Are Epic Treadmills Good Value?

Epic treadmills are well known in the market for their entry-level treadmills. They are manufactured by the fitness giant Icon Fitness, which also make, among others, ProForm and Nordic Track treadmills. Epic treadmills used to be sold by Icon, but can now been seen in Costco, the discount retailer.

Epic treadmills are considered as average quality machines in the lower-end price range. However, they have a rather poor reputation as far as durability and stability are concerned and do not compare with the higher-priced, better quality treadmills. Icon is known in the treadmill market for its less-than-satisfactory customer service and its habit of using poor-quality parts. This has inevitably affected how the T60 is perceived.

There are several Epic models, with the T 60 being the most popular. As with most Icon treadmills, the keypad membrane regularly fails, rendering the console unusable. There have also been problems associated with the rollers. Despite these problems, the T60 is still considered a good buy in the below $1000 range. Like all Epic treadmills, the T60 comes with a 12-year warranty on the motor, and only 90 days on parts and labor.

Although there is concern over the some of the cheap parts used in this treadmill, as well as its durability and overall quality, the Epic T60 is rated "Best Buy" in the $500 - $1000 range by TreadmillDoctor.com.

The T60 comes with the following features:
· 0 - 12 mph:
· 0 - 12% incline:
· 20" x 60" running surface:
· ComfortChoice cushioning:
· Foldable:
· Electronic console displaying time elapsed, distance traveled, speed and calories burned:
· iFit compatible:
· User weight capacity: 350 lbs:
· 10 preset workouts and 2 heart rate workouts

The iFit technology allows you to hook the treadmill up to the Internet to track your fitness progress. It can also devise a personal workout program for you, so that you'll have a new goal to reach each time you use the treadmill. iFit also allows you to listen to music and can provide a pleasing image to accompany your workout.

To summarize: The T60 is a good budget buy. Its attractive features are let down by its low overall quality. But at below $1000, you really cannot compare the T60 to higher-price, better quality treadmills. However, the T60 is perfectly adequate for someone who wants a basic machine, and who will only be using the machine lightly. If you're a serious runner or athlete, then the T60 is definitely not for you.