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JOROTO MR290 vs. Merach Novarow Q3 R21 compared
Rowing Machine
At a glance
The key numbers for both devices side by side.
Overall rating
8080Gut
8181Gut
Value for money
83Excellent
81Excellent
Best price
€328.99
€379.99€459.99−17 %
Price advantage
€51.00 cheaper
—
Offers
1 shop
2 shops
Rank in category
Rank 22 of 62
Rank 18 of 62
Rating
Sub-ratings compared
JOROTO MR290Overall rating 80Merach Novarow Q3 R21Overall rating 81
JOROTO MR290Merach Novarow Q3 R21
Stroke feel & resistance82/10070/100
Ergonomics & stability75/10082/100
Console & app68/10080/100
Noise level78/10092/100
Footprint & handling90/10078/100
Build quality & ease of use72/10075/100
Stroke feel & resistance
82
70
Ergonomics & stability
75
82
Console & app
68
80
Noise level
78
92
Footprint & handling
90
78
Build quality & ease of use
72
75
Specs
Specs compared
Key specs
Brand
Model
MR290
Novarow Q3 R21
Resistance systemBraking system according to the manufacturer; for combination models, select the hybrid option.
Water resistance
Magnetic brake
Max. loadMaximum user weight according to the manufacturer, not the unit’s own weight.
150 kg (330 lb)
181 kg (400 lb)
Max. user heightRecommended maximum user height according to the manufacturer.
195 cm (6 ft 5 in)
195 cm (6 ft 5 in)
Rail lengthUsable length of the rail according to the manufacturer, not the overall length of the rowing machine.
100 cm (39 in)
FoldableAccording to the manufacturer, the rowing machine can be folded or stored upright; transport wheels alone don’t count.
Yes
Yes
App connectivityAccording to the manufacturer, the rowing machine pairs with at least one training app (manufacturer app or third-party app such as Kinomap).
Yes
Yes
Resistance & drive
Resistance adjustmentType of resistance adjustment according to the manufacturer; air or water rowing machines without a damper or magnet count as speed-dependent.
Speed-dependent only
Electronic, stepped
Pull mechanismType of power transmission according to the manufacturer; list center pull with chain or strap separately.
Strap
Cable (center pull)
Flywheel weightWeight of the flywheel according to the manufacturer, not the effective flywheel mass.
6 kg (13 lb)
Water fill volumeRecommended water tank fill volume according to the manufacturer; only fill in for water rowing machines.
16 l (4.2 gal)
Operating noise (normal pace)Noise level when rowing steadily at medium resistance, measured or according to the manufacturer, not when sprinting.
40 dB
FootrestsFootplate design according to the manufacturer; this refers to the adjustability of the heel support.
Height-adjustable
Fixed
Resistance levelEditorial assessment of the maximum resistance reached in reviews, not the number of levels.
High
High
Resistance levelsNumber of adjustable resistance levels according to the manufacturer; enter 0 for purely speed-dependent resistance.
0 levels
16 levels
Dimensions & installation
Dimensions (L × W × H)Set up ready for training in cm, length × width × height – e.g. “210 × 55 × 50 cm”
182 × 49.5 × 55 cm (72 × 19 × 22 in)
187.7 × 81.3 × 45.2 cm (74 × 32 × 18 in)
Dimensions (stored)Folded or stood upright in cm, length × width × height – only for foldable models
60 × 50 × 93 cm (24 × 20 × 37 in)
80 × 45 × 178 cm (31 × 18 × 70 in)
Seat heightSeat height above the floor according to the manufacturer, unloaded.
29 cm (11 in)
Transport wheelsAccording to the manufacturer, the rowing machine has wheels for moving it when set up or folded.
Yes
Unladen weightWeight of the assembled rowing machine without packaging and without water, according to the manufacturer.
28 kg (62 lb)
26 kg (57 lb)
Frame materialMaterial of the load-bearing frame according to the manufacturer, not the housing.
Wood
Wood
Console
DisplayType of built-in monitor according to the manufacturer; a tablet holder alone doesn’t count as a display.
LCD display
LED display
Backlit displayAccording to the manufacturer, the display is backlit.
No
Displayed metricsValues the console shows directly according to the spec sheet, not only in the app.
TimePace (time/500 m)DistanceTotal strokesStrokes per minuteCalories
TimeDistanceTotal strokesStrokes per minuteCalories
Power supplyPower supply of the console according to the manufacturer.
Batteries
Self-powered (generator)
Adjustable consoleAccording to the manufacturer, the monitor’s tilt or height can be adjusted.
Yes
Tablet holderHolder for a tablet or smartphone according to the manufacturer; mark optional accessories separately.
Integrated
Integrated
Programs & connectivity
Workout programsNumber of preinstalled workout programs according to the manufacturer, excluding app workouts.
0 programs
10 programs
Program typesTypes of preinstalled programs according to the spec sheet.
Manual
IntervalManual
Compatible appsWhich apps can control or record the rowing machine, according to the manufacturer; the manufacturer app counts too
Kinomap
Manufacturer appKinomapZwift
Bluetooth FTMSOpen Bluetooth protocol for fitness equipment – lets apps outside our list connect too
Yes
Wireless interfacesWireless connections of the console according to the manufacturer, not those of the chest strap.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Heart rate monitoringHow heart rate is measured; empty = no heart rate monitoring
Bluetooth chest strap
SubscriptionWhether workouts and screen are fully usable without a subscription (Hydrow, iFit)
optional
optional
Standards & classification
Product classClassification according to the manufacturer or our editors, based on construction and continuous load capacity.
Advanced
Entry level
General
Warranty
2 years
Price segment
Mid-range
Mid-range
In the box
Rudergerät (98 % vormontiert), Befüllwerkzeug für den Wassertank
Montagewerkzeug, Aufbauanleitung
Prices
Offers
Verdict
Pros & cons
Das JOROTO MR290 ist ein klappbares Wasserrudergerät aus Eichenholz mit direktem Zug ohne Totpunkt. Geklappt braucht es laut Hersteller nur 54 x 44,5 cm, deshalb passt es gut in kleine Wohnungen, und Kinomap koppelt per Bluetooth FTMS. Der Haken: Das Display zeigt weder Watt noch Puls, außerdem blättert der Lack der Schienen früh ab.
Pros
- Direkter Zug ohne spürbaren Totpunkt dank 16 l Wasser und Zwei-Blatt-Paddel
- Klappt laut Hersteller auf 54 x 44,5 cm Stellfläche
- Rahmen steht auch bei Sprints stabil, knarzt nicht
- Stabile Kopplung mit Kinomap per Bluetooth FTMS
- Tank blieb im Test beim Hochkantlagern dicht
- Zu 98 % vormontiert, in rund 15 Minuten aufgebaut
Cons
- Display ohne Watt, Puls und Hintergrundbeleuchtung
- Lack der Führungsschienen blättert nach wenigen Wochen ab
- Fußgurte deutlich zu lang, baumeln bei jedem Zug
- Keine Trainingsprogramme, Widerstand nicht per App regelbar
- Füllmenge nur mit Befüllwerkzeug änderbar
Das Merach Novarow Q3 R21 ist ein sehr leises Holz-Rudergerät mit Magnetbremse, das ohne Steckdose läuft und mit Kinomap den Widerstand automatisch regelt. Für große Heimsportler bis etwa 1,95 m und moderates Ausdauertraining in der Wohnung ist es aus unserer Sicht eine klare Empfehlung. Der Haken: Erst ab Stufe 11 fordernd, eine Watt-Anzeige fehlt, und am Testgerät gab es kleine Montagemängel.
Pros
- Sehr leise, in Tests unter 40 dB bestätigt
- Eingebauter Generator, keine Steckdose nötig
- 100 cm lange Schiene für Körpergrößen bis etwa 1,95 m
- Kinomap regelt den Widerstand automatisch über Bluetooth
- Widerstand per Taste am Griff ohne Unterbrechung verstellbar
- Rahmen gibt trotz 26 kg Eigengewicht bei kräftigen Zügen nicht nach
Cons
- Stufen 1 bis 10 für Trainierte kaum spürbar
- Keine Watt-Anzeige für Leistungstraining
- Fußstützen starr, Winkel nicht verstellbar
- Kein Faltgelenk, nur hochkant zu verstauen
- Billiges Werkzeug, Wackelkontakt und wackelnde Pedale am Testgerät
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