Epic 425 MX Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

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.

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 5.65 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.

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"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.