Product · MERACH
MERACH Q1S manual: stores upright on its wheels
Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
The manual Q1S is MERACH's compact dual-rail rower for people who want app courses but would rather not run a cable to the machine. It is battery powered, uses a hand-set magnetic system with 16 levels, and tips upright on built-in wheels for storage. One feature stands out in this listing: heart rate can sync from an Apple Watch or Garmin device, so you do not need a separate chest strap.
- Stored footprint
- Not stated
- Working length
- 165 cm
- Machine weight
- 20 kg
- Max user
- 158 kg
- Storage
- Stands upright
In its favour
- At 165 cm long it is one of the shorter full-size rowers here.
- Free MERACH app courses and Kinomap compatibility.
- Syncs heart rate from an Apple Watch or Garmin, per the listing.
Good to know
- The stored footprint is not given in this listing.
- Rail length on its own is not stated in this listing.
Our take
App features and wearables
The free MERACH app offers courses and programmed workouts, and the rower also works with Kinomap. In the app you can see distance, time, calories, speed, heart rate and cadence. MERACH mentions Google sign-in and heart rate sync from Apple Watch or Garmin wearables, which is handy if you already wear one.
Unlike the electric Q1S, this version cannot have its resistance changed by the app; you set it yourself. For steady-state rowing that makes little difference, but interval classes will mean pausing briefly to adjust.
Frame and fit
Two slide rails, modelled on wooden rowers, give a wider and steadier base than a single beam, and MERACH says this prevents tipping. The maximum user weight is 158 kg on an alloy steel and aluminium frame. At 165 cm long, 48 cm wide and 63 cm high it is one of the shorter full-size rowers, and it weighs 20 kg.
The rail length on its own is not stated, so very tall rowers should ask before buying.
Storage, power and assembly
Built-in wheels let you lift one end and stand the rower upright, though the stored footprint is not given in this listing. Two AAA batteries, supplied, run the LCD. MERACH says most people assemble the partly built machine in under half an hour, and the warranty runs 12 months from purchase.
Picking between Q1S versions and rivals
Choose the electric Q1S if you want classes to adjust resistance automatically and have a socket nearby. The YPOO RM912F folds smaller, to about 0.12 m², and can fold flat. The Wenoker H300 folds to 0.28 m² with a quiet rating. The manual Q1S suits buyers who want MERACH's free courses and wearable sync without the plug.
Verdict
The manual Q1S is a good match if you want free app courses and smartwatch heart rate on a compact dual-rail rower with no cable. If hands-free resistance changes appeal, step up to the electric Q1S, and if storage space is the priority, the YPOO RM912F folds smaller.
Compared with alternatives in: Best rowing machines for small spaces
Amazon listing title: MERACH Rowing Machine for Home Gym 16 Resistance Levels