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I
went to Costco to check out the Epic 425 MX. Not the best place to try-out a treadmill and to get some professional advice. In fact, I had to get up on a shelf in order to test the model. That was a first.
The Epic 425 MX is built by Icon Fitness, which also builds NordicTrack, ProForm,
Weslo, Reebok, and Healthrider. Initially they were only available through Costco, but now they are available online through the Epic web site.
Note: As of 3/30/09 the Epic 425 MX was selling for $1,299 on the Epic web site. A better deal is the Epic View 550. It is the same price and includes a 7" flat screen TV. Go to www.EpicFit.com for the latest prices.
The Epic 425 MX Offers Exceptional Features for the Price
What makes the the 425 MX appealing is the features, many which
you only find on more expensive models. For example, you get a 3.0
continuous duty HP motor, and a 60" long running surface.
The surface is adequate for walking or jogging, although I recommend
this treadmill primarily for walking. Regular joggers and runners
should upgrade.
You have a huge console with 7 windows, allowing you to monitor
various feedback simultaneously. You get a nice selection of programs,
including (4) custom programs. I found the incline and speed controls
to be inconveniently located high up on the console. it was awkward
to make changes when walking. Overall, for a treadmill under $800
it appears to be quite large for it's price range. But with many
Icon treadmills, they give you an oversized console at the cost
of the quality of the components.
The warranty is reasonable. You get a 12 motor warranty, and one
year parts and labor. It should be noted, Icon does not have the
best customer service reputation.
Now let's talk about my concerns. With the model I checked out
the console was loose and unstable. Of course, that could be a result
from improper assembly. The incline motor seems to strain when you
increase the incline, but again it probably is an inexpensive motor
considering the price. Still you get a huge motor and a extra long
deck.
Our Review
The Epic 425 MX is a decent machine, but at the current price of
$1,399 at www.Epic.com, I feel it is overpriced. I would probably
look at similar models from ProForm
or NordicTrack, which are built
by the same company. I would also consider the Smooth
5.45 with a 3 year parts warranty.
I would also only consider the Epic 425 MX for walking and light
jogging.
Note: If you go to Costco don't plan on trying one out.
The store I went to they had it wedged in between the metal shelves,
which would have made it difficult to test. Also, Costco does not
offer delivery and setup. So plan to borrow a pickup truck and have
several friends available to move it.
Further Note: Last I looked Costco was no longer selling Epic treadmills on their site. I am not sure if they are still available at their stores. If they are, this is where you will get the best price.
Customer Reviews - Epic 425X
Comments: I was really excited to get this highly rated machine
and begin by fitness program, the first 10 30 minute one mile
walks at 2.2 miles and hour were fun and felt like a good light
workout. On the 11th day the Epic 425 started to incline and change
speeds on it's own, no impute from me. I called Icon and they
asked how much I weighed, I told them the machine was suppose
to be able to handle 350 and I was no where near 200 let alone
350. The Icon rep. said she would mail out a controller that I
could install myself, I contacted Costco where I purchased the
machine and they said they would contact me about having the treadmill
picked-up. I will never buy anything made by Icon again but I
do look forward to my new higher quality treadmill once Costco
picks up the 425 MX and gives me a refund.
***
"Overall, I am pretty happy with my choice. I hope I
can say the same in a few more years. I'm expecting to get several
years of use from this machine. Quality seems pretty good."
"I purchased the Epic 425MX from costco back in september
and it works well. I haven't had any problemsd with it and the
pre set programs that it has offer a variety of workouts!!!"
Also see the Epic View 550 Treadmill
review.
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