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Xterra TRX3500 Review

Quick Summary

The XTERRA TRX3500 is a well-made home treadmill first sold in 2017. Discount priced at $899, it’s a top choice for low-cost workouts at any intensity. Strong basics include the 60” track, 3.0 HP motor and top speed of 12 mph. Extras include power incline to 12%, Bluetooth data sharing and wireless heart rate control. Also equipped with more than 30 programs, this machine can give almost anyone an ideal workout. Details are below in our full TRX3500 Treadmill review.

Specifications

Model XTERRA TRX3500
Rating

Our custom rating considers all of the treadmill's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!

90.5%
List Price

Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.

$1,599
Best Price

Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

$899
Speed

Treadmill Speed is measured in Miles Per Hour (mph). Average running speed is 5-9 mph.

0.5-12 mph
Incline

Treadmill Incline measures the angle of the deck, and how steep it is relative to the floor (0% is flat, and 15% is like a steep hill).

0-12%
Motor

The Treadmill Motor is what turns the belt as you run. We recommend at least 2 HP (Horsepower) motors, 2.5+ HP for jogging, and 3.0+ HP for running.

3HP
Deck

Treadmill Deck dimensions are measured in inches: Width x Length. The wider and longer the deck, the safer it is (55-60 inches long recommended for running).

20" x 60"
Belt

The Treadmill Belt is the surface you run on. The thicker the belt, the less impact on your joints. At least 2-ply (1 inch) recommended.

XTRA Soft cushioned shock
absorption deck
Folding?

Some treadmills are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.

Programs

Treadmill Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.

30+
Max. Weight

Treadmill Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.

350 lbs
Heart Rate

Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.

Wireless Chest Strap Compatible and Grip Sensors
Dimensions

Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).

77.2"x 35.5"x 56.1”
Display

Treadmill Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.

Large 6.5” blue backlit LCD display
Cooling Fans

Treadmill Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout.

Accessory Tray

Some treadmills include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.

Speakers

Treadmills that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (no headphones).

Quick Controls

Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).

Warranty

The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.

Frame: Lifetime
Motor: Lifetime
Deck: 2 year
Electronics/Parts: 2 year
Labor: 1 year (In-home)

Rating: 90.5%

Our Rating

Rating: 90.5/100. The XTERRA TRX3500 is a solid general-purpose treadmill for home use. It’s priced very competitively: On a good sale day, you can order this model for just $899 including delivery. The TRX3500 Treadmill is an excellent value for walkers, plus it lets you sprint at up to 12 mph. For comparison most treadmills under $900 aren’t as versatile; they’re meant for mostly lower intensity exercise.

Key features include a two-ply 60” x 20” workout surface; a 3.0 HP drive with lifetime warranty for the frame and motor; power incline to 12 percent; 30 preset workout programs for speed/incline training; and a heart rate controlled workout program that works with a wireless chest strap (not included). Additionally the console can store two user profiles and lets each user store two custom-designed treadmill workouts.

New for 2018, Bluetooth for data sharing is included on select XTERRA fitness machines. You can pair an Apple or Android mobile device with the TRX3500 Treadmill, and the fitness machine will automatically export your calorie burn, distance covered, heart rate and other treadmill exercise statistics. The free XTERRA Fitness app is also compatible with FitBit wearables and other fitness mobile apps.

Like all XTERRA treadmills, this model can self-fold for upright storage. Unfolded it has a footprint 77.2” long and 35.5” wide.

Pros:

  • 20” x 60” workout area to accommodate all stride lengths
  • 3.0 HP drive with lifetime warranty
  • Power incline choices up to 12 percent
  • Compatible with a wireless heart rate monitor (sold separately)
  • 30 preset workout programs for speed and incline training
  • Heart rate controlled workout program
  • Two-ply workout belt for quiet operation
  • On/off cushioning
  • MP3 player port and dashboard speaker set
  • Safety tether for auto-stop
  • Foldable frame with hydraulic assist
  • Two-year parts warranty
  • In-home labor warranty
  • 350-pound user weight capacity

Cons:

  • Light maintenance required, such as tightening and lubricating the belt
  • Suspension (deck cushioning) is weaker than what high-end treadmills provide

Introduction

On sale for $899 the XTERRA TRX3500 is a top value in its price class. This new model has wireless telemetry, Bluetooth for fitness tracking, and other features normally reserved for treadmills $1,000 and up. Below are details about its workout programming, parts/features and free warranty.

Workout Programs

The XTERRA TRX3500 Treadmill console can store two user profiles. It arrives with manual mode, a customizable heart rate control workout, and 30 preset exercise programs with different speed/incline profiles. Each speed/incline workout can be customized to run from five to 99 minutes.

The heart rate control program can be used with a wireless chest strap (sold separately). The program is set to help you train at 116 bpm, but it can be customized for any target heart rate.

Each user can save two self-designed workout programs to automate the speed and incline.

XTERRA TRX3500 Features

Bluetooth is provided for automatically updating a mobile app with your treadmill workout statistics. The TRX3500 can sync with the XTERRA Fitness app on Android and Apple devices. The app can integrate with FItBit, iHealth and other third-party fitness trackers.

A 3.0 HP drive powers the exercise belt. This motor carries a lifetime warranty.

The maximum belt speed is 12 mph. For extra challenge and variety the track can incline by up to 12 percent.

Data are shown on a 6.5” screen with backlighting for easy reading. An animated racetrack graphic illustrates your progress, and the window displays multiple data points at once. For comparison, many other low-priced treadmills have smaller readouts and require scanning to show different data fields.

Alongside the data window are quick controls for speed and incline. You can also adjust speed and incline with up/down buttons on the handlebars. Dual cup holders are positioned on each side of the console, which features a cooling fan and audio jack with speakers. The console also features a built-in reading rack.

A safety tether with magnet can automatically stop the tread belt if you slip. The belt will stop within one or two steps’ worth of movement.

XTERRA treadmills give two options for heart rate monitoring. Stainless steel sensors on the treadmill crossbar can give a readout after about 10 seconds of continuous contact with your hands. The machine is also compatible with wireless chest straps sold separately. The TRX4500 ($100 more) is shipped with a chest strap included.

XTERRA treadmills have self-folding frames. With hydraulic assist you can easily move the workout deck to an upright position for storage. The integrated carriage design incorporates transport wheels for convenient movement and storage.

The TRX3500 Treadmill has a 20″ wide x 60″ long workout surface, which is the norm for treadmills at health clubs. For comparison, lots of home treadmills under $1000 have smaller tracks that aren’t as comfortable for taking long strides.

XTERRA tread belts are two-ply. The 3500’s belt requires occasional DIY maintenance including tightening and lubrication. Lubricant is shipped with the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you lube a XTERRA Treadmill?

When applying lubricant to any treadmill, always make sure the machine is both turned off and unplugged. Use one hand to lift the treadmill belt up and away from the treadmill base just enough to apply the lubricant in a long pattern along the belt. Do this on both sides, before plugging the treadmill back in and walking on it about five minutes to spread the liquid evenly.

Is XTERRA Fitness a good brand?

XTERRA is a good value brand for shoppers seeking quality without high prices. With a goal of building affordable fitness products for a broad range of clients, the company produces bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, steppers, and accessories. Reviews indicate that brand is a solid buy for those on a budget.

Why does my XTERRA treadmill squeak?

Check the floor to make sure the treadmill is level. An off-balanced treadmill will produce a squeaking or grinding noise as the belt is prone to run off course. If the machine is level, check to see if the treadmill requires lubrication.

How do I maintain my XTERRA treadmill?

In addition to regular lubrication, users should wipe down the treadmill after each use and make sure there is no dust build-up underneath.

Warranty & Guarantee

The XTERRA TRX3500 Treadmill warranty package includes:

– Frame: Lifetime

– Motor: Lifetime

– Deck: 2 years

– Parts & Electronics: 2 years

– Labor: 1 year (In-home)

Additionally XTERRA Fitness provides a 60-day money-back guarantee. Return policies may differ amongst retailers, with Amazon.com offering 30 days after reciept of shipment and Walmart offering 90 days.

Conclusion

The XTERRA TRX3500 is a good option for shoppers with smaller treadmill budgets. It meets performance standards set for higher-priced treadmills, and most alternatives under $900 would wear out more quickly. We also like how the 3500 model supports two user profiles and delivers a good variety of customizable exercise programs.

For another $100 the 4500 model delivers even better value – it has a five-year parts warranty – but if you’re committed to spending $899 or less, the XTERRA TRX3500 could be your best treadmill deal.

Other XTERRA Treadmills

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