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.
Merach NovaRow R50 VS Concept2: Which Budget Friendly Row Erg Should You Buy?
Both machines offer great performance, but choosing the right one depends on your needs:
✅ Get the Concept2 if:
- You’re a competitive CrossFit athlete training for performance benchmarks
- You prefer a customizable monitor for tracking key metrics
- You want the industry-standard rower
✅ Get the Merach NovaRow if:
- You want a high-quality rower at nearly half the price
- You prefer built-in Bluetooth heart rate tracking
- Comfort matters to you—the seat and handle feel much better for long workouts
- You like interactive features like virtual rowing and online racing
💰 Exclusive Discount
Want to save even more? Use my code BARBELL25 at checkout to get 25% off the Merach Nova Fit R50!