By Carey Rossi on November 25, 2010 in
Looking at the Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods Black Friday circulars, you may think that deals could be had. Instead, if you jump at these questionable deals, you might be had. Part of the problem is that there are few or no reviews for the models being offered as “doorbuster” specials.
Low prices, few reviews
For instance, Dick’s Sporting Goods is offering the Horizon T7.6 treadmill for $499.98 on Friday between 5AM and 2PM. Regularly, this treadmill costs around $1000.00. At first glance it seems to be a good deal, offering 8 preset programs, a maximum speed of 12 mph, an incline up to 12 percent, heart rate grips, and a belt size of 20 inches wide by 55 inches long. (See our treadmill buying tips for more information). The big downside is if you weigh more than 225 pounds, the machine’s performance will be impeded. Other doorbusters without reviews are the Image 20.0 VT and the ProForm 605 CS treadmills, both on sale at Sports Authority.
ProForm’s XT 70 Shock Treadmill has an MSRP of $699 to $1399 (depending on the retailer) and will sell for $399.99 on Black Friday between 5AM and 3PM at Sports Authority. Professional reviews from TreadmillDoctor.com and TreadmillTalk.com suggest avoiding this model, as its attempt to copy the TreadClimber is a “failure.” However, user reviews (of which there are six) at Wal-Mart, Sears, and Sports Authority are favorable. They report the pros are it's sturdy, quiet, and easy to setup; the con is it's difficult to store.
Don't rush your purchase
Our suggestion if you’re really considering these door-busting deals: Hop on it and walk or run for at least 10 minutes before purchasing, and then trust your gut. Or, you can save your money and wait for our updated treadmill guides coming in December.
See Our Recommendations
