Archive for the ‘Merit’ Category:
Review : Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill
Summary (From Manufacturer):
Get in shape without breaking the bank with the Merit 725T treadmill. A great choice for both walkers and recreational runners, the 725T offers a 1.25-horsepower continuous-duty motor, with a speed range of 1 to 10 miles per hour and an elevation range of 0 to 10 percent. The computer console, meanwhile, includes one center and two side LED windows that track your resistance level, speed, time, and distance, along with five quick keys and five quick interval keys for instant adjustments. Other details include two cup holders, a thumb pulse heart rate monitor, a fold-up frame, and four preset programs: manual, intervals, rolling hills, and weight loss.
Specs:
- Motor: 1.25 continuous horsepower, 2.25 total horsepower
- Speed range: 1 to 10 miles per hour
- Elevation range: 0 to 10 percent
- Running area: 18 x 45 inches
- Running deck: 15 mm
- Cushion system: AeroSoft
- Belt thickness: 1.3 mm
- Roller size: 42 mm
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Warranties: Lifetime on the frame, 2 years on the motor, 90 days on parts and labor
Pricing:
MSRP is $600, but you can find it starting at around $400.
Justin’s Witty Commentary:
Are you short, not obese, have limited space, and want an inexpensive treadmill? Here’s your guy. This baby will do you fine. Here’s why if you are outside of that narrow group you need to look elsewhere:
-The belt is one of the smallest I’ve seen at 18X45. Even lower-end models typically have at least a 50 or 55 inch belt. The short belt will keep even kind-of tall people from using this, and would preclude running from almost everyone.
-A weight capacity of 250 pounds. This is exaggerated on treadmill specs, so if you are over 200 I’d keep away.
Merit treadmills are made by Johnson Health Tech, same guys that make Horizon treadmills. I have always liked this brand and thought it represented a good value. This isn’t a bad treadmill, just has a very narrow consumer-base and I’d hate for anyone to get this home who doesn’t fit that mold.
Merit 710T Treadmill
Summary (from manufacturer):
Make it easy and affordable to get into shape in your own home with the Merit 710T treadmill, which folds easily for storage. A great choice for both walkers and recreational runners, the 710T has a 1.25 continuous horsepower motor that provides a speed range of 1.5 to 10 miles per hour. It also offers up to 1.75 percent of elevation for added resistance. The computer console displays time, speed, and level, and it features two cup holders, handles, and a thumb contact heart rate monitor. It features four preset programs, including manual, intervals, rolling, and weight loss.
Specs:
- Motor: 1.25 continuous horsepower, 2.25 total horsepower
- Speed range: 1.5 to 10 miles per hour
- Elevation range: 0 to 1.75 percent
- Running area: 16 by 45 inches
- Running deck: 0.6 inch
- Cushion system
- Belt thickness: 1.3 millimeters
- Roller size: 1.6 inches
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Frame – 5 years; motor – 1 year; parts and labor – 90 days
Price:
Don’t pay more than $400.
Justin’s Comments:
This treadmill is ideal for:
(Grandma that weighs less than 250 pounds)
This treadmill sucks, even for the price-point it is at. It’s underpowered, has a narrow and short running belt, can’t even support the people that need a treadmill most (250 pound limit), doesn’t have a powered incline, and has undersized rollers. It is made by Horizon Fitness, which have a decent reputation, but this model gets a big thumbs down.
This treadmill, like most in its class, would be an ok choice for an infrequent walker. That said, there are still better choices out there for a similar priced treadmill. Deal killers are listed above, but to elaborate: modern treadmills have a powered incline, yes, even cheap treadmills. Not this one, to increase the incline you must manually adjust the rear wheels – which Grandma could have a difficult time doing. The belt is short and narrow, so watch your step – in this class look for a minimum of 50 inches length. The warranty is subpar as well, which shows you the confidence Horizon has in this product.