LifeSpan Pro5

January 2009. Reviews are more likely to tackle LifeSpan's less expensive models, and even those who do review the top-of-the-line LifeSpan Pro5 provide little information about the unit. As usual, TreadmillDoctor.com is a reliable source for objective scores and succinct conclusions. TreadmillSensei.com's reviews are usually loaded with helpful information, but the reviewer doesn't provide an individual write-up for the Pro5 -- despite the fact that it's a runner-up on his Best Buy list. TreadmillTips.com mentions the Pro5's high price, but otherwise the entire review could be lifted straight from a LifeSpan press release.

The LifeSpan Pro5 has a longer, wider running deck than most top-of-the-line treadmills, at 22 inches by 62 inches. However, in this price range, reviews are more likely to recommend the Landice L7 Cardio Trainer (*est. $3,300): The Landice has a more powerful motor (4 horsepower versus the LifeSpan's 3 horsepower) and a lifetime parts warranty, and experts say its 20-by-58-inch running deck is sufficient for most runners. Some experts say that even though the Pro5 isn't a bad choice, they hesitate to recommend such an expensive LifeSpan treadmill, because LifeSpan is better known for value-priced treadmills -- like the LifeSpan TR2000 (*est. $1,500), which reviews recommend as one of the least expensive treadmills you can buy for uphill and downhill training.