The Merit Fitness 725T Plus treadmill is designed for the home at an affordable price. Merit Fitness is a Johnson Health Tech brand, which is amongst the worldwide biggest manufacturers of fitness equipment. You find with many low priced treadmills, you unfortunately get what you pay for. With this treadmill, the manufacturers states that it is a durable and sturdy treadmill that is of high quality. They do appear to back up their assertion with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 2 year warranty for the motor. So, does the 725T plus live up to the claim of the manufacturer or is it just like some of the treadmills priced under $500.
Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill Specifications
- Top Speed: 10 mph
- Incline: 10%
- Foldable? Yes
- Number of Programs: 7
- Motor Size: 2.25 Horsepower
- Running Deck Size: 18 by 45 inch
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame, 2 years on Motor
- Weight Supports: 250lb
The Pros
Cost: This is the first thing most people consider when they look at this treadmill. At a price of around $400 (net of discount) it is not the cheapest treadmill you can get. But from our research it comes out as one of the top ones when you compare it with other similarly priced treadmills. The Merit Fitness 725T Plus has a strongly-build frame made of steel that easily accommodates weights up to 250 lbs. The running belt includes an AEROsoft cushioning system helps to absorb the impact of running providing a smoother run that protects the legs of all sizes up to the maximum weight of 250 lbs.
It comes with 7 preset training programs with cardio, endurance, hill climbs plus your own personal settings. You get a lot of functionality with these settings combined with a 10 mph top speed at an incline of 10%, at a price that is a lot lower than a lot of other models with similar functionality.
Motor: As mentioned in specifications the treadmill is 2.25 horsepower electric motor driving the belt. This motor has some good credentials. You find with a lot of treadmills the top speed quoted is for running on the flat. But with the 725T Plus, its top speed can be achieved on any of its’ settings. Even the top hill incline of 10% you get a top speed of 10 mph. You get some peace of mind that it can do this routinely because the company provides a 2 year warranty on the motor.
LED Display: You get 2 LED displays. Most people find them easy to read and provide comprehensive data and information. You get all the information you’ll probably need like time taken, distance traveled, average speed, current speed, calories burned and heart rate. You can easily track your progress against your fitness goals and your current level of fitness. It monitors your heart rate by using a thumb pulse unit which will also warn you if your heart rate rises above the range where it ought to be.
The Cons
Storage: It is a foldable treadmill for putting away in to storage. Unfortunately, this treadmill doesn’t fold flat and won’t fit under a low bed. This can be disappointing if you have limited room for storage.
This is where one of it’s strengths is also one of it weaknesses. Because it can support up to 250 lbs of running weight it has to be sturdily built of quality materials. If you want to be able to hide our treadmill away when not in use, then it probably isn’t the treadmill for you. This along with the next issue appear to be the main issues with the treadmill.
Safety Strap: This provides a cut out feature. You attach the strap to your body around your belt. It attaches to the machine by way of a magnet. When the strap comes off the treadmill it shuts down as would happen if you were to fall or step off the machine.
It is a great idea, but it can be a bit frustrating too. The magnetic link isn’t very strong and the strap is not very long. This can result in the connection being accidentally broken if you don’t pay attention and you will lose all your current readings.
Should You Buy The Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill?
For the price this is overall a good value machine. There are issues around the size it folds down to and the safety strap, but you will find it very difficult to get as good a treadmill in its price range. It can take running weights up to 250 lbs, is easy to use with little instruction and a running area of 18 by 45 inches. The Merit Fitness 725T Plus treadmill has a good quality motor, with good sturdy frame and seven training this treadmill can help you to lose any extra pounds you might want to lose and also help you maintain your cardio fitness levels.
- Related post: TrekDesk Treadmill Desk Review
