Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill Treadmill

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

MSRP: $499, Price As Reviewed: $399, Model Year: 2011

Where To Buy : We Recommend Amazon.com

 

Pros

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

More affordable and better value

For just $399, the 725T plus features a stronger motor at 2.25HP.

Above average motor

Features a 2.25HP motor combined with an 18" x 45" belt. Normally, only a 2HP is sufficient to power an 18" x 50" belt but the 725T Plus offers a better motor and belt combination.

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.

 

Cons

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

Poor warranty

2 year on motor warranty and 90days on parts and labor is way below average even if it comes with a lifetime warranty on frame.

Shorter belt length

Although the belt and motor combination is good, the belt length of 45" is below average than what's expected for treadmills.

Light treadmill

At 121 lbs, it's very questionable to hold up 250lb users. The 725T Plus is even lighter than the regular 725T which weighs 139 lbs.

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.

Lacks features

Treadmill doesn't have noise reduction, fans, and audio 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 – 40.6% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Extra Features – 52% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Quality and Durability – 28.4% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Overall Score & Conclusion - 40.3% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Main component Programs 7 10.5 40 26.25% 7 preset programs
Main component Max Speed 9.1 to 10 MPH 35 45 77.78% Speed range is from 0 to 10 miles per hour.
Main component Max Incline 9.1 to 10.0 15 45 33.33% Amazon states elevation range is from 0-10%.
Main component Belt Length <50" 12.5 40 31.25% Has a 45-inch belt length.
Main component Belt Width 18.0 to 18.4 12.5 40 31.25% Has a 18-inch belt width.
Main component Motor Rating 2.01 to 2.25 HP 18 45 40% Treadmill has a 2.25-horsepower drive motor.
    Subtotal 1: 103.5 255 40.59%  


Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Extra Features Max Decline No Decline 5 20 25% Has no decline feature.
Extra Features Noise Reduction Belt or Deck or Motor No 3 10 30% No mention of noise reduction features.
Extra Features Shock Absorption (cushioning) Belt or Deck Yes 10 15 66.67% Treadmill features AeroSoft Cushion system
Extra Features Folding Yes 15 15 100% Treadmill has a folding feature.
Extra Features Fans No/Not Stated 3 10 30% Does not have cooling fan features.
Extra Features Built In TV No/Not Stated 5 30 16.67% TV not stated.
Extra Features Supports MP3 Players No/Not Stated 5 20 25% MP3 player support not mentioned.
Extra Features Water Bottle Holder Yes 15 15 100% Treadmill console has bottle holder based on picture.
Extra Features Money Back Guarantee Yes (30 days or less) 15 20 75% Amazon website gives a 30-day money back guarantee on its products.
Extra Features Fitness Tests/Competition/Goals No/Not Stated 1.5 7.5 20% Amazon description has no mention of Fitness test/Goals.
Extra Features Personalization: User Profiles/Progress Logs/History No/Not Stated 1.5 7.5 20% Doesn\'t have user profiles.
Extra Features Heart Rate Monitor Grip 10 20 50% Comes with pulse grips only.
Extra Features Quick Speed/Incline Buttons Yes 10 10 100% Has quick speed and incline buttons according to Amazon.
Extra Features Time Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Has time readout on console.
Extra Features Distance Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Readout shows distance.
Extra Features Calories Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Treadmill displays calories burned.
Extra Features Console Design Clumsy or Outdated 3 10 30% Treadmill console looks outdated.
    Subtotal 2: 117 225 52%  


:
Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Quality and reliability Frame Warranty 13 to lifetime 20 20 100% Manufacturer gives a lifetime frame warranty.
Quality and reliability Motor Warranty 6 years or less 15 30 50% Comes with a 2-year motor warranty.
Quality and reliability Parts Warranty less than 1 year 10 60 16.67% Manufacturer gives a 90 day warranty on parts.
Quality and reliability Labor Warranty less than 1 year 10 60 16.67% Has a 90-day labor warranty.
Quality and reliability Multi-ply Belt/Deck 1 Ply/Not stated 5 15 33.33% Number of plies not stated in product description.
Quality and reliability Machine Weight less than 200 pounds/not stated 7.5 40 18.75% 139 lbs according to product description.
Quality and reliability Machine User Weight Capacity 238 to 250 pounds 12.5 42.5 29.41% Has a maximum weight capacity of250 lbs.
Quality and reliability Rollers less than 2"/not stated 7.5 22.5 33.33% Amazon has no information on roller size.
Quality and reliability Bonus Folding Yes -5     Amazon has no information on roller size.
    Subtotal 3 : 82.5 290 28.45%  
    Overall: 303 770 40.35%