Merit 710E Elliptical Trainer

I have been using this Merit 710E Elliptical Machine for approximately 8 months and it has been a pure pleasure to use. It is very solidly-built and glides as quietly and smoothly today as it did the day I got it. Since durability was the biggest factor in what machine I purchased, I am pleased that this machine's build quality has lived-up to my expectations. The display (Pulse, Calories, Miles, & Time) is powered by two AA batteries, which means there is nothing to plug-in and nothing to get in the way, and the machine - though not small - is cleverly compact. The one drawback about the display is that it resets all counters to zero after 60 minutes. For many people, this won't be a problem - but some might find if frustrating. Since I use an Oregon Scientific PE 830 Pedometer with USB PC link, I really don't pay much attention to the display anyway, but others may and I wanted to point that out. Assembling the machine is not as hard as I was anticipating, but expect to spend... Read more

I think this is a great starter piece of equipment. It was very easy to put together. Was only missing one washer, that was just for looks. Took me 3 hours to put together, but that counting how long it took me to get it upstairs by myself. It took two guys to bring it in, and just little old 5'2 160 pund me to bring it up that stairs. My dogs were no help! Husband likes it he 6'5 and I am 5'2 it works for both of us. Timer box little cheap but it works. Not impressed with the thumb print pulse , but for the price can't ask for to much! Update 2/14/08: Still loving machine, use it everyday! Have started to hear a little noise but going to try WD40!

The Ellipitcal Trainer FINALLY arrived on 1/2/08. It was to be a Xmas gift and shipped on 12/12/07. Contacted Amazon and was given credit when it still did not show up by 12/28/07. Made several phone calls to shipper with no results. Received no type of compensation from Amazon for all the phone calls made trying to find out where item was. As stated it did show up on 1/2/08 and we are satisfied with Trainer. I just ordered a Grizzly Table Saw which I could have gone through Amazon to buy but after problem with shipping I went directly to Grizzly to buy saw.

This is an excellent machine for the money. Truly, it is a good machine for any price. If you research the bowflex treadclimber, you will find that their low-end/no-frills machine costs far more than this one. With financing, it would cost far more. This machine is affordable and can be paid for in one shot. Most importantly for $395, you are getting a machine that you can keep for at least five years vs. $1200 in a year at the gym. Putting this together, well, I am a girl and I did it all by myself - it was frustrating at times but due to my own errors. I was never able to attach the resisitance knob but I find the machine works fine without it. (I'm sure you'll be able to attach the knob I just gave up and then misplaced it.) The machine comes in easily labeled sections and includes all of the tools that you need. I find that I have to tighten the bolt on the main console every once in a while but its truly not a big deal. (The long silver piece under the main console.) T... Read more

quick delivery and easy assembly...very clear and simple direction with parts in separate bags. Only took an hour to assemble. Great workout!