Many mid-range treadmills offer a few extras, but they tend to sacrifice quality to save a little on the price.. But Sole is trying to debunk that by offering a sturdy treadmill with lots of features at a price that other mid-range treadmills would have trouble matching. You can find the Sole F80 at around $1,500 if you look hard enough and for that money you get a surprising amount of goodies.
There is a good reason that you would struggle to find a negative review of the Sole F80. Not because it offers better extras than other treadmills, but because of how long they last. But Sole has the upper hand over many treadmill companies in this area. For years, Sole was the line of treadmills that big-name hotels used in their gyms. They needed affordable machines that could stand up to any kind of runner and would last for years. They turned to Sole to fulfill this need and ever since, Sole has been churning out some of the most reliable treadmills you can buy.
The warranty speaks volumes about the quality of the treadmill. The motor and frame are covered under a lifetime warranty and the major parts are covered under a 5 year warranty. In addition, there is a 2 year parts and labor warranty, which is above average for treadmills in this range. But Sole can afford to offer these warranties because they are confident that you will never need them, even in a fairly cheap treadmill.
But the Sole doesn’t have a cheap feel at all. While it is fairly plain compared so some other treadmills, the extra bells and whistles are still there. You get a dock for your iPod or MP3 player, which is typically a costly extra in most treadmills. You also get their cushioned deck which reduces impact but doesn’t spring back at you. Something important to note is that the F80 comes with 2 inch rollers, which is one of the reasons it lasts so long. The big rollers don’t spin as often as smaller ones and wear down less, but they still offer quiet and sustained speed.
Of course there’s a fully functional display so you can monitor every aspect of your workout, and you even get controls mounted in the armrests so you don’t have to stretch out to the main console. Weighing in at about 200 pounds, the unit feels solid and the folding deck is great for saving space when you aren’t using it. However, this does mean that the entire deck is only 55 inches which could be a problem for people with longer legs. To be honest though that is only a very minor complaint when you consider just how much treadmill you are getting for your money. The Sole F80 is an extremely competent mid-range unit and boasts enough features to keep anybody happy.
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ProForm Treadmills are a North American company who introduced the now famous fold-away treadmill. This hugely increased their popularity, and the company is now one of the most popular and respected treadmill manufacturers in the world today, with their reputation for excellence and reliability making ProForm Treadmills a key range in fitness centers and across both America and Europe.
As the health and fitness industry evolves people are demanding more from their workouts, and with this in mind ProForm Treadmills recently introduced their 5 Star Interactive Trainer range. This is a new series of treadmills which make use of unique workout disks. The disks feature a variety of motivational aspects, designed to help people enjoy their workout more, and at the same time get more out of it. Features of the disks include: Pre-recorded advice and tips from a personal trainer, lively music to aid motivation, and full incline and speed controls for workout management. The disks are designed to be used over a period of eight weeks, with participants able to monitor their performance in every session ” with the aim of gradually increasing their cardiovascular fitness and general well-being over this period.
There are three different treadmill models available in the ProForm 5 Star Interactive Trainer range. These are the 1200, the 1500, and the 1800. The key difference between the products is the horsepower of their motors ” the higher the model number, the more powerful the motor inside it.
As well as the top-end range of treadmills offered in the Interactive range, ProForm also manufacture a series of budget treadmills, offering high quality products at affordable prices to suit everyones budget. The CS range comes as standard with features that include several built-in workout programs; to offer a variety of training experiences, a 0-10% incline facility, a four-window display, an EKG pulse sensor, and the capability of reaching top speeds of up to 10 miles per hour ” making the range suitable for everyone from beginners to serious trainers.
ProForm also offer the Crosswalk and Cross Trainer models, which utilize regular hand weights and upper body workouts ” allowing users to perform upper and lower body workouts simultaneously. This complete training system means participants will be performing cardiovascular and strength exercises at the same time.
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If the Hilton Hotel and other upscale hotel chains make exercise machines available in their establishments for their patrons, I want to know what they are so I can check them out for myself. In regards to treadmills, I found out that the Sole F80 treadmill by Sole Fitness is the choice of Hilton and other high-end, upper scale hotels and businesses.
The first thing I thought of when I looked at the Sole F80 was: solid. The machine didn’t look fancy, but it was commercial quality. Upon further inspection I found out that looks are often deceiving. The machine does have a lot of bells and whistles. It comes with speed and incline controls on the arm rests, six workout programs, built in speakers for MP3 players or iPODS-and even built in cooling fans.
The Sole F80 is a solid treadmill. Its heavy duty, but it comes with an easy assist folding feature that makes it easy to fold. The machine is also easy to push around and maneuver once it is folded. This makes it ideal for someone who needs to move it into a closet or corner after a workout. The Sole F80 is a space saver. Anyone in the market for at treadmill should definitely take a look at this machine. It’s solid and easy to work with.
In regards to the motor, the Sole F80 was upgraded in 2008 and is now equipped with a powerful 3.0 continuous duty motor. It operates quietly, is very smooth and can easily accommodate someone up to 350 pounds. However, someone who is a very serious runner may want to opt for a treadmill that has a bit more horsepower. This machine is better suited to walkers and joggers.
After doing some comparisons I found that the warranty on the Sole F80 is well above par. There is a lifetime warranty on the motor, deck and frame. The price of the machine is a steal, in my opinion, considering the warranty, durability and the features on this machine. It certainly outranks other machines in its price range. Another piece of information I found is that if you purchase the machine directly from the company you will get an instant $500 savings on the treadmill. All in all, I can see why Hilton and other upscale establishments have opted to have the Sole F80 on site. It’s a great machine.
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Purchasing a treadmill, especially for the first time, can be a daunting and confusing experience, with many people unsure of what features they should be looking for, and worried about wasting their money on a poorly designed product which does not fulfill their requirements. The good news is that treadmill reviews are now available, allowing consumers to compare features, models and prices to help them decide before making their purchase.
Treadmill reviews also offer expert opinions to further guide you on the path to getting a treadmill which meets your requirements and your budget. Previous purchasers also write treadmill reviews, revealing if they were satisfied with their product. Getting accurate information and ratings before you buy a treadmill will make you feel more knowledgable, and confident that the purchase they you are about to make will be the right one.
Treadmill reviews allow you to compare the features offered by different models. Examples of features you may see are digital displays of distance covered, time taken and your current speed, a built in heart-rate monitor, a running belt of varying thickness and size, a motor speed ” which affects the maximum speed of the treadmill, and a varying level of incline available.
A treadmill with a high maximum speed or an incline feature may not be as important to you if you just want the product for casual walking, but if you are going to be running on it, or training with a specific goal, then this feature may well be one for you to consider. As with most products though, the more features that it includes, almost certainly the more money it will set you back, so you should consider what features you require wisely.
Treadmill reviews also allow you to compare top-end models from the different manufacturers. The machines are compared and rated annually for their durability, comfort, wear and tear and price. The benefit of this is that they are being tried and tested by the experts, and the knowledge is being passed down to you before you have to make the purchase. Once you have read the treadmill reviews and ratings, you are even able to order the products online, and have them delivered direct to your door.
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Comparing treadmills is not an easy job as there is a great number to choose from. Some look very smart, others work very well, while there are a few that are a rare combination of style and performance. And then there is the affordability question. Not everyone can afford the treadmill s/he fancies.
And all this buying treadmill-talk boils down to “having the best one, one could have within one’s financial bracket.” The difficulty throughout is to decide the criteria on which to judge the treadmills. That could be a real task. I have identified 5 most important criteria to home in a good treadmill. Here is the list:
1. Cushioning
By cushioning we mean the capacity of the treadmill to absorb the pounding that you would give it during your workout. The belt and the deck of the treadmill must be tough and sturdy. The stronger the two, the better is the treadmill.
2. Stability
Stability is another important factor to be considered. One must consider how smooth the ride is. It should not be a jiggle or wobble, but must stand firm.
3. Accuracy
A treadmill must also be judged with respect to the accuracy of the actual distance covered. The more accurate the reading, the better is the machine.
4. Noise Factor
Next comes the noise factor. A treadmill should be the least noisy one. It should work soundlessly under your feet.
5. Warranty
The above list cannot be completed without adding the warranty factor. You need to take note of the warranty, machine is coming with. One should also consider the after-sales services in order to ensure that if something goes wrong with the machine, it is taken care of promptly and conveniently at home itself. Choose the machine manufactured by a company that has a help line to contact in case of trouble with the treadmill. Also, find out if the machine comes with a warranty covering the parts of the machine, especially the motor, which happens to be the most expensive part.
Once you have made comparisons on the basis of the criteria mentioned above, you would surely choose the best treadmill in the market. That too, within your budget!
Visit http://www.treadmill-online.com/home/magazine/edition/Treadmill-Guide.htm to know about treadmill reviews and ratings and treadmill buying
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Hopefully you haven’t arrived at this article expecting a rave review of Horizon treadmills. Although the company, has been around for a long time it seems their treadmills have not kept up with the evolving fitness equipment scene. In my opinion horizon treadmills should not be considered for your home gym.
At between $700 and $1,400 some people might say that because they are a cheap treadmill you shouldn’t be expecting too much. However I think if you are seriously considering setting up your own home gym then you should be expecting a treadmill that is a) going to perform and b) last longer than the time to your next birthday. Sure it’s a cheap brand but you might not be saying that after you fork out for the costly repairs!
The main problem with the machines is that they are manufactured in China. Although this keeps the cost of production down it also results in less than favorable quality.
Don’t let the good looks of these machines fool you. Remember if you are looking for a cheap way into the home gym scene then you must do some decent research into the brand and products themselves. Horizon treadmills look good new but they won’t look so good sitting in your house collecting dust!
Don’t get me wrong, there are some decent, cheap treadmills around but they are few and far between. You are much better off in the long run getting something that costs slightly more but won’t breakdown at the first hint of hard work.
Advantages
As I’ve mentioned above, Horizons are cheap, discount treadmills. Their machines range from $700 to $1,400. At this price they will appeal to people looking for a bargain. They are good looking machines.
Disadvantages
Being made in China their quality has a lot to be desired. Their looks and low price can be deceiving to a beginner so don’t be fooled.
Recommendation
I don’t recommend Horizon treadmills. You are far better off saving up for a slightly more expensive but better quality treadmill that will still be working a year down the track.
Well there you have it. Hopefully this article has made you think about Horizon treadmills carefully. Always remember to do you own due diligence before buying a cheap treadmill.
Dean Iggo is a keen fitness enthusiast and home gym user. He is also the webmaster of home-gym-buyers-guide.com a website that makes choosing a treadmill
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Precor treadmills are synonymous with quality. They have been in the fitness industry for over 20 years and have invested millions into research and development to provide the best quality machines. All their treadmills have long warranties which are a testament to their quality.
Just go down to your local gym and you are bound to see a number of Precor treadmills being battered continuously for hours a day. Just think…if they are good enough for these commercial gyms then you can guarantee that they will stack up in your own home gym.
Although super high quality, Precor treadmills are also quite expensive. You will be lucky pick one up for much less than $3000 so if you are trying to buy a treadmill on the cheap then this may not be the best option for you.
However if you consider all the advantages you get with the trusted Precor brand, you’ll understand why they price these machines as such.
Advantages
Precor treadmills are backed by one of the best warranties around. They offer lifetime warranties on their treadmill frames and welds, 10 years on parts and a year on labor. They use the highest quality materials and their customer testimonials are superb. This just shows how confident the company is with the quality and durability of their treadmills.
Aside from quality, Precor treadmills are also known for being loaded with features. They have powerful motors, wide running surfaces and are very quiet.
Disadvantages
The price is the only disadvantage I can see with these machines. I feel that $3000-$5000 is a lot to pay for a treadmill to be used at home. I believe the Precor name increases the purchase price and unless you are a dedicated runner, have money to spare or know you are going to be using the treadmill often then it might be more than you need.
Some people also say that it is too big. However I feel this is one of its benefits as it adds stability and a long, wide running surface.
Recommendation
Precor manufactures probably one of the highest quality treadmills in the market today, which they back up wholeheartedly as can be seen by the length of their warranties. So, I would recommend buying Precor treadmills but only if you could afford one. It is one of the best in the market right now but at the same time it is also one of the most expensive.
Dean Iggo is a keen fitness enthusiast and home gym user. He is also the webmaster of home-gym-buyers-guide.com a website providing unbiased home exercise equipment tips and reviews.
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Okay, it’s official. You have decided to get a treadmill. But before you actually write a check, you will want to read some expert and consumer reviews of the product that you’re planning on buying. Several online sites offer treadmill ratings and reviews, and here are five of the best in particular.
TreadmillDoctor.com
This site outlines the best buys for your money. For instance, if you want to spend no more than a thousand dollars on a machine, you can come to this site to check out the best buys with a price range of $500 to $1000.
Each category offers information about four different machines – the best buy and the runners up – in order to give you a few choices. Additional categories include “Best Folding Treadmill” and “Best New Product.” Thus a treadmill rating is based on considerations such as strengths, weaknesses, power, cushioning, noise level, and so on.
Prevention Magazine
http://www.prevention.com/pdf/treadmills.pdf
The Prevention editors tried out eighteen different treadmills and then selected their seven favorites. Information provided includes that of special features, size, warranty, and advice about where to buy the treadmill for the best price. Reviewers also added their own comments such as “Best buy for your buck,” and “A dream machine.”
Treadmill Rating and Reviews
http://www.treadmill-ratings-reviews.com/
An extremely comprehensive site with close to one hundred different treadmills reviewed by experts and by every day users; if you have a specific treadmill in mind, you can find it under the name of the manufacturer, or, if you haven’t made any firm decisions yet, you can go to the “Best Buy Treadmills” section to see which treadmills rating is the highest. Another helpful stop is the “Buyer’s Guide” which clues you in on what to look for when buying a treadmill.
Treadmills – 101.com
http://www.treadmills-101.com/treadmill-reviews.htm
This site features the top ten treadmills in the reviewer’s own estimate. You can click on a model to find out information about pricing, features, ergonomics, warranties, and so on. As well, each model also features a brief review explaining why it made the top ten.
This treadmill rating site is a little less comprehensive than some of the others mentioned in this article, but if you want to jump straight to the cream of the crop, then this is absolutely the place to start.
Epinions.com
http://www.epinions.com/sprt-All-Exercise_Equipment-Treadmills?linkin_is=3065542
Epinions is a website where consumers who wish to inform other consumers can post their own reviews of products. Because these reviews are written by regular people rather than professional writers and editors, some of the writing may seem a little rough. If you can forgive that, however, you’ll find some valuable information and an honest treadmill rating on this site. At last count, over three hundred treadmills have been reviewed by Epinions users.
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