Merit 735T Treadmill

  • Reviewed On: December 11, 2011
  • Reviewed By: Gerard Lao

MSRP: $599, Price As Reviewed: $599, Model Year: 2011

Where To Buy : We Recommend Amazon.com

 

Pros

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

Strong motor

The 735T features a 2.75HP motor that is above average for treadmills in this price range.

10 mph and 10% incline

Treadmill has a max 10mph and 10% incline. Although considered a lower pro, still worth mentioning considering the affordable price tag.

Has cushioning, fans, and folding feature

Although common for treadmills, it's still worth noting that these features are present in this affordable treadmill.

 

Cons

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

Poor parts and labor warranty

Although the 735T now has a lifetime warranty on top of the lifetime frame warranty, the 90-day parts and motor warranty is still way below average.

Light treadmill

At 152 lbs, it's very questionable to hold up 275lb users.

Limited programs

Even though it has more programs than the 715T, electronic programs are not very expensive to produce nowadays. 7 is still below average.

No noise reduction and MP3 support

Treadmill doesn't have noise reduction, and MP3 support.

Belt plies and roller size unknown

We give low marks for unknown or unstated features. Not to say that the quality of these features are poor but you have reasons to be cautious if details about these are not disclosed.

Basic Components – 44.5% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Extra Features – 55.1% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Quality and Durability – 35.3% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Overall Score & Conclusion - 45% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Main component Programs 6 9 40 22.5% Comes with 6 program options.
Main component Max Speed 9.1 to 10 MPH 35 45 77.78% Treadmill can go from 0.5 to 10 miles per hour.
Main component Max Incline 9.1 to 10.0 15 45 33.33% Maximum incline is 10%.
Main component Belt Length 52-52.9" 18 40 45% Has a 52\" belt length.
Main component Belt Width 18.0 to 18.4 12.5 40 31.25% Comes with an 18-inch belt width.
Main component Motor Rating 2.51 to 2.75 HP 24 45 53.33% Motor rating is 2.75HP.
    Subtotal 1: 113.5 255 44.51%  


Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Extra Features Max Decline No Decline 5 20 25% Decline feature not mentioned.
Extra Features Noise Reduction Belt or Deck or Motor No 3 10 30% Doesn\'t have a noise reduction feature.
Extra Features Shock Absorption (cushioning) Belt or Deck Yes 10 15 66.67% Treadmill has AeroSoft Cushion system
Extra Features Folding Yes 15 15 100% Treadmill folds for easy storage.
Extra Features Fans Yes 10 10 100% Treadmill comes with cooling fans.
Extra Features Built In TV No/Not Stated 5 30 16.67% Treadmill does not have TV.
Extra Features Supports MP3 Players No/Not Stated 5 20 25% Has no built-in sound system.
Extra Features Water Bottle Holder Yes 15 15 100% Photo shows bottle holder.
Extra Features Money Back Guarantee Yes (30 days or less) 15 20 75% Comes with a 30-day money back guarantee from Amazon.
Extra Features Fitness Tests/Competition/Goals No/Not Stated 1.5 7.5 20% No mention of Fitness tests/Goals.
Extra Features Personalization: User Profiles/Progress Logs/History No/Not Stated 1.5 7.5 20% No mention of user profiles.
Extra Features Heart Rate Monitor Grip 10 20 50% Features contact heart rate grips.
Extra Features Quick Speed/Incline Buttons Yes 10 10 100% Quick speed and incline buttons located on console.
Extra Features Time Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Readout displays time.
Extra Features Distance Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Distance displayed on console.
Extra Features Calories Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Readout shows calories burned.
Extra Features Console Design Clumsy or Outdated 3 10 30% Treadmills console doesn\'t look modern.
    Subtotal 2: 124 225 55.11%  


:
Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Quality and reliability Frame Warranty 13 to lifetime 20 20 100% Has a lifetime warranty on frame.
Quality and reliability Motor Warranty 13 to lifetime 30 30 100% Treadmill has a lifetime motor warranty.
Quality and reliability Parts Warranty less than 1 year 10 60 16.67% Treadmill has a 90-day parts warranty.
Quality and reliability Labor Warranty less than 1 year 10 60 16.67% Manufacturer gives a 90 day warranty on labor.
Quality and reliability Multi-ply Belt/Deck 1 Ply/Not stated 5 15 33.33% Amazon description does not mention if belt is multi-ply.
Quality and reliability Machine Weight less than 200 pounds/not stated 7.5 40 18.75% Treadmill weight is 152 lbs.
Quality and reliability Machine User Weight Capacity 263 to 275 pounds 17.5 42.5 41.18% Accommodates weight up to 275 lbs.
Quality and reliability Rollers less than 2"/not stated 7.5 22.5 33.33% Treadmill\'s rollers not discussed.
Quality and reliability Bonus Folding Yes -5     Treadmill\'s rollers not discussed.
    Subtotal 3 : 102.5 290 35.34%  
    Overall: 340 770 44.99%