The Nautilus T516 Treadmill is arguably the best treadmill for home use to feature on our site, in terms of power, clocking a formidable 15 miles per hour top speed with its exceptionally powerful 3.2 Horsepower motor. Add to that an incline range of 0 to 15 degrees, plus a total of 26 workout programs, and you have the perfect solution for both the complete beginner and very advanced runner alike. Although by no means will it be easy to lose weight and reach your fitness goals, the Nautilus T516 aims to make the process as comfortable as possible with a fully cushioned running belt which keeps the impact forces to a minimum, thus being as kind as possible on your muscles and joints.
Check out the full features of the Nautilus T516 Treadmill below:
- 3.2 HP motor @ 0-15 mph
- 0-15% incline
- 20 inch by 58 inch workout area
- Reduced impact via suspension and cushioned surface technology
- 26 workout programs
- Folds easily for quick and convenient storage
- LCD Display
- Cooling fan
- Bottle holder
- Unit weight 345 lbs
- Maximum user weight 350 lbs
The Nautilus T516 Treadmill has been reduced on amazon by $1101. Click here to get your discount on Amazon now!
The Nautilus T516 Treadmill definitely looks impressive on paper, but what do real users make of it? To start with, it sells very well online and is consistently a bestseller at numerous major online retailers, and boasts a very good 4/5 star average rating on amazon. Customers are quick to point out that this is a ‘heavy-duty’ treadmill; it’s certainly not light in the features department, and the frame is very solid. However, as many users are quick to point out, the disadvantage of this is that the unit is very heavy and at 345 lbs, you will need more than 2 people to get this in your house and set it up. Moving this piece of equipment around is also going to be less strenuous than the more lightweight, cheap treadmills for the home. Again, as mentioned many times on our site, it all depends what you want: portability or dependability. Many portable treadmills don’t last as long as the more sturdy home treadmills, especially if you are training aggressively. Customer opinion is generally in agreement of the fact that the Nautilus T516 Treadmill is a top quality, high-end home treadmill for the more aggressive runners or fitness enthusiasts out there, but there are a few useful caveats that users have been very kind to share. First of all, on assembly, some screws are actually in the unit when they arrive but need to be taken out as you need to attach pieces to them. It’s kind of confusing because some of the screws you need to assemble this are loose in the bag, while others are actually stuck in the treadmill and need to be taken out! Quite bizarre! But once you’ve got your head around that, the only other issue is the weight and relative lack of portability. Otherwise, the Nautilus T516 Treadmill is the way to go for any hardcore runner or a person looking to lose some serious weight.
Positive aspects of the Nautilus T516 Treadmill:
Most powerful home treadmill around
Very sturdy and reliable
Heavily discounted on amazon
Negative aspects of the Nautilus T516 Treadmill:
Very heavy – difficult to move around
Slightly confusing assembly
Full reviews, product images and videos available on Amazon here.
You can also read additional reviews of the best treadmills for home use if the Nautilus T516 is not for you.
With a maximum user weight of 350 lbs and a powerful 2 3/4 Horsepower motor running at speeds of up to 12 mph, the Proform Power 995 Treadmill is a multi-faceted, incline-capable treadmill that can cater for a wide range of runners, from beginner to advanced. Whatever your ability, strain on your joints is always a worry, so you will be comforted by the fact that the Proform Power 995 Treadmill features an adjustable cushioned running surface which can reduce joint impact by up to 15%. Access vital workout information instantly through the LCD touch-screen and use the massive selection of technological features such as pre-programmed workouts, additional workout downloads as well as Google-Maps powered workouts. And when your workout is done, fold the treadmill vertically and roll it into a safe space until your next workout is due.
Here’s a full list of Proform Power 995 Treadmill specifications:
- 2 3/4 HP motor running at speeds of 1-12 miles per hour
- Incline angle from 0 to 12 degrees
- 20 inch x 60 inch workout area
- Touch screen LCD display
- 350 lbs maximum user weight
- Total expanded dimensions – 37 3/4″ x 71 1/2″ x 79 1/2″ (Width x Height x Length)
- Lifetime warranty on motor and frame, 2 year warranty on parts, 1 year warranty on labor
- Over 20 workout programs for ultimate workout diversity
- Cooling fan
- MP3 player compatible speaker system
Get 27% off the list price using amazon. Click here to find out more on Amazon.
While the Proform Power 995 Treadmill is one of the best selling cheap treadmills around, a relatively small number of customers have chosen to review the product as compared to other treadmills, for example the Bowflex 7 Series, or Horizon treadmills, some of which can have anywhere from 50 to 200+ ratings. Nonetheless, when we do our research for the best treadmills for home use, we generally want it to have at least 10 reviews for us to form a reliable opinion. Fortunately the Proform Power 995 Treadmill does have that, with 13 ratings as of mid 2011. The average star rating comes in at a very respectable 4 out of 5, and such an average is likely to hold regardless of the amount of new reviews are written in the future, because after 10 reviews an average is usually established quite well. Thus, at the very least, we can conclude that the Proform Power 995 Treadmill is a good quality item. But how does it measure up against the best treadmills within its price range?
Well, to be honest, I find it quite hard to come to a proper verdict in terms of other customers’ experiences simply because we have heard rumors that some reviews on popular shopping sites and review sites are in fact fabricated and not genuine. Of course, we are unable to verify whether reviews left for this treadmill are genuine or not, but we feel it’s our duty to warn our readers. Do your due diligence before parting with any substantial sum of cash.
In terms of our own experience, the Proform Power 995 Treadmill we tested was quiet, assembled quickly and had all the features to be expected of a modern home treadmill. It takes at least 2 people to carry and assemble the unit, but it can be done within an hour or so. The workout programs and touch screen LCD is where the Proform Power 995 Treadmill slightly exceeds its cohort, as well as the speaker system whose sound quality is considerably better than the regular home treadmill’s notoriously poor audio quality. One particular review described a ‘shakiness’ in the treadmill, but we experienced nothing but a solid machine both when running and walking. This is definitely a reminder to double-check that you have assembled everything correctly, because for high priced items, they have likely been tested meticulously and the more likely scenario is that something has not been done properly during assembly. There was nothing particularly bad about this treadmill, but I would be inclined to recommend another treadmill reviewed on our site, due to the possible rogue reviews and a few problems outlined by buyers of breakages down the line. For over $1000, you can definitely get a better treadmill for home use than the Proform Power 995 Treadmill.
Positive aspects of the Proform Power 995 Treadmill:
Nice touch screen display
More software features than most treadmills
Negative aspects of the Proform Power 995 Treadmill:
One buyer alleges that some reviews are not genuine (unconfirmed)
Reports of minor faults down the line, e.g. fan
Better, more dependable treadmills are available for the money
See all the original reviews on Amazon, extra pictures and more here.
The Smooth 5.65 Treadmill is an ideal option if you are looking for a cheap treadmill which is easily folded and moved around your house. The innovative gas-powered ‘shock-assist’ mechanism means that you don’t have to undergo unnecessary stress just to fold it up when not in use; wheels and a considerably lighter than usual (195 lbs) total unit weight are also of great help. In terms of features, the Smooth Fitness Treadmill 5.65 has all the standard specifications that one would expect of one of the best treadmills for home use, with a 2 1/2 Horsepower motor facilitating speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, a maximum incline angle of 15 degrees, excellent cushioned running surface for optimal comfort on the joints, a huge 40 workout programs and much more.
Full features of the Smooth 5.65 Treadmill:
- 2 1/2 Horsepower motor
- Speed range 0-10 miles per hour
- Incline elevation 0-15 degrees
- Workout area – 20″ (W) x 60″ (L)
- Cushioned, shock absorbing running surface
- LED display showing time, distance, speed, calories burnt
- 40 workout programs for diverse range of workouts
- Total treadmill weight 195 lbs
- Maximum weight capacity 300 lbs
- Cooling fan
- MP3 compatible speakers
Click this link for a massive $998.00 discount on Amazon!
The Smooth 5.65 Treadmill holds the title of best selling treadmill on amazon; such an impressive achievement would definitely have not been possible without raw quality in the product. It’s no surprise, then, that the Smooth 5.65 Treadmill boasts an almost perfect 4 1/2 out of 5 star rating spanning over 50 total reviews. Consistency in customer opinion is everything. Customers are clearly pleased with this treadmill, with one particular user describing how she is no longer fat and lost 70 lbs thanks to this treadmill, definitely no mean feat, though I wouldn’t say it’s entirely due to the Smooth 5.65 Treadmill, because losing any significant weight requires willpower not just fancy equipment. Nonetheless, the convenience of the Smooth 5.65 Treadmill will certainly have made things a lot easier. Indeed, it really seems that customers value not only good features in a home treadmill, but also the ability to fold it up and store it whenever they are not using it. Many home treadmills are so heavy and are packed to the brim with features, to the extent that they are extremely difficult or nearly impossible to fold up and/or move to a storage area, for example storage room or cupboard. The Smooth Fitness Treadmill 5.65 on the other hand does not lose sight of the fact that it is a home treadmill; it has integrated a gas powered assisted folding system which enables the user to simply tilt the running surface and fold the treadmill with very little effort whatsoever. Subsequently, you can just roll the treadmill wherever you want, and the job is done. I suspect this, along with the massive 52% reduction from the list price, is why the Smooth 5.65 Treadmill continues to see stellar sales on amazon. Another major positive for this treadmill is that it is very quiet – if you’re in an apartment or shared living of some sort, you will have no problems from anyone regarding noise, something that may be a major worry for many in such living situations. One or two minor negatives that I have noticed are the fans not being as strong as they could be; I personally don’t understand why the manufacturers don’t just make them stronger as this seems to be a problem consistent with all the best treadmills for home use. Who knows, perhaps they take a lot of power or something. Second, the speakers do require a male-male jack cable, something which you will have to find yourself if you want to use the speakers. Most people at home would use their tv, hi-fi or computers, I would imagine. Finally, going forward, if you find yourself in trouble, the Smooth Fitness Treadmill 5.65 has one of the best warranties I’ve seen for a cheap treadmill for the home; you can buy warranties separately on amazon and while this may be required for some treadmills, there is no need in the case of the Smooth 5.65 Treadmill.
Positive aspects of the Smooth 5.65 Treadmill:
Extremely easy to fold, store and move around
Very large price reduction on amazon
Very Quiet
A very large number of programs (40)
One of the best warranties for treadmills around
Negative aspects of the Smooth 5.65 Treadmill:
Could be faster than 10 mph – many treadmills go up to 12 or even 15
Fans are somewhat weak
Large number of programs can sometimes be confusing
Read all reviews on Amazon, view more images by clicking on this link.
The Sole F85 Treadmill has one of the most powerful motors in the home treadmill market, running comfortably at speeds from 0.5 all the way up to 12 mph. If you then consider this treadmill’s impressive array of both rudimentary and supplementary features, you have all the makings of a professional treadmill one might find in a gymnasium or health club, all within the comfort of your own home. Not only does the Sole F85 have speed, but it also has a total 8 pre-programmed workouts (6 standard, 2 custom) along with the simply essential incline capability of up to a massive 15% (even the best treadmills for home use generally average between 10 to 12%). The Sole F85 Treadmill also has the above-average workout space of 22″ (W) x 60″ (L) and maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs, making the unit accessible to a far greater proportion of the population, while the shock absorbing cushioned running surface ensures minimum impact upon contact, thus increasing comfort during workout and minimizing any strain on the body, particularly the joints.
Here’s a full list of features of the Sole F85 Treadmill:
- 3 1/2 Horsepower motor delivering speeds from 0.5 to 12 mph
- 15% max. incline
- Cushion-flex shock absorbing running surface
- Workout area dimensions – 22″ (W) x 60″ (L)
- Folding capability for easy storage
- Heart rate and pulse measurements with wireless chest strap and hand grips
- 9″ LCD display console with blue backlight
- 8 total programs – 6 pre-set and 2 custom
- Fans for vital cooling during workout
- Maximum user weight – 400 lbs
- Total unit dimensions – 35″ (W) x 80″ (L)
- Total unit weight – 280 lbs
- Life time warranty on frame, deck and motor, 5 year warranty on rollers, belt and rollers, 2 year warranty on labor
Get $500.00 off the Sole F85 Treadmill on Amazon via this link!
The specifications of the Sole F85 Treadmill certainly sound impressive, with a powerful motor, higher incline elevation, higher weight capacity (while maintaining same unit weight as comparable treadmills), and a comprehensive warranty; but what do present owners say about it? The response has been stellar, with an average 5/5 star rating over 12 reviews. While the Sole F85 Treadmill isn’t as popular as other cheap treadmills, presumably due to the higher price, it does have enough reviews for the rating to be reliable. In terms of specific details, users report that the Sole F85 Treadmill is easy to assemble in around 1 hour, runs quietly and has fans and speakers of adequate quality. The latter point is good to hear because I have lost count of the number of treadmills, even the more expensive ones, which have very, very poor quality speakers. Another user also makes a very useful comparison between the Sole F85 and considerably more expensive commercial treadmills, which can go for up to $5000, stating that the Sole F85 Treadmill costs a few thousand dollars less than commercial treadmills but does not sacrifice any quality – quite impressive praise indeed. However, the same user also adds that he is not impressed with the audio quality of the speakers, so there seems to be consistent problems with speakers and treadmills despite some users’ satisfaction with the speakers on the Sole F85. Anyway, that’s just a minor gripe. It’s not designed to be a surround sound hi-fi, it’s designed to get you fit, in the most pain-free way possible. One negative that I did notice was that the Sole F85 Treadmill does take a few seconds more to slow down, compared to your average commercial treadmill at a gym or health club. This may be due to safety concerns, but can be irritating if you just want it to change speed that very instant. Customers are generally happy with the higher weight capacity (400 lbs) of the Sole F85 Treadmill, and are content with the heavy weight of the unit (nearly 300 lbs), despite it being more difficult to move around than more light and flimsy home treadmills, given the fact that the more bulky treadmills tend to be more stable and last a lot longer. It all depends on your requirements – if you truly need to fold your treadmill up and move it about your house often, then maybe a lighter, cheaper treadmill would be more appropriate to your needs, but if you don’t mind paying a little extra and keeping it in the same corner of a room for that long-term dependability and security, then the Sole F85 Treadmill is for you. All in all, at prices anywhere between $1500 and $2000, the Sole F85 Treadmill is a serious contender for the best treadmill in its price range. You will notice, by the way, that we say this quite a few times on our site: This is because we have done our best to research and select only the best treadmills for home use available on the market today, for each respective price range. The Sole F85 is a very worthy inclusion to our list.
Positive aspects of the Sole F85 Treadmill:
Very powerful 3 1/2 HP motor
Very large maximum weight capacity (400 lbs)
Very high maximum incline (15%)
Negative aspects of the Sole F85 Treadmill:
Speakers could be better
Not as portable as cheaper treadmills
All pictures, original customer reviews on Amazon, and more here.
Bowflex is a brand which needs no introduction in the fitness department, with top selling products worldwide ranging from home gyms to weights benches to heart monitor watches. But if you are going to spend up to $1000 on a new home treadmill, you can’t simply rely on a brand name as your only guide to potential quality. So, does the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill do the manufacturer’s name justice, or is it an embarrassment to the famous Bowflex brand? Well, after over 230 customer reviews on amazon, it is certainly popular, and having achieved an average of 4/5 stars, it seems that the vast majority of customers are very pleased with the product. Costing anywhere from just under $950 all the way up to $1999 depending on retailer, the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill is in the mid-range of prices among the best treadmills for home use, and if we compare it to the other best treadmills in its price range, we will be able to determine whether the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill is good value or not.
Full product features of the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill are as follows:
- 3 Horsepower motor reaching speeds from 0.5 to 11 mph
- Belt dimensions – 20″ (W) x 60″ (L)
- Incline elevation from 0 to 12%
- Quick speed buttons for swift access to your favorite workouts
- A massive 15 in-built workout programs
- Grip heart rate monitor
- LCD 3-window console with backlight
- Total unit weight – 298 lbs
- Max weight capacity – 300 lbs
- 83″ (L) x 35 (W) x 55 1/4″ (H) – dimensions
- 40 5/6″ (L) x 35″ (W) x 65 1/2″ (H) – folded dimensions
- Triple speed fan
- 2x Bottle holders
- 15 years warranty for the frame, 10 years warranty for the motor, 2 years warranty for the parts, 1 year warranty for electronics and labor
First off, the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill has a 3 Horsepower motor which can reach running speeds of up to 11 mph, along with incline angles of up to 12% for extra difficulty. These specifications are generally as good as if not better than the best treadmills for home use within this price range. The 3 Horsepower motor is at the top of the motor power range, and home treadmills generally only reach 10% incline so the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill offers an extra 2% for those who really desire an extra challenge. What is really quite superior to similar home treadmills, however, is the amount of workout programs that the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill has: 13, plus 2 custom programs to make 15 total. This is very useful for those who like a diverse selection of exercises in order to perfect different types of cardiovascular fitness. Nevertheless this is not always a positive if you would prefer to focus on a certain workout type, and from experience I can say that it’s sometimes slightly annoying pressing through so many workout programs. Perhaps that’s why the majority of the best treadmills for home use have around 6 to 9 workout programs on average. However, to the credit of the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill, it does have ‘quick start’ keys which you can press to get to your favorite settings. As for the LCD display, it measures all of the standard workout metrics and is backlit as standard – so no major differences in this respect. Superior to most other home treadmills is the large belt size of 20″ (W) x 60″ (L) which affords the runner ample space for proper exertion during your workout, essential if you are going to make significant progress. Common to most high-end home treadmills the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill has implemented a cushioned belt which decreases the impact upon surface contact and thus significantly decreases the stress upon muscles, bones and joints, all the while allowing the lift-off to remain firm and unaffected as compared to asphalt. Finally we come on to the weight: at 298 lbs the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill is certainly not light; it’s definitely not a dainty piece of equipment but that is why it has a large weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Enough of the feature descriptions – the section wasn’t intended to run that long, but unfortunately there are just so many features that the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill has that it is difficult to keep it brief. What is just as important as the entire feature list is what customers have to say about an item. We have already covered the impressive 4/5 star rating on amazon in addition to the exceptionally high number of total reviews (over 230), so now we move on to the specific details. In the case of the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill, as we see with many of the top treadmills, there aren’t many negative issues and/or fixes that we can cover, because the reviews are predominantly positive. The only ‘solutions’ I can offer are: number one, get your own fan, because the built in fan on this treadmill is definitely not good enough; number two, you will need at least three (yes, three) people to carry and assemble this treadmill due to its extremely hefty weight. Also, don’t count on it being transferable between rooms of your home, again obviously due to its weight. Unless you want to nitpick, those three are the main issues raised by current owners of the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill. In addition to amazon, make sure to read consumer reports as well, another well respected source of current customer reviews.
Positive aspects of the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill:
Huge range of features
Large belt dimensions for comfortably intense workouts
Powerful motor, high speeds
High weight capacity
Negative aspects of the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill:
Very heavy
Less portable than smaller, less powerful cheap treadmills
Read the full user reviews on Amazon, manufacturer product information and more here.
The Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill is the one of the cheapest treadmills which offers speeds of up to 10 mph, thanks to its powerful 2 1/4 Horsepower motor. Additional difficulty can be accessed by an automatic incline function that can reach elevations of up to 10 per cent. The strong steel frame supports runners of up to 250 lbs, so while it doesn’t boast as much capacity as the Sole F80, for example, it is on sale for less than a third of the price. Again, the 18″ x 45″ belt is just about average for home treadmills, but if you factor in the relatively low price of the unit, the Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill suddenly becomes one of the best treadmills in terms of value for people looking to workout in comfort of their own homes, provided they weigh 250 lbs or less. Apart from the obvious price, another advantage the Merit Fitness 725T Plus has over some of the more expensive home treadmills is that it can be folded for easy storage, which is often a deal breaker for fitness enthusiasts who are pressed for space in the home. Finally, Merit Fitness have backed this product up with a warranty, so you get a lifetime warranty on the steel frame, 3 months on parts and labor, and 2 years on the motor.
Complete list of features of the Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill:
- LED display showing calories, speed, time and distance
- 2 1/4 Horsepower motor delivering speed of up to 10 mph
- Belt dimensions – 18″ (W) x 45″ (L)
- Motorized incline function up to 10%
- Extremely strong steel frame
- Maximum weight – 250 lbs
- Unit dimensions when fully expanded – 31″ (W) x 52″ (H) x 71″ (D)
- Lifetime warranty on the frame, 3 months on parts and labor, 2 years on motor
The Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill is available on amazon for just $473.02. Click here for the discount on Amazon while it lasts!
Since the price of the Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill is lower than most of the best treadmills for home, and considerably lower than the more higher end pieces of equipment, customers are generally less hesitant to purchase it; however, $500 is still a lot of money to spend even if it is relatively cheap. The reviews are overall very positive, with an average of 4 out of 5 stars from over 40 ratings – definitely no mean feat. As a prospective buyer, though, you have to bear in mind that these ratings are made based on the customer’s satisfaction for the price paid, rather than on an absolute basis. What I mean is that, the ratings may have been different had the Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill been priced at $1000 instead of $500. On the other hand they could have been the same, but you have to be open to all possibilities. The first reviewer writes quite plainly, that the Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill is ‘above average’ for the price he paid, so customers are definitely seeing some value differential relative to the rest of the treadmills for home market. Customers report that the Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill is heavy, and this is true relative to other best treadmills for home within its price range, possibly a result of its robust steel frame. Some people would really need an extra light treadmill, for instance those who intend to move it around a lot, so please take note of this and always check on amazon or our reviews for the unit weight. Customers also note that the unit has to be assembled, but that assembly is easy and requires about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Quite usefully, one reviewer who is right at the maximum weight (250 lbs) reported no problems running on this treadmill and subsequently gave a full 5 star rating, something which 100% of browsers who read his review duly appreciated. Taking notice of such little gems of information is fundamental to your success in buying the best product, whether a treadmill or something else.
Positive aspects of the Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill:
High quality for the money
High powered motor with high max. speed
Nifty motorized incline feature
Easy assembly
Negative aspects of the Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill:
Folding this treadmill doesn’t create as much space as other treadmills of home use
Heavy compared to treadmills of similar price and size
The Sole F80 Treadmill has long been one of the best treadmills for home use currently out on the market, and certainly within the $1500-$2000 range, it is arguably the best. Boasting one of the higher-power motors in the home treadmill category, with a substantial 3 Horsepower, the Sole F80 Treadmill caters for beginners all the way up to advanced, well-conditioned runners, and affords the user a very broad range of speeds from just 0.5 all the way up to 11 mph. The incline function (15% max incline) also adds an extra dimension to a workout and will really push even the very best of runners; the combination between the high maximum speed and high incline is a fierce one – results can be staggering provided you put in the time. To accommodate the faster maximum speed and steeper maximum incline, the running belt is considerably larger than most of the best treadmills for home use, measuring a very comfortable 20″ x 60″, and this extra space allows the runner to really exert him/herself on the more difficult workout settings. But it’s not just increased space that the Sole F80 Treadmill offers: a wide variety of features will ensure that your workout remains as comfortable and effective as possible. We all know that effective workouts can often be painful, and this will remain so whichever treadmill you use, however the Sole F80 Treadmill has implemented many extras to mitigate this. Most impressive and unique about the Sole F80 Treadmill has to be the ‘Cushion Flex’ deck, which reduces running impact force up to 40% relative to normal footpath/track running. Next, you get the nifty built-in cooling fans, a feature that can often mean the difference between success and failure on those scorching days. Heart-rate control and hand grip pulse measuring allow you to keep track of your most vital stats, which the 7 1/2″ LCD screen with blue backlight displays along with distance, speed, time, incline and of course the all important calories burnt. While the Sole F80 Treadmill is not the most compact of home treadmills, its extra power and features certainly justify its larger size. Furthermore, its stronger build can hold people of up to 350 lbs. Despite its slightly larger size the Sole F80 can be stored quite easily – it folds using a proprietary ‘Easy Assist’ system which enables vertical storage in double quick time.
Full list of features of the Sole F80 Treadmill:
- 3 HP D/C motor @ 0.5(min.)-11 mph(max.)
- Incline deck @ 15% maximum incline
- Cushioned deck to reduce joint impact by up to 40%
- Belt dimensions – 20″ (W) x 60″ (L)
- Vertical storage via ‘Easy Assist’ folding
- Wireless chest strap and hand grips to monitor heart-rate and pulse respectively
- 7 1/2″ LCD display with blue backlight
- 6 Pre-installed workout programs along with space for 2 custom programs
- Cooling fans
- Built-in speakers compatible with MP3 players
- Max. user weight – 350 lbs
- Total unit weight – 250 lbs
- 2 year warranty on labor, 5 year warranty on electronics/rollers/belt, lifetime warranty on frame/deck/motor
Amazon is currently offering $500 off the list price of the Sole F80 Treadmill. Click here to find out more on Amazon!
Now comes the part of this Sole F80 Treadmill review where we consider what customers truly like and dislike about this treadmill. While the Sole F80 Treadmill is not without its faults (which I will come on to shortly), it is generally agreed from reviews both at amazon and consumer reports, that the Sole F80 is the best treadmill for home use on the market at the moment. One of the most helpful reviews on amazon (with 49/51 people finding the review helpful) clearly states this fact and I would be inclined to agree. However, the same user does note that this treadmill is very heavy, and while treadmills, even the cheap treadmills are not light objects in general, the Sole F80 Treadmill is still heavier than most of its cohort. The same reviewer as well as others note that the Sole F80 is more akin to a treadmill you might find at a gym, rather than a piece of home equipment. Many reviewers praise its solid construction, which is no doubt a contributing factor to its greater than average 350 lbs maximum weight capacity. Current owners are not, however, so impressed with the built-in speakers as they are with the rest of the unit in general. I don’t know why but this really seems to be an issue with all treadmills I have come across, whether professional gym units or treadmills for home use. Nonetheless, this slight downside is of minor concern both to me and the vast majority of home treadmill users due to the simple fact that you have access to your computer, hi-fi, dvd player, ipod dock and so forth when you are at home. Thus, speakers built-in to the treadmill are somewhat superfluous. In terms of the more important properties, i.e. the treadmill itself, there are very few complaints except one or two customers noting that the Sole F80 is slightly more slow at changing the running speed than treadmills at the gym. This is consistent with my personal experience, but a few seconds’ more to get up to full speed is not really that much of an inconvenience. Finally, a very important criterion to look for in any treadmill is ‘swaying’ of the unit, particularly at high speeds. The Sole F80 Treadmill is completely stable at all speeds, that’s based on my own experience and the many reviews of current owners which are available online.
Positive aspects of the Sole F80 Treadmill:
Arguably the best treadmill for home use out there
Powerful 3 HP motor, high 11 mph max. speed
Very comfortable cushioned running surface
350 lbs max weight, more than most home treadmills
Sole F80 Treadmill review page has some of the most positive customer reviews out there
Negative aspects of the Sole F80 Treadmill:
Heavier than most treadmills for home use
Poor quality speakers
Click here for further information on Amazon, original customer reviews, additional images and more. This Sole F80 Treadmill review is provided for informational purposes only.
Horizon Fitness is already a household name in the fitness equipment department, so you might be forgiven for simply assuming that the new Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill is automatically presumed to be one of the best treadmills for home use, without even reading this review. While we always encourage diligent research prior to buying any high ticket item, in this case your assumptions wouldn’t be very far off the mark. With average reviews of 4 out of 5 stars spanning over an impressive 96 ratings (as of August 2011), the Evolve SG has a plethora of features all the while remaining compact and portable. The unit requires no assembly whatsoever, and when you’re not using it you can fold it and slip it under your bed (horizontal storage) or in a closet (vertical storage). The programmable console has two built in options – weight loss, or manual – and the LCD (black, back-light is orange) shows you precisely how far and how long you have been walking/running, in addition to your speed as well as the all important calories burnt.
Full specifications of the Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill:
- 1 1/2 Horsepower motor running at speeds from 1-6 miles per hour
- 17 in. x 45 in. belt dimensions
- 99 lbs total unit weight
- Console has 2 built-in programs – weight loss and manual
- Orange backlit LCD screen displaying distance, time, speed and calories burnt
- Speakers for music while working out – MP3 and CD players are supported
- Built-in pulse monitor for quick heart rate measurement
- Zero assembly required, unit can fold into a compact 10″ x 59″
- Maximum load – 250 lbs
The Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill can be found on amazon for under $500, a massive reduction of approximately 38% from its original price. Click here to secure this reduced price on Amazon while it lasts.
Now, onto the real nitty-gritty of this review: the customer reviews. While I personally had a good trial of this item, there is nothing quite as accurate as hearing from dozens of people and coming to a decision based upon the bigger picture. I read the reviews and there are a few things that struck me. Of course, the reviews are generally very positive – to have a 4 out of 5 star rating over a span of nearly 100 reviews is hard to get without being an inherently high quality item. However, there are some important issues that a few rather astute reviewers raised. First of all, and perhaps most importantly of all, is the fact that the running belt, measuring 17 by 45 inches, is generally smaller than average belts, the T101 treadmill from the same brand is 20 by 55 inches by comparison. The smaller belt size can cause some issues with larger people, running fast, and in general fear of falling off, all of which can distract you from getting in a productive cardiovascular workout. Second is the maximum speed of 6 miles per hour, which will not be sufficient for the more intense runners among us, who will require belt speeds of around 10 miles per hour to derive maximum benefit from their unit. However, for general use and normal endurance running 6 miles per hour will suffice for the vast majority of people since 4 miles per hour tends to be the point at which walking turns into running. If your running is already very strong, look into getting another more demanding treadmill (you will find plenty of reviews on our site). Finally, and I know this may seem to be a trivial issue compared to the first two, but you would be surprised how much good, motivating music can help some people to continue their workouts despite the inevitable boredom of running on the spot for miles on end. The problem I and a few other reviewers have is that the speakers are nowhere near good enough quality compared to what one would expect from this manufacturer. Now, I understand that Horizon Fitness is not a consumer electronics company e.g. Sony and so forth, and let me make this clear I do not expect them to produce speakers that can rival some of the best in the world, but I do expect at least a decent CD quality sound. I don’t know if they intended this but their speakers sound more like the radio. Fortunately most users will be using their treadmill in the home, so they will have a hi-fi or computer to deliver top quality sound instead, so in practical terms the final issue is not so bad.
Positive aspects of the Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill:
Extremely easy startup with no installation required
Extremely compact and easy to store
Cheap relative to other treadmills
Warranty is included by the manufacturer (1 year for parts and labor, 5 years for the motor, 10 years for the frame)
Negative aspects of the Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill:
Speakers produce inadequate quality sound
Belt is small compared to other treadmills
Top speed of 6 mph is fast but not enough for hardcore/experienced runners
The Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill is one of the best treadmills for home currently on the market. Boasting a 20″ x 55″ belt running on a powerful yet very quiet 2 1/4 Horsepower motor, the Horizon T101 Treadmill has not only the correct fundamentals for any quality treadmill, but it also has extremely useful additions which take advantage of advancing technology. Such additions include an advanced computer consoles with nine programming options, surround sound speakers for motivating workout music, and finally a heart rate monitor. Essentially, the Horizon T101 Treadmill contains all that is required to reach your cardio fitness and/or weight loss goals with minimal inconvenience.
Key features of the Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill:
- Can be folded for easy storage
- Powerful 2 1/4 Horsepower motor delivering up to 10 miles per hour speed
- Belt dimensions – 20″ (W) x 55″ (L)
- LED console with 3 programmable targets – calories, distance, time – and 3 pre-set workouts – intervals, manual, weight loss
- MP3 compatible sonic surround speakers for exciting, motivating workouts
- Heart rate monitor
- Max. weight 300 lbs
- Lifetime warranty for motor and frame, 1 year warranty for labor and parts
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Indeed, this could be precisely why the Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill is a viable competitor for the best treadmill title, with nearly 90 positive reviews (4 or 5 star) from its current users on amazon. My personal experience with working out has consisted of going to the gym with initial fiery motivation, only to see that motivation dampened each day that I have to get ready, then make the tedious 30 drive to the gym whenever I want to work out. With this treadmill I can work out in the privacy of my own home. I don’t have to make sure I look presentable, and not only that, perhaps more importantly, I don’t have to drive 20 miles, which gets annoying very quickly. Furthermore, I find running without music intensely boring, and I’m sure that many of you will agree with me. In the gym I just can’t manage to keep my earphones in as I jog, plus my ears get really hot and sweaty so it’s overall very uncomfortable. The Horizon T101 Treadmill has the wonderful feature of high quality, sonic surround speakers which are compatible with mp3 format files, so I just play all my favorite songs as I jog. You would think that is a superfluous feature but in fact this has truly meant the difference between my success and failure. Another contributor to my weight loss and overall improvement in cardiovascular health has to be the computer console. Since I am focused on losing weight, I set a target of a certain amount of calories and choose the weight loss workout mode.
Despite my personal experience with the Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill, I urge everyone considering a new treadmill to go and do thorough research into the particular product you’re interested in. The most reliable source of real information about quality is clearly not the manufacturer’s description, because that would obviously be biased. Instead, look to the customer reviews to give you proper guidance. Since there are over 100 reviews on the Horizon T101 Treadmill, it’s difficult to read them all, but read about ten of them and you will get a basic idea. Customers are really quite positive about the Horizon T101 Treadmill and seem to have had similar kinds of experiences as I have had: the first reviewer writes a very detailed account regarding her struggle to find a the best treadmills for home for under $1000 with incline and programming functions, both of which the Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill, with a list price of $799, does indeed have. She also describes the good stability of the Horizon T101 when running, which is key to getting an effective workout, and indeed to ensuring that it doesn’t break. Poor quality, cheap treadmills will often give themselves away by feeling flimsy and slightly unstable on your feet – this is definitely a point to look out for in reviews. Other reviewers comment on the Horizon T101 Treadmill’s good value relative to other similar best treadmills for home use, which can frequently cost over $1,000 and often $2,000 or more in some cases. Usually I have a lot more to say when I discuss customer experiences because there are more problems, issues and negative experiences for which I will hopefully give my readers a solution, but I honestly cannot find anything wrong with the Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill. It really is a very good piece of exercise equipment, not just for me but for many people all over the USA.
Positive aspects of the Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill:
Low price without diminished quality
Easy 12 bolt setup
Key additional features e.g. mp3 compatible speakers, LED console, up to 10% incline functionality
Negative aspects of the Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill:
If you take the Horizon T101 out of your own home, the warranty will no longer be valid