Merach NovaRow R50 VS Concept2

If you’re shopping for a rower for your home gym, chances are you’ve heard of the Concept2 RowErg—a machine that’s been the go-to for CrossFit athletes, rowers, and fitness enthusiasts for years. But at nearly $1,000, is it really worth it?

Enter the Merach Nova Fit R50, a budget-friendly alternative that offers similar features at almost half the price with discount code BARBELL25. But does it hold up against the Concept2? In this article, we’ll break down how these two rowers compare and help you decide which one is the better fit for your training needs.

Price: Big Savings with the Merach NovaRow

Let’s start with the biggest factor—cost.

Concept2 RowErg: $990 + shipping (usually over $1,000 total)
Merach Nova Fit R50: $680 with free shipping
Use discount code “BARBELL25” to drop the price to just over $500!

With that kind of savings, you could buy additional gym equipment for your home setup. But the real question is: does the lower price mean lower quality? Let’s find out.

Build Quality & Stability

Both machines are similar in size:

Footprint: Nearly identical in length, width, and track height
Weight: Concept2 (57 lbs) vs. Merach (72 lbs)

At first glance, they seem nearly identical, but one key difference is stability. The Merach’s extra weight makes it slightly more stable during high-intensity sprints, while the Concept2 has a bit more side-to-side movement.

Monitor & Workout Tracking

One of the biggest differences is the performance monitor.

Concept2 PM5
- Customizable display lets you focus on specific metrics
- No built-in heart rate monitoring (requires a watch or external setup)
Merach Nova Fit R50 Monitor
- Bluetooth connectivity (syncs with HR monitors for easy tracking)
- Built-in app lets you row on virtual courses and even race other people live
- Downside: The screen automatically switches between two views, which may be annoying if you want to track specific numbers continuously

For competitive athletes, Concept2’s customizable screen is better. But if you want heart rate integration and interactive training features, the Merach’s app & Bluetooth functionality are a big win.

Comfort: Merach Wins on Seat & Handle

Seat Comfort

Concept2: Very firm, can get uncomfortable in long sessions
Merach: Cushioned seat makes long rows much more comfortable

If you do long endurance rows, this is a huge advantage for Merach.

Handle & Grip

Concept2: Tacky grip (good for short workouts, but gets slippery with sweat)
Merach: Softer grip, more comfortable over time

No clear winner.

Foot Straps & Adjustability

Concept2: Thin nylon straps (secure but harder to adjust quickly)
Merach: Wider Velcro straps, making it faster to adjust and for some may be more comfortable

Rowing Feel: Slightly Different but Similar Performance

Both rowers use air resistance with an adjustable 0-10 damper.

One small difference: the Merach’s chain retracts faster, which may feel a bit different at first. But overall, the rowing experience is very similar and you won’t notice much difference in rowing technique when using these machiens.