Strengths:
3.0 CHP Odyssey II™ Commercial Motor - This is one of the highest motor powers at this price point. The motor uses direct cooling, a self-cooling process that extends the motor's life and allows you to exercise for longer periods of time.
7" Flat Screen TV with Multi-Colored Displays - You can watch TV and track your workout at the same time - or just choose to watch TV. When the TV is off, the screen shows all of your workout displays, plus a multi-color intensity profile, that displays your workout's intensity visually.
Interplay™ Music Port with Built-In Speakers - Plug in your iPod/mp3 player and listen to your favorite music while you work out. While this is becoming a fairly standard feature in treadmills at this price range, it's still nice to have
28 Personal Trainer Workouts - These workouts were designed by a personal trainer and they automatically adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill, each focusing on an aerobic, weight loss or performance goal.
2008 'Best Buy' Award - The Epic View 550 received a 'Best Buy' award in 2008 from a leading consumer magazine.
Weaknesses:
Despite the 'Best Buy' from experts, user reviews have been mixed, with an average rating of 2.5 out of 5 Stars. To be fair, there are only a few reviews so it's hard to get an overall consensus.
Also, at this price point there's a lot of competition. Brands like Nordic Track and Sole give you similar features with longer warranties and higher user reviews.
Overall Conclusion:
The Epic View 550 treadmill gives you a strong 3.0 HP motor power, a high 350 lb user weight capacity and an extra long belt. Plus you get some neat goodies like a built in TV, 28 personal trainer workouts and music port for your mp3 Player.
While the overall value is good, it does fall down a bit in terms of warranty.
Where To Buy:
You can buy the Epic View 550 direct from the Epic closeout store. They often give you free shipping, which can save you a few hundred dollars.
With a strong 3.0 CHP commercial motor, 7" Flat Screen TV, adjustable cushioning system, Intermix Acoustics™ Sound System and Interplay™ Music Port it's a huge improvement over older Epic models.
Is it right for your workout needs? Here's a review of the Epic 550 to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1299 (Regular $1999)
Motor: 3.0 CHP Odyssey II™ commercial motor
Speed: 0 - 12 MPH
Incline: 0-12%
Treadbelt: 20 x 60"
Folding: Yes
350 lb Weight Capacity Deck
Lifetime Frame warranty, 12-year motor warranty and 1 year of parts and labor
