Merach NovaRow 50 Review: A Solid Budget-Friendly Rowing Machine

If you’re building a home gym, choosing the right rower can be a major decision—especially when balancing performance and price. While the Merach NovaRow 50 might not carry the same brand recognition as the higher-end models on the market, this air-resistance rower punches far above its price point and delivers serious value for recreational and performance-minded athletes alike.

Merach NovaRow Price & Value

Let’s get straight to what most shoppers care about: price. The Merach NovaRow 50 retails for $680 with free shipping, and when you use the discount code BARBELL25, that price drops into the low $500s. That’s a massive value for an air-resistance rower with features typically found in higher-end machines.

 

Build Quality & Stability

The NovaRow 50 is constructed with a steel base, giving it a solid and slightly heavier frame than many other rowers on the market. It weighs in at 72 pounds, and while that might make it a bit more cumbersome to move, it pays off in stability.

Whether you’re rowing at a steady pace or going all-out in sprint intervals, the NovaRow 50 stays grounded with minimal side-to-side movement—something you’ll appreciate during high-output efforts.

 

Size & Footprint

From a footprint perspective, the NovaRow 50 is nearly identical in size to more well-known competitors. It’s about an inch longer in total length, with a similar track length and height, and the same width. If you’re planning to fit this in a home gym setup, you can confidently assume it’ll take up the standard amount of space for a full-sized rower.

 

NovaRow Monitor & Connectivity

The built-in monitor tracks all the essential rowing metrics: time, 500m pace, distance, strokes per minute, watts, and calories. It also has Bluetooth heart rate monitor connectivity. This is huge for athletes training in specific heart rate zones, especially during longer aerobic sessions. It’s nice to be able to glance up and see your HR data without strapping a watch to the handle.

One limitation to note: the monitor alternates between two display screens every few seconds, which means your key data (like watts or distance) might disappear temporarily depending on which screen is active. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to consider if you’re tracking specific performance metrics mid-workout.

An added bonus is the Merach app, which offers 2D/3D scenic rows and live races against other users. While this won’t appeal to every athlete, it’s a fun feature for those who enjoy a more immersive experience.

Seat & Handle Comfort

This is one area where the NovaRow 50 truly excels. The seat is significantly more cushioned than many other rowers, making it ideal for long sessions. It strikes a great balance—plush enough to stay comfortable, but firm enough to avoid feeling like you’re sinking. If you’ve ever finished a long row with a numb backside, you’ll appreciate the upgrade here.

The handle is also softer and more forgiving during sweatier, endurance-focused sessions. It maintains grip well without requiring mid-row chalk breaks.

 

Foot Straps

The NovaRow 50 features wide Velcro foot straps with large D-rings, making entry and exit fast and easy. While rowers with thinner straps may be preferable for athletes who keep them loose for faster transitions, the wider design on this machine offers better comfort when fully cinched, distributing pressure across a larger surface.

 

Rowing Feel & Performance

The rowing experience on the NovaRow 50 is impressively smooth. One quirk worth mentioning: the return speed of the handle is faster than many are used to. After a stroke, the handle pulls back to the base quickly, which may feel unusual at first but doesn’t negatively affect form or performance. It’s simply a different feel that most users adapt to quickly.

 

NovaRow Review Final Thoughts

If you’re an elite-level athlete chasing leaderboard scores, you may have other equipment on your radar. But for the everyday fitness enthusiast, home gym owner, or CrossFitter who wants a durable, functional, and budget-friendly rower, the Merach NovaRow 50 is a fantastic choice.

With excellent build quality, a comfortable design, Bluetooth features, and app integrations—all at nearly half the price of premium rowers—this machine delivers serious bang for your buck.

Ready to upgrade your home gym?

Use code BARBELL25 at checkout to save even more on the NovaRow 50. Click here to shop now.