Updated 1 Nov 2026
Is the Merach NovaRow R50 Pro worth it?
Yes — the cheap way to get a Concept2-style rower.
Like the Concept2, it has a fan flywheel with a 1-to-10 damper, a long rail and Bluetooth for apps. Testers found it smooth, stable under hard pulls and comfortable, and it takes users up to 6ft 10in and 350 lb. The Pro version adds a backlit monitor you can lock on the stats you want and moves the tablet holder above it. The screen is still dim and glossy, and the foot plates are stiffer than a Concept2's.
Good to know
- The display is dim, glossy and readable only from a narrow angle.
- The foot plates are stiffer and less comfortable barefoot than a Concept2's.
- It's a fan rower, so it whooshes, though it's quieter than most.
- The tablet holder is small for big tablets.
- Air resistance with a 1–10 damper
- Steady, comfortable stroke for the price
- Fits users up to 6ft 10in and 350 lb
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Get it if…
- You want a Concept2-style air rower for much less.
- You're tall.
- You'll use your own apps, not a subscription.
Skip it if…
- You race in Concept2 rankings or events.
- You need a quiet rower.
- You want classes on a big screen.
More on the Merach R50 Pro
How we reached this verdict
Live Science tested the R50 against the Concept2 and found it sturdy, quiet for an air rower, comfortable and a great workout for the money, held back by a basic display and few extras. Hypertrofit, which called the R50 nearly perfect apart from its monitor, tested the R50 Pro and found the rowing just as good and the new monitor easier to use, but still too dim and reflective.
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Live Science (R50), Hypertrofit (R50 Pro), Hypertrofit (R50), Merach (specs), Breaking Muscle, Live Science, T3, Expert Reviews, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 1 Nov 2026How we decide