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Merach Novarow Q3 R21 vs. Skandika Freki compared
Rowing Machine
At a glance
The key numbers for both devices side by side.
Overall rating
8181Gut
8181Gut
Value for money
81Excellent
74Fair
Best price
€379.99€459.99−17 %
€599.00
Price advantage
€219.01 cheaper
—
Offers
2 shops
3 shops
Rank in category
Rank 18 of 62
Rank 19 of 62
Rating
Sub-ratings compared
Merach Novarow Q3 R21Overall rating 81Skandika FrekiOverall rating 81
Merach Novarow Q3 R21Skandika Freki
Stroke feel & resistance70/10076/100
Ergonomics & stability82/10085/100
Console & app80/10084/100
Noise level92/10088/100
Footprint & handling78/10064/100
Build quality & ease of use75/10076/100
Stroke feel & resistance
70
76
Ergonomics & stability
82
85
Console & app
80
84
Noise level
92
88
Footprint & handling
78
64
Build quality & ease of use
75
76
Specs
Specs compared
Key specs
Brand
Model
Novarow Q3 R21
Freki
Resistance systemBraking system according to the manufacturer; for combination models, select the hybrid option.
Magnetic brake
Magnetic brake
Max. loadMaximum user weight according to the manufacturer, not the unit’s own weight.
181 kg (400 lb)
130 kg (285 lb)
Max. user heightRecommended maximum user height according to the manufacturer.
195 cm (6 ft 5 in)
200 cm (6 ft 7 in)
Rail lengthUsable length of the rail according to the manufacturer, not the overall length of the rowing machine.
100 cm (39 in)
89 cm (35 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.
Electronic, stepped
Electronic, stepped
Pull mechanismType of power transmission according to the manufacturer; list center pull with chain or strap separately.
Cable (center pull)
Cable (center pull)
Flywheel weightWeight of the flywheel according to the manufacturer, not the effective flywheel mass.
6 kg (13 lb)
12 kg (26 lb)
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.
Fixed
Height-adjustable
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.
16 levels
24 levels
Dimensions & installation
Dimensions (L × W × H)Set up ready for training in cm, length × width × height – e.g. “210 × 55 × 50 cm”
187.7 × 81.3 × 45.2 cm (74 × 32 × 18 in)
177 × 52 × 108 cm (70 × 20 × 43 in)
Dimensions (stored)Folded or stood upright in cm, length × width × height – only for foldable models
80 × 45 × 178 cm (31 × 18 × 70 in)
Seat heightSeat height above the floor according to the manufacturer, unloaded.
29 cm (11 in)
46.5 cm (18 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.
26 kg (57 lb)
43.6 kg (96 lb)
Frame materialMaterial of the load-bearing frame according to the manufacturer, not the housing.
Wood
Steel
Console
DisplayType of built-in monitor according to the manufacturer; a tablet holder alone doesn’t count as a display.
LED display
LCD display
Backlit displayAccording to the manufacturer, the display is backlit.
Yes
Displayed metricsValues the console shows directly according to the spec sheet, not only in the app.
TimeDistanceTotal strokesStrokes per minuteCalories
TimeDistanceStrokes per minuteTotal strokesPower (watts)CaloriesHeart rate
Power supplyPower supply of the console according to the manufacturer.
Self-powered (generator)
Power adapter
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.
10 programs
19 programs
Program typesTypes of preinstalled programs according to the spec sheet.
IntervalManual
Heart rate controlled (HRC)
Compatible appsWhich apps can control or record the rowing machine, according to the manufacturer; the manufacturer app counts too
Manufacturer appKinomapZwift
Kinomap
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
Usage classUsage class under DIN EN ISO 20957 according to the manufacturer.
S – Commercial
Accuracy classAccuracy class of the power display under DIN EN ISO 20957 according to the manufacturer.
Class C
Product classClassification according to the manufacturer or our editors, based on construction and continuous load capacity.
Entry level
Pro/gym grade
General
Warranty
2 years
2 years
Price segment
Mid-range
Mid-range
In the box
Montagewerkzeug, Aufbauanleitung
Rudergerät, Bedienungsanleitung, Montageanleitung, Werkzeug und Schrauben
Prices
Offers
Verdict
Pros & cons
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
Das Skandika Freki ist ein leises, bequemes Magnet-Rudergerät in Studio-Bauweise: In Tests blieb die Plus-Variante unter 60 dB, Sitzhöhe 46,5 cm und Rückenlehne erleichtern Einsteigern den Start. Der Haken ist das gleichförmige, wenig lebendige Rudergefühl, dazu nur geschätzte Wattwerte und keine echte Klappachse. Für Wohnzimmer-Fitness halten wir es für eine solide Wahl, als Ersatz für ein Ruderergometer taugt es nicht.
Pros
- In Tests unter 60 dB, auch bei hohem Widerstand
- Stabiles Stahlgestell der Einsatzklasse S, wackelt bei kräftigen Zügen kaum
- Hoher Sitz mit 46,5 cm und gepolsterter Lehne erleichtern den Einstieg
- 19 Programme mit Watt- und Pulssteuerung, Pulsempfänger eingebaut
- Plus-Variante: Kinomap passt den Widerstand automatisch an
- 89 cm lange Schiene reicht laut Tests bis 200 cm Körpergröße
Cons
- Rudergefühl gleichförmig, weniger dynamisch als bei Luft oder Wasser
- Feste Rückenlehne stört erfahrene Ruderer im Endzug
- Keine klassische Klappachse, hochkant rund 147 cm hoch
- Watt und Kalorien nur Schätzwerte (Genauigkeitsklasse C)
- Eigene Programme nicht speicherbar, Kunststoffverkleidung wirkt stellenweise billig
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