NovaRow R50 Pro Air Rower with Upgraded Backlit Monitor

I purchased the NovaRow based on a youtube review that says it's as good as the concept 2, maybe better. The gym I have a membership to has c2 rowers so I'm very familiar with how they feel and I can agree; in almost every way this is just as good or better than the c2 rower at half the price. It was easy to assemble, it's very smooth and feels built to last in every way. The seat pad is super comfy and the footstraps keep your feet nice and tight.

I typically do crossfit type workouts so I haven't done much long distance rowing or used any of the app features yet but I have looked through them and will definitely use them in the future; I definitely see that as an added value.

My only two complaints are that the display is a little hard to see in direct sunlight or even bright gym lighting. Also, the foot supports come up a little high for my liking and they dig into my achilles just a bit since I wear lowtop Vans shoes and the supports are higher than the back of my shoes. I'll probably add some kind of foam padding on them and it should be fine.

I've only used rower twice for 6,000m total. Had to cut first row short due a loose foot peg. Required minor disassembly to access loose bolt. Problem solved.
I row on a C2 regularly at local box, so I am very familiar. The Merach looks and feels almost identical except for the monitor. Monitor switching states is aggravating. No back light also sucks. So far Bluetooth connectivity has been glitchy. Fix these issues and it's a 5 star review. For home use and 1/2 the price of a C2, it's a no brainer.
I'll update my review after a I put in more time on this rower. Pretty happy with so far though.

Prompt delivery...easy set up...the resistant could be a bit stronger..overall a great machine/ investment...I recommend this brand

I as a few others here have purchased the Merach NovaRow R11/R50 based on a few youtube reviews, especially the one from Coach Luke from Rowers Academy. I added his YT link to this review. The Merach NovaRow R11/R50 is similarly spec'd to the C2 Model D. You can actually look at in in-depth comparison on Design. Build. Lift. YT video for the specs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl6Vi5R3xe0&t=424s .

My personal experience/review and closing in on 200k meters rowed.

The Pros

1. At the time of purchase, April 2,it cost me 449.99. I signed up for the added 10% off before hitting purchase and it let me bundle the discount and that is how I got it for that much. Take advantage of that when finalizing purchase.
2. It costs less than a C2........significantly less and for a few reasons. Obviously the monitors are not the same, duh. Do I need the PM5 for my use of the machine, NO. I use my watch for those stats.
3. The watch that I use is a Garmin Venu 2 plus. Not advertised but it works with Garmin. You go into the settings, select wrist heart rate setting, select both Broadcast Activity and Broadcast. Row the machine and when it detects the machine then select Mode(on the monitor) to pause your row. Select row workout on your watch and unpause/Mode at the same time and you can begin your rowing session.
4. The seat is COMFORTABLE!!! I have sat on a C2 before and it is a bit harder but not terrible. Everyone's sit bones will be different.
5. Bluetooth works for all the apps mentioned in the ads along with some that are not mentioned. Track my indoor workout is free and Android only. Want your rower to work with Peloton, check out Qdomyoszwift-Zwift app also on Android but you have to pay.
6. It rows like the C2 but the return is a bit "tighter" and creates less slap from the chain.
7. The monitor knows when you select the resistance from 1-10. Connects to Bluetooth apps, watches, etc. Is visible in the right lighting. It measures the metrics
8. Should be the same kind of upkeep as the C2 for maintenance and cleaning.
9. Can leave it upright but not recommended by Merach.
10. Did I mention it is AFFORDABLE!

The Cons

1. The Monitor. Definitely not comparable to the C2/PM5 in some aspects but just as good IF you know how to program the settings right for your needs. It lacks the backlit function so you will need to be in a decently lit room to see the metrics. It changes every 5 seconds, a bit annoying but you get used to it. The LCD has enough room for it to measure more than 9999 meters but does not and rolls over to 0 so you will have to add your meters in your sessions. The calorie metric is the only metric that does not sync with my watch and is off in the count. Not a big Issue for me personally but still it should reflect what it's reading.

2. The current foot rests/heel cups are not the best. I have to put on my high top basketball shoes on to row because if I put on my flat minimal shoes, preferred footwear for rowing by the way, it will dig into the Achilles heel. The height is is too high and further back compared to a Concept 2 Model C D E Indoor Rowers Foot Pad after measuring it and checking specs.

3. Not really a con but there is no customer support phone you can call if you have an issue. I haven't had issues with mine so I'm good for now

What can be improved in the next iteration. If Merach had put a newer monitor that reads in the 10,000 's, added the adjustable magnetic resistance from levels 1 to 10 combined with the ability to fold up like the Xebex AirPlus Rower 4.0 plus that color monitor from Xebex and sold it for another 75-$100 dollars it definitely would've made it stand out from the C2 and I'd be inclined to purchase that also!

You can follow me on Strava for confirmed rows and what workouts I do link below.
https://strava.app.link/TwNe5oEDqTb

I got this to be a more affordable version of a c2 and I am very happy with the rower, well built great rower, works like the c2 but much more affordable. I’m very happy and would definitely recommend this product if you are a CrossFit athlete or just want a solid indoor rowing machine.