength tensile forces when stretched. It is more than 15 times stronger than steel and is highly durable. In addition, the customized silicone handle used by Q1 is delicate and comfortable. The non-slip grip ensures your safe workout and is more in line with the family’s demand for quality fitness.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Merach Q1 Smart Rowing Machine

Price: For a great deal on this rower, merely go here to Amazon.com

Warranty: 1 year limited

My rating: 8.5/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 68.1L x 19.3W x 24.8H inches (173L x 49W x 63H cm)
• Assembled weight: 52 lbs (23.5 kg)
• Weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Frame: Steel
• Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
• Resistance type: Motorized-magnetic, 16 levels
• Monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, scan, Bluetooth, Kinomap compatible
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Q1 Frame Construction

The Merach Q1 smart rowing machine features an oval tubing steel frame with a durable, corrosion-resistant, and chip-resistant black paint finish (there is also a white version). In addition, the dual rails feature aluminum covers to protect the paint finish of the frame.

The rower also integrates several plastic parts. The most notable ones are the covers of the flywheel, the footrests, and several other small covers.

The rower is not extremely large. It is only 68.1″ (173 cm) long and 19.3″ (49 cm). However, the length between the footrests and the rails’ rear section is approximately 46″ (117 cm). Therefore, the machine accommodates users up to at least 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension.

Unfortunately,  the Q1 does not have a folding design. However, it can store vertically. In addition, the front section that hosts the drive and resistance elements has a rubber bumper that stabilizes when keeping the machine vertical.

The rower is also reasonably light, weighing approx—52 lbs (23.5 kg). Therefore, one person can carry and assemble the rower. Once completed, it is even easier to transport as its front base has a set of small wheels. In addition, the rear stabilizer features adjustable levelers, and there is a third leveler on the frame section under the footrests.

Seat and other parts

The Merach Q1 smart rowing machine has a sturdy seat and rail system. Furthermore, it has a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg), which is remarkable for a home-use machine. The top of the seat is approx. 12.2″ (31 cm) wide, providing plenty of contact surface. In addition, it has contours for extra comfort.

The top of the seat is high-density foam to reduce some impacts on your tailbone. The seat’s base is steel-made, integrating three sets of wheels. Two sets slide on top of the rails, while the third set slides on their bottom, closing the seat on the rails for extra stability. In addition, the wheels are V-groove type, and they’re polyurethane (or nylon) with sealed internal ball bearings.

As mentioned above, the footrests of the Merach Q1 rower are made of a durable thermoplastic material. In addition, they are pretty significant, approx. 11.4″ (29 cm) long and 4.9″ (12.4 cm) wide, so they should be able to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. Furthermore, they also have adjustable straps.

The unit’s footrests are not stationary. Instead, they have a pivoting design and can swivel back and forth on their shaft. In addition, they have stoppers at the heel so that they won’t swivel back past an angle of approx. 65°.

The pulling handle has a pretty simple design. It features textured sleeves of high-density foam for an improved grip. Unfortunately, it does not have pulse sensors or other controls for the rower. However, it attaches to a heavy-duty polyethylene fiber tension belt that’s highly resistant to abrasion.

Q1 Resistance system

The Merach Q1 smart rowing machine comes with an electromagnetic resistance system. Therefore, an external power source is required to make the resistance adjustment possible. In addition, an adapter with a cable comes with the machine.

The Q1 resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a small servo motor that connects the brake and the fitness monitor. For instance, when you adjust the resistance from the knob around the monitor, the motor changes the magnets’ pull, increasing or decreasing the rowing difficulty.

The main advantage of magnetic resistance is that the magnets don’t touch the flywheel. Therefore, this results in a very smooth rowing sensation. Furthermore, it also means that you don’t have to take the front unit of the rower apart to lubricate the brake or replace the brake pad. In addition, the usage of the rower is very quiet.

The machine makes available 16 levels of resistance. The internal flywheel is not super heavy; it’s only 6.6 lbs (3 kg), so the lowest resistance level delivers a reasonably light workout difficulty. Conversely, the 16th tension level offers considerably more resistance, excellent for anyone who wants to improve strength and stamina and burn more calories.

However, it’s important to note that the Merach Q1 rower does not provide a dynamic response during usages like the rowers with air or water resistance. Thus, the resistance does not depend on how fast you pull the handle. It only depends on the selected level of the fitness monitor.

Moreover, this shouldn’t be a problem, as the machine provides a consistent workout. The only difference is that the rowing sensation is not as close to rowing a real boat as a water or air rower.

Fitness monitor

The Merach Q1 smart rowing machine has a pretty neat console. It features a circular LED display with the tension adjustment knob incorporated. In addition, it has touchscreen technology, which can turn on by pressing it.

The monitor tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. The speed and distance are in Imperial units (MPH and miles); you cannot set them to metric units. Unfortunately, it does not have a pulse reading function, and you cannot sync it with a wireless heart rate transmitter.

The monitor does not have pre-set programs in its memory. However, it has Bluetooth connectivity, and you can sync it with your phone via the Kinomap app. The app is available for both iOS and Android phones. Unfortunately, it is not entirely free; you must pay a monthly subscription to access some features, such as coaching videos.

However, it does have several free features. Plus, it shows different workout metrics such as stroke count, watts, time/500m, and more. It’s important to note that depending on the training mode in use, the app can automatically adjust the rower’s resistance once connected with the app.

Using the app or the Bluetooth connection is not necessary to use the rower. However, if you’re not going to pair it with the app, you can only adjust the resistance manually from the knob incorporated into the monitor.

As mentioned above, the rower comes with an adapter which you must connect to a power outlet to power up the monitor. Furthermore, the monitor cannot function with batteries. It also has an automatic turn-off function. It will turn itself off if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than 3 minutes.

Please note that the tablet and smartphone pictured do not come with the rower and sell separately.

Q1 Assembly and Maintenance

The front section of the machine with the eye smart knob resistance system and the fitness monitor comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the front stabilizer, the rail system with the seat, and the footrests.

Consequently, this shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools come with the rower, and the manual provides precise assembly instructions.

For maintenance, you only have to keep the rower clean, especially the rails, to prevent any damage to the wheels. The internal mechanism does not require any maintenance or lubrication.

Pros

• Solid frame – can support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg);
• Dual rail system for extra seat stability;
• Can be stored vertically;
• Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
• Adjustable levelers on the mid-base and rear base;
• Padded seat for optimal comfort;
• Large, pivoting footrests with heel guards and adjustable straps;
• 16 levels of electromagnetic resistance;

  

• Smart touchscreen fitness monitor – it can track time, distance, speed, and calories burned;
• Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Kinomap app;
• Device holder included;
• Easy to assemble;
• All the tools for the assembly included;
• Little maintenance is required.

Cons

• The fitness monitor does not have a pulse reading function;
• The Kinomap app requires a paid subscription for certain features.

Merach Q1 Smart Rowing Machine Summary

The Merach Q1 is a rowing machine made for home use. It features a 16-level electromagnetic resistance system, a sturdy dual rail system with a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs, and a fitness monitor with Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Kinomap fitness app.

Accordingly, it’s a rower for users of all levels for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.

Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.