Treadmills: Reviews

Experts like the Gold's Gym 450 better than any other ultra-cheap treadmill -- but not by much. They caution users that the Gold's Gym 450 isn't sturdy enough for running, but they say that if you only walk or jog and… take very good care of this treadmill, it might hold up. Owners rate this treadmill higher than others in its price range, and many say the treadmill is a great value and relatively easy to assemble. However, like most cheap treadmills, we saw plenty of complaints about components breaking down and poor customer service. The walking surface on the Gold's Gym 450 also isn't very large -- just 18 inches by 50 inches. And critics point out that the short warranty does not indicate a durable product. The Gold's Gym 450 is sold at Wal-Mart.

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If a $1,000 treadmill just isn't in your budget, reviews say the Horizon Evolve SG is a reasonable alternative. It's a good choice for those with limited space, since it has a compact fold that measures just 10 inches… high. Owners like it because there's no assembly required, and the Horizon Evolve SG gets better ratings than most sub-$1,000 treadmills on Amazon.com. However, experts caution that this is not a treadmill for running -- it has a 1.5-horsepower motor and a maximum speed of 6 mph, so the Horizon Evolve SG is suitable only for walking. There's also no incline functionality, and the treadmill has a max weight capacity of just 250 pounds. Like most inexpensive treadmills, the Horizon Evolve SG has a short warranty of 10 years for the frame and five years for the motor. Parts and labor are covered for one year.

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If your workout consists of a mix of walking with some light jogging, experts recommend the Sole F63. This treadmill's 2.5-horsepower motor can stand up to daily use, and the maximum speed of 10 mph is much higher than… cheaper treadmills. The Sole F63 boasts a 15 percent incline (most treadmills only go up to 10 percent), so you can get a good incline workout too. This treadmill has a higher-than-average 325-pound user weight limit so it's useful for heavier walkers. Other pluses include a wireless chest-strap heart-rate monitor and an audio input with speakers so you can plug in a MP3 player. Owners say the treadmill is sturdy and relatively quiet, but we saw a few complaints that assembly can be tricky. Like most inexpensive treadmills, there are also a few long-term durability complaints. Reviews say walkers might be able to get by with a budget unit like the Horizon Evolve SG, but for a few hundred dollars more, the Sole F63 offers more horsepower for light jogging.

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More reviews recommend the Sole F80 than any other treadmill at any price. With a 3-horsepower motor, 15 percent incline and a lifetime warranty on the motor, deck and frame, the Sole F80 boasts features typically found… on treadmills costing twice as much. Users appreciate the little touches, like smooth, hydraulic-assisted folding and speed controls on the handrail in addition to the main panel. Owners say the Sole F80 is sturdy enough for running, but they have a few complaints about the weak fan and a frustrating assembly process. The Sole F80 has a maximum speed of 11 mph. The 20-by-55-inch deck should be big enough for most users, but tall runners may want to look for a longer, 60-inch deck like that on the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR.

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The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR treadmill is unique in that it features a negative incline (down to a -3 percent grade), which is helpful for runners who want to strengthen their quads by simulating downhill running.… PaceMaster has a 40-year reputation for quality, and the Platinum Pro VR gets very good ratings in independent testing. Reviewers say the Platinum Pro VR offers a lot of bang for the buck, with a 3-horsepower motor, a long 20-by-60-inch belt, a 400-pound weight limit and a mode that adjusts speed to keep your exertion level constant. Most reviews are highly positive, but at least one tester finds that the handrails disrupt his normal arm swing. In addition, the incline only goes up to 12 percent. Although there's a lot of competition in this price range, reviews say the negative incline really sets this model apart. PaceMaster treadmills are sold through private fitness dealers, so they are a little harder to find than some bigger brands. You can find your nearest dealer at PaceMaster.com.

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The best under-$2,000 treadmills are durable enough for running, but if your home treadmill will take a real pounding from daily running, reviews say the more expensive Landice L7 Cardio Trainer is built to take the… abuse. You won't find its powerful 4.0-horsepower motor, inch-thick running deck or lifetime warranty (frame, parts and wear items) on less expensive treadmills. Testers say the treadmill runs smoothly and has good cushioning and stability. However, some reviews caution shoppers to look carefully at Landice's fine print to make sure they don't void the warranty. Landice treadmills are only sold by authorized dealers, so they are harder to find online. Check Landice.com for a list of dealers in your area.

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