Image 8.25 Elliptical Trainer by Icon Fitness

by Michael Madajewski
(New Iberia, Louisiana)

Purchased on 2/6/07 from Wal-Mart

The Image 8.25 elliptical trainer's crank or pin on which the entire rotating assembly mounts sheared on 5/19/07, 12 days past the 90 day warranty. To their credit, Icon Fitness shipped me a replacement part even though the warranty had expired. This was a good thing.

However, there were other problems with the Image 8.25, particularly with the quality of the welds on the frame, as well as the quality of the steel used for the frame.

I experienced cracks and ductile failure on welds at the junction of the lower portion of the elliptical trainer's frame and the upright, the right crank arm, and then the right side of the portion of the frame that supports the crank arms. I had these repaired by a local welding shop as they occurred. Shortly after the third repair, I encountered another weld failure on the only part of the frame that hadn't been reinforced by a proper weld.

It must be noted that the welds on the Image 8.25 didn't encompass all points where there was contact between adjacent pieces of the frame, nor were they of sufficient strength and thickness.

The rated capacity of this Image elliptical machine is 250 lbs, and I weigh 225 lbs. However, I was able to cause the unit to fail repeatedly despite weighing less than the rated capacity. The machine was smooth in operation when not in need of frame repairs. I wouldn't recommend the Image 8.25 elliptical trainer for a serious user that is of any size, unless they are handy with a MIG welder & have adequate mechanical skills.