If you are looking to buy a mid-range treadmill that manages to offer a good balance between value, quality, and functionality then you should take a look at the Sole F83. Costing around $1,800, the F83 is often overlooked as it sits right in between the budget and higher end price brackets. However, it does offer a number of features and is priced fairly considering exactly what you get for your money.

What you do get from the F83 is still very impressive. You will find that the 58 inch belt is big enough for most people, except those with very long legs or big strides. The belt is moved by huge 2.75 inch rollers, which you will typically only see on $4,000+ treadmills. These do not wear out as quickly, but still offer a great quality run and tend to be quieter. The 3 horsepower motor is plenty powerful enough for most runners as well. And if you like extras, you also get a sound system for your iPod or MP3 player.

You will still get Sole’s great warranty package as well. You can tell a lot about the quality of a product by the warranty that the manufacturer puts on it. The lifetime warranty covers the motor and frame while you get a 5 year parts warranty and 2 year labor warranty, still better than most comparable treadmills. The quality also shows in the stability of the run. At 275 pounds, the treadmill is very solid. You will also get an attractive three-color LED display and wireless heart rate control monitor, which so many runners would not buy a treadmill without.

When it comes to fitting into its niche, the F83 does a pretty good job. You might find yourself wishing you had upgraded to the beefier F85 down the road or you may wish you had saved the extra cash and bought the F80, but the fact remains that you still can’t really go wrong. All of these models offer slightly different options, but they are all great quality machines.

However, the F83 really does offer the perfect compromise; not only is it a quality unit that has a lot of extras, it is also extremely competitively priced making it ideal for casual and serious users alike.

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Treadmills have been the largest selling category of cardio-products over the past 20 years. The thing about treadmills is that they allow for the human bodys natural jogging motion, unlike many other cardio-products that contort the body into uncomfortable positions.

Motorized treadmills are more popular and have a longer lifespan than other cardio-machines. People like routine and today’s programmable treadmills are perfect for establishing a routine and sticking to it. Now let’s explore what to look for when buying a treadmill for the home.

A few things to remember before checking out different treadmill brands:

* Don’t let Horsepower and Specs unduly influence your decision. They are not the most important features!

* Don’t make decisions based on just one opinion. Second and third and fourth opinions are a must.

* Never make a decision based on one person’s recommendations. Always explore second opinions.

The first thing you need to consider is how much you should spend for a quality treadmill. This really depends on how you will use the treadmill machine. As a rule of thumb, you can find a good treadmill for around $1000. Look for a 2.5 HP continuous duty motor, a 20 wide walking belt that is 52-55 in length. If you are taller than 6′2, you should consider stepping up to something in the $1,500-$2,000 price range because of your longer running stride. In this range, you will also benefit from longer warranties, longer treadbelts, and a quieter machine.

Folding vs. Non-Folding Treadmills

Folding treadmills are typically for walking. As a rule of thumb, non-folding treadmills are for RUNNING. This distinction is very important. If you are in the market for folding treadmills, be sure to buy one with a 1-piece deck that can fold into one piece (it will be much sturdier). And if you are a serious runner, then you want to look into non-folding treadmills that can be placed on the bottom floor of your home or the basement. These machines tend to have superior shock-absorption systems that make running much easier on your knees. Also, if buying one of these treadmill machines, try to go with at least a 60-inch deck so there is ample room to roam.

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Among Sole treadmills, the Sole F80 is considered a top pick and a good buy in the mid-price category. You will also find the Sole F83, which is a slight upgrade. The following comparison focuses on the advantages that the Sole F83 has over the F80. Is the upgrade worth it? Continue reading on to see which treadmill provides you with the best value for your money.

By choosing the F83, you need to pay an extra $200. What additional features do you get for that extra $200?

A running surface 3 inches longer.

Despite the good reviews the Sole F80 is getting, one of the issues some customers had with it is its walking or running area measuring 20 by 55 inches - not quite long enough for tall users. With the F83, this dilemma is eliminated because this machine now comes with a 20 by 58 inches running deck.

A 10 pound difference in weight.

The Sole F80 weighs 250 pounds. On the other hand, the Sole F83 weighs 260 pounds. When you translate the ten pound difference into runner support, up to 375 pounds in weight can be accommodated. As for the other treadmill, the F80, there is a maximum weight of only 350 pounds.

A slightly higher speed capacity.

The F80 can only reach speeds of 11 mph. Athletes who want to run and train at higher speeds will benefit from the F83, which can reach speeds of 12 mph.

The convenience of having the speed and incline controls on the arm rest.

This is a minor feature yet worth mentioning nonetheless. Having the controls located on the arm rest lets you easily change pace without having to stop your workout.

Are there other features worth mentioning? Aside from the above mentioned different features, the basics specifications are similar for both the F80 and F83. They include:

3.0 HP Continuous Duty Motor 2 and inch rollers and 2-ply thick belts Hand pulse grips and heart rate controls with included wireless chest strap; Red LED readout display for the console; 6 pre-set programs and 2 user-defined programs; 2 heart rate control programs; and Cooling fans and built-in speakers

Plus, at these reasonable prices of $1499.99 for the F80 and $1699.99 for the F85, both models come with the same great warranty: lifetime warranty for the frame, deck, and motor, 5 years guarantee for parts, and 2 years for labor.

Sole F80 vs Sole F83 - Should you go for the higher model?

Honestly, you get a reliable and well-built treadmill with either model. Both allow you to achieve and maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle. Among Sole treadmill reviews, the more affordable F80 got great reviews. In short, if the ten pound weight difference, lower speed capacity, and shorter running deck does not matter to you, go for the cheaper Sole F80 treadmill.

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