November 2011 Update

• We are no longer updating the review to this product as it is no longer part of the 2011-2012 lineup. Please visit our Best Buy Treadmill and Best Buy Elliptical pages for our current recommendations. Thank you!

Good points

• 7" TV screen for a $1299 treadmill is a great value
• Built in fans
• Lots of workout programs (28!)
• Big belt (20"X60") is matched by big motor so operation is smooth
• 325lb weight capacity is above average for this price range
• 350lb weight capacity is on the high end
• You can plug in your own music player
• Consumer reports gave the best value award to this treadmill

Bad points

• No wireless heart rate monitor
• Parts warranty at 1 year is a little short for a treadmill over $1000

Comments

• Consumer Reports gave the Epic View 550 treadmill a best buy rating in their 2007 treadmill review report. This means that if you're in the market for a brand new treadmill for your home, the Epic View 550 treadmill is probably the safest choice out there. For about $1300, this treadmill really comes with a boatload of features. Perhaps the most notable feature of them all is the 7 inch TV that comes integrated on the treadmill. This is in fact the main selling point of this treadmill, hence the name "View" in Epic View 550. Although a TV treadmill sounds nice and all, is it really the best deal around? Looking at the specs of the Epic View 550 and comparing it to our top recommendations for treadmills in the under $1000 category, we can only conclude a small upgrade in quality. This small upgrade in quality plus the 7 inch TV and a few minor features equates to a $400 to $600 price difference. For many, these upgrades are probably not worth it. For others, an integrated TV may be enough for them motivation to push them into doing cardio on a regular basis. Before you buy the Epic View 550, you might also take a look at the Proform Perspective ES which is basically an identical treadmill that's slightly more affordable.

The View 550 Treadmill lets you enjoy your favorite entertainment while you're doing your workout. With its state of the art features, this treadmill from Epic is the ultimate workout machine! Watch TV and keep track of your workout, all in one place with the vivid, 7" television with multi-colored, on-screen display (OSD). While the TV is on, you can either choose to view your multi-colored workout displays or to turn them off. And, when the TV is not on, the screen will display all of your workout displays, plus a multi-color intensity profile, that displays your workout's intensity visually.

Not only does it allow you to watch your favorite TV show, you'll also be able to enjoy your favorite music using its Intermix Acoustics Sound System. Integrated into the treadmill's console, this premium sound system combines high-end speaker and subwoofer components to give you the best in crystal-clear sound quality.

It offers 28 personal trainer workouts that automatically adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill, each focusing on an aerobic, weight loss or performance goal. Other standard features include a CoolAire Workout Fan, ComfortStride Impact Reducing Cushioning, Dual-Grip PowerPulse Heart Rate Monitor, and an EasyDrop Shock with Self-Locking Latch

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