We compared two home rowing machines: the MERACH Foldable Wood Rowing Machine and the Flesar Rowing Machine.
What we looked at
Resistance type, weight capacity, and price.
The verdict
If you want water resistance with a solid wood build and the highest stated weight capacity, the MERACH is the pick at £315.99, though it costs £116.00 more. If you would rather pay less for 16 levels of ultra-quiet magnetic resistance under 25dB with app-tracked metrics, the Flesar is the alternative, at £199.99.
A £315.99 wood rowing machine with 180kg capacity and water resistance.
A £199.99 rowing machine with 16 magnetic resistance levels under 25dB.
MERACH Foldable Wood Rowing Machine, Water Resistance — Highest Weight Capacity
Intended for: Marketed as a foldable, water-resistance rowing machine crafted from durable solid wood with a 180kg (400lb) weight capacity, 180° one-handed folding with bottom wheels for storage, an aerospace-grade sealed water tank that stays leak-proof even stored upright, a unique paddle design that increases resistance with speed, and a dedicated monitor with Bluetooth sync to the MERACH app.
What we liked
- Higher stated weight capacity: 180kg (400lbs)
- Solid wood build with water resistance for a natural rowing feel, per the listing
- Resistance increases with rowing speed, engaging 90% of muscles per stroke
- Folds one-handed and rolls like a suitcase for storage
Worth knowing
- Costs £116.00 more than the Flesar on these listings
- Water tank needs periodic maintenance, unlike sealed magnetic resistance
Best for
- Buyers who want the highest weight capacity
- Anyone who wants a natural, water-resistance rowing feel
- Those who prefer a wood-built machine
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants the quietest possible operation
Flesar Rowing Machine, 16 Levels Magnetic Resistance — Quietest Operation
Intended for: Marketed as a rowing machine with 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, Bluetooth connectivity to FitShow and Kinomap apps, ultra-quiet operation under 25dB with a smooth belt drive, a multi-function LCD display tracking 7 workout metrics with a tablet holder, an upgraded dual-rail design supporting up to 160kg, and a 24-month warranty with 85% pre-assembly.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the MERACH on these listings, at £199.99
- 16 adjustable magnetic resistance levels, per the listing
- Stated ultra-quiet operation under 25dB
- 24-month warranty and mostly pre-assembled out of the box
Worth knowing
- Lower stated weight capacity: 160kg against the MERACH's 180kg
- Magnetic resistance rather than a natural water-rowing feel
Best for
- Buyers who want the lower price
- Anyone who wants the quietest stated operation
- Those who want granular resistance level adjustment
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants the highest weight capacity
- Buyers who prefer a wood-built water-resistance machine
