Treadmills: Reviews

The Sole F80 earns more recommendations than any other treadmill, including two Best Buy awards from expert reviewers. With a powerful motor (3 continuous duty horsepower), a 15 percent incline and 12 mph maximum speed,… expandthe F80 is versatile enough to challenge runners and sturdy enough to stand up to regular use. The 20-by-60-inch running belt allows a natural stride for most runners. This treadmill comes with a good warranty (lifetime frame, motor and deck coverage, and longer-than-usual labor coverage). Users report that the Sole F80 is quiet, stable and comfortable underfoot, and easy to assemble and use. The only consistent complaint about this treadmill is that it's sometimes slow to respond to starts, stops and speed adjustments. collapse

A quality $1,000 treadmill is adequate for walking, jogging and casual running. Given its price, the ProForm Power 995 has received an unusual amount of attention from expert reviewers, particularly for its interactive… expandfeatures. These include NikePlus and iFit Live, which allows you to race against other treadmill users on the Internet or along Google Maps-simulated courses. The Power 995 has the wide belt (20 by 60 inches) and high weight limit (350 pounds) you'd expect to find on a more expensive treadmill, and a motor (3.5 continuous duty horsepower) that is stronger than you'll find in most treadmills that cost twice as much. Its maximum speed is 12 mph and it inclines up to a 15 percent grade. The Power 995 also has touch-screen controls, a variety of preprogrammed workouts and an excellent warranty. collapse

The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR treadmill adjusts between a 3 percent decline and 12 percent incline, simulating the feel of both uphill and downhill slopes. It gets very good ratings in several independent expert reviews,… expandand its powerful motor (3 continuous duty horsepower), long running belt (20 by 60 inches) and high weight limit (350 pounds) are enough to handle most serious runners. Reviewers praised this treadmill's variety of workout programs, including six virtual-reality courses, but a few noted that the frame can shake at high speeds. The Platinum Pro VR comes with a lifetime frame warranty, 12-year motor warranty, five-year parts warranty and one year of labor coverage. collapse

You won't find the Landice L7 Pro Sports' powerful 4-horsepower motor, 400-pound weight capacity or lifetime warranty (frame, parts and wear items) on less expensive treadmills. Testers say the treadmill runs smoothly and… expandfeels stable. The cushioned, inch-thick deck is supportive without feeling spongy. Some users say the console is overly complex, and others wish it came with built-in fans or speakers, but reviewers generally cite this treadmill's programmability as one of its best features. The Landice L7 is an expensive treadmill, but experts say serious runners will find it worth every penny. If you're willing to spend a few hundred dollars more, the Landice L7 Cardio Trainer (*Est. $3,700), essentially the same treadmill with an upgraded console, offers even more programming options. collapse