| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy JX-651BW Check Discounted Price | L:64" W:28" H:54" | 245 lbs | 2.0 HP, 0.5-8.0 MPH | 10 programs, Goal settings | 2 years limited |
The JX-651BW is one of the newest Marcy treadmills at the moment (it was released in 2017). It’s an entry-level machine without an incline system made for walking and light jogging, however, it does offer running speeds up to 8.0 MPH. It’s a model with a folding design, but has a different construction and folding mechanism than the JX-663SW, for example.
Even though this Marcy treadmill isn’t one with the full range of bells and whistles, it still offers a decent array of features. So, in this review, we’ll try to cover each and every one of them.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 64L x 28W x 54H inches (163L x 71W x 137H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 47.6L x 16.1W inches (121L x 41W cm)
- Assembled weight: 126 lbs (57 kg)
- Supported weight: 245 lbs (111 kg)
- Motor: 2.0 HP
- Incline: No
- Speed range: 0.5 – 8.0 MPH
- Console: 10 pre-set workouts
- Extras: Tablet holder
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame and deck
The main advantage of the Marcy JX-651BW treadmill is its folding design. As we’ve mentioned above, it has a different folding system than other treadmills; rather than its deck
folding up, you actually fold its front console masts with the console and handlebars, down, over the deck. With all the front part folded, the highest point of the machine becomes 21″ (53 cm). So, in case you’re wondering, you may not be able to store it under your bed, unless there’s a clearance of at least 21″.
On the other hand, the unit can also be stored vertically, resting on its front wheels and the pads on the motor case. When stored in a vertical position, its footprint becomes approx. 21″D x 28″W (53 x 71 cm).
When in fully operational position, the machine is not extremely large. It’s actually quite smaller than other treadmill models, such as the Body-Solid T100 or the ProForm Pro 5000. However, it still is 64″ (163 cm) long and 28″ (71 cm) wide, and may not fit well in a small room or apartment, considering that you should also leave at least three feet of clearance at the rear and at least two feet of clearance on the sides for safe operation.
Needless to say, the unit’s frame is made of durable steel tubing. All its steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant finish, black in color. The machine’s construction also integrates several plastic parts, such as the side rail covers, or the cover of the motor. These don’t reduce its overall sturdiness, though, as their role is protective and cosmetic.
The unit is not extremely heavy; it weights approx. 126 lbs (57 kg), a weight that provides excellent stability. Also, moving the unit is far from being difficult as both its front and rear bases integrate transport wheels.
This Marcy treadmill features a durable deck; it can support users up to 245 lbs (111 kg). 
However, it’s not a machine made for intense workouts and high running speeds as it doesn’t offer a very large running surface. Its running area is 47.6 x 16.1 (121 x 41 cm), thus, it’s basically a treadmill for walking and light jogging workouts.
Although the deck doesn’t have the cushioning elements of the Marcy JX-650W or the Marcy JX-663SW, its running surface still offers much more shock absorption than concrete or asphalt. Therefore, a workout on this machine will be considerably more forgiving on your joints and lower back.
The unit’s handlebars are foldable. You can fold them up to have more room to balance your arms if needed. When folding the whole unit, the two handlebars require being folded as well. Also, the two console masts are united by an extra bar, a feature that many other treadmills don’t have; this bar can serve as a place to hang your exercise towel or a water bottle holder with a water bottle.
When unfolded and in the usage position, the deck’s running surface stands approx. 8″ (20 cm) above floor level. Therefore, to avoid any height issues, it’s recommended to place and use the machine in a room with a ceiling taller than your own height by at least 15″ (38 cm).
Motor
As we’ve mentioned above, this treadmill doesn’t have an incline system. Thus, its only motor is the drive motor. And since it’s not a unit made for high-speed workouts, its motor is not extremely powerful either. It offers a power output of 1 HP and a peak power of 2 HP. It’s not a high-performance motor as the one equipped on the Schwinn 870 MY17 or the True Performance PS300 for example, but it is powerful enough to sustain long walking or jogging workouts.
The motor’s speed range is 0.5 and 8.0 MPH. The starting speed of the belt is 0.5 MPH, but up from there, you can adjust the speed in increments of 0.1 MPH. Due to this feature, you can easily find the pace that suits you best.
The unit’s speed can be adjusted gradually from the “Speed +” and “Speed -” buttons on the console. However, there also are buttons for quick speed adjustment, for the 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 speed settings.
One last aspect to mention here regards the units power consumption. Its capacity is 750 W, which means its consumption is considerably lower than the average washing machine. Differently put, even if you will be using it daily, it shouldn’t add more than a few dollars to the electricity bill.
Control unit
For an entry-level treadmill, the Marcy JX-651BW features quite an impressive console. It has 5″ LCD display with blue LED backlight which considerably improves its readability. The display is divided into 6 fields which show time, distance, speed, calories burned and the 
selected workout program.
Basically, the main downside of this console is that it cannot track your heart rate; it is not telemetric and its handlebars don’t have pulse sensors. So, if you need to keep an eye on your heart rate during your workout you will have to use a separate device for it.
There are only imperial units for the speed and distance readings (MPH and miles). However, distance is also shown in Laps, each lap being 1/4 miles (400 m), the unit keeping track of how many laps you have completed.
The unit doesn’t have fancy features such as online connectivity, sound system or a cooling fand. But in terms of fitness features, it offers 10 preset programs along with the Manual mode. Plus, it also offers the possibility to create your own workout program. Evidently, when using one of these programs, the treadmill will automatically adjust the speed of the belt in accordance with each one of the workout program segments. You can also make small speed adjustments for the duration of each program if you think it’s necessary.
Countdown functions for time, distance, and calories. Differently put, you can select a certain value for time, distance, and/or calories so that the unit will begin to countdown to zero from that selected value until you have completed it. This way, you can basically select goals for each one of your workouts.
The treadmill’s console unit is equipped with a tablet holder (or media tray), situated under the LCD display. This accessory is large enough to accommodate any tablet or smartphone. However, a tablet placed on it will cover the unit’s display.
The console unit along with the handlebars have a folding system; when folding the console masts over the deck, the console folds as well in order to reduce from the overall folded height of the unit, to offer better storage possibilities.
The console is easy to operate. It features Start and Stop buttons which give you the possibility to interrupt your workout without losing all the current progress if, for example, you want to alternate treadmill sessions with other exercises. Speed can be adjusted from the “+ / – ” keys, but there also keys for quick speed adjustment. The Mode button mainly accesses the goal setting functions, while the Program button serves for the selection of programs. Finally, just like any other treadmill, this one has the magnetic safety key feature which should be attached to your clothing as you exercise, in order to quickly stop the belt in case you fall.
Assembly and Maintenance
One of the best aspects with regards to this treadmill is that it comes fully assembled. The unit is folded in its box, so all you have to do is unbox, unfold it, plug it in, and exercise. The included manual provides instructions with regards to the usage of the console.
In terms of maintenance, it is recommended to periodically lubricate the tread belt. Silicone lubricant is recommended for it. Also, the belt should be kept clean to prevent any small objects or textile fibers to be dragged into the motor.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction for a light capacity treadmill – it can support users up to 245 lbs;
- Folding design;
- Can be stored folded flat, or in upright position;
- Transport wheels included;
- Impact-absorbing deck with a highly adherent, durable belt;
- Speed settings up to 8.0 MPH;
- Speed adjustment increments of 0.1 MPH allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
- Quick speed adjustment keys;
- Little power consumption;
- 5″, multi-panel LCD display with blue LED backlight for excellent readability;
- 10 pre-set workouts;
- 3 goal settings;
- Doesn’t require assembly;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No incline;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Marcy JX-651BW is an entry-level treadmill for walking and jogging, featuring a fold-flat design, but also upright storage possibilities. It’s equipped with a 2.0 HP motor which provides speeds up to 8.0 MPH, while its console has 10 preset workout programs and goal settings for time, distance, and calories burned. The deck is sturdy enough to support users up to 245 lbs. In all, it’s a decent fitness machine, perfect for light to medium intensity workouts, great for muscle toning, recovery training, stamina development and weight loss.