Heavy-Duty Treadmills for Running

More expensive treadmills for running can take a pounding

Experts say that if you plan to use your treadmill for daily runs, you should look at models starting at $2,000. Don't expect to find many folding models at this price point, as experts say that non-folding models are heavier, and tend to feel more stable and sturdy, than their folding counterparts. Treadmills in this price range usually have very powerful motors, often up to 4 continuous-duty horsepower, while treadmills under $2,000 usually have 2.5- to 3.5-horsepower motors. Treadmills above $2,000 also tend to have long running surfaces and excellent warranty coverage, and both user and expert reviews indicate that these treadmills are often more reliable than less-expensive models.

Landice makes some of the highest-rated treadmills for serious runners, including the Landice L7 line. Like some other manufacturers, Landice produces a treadmill frame - the L7 - that can be paired with a variety of different consoles. Most reviewers prefer the Pro Sports Trainer console ( *Est. $3,500), which comes with five built-in programs, five customizable programs, a wireless heart-rate monitor and one-touch speed and elevation controls. If you're willing to pay a little more for extra programs, the Cardio Trainer console (*Est. $3,700) offers four heart-rate control and monitoring programs, plus several fitness-testing programs. The Cardio Trainer console can also store information for two separate users.

The Landice L7 treadmill body is exactly the same with either console; it has a powerful 4-horsepower motor and a stout, 4-ply running deck. A 20-by-58-inch running belt and a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds make this a good choice for serious runners. As expected for a treadmill in this price range, the warranty is excellent; not only do the frame, parts and wear items all come with lifetime coverage (plus one year of labor coverage), the warranty can be assigned to a new owner if you happen to sell the treadmill -- a very rare concession in the fitness-equipment industry.

Reviewers say the Landice L7 Pro Sports Trainer is reliable and sturdy. Even at high speeds, the treadmill resists the rocking and creaking that can plague cheaper treadmills. The deck is comfortable and has the right amount of support without being too soft. Reviewers also like the customizable workout programs. "We found it incredibly easy to create a workout that mixes up a wide range of speeds, elevations, and time intervals," says Runner's World magazine. The experts at two treadmill review sites, TreadmillDoctor.com and Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com, also recommend the Landis L7 Pro Sports Trainer for serious runners. "They are designed for serious runners who want a machine that will take a beating," writes Fred Waters of Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com.

Aside from the high price tag, the only clear downside to the Landice L7 is that the many buttons and display options can make the console somewhat complicated to use. Also, although the warranty coverage is excellent, be aware that contributors to Epinions.com note loopholes that might invalidate it. For example, the treadmill must be installed by an authorized dealer, and you must send in the warranty registration card within 30 days of purchase.

The Landice L7 Cardio Trainer treadmill received multiple "excellent" ratings in a recent independent test. In an older review for Runner's World magazine, Megan McMorris writes that "This durable, no-frills running machine is built for abuse." Another Runner's World magazine reviewer, Lisa Jhung, appreciates the "frills" that accompany the Landice L7 Cardio Trainer, such as a wireless heart monitor and heart-rate programs that automatically adjust the machine's speed and incline to keep you within a target heart rate range. If you're willing to spend some time inputting the data, you can program the customizable workouts to simulate an upcoming racecourse. However, like the Pro Trainer console, some say the Landice L7 Cardio Trainer can be complicated to use until you get the hang of it.

The Precor 9.31 (*Est. $3,600) is another top pick for daily runners. The Precor doesn't earn as many recommendations as the Landice L7 treadmill line, but it receives the highest score in an independent test of nearly 30 treadmills. Despite this excellent recommendation, the Precor 9.31 has some disadvantages compared to the Landice L7. For example, the Precor 9.31 has a 3-chp motor (the Landice treadmill has a 4-continuous-duty horsepower motor) and the 22-by-56-inch running belt is shorter than you'll find on other treadmills in this price range, where 58- or 60-inch belts are more common. On a positive note, the Precor 9.31's belt is 2 inches wider than you'll find on most treadmills. Other features include a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour, up to a 15 percent incline, a wireless chest-strap heart-rate monitor and eight workout programs. The Precor 9.31 treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and welds, and 10 years of coverage on parts and wear items; labor is covered for one year.

Fred Waters at Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com says Precor "builds some of the most durable and reliable treadmills in the industry," but he acknowledges that the price tag is tough to swallow. TreadmillDoctor.com agrees, saying you'll "pay through the nose" for this treadmill, and that the design is ugly. These complaints aside, the few user reviews at Amazon.com are very positive. "It is sturdy, very heavy and provides for a comfortable running experience," one owner writes.

If you hate having to push buttons in the middle of a run, the Smooth 9.45ST (*Est. $2,300) deserves a look. This non-folding treadmill has unique motion sensors that automatically adjust the speed of the belt depending on where you wave your hand. It comes with a large 20-by-60-inch running surface, a 3-chp motor and adjustable shock absorbers. There are 15 incline levels and a maximum speed of 11.2 miles per hour. Other features include six workout programs, a wireless heart-rate monitor and built-in speakers for an iPod or other MP3 player. The warranty is excellent and includes lifetime coverage for the frame, motor, parts and electronics; labor is covered for two years. For about $100 extra, you can purchase a 15-inch LCD television mounted on top of the main console.

Runner's World magazine tested the Smooth 9.45ST and says that the motion sensors work pretty well, but can be hard to use if you're running fast. The treadmill itself feels solid and stable underfoot, and "The ride is pretty darn comfortable for a treadmill in this price range." TreadmillDoctor.com agrees, calling the Smooth 9.45ST treadmill a great value in its price range. "The motion control is either love it or hate it, but the adjustable cushioning, extra large running platform and incredibly solid feel are enough to give every person something to love," the editors write. However, some testers think that displaying so much data on the display all at once makes it hard to read. We also saw a few complaints at Amazon.com that the adjustable suspension is uncomfortable and doesn't work properly.

Reviewers also like the True PS300 (*Est. $3,000) for daily runners. It has all the features you would expect in this price range, including a 3-chp motor, a 60-inch-long running surface and a maximum 15 percent incline. The 350-pound weight capacity isn't as high as the Landice L7 treadmill, but the True PS300 does come with eight preset workout programs, wireless heart-rate monitoring and a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour. The heavy-gauge steel frame comes with a lifetime warranty, plus a 30-year motor warranty, five years for parts and one year of labor coverage.

TreadmillDoctor.com gives the True PS300 a Best Buy rating, adding that "True does the best job with orthopedic belts, and the PS300 is no exception." Roy Wallack at the Los Angeles Times also tests the True PS300, and raves about the treadmill's solid feel and comfortable belt. It "does everything well," he writes. His only complaint is that it takes the treadmill too long to display the user's heart rate.

According to Runner's World magazine, most runners under 6 feet, 5 inches tall will do fine on a 20-by-60-inch running belt. But if you're 6 feet, 5 inches or taller, you may need a longer surface to maintain a comfortable, natural stride. One example is the LifeSpan Pro5 (*Est. $3,300), which has a 22-by-62-inch running surface -- one of the longest available at any price range. Features include a 3-horsepower motor, maximum 15 percent incline, a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour and a 400-pound weight capacity. The frame and motor come with a lifetime warranty. Parts are covered for five years and labor is covered for two years. There are few reviews available for the LifeSpan Pro5, but TreadmillDoctor.com calls it "one of the best built $3,500 treads on the market," and gives it very high ratings for value, reliability, warranty and power.