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.