EmailBest Reviewed
Treadmills
- Best cheap treadmill, short warranty Golds Gym 450 *Est. $400
- Best-value treadmill for walking Horizon Evolve SG *Est. $600
- Best value for walking and some jogging Sole F63 *Est. $1050
- Best treadmill overall Sole F80 *Est. $1500
- Treadmill for incline/decline training PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR *Est. $2400
- Heavy-duty treadmill for daily runners Landice L7 Cardio Trainer *Est. $3775
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Treadmill for incline/decline training
- Declines to -3 percent
- Inclines to 12 percent
- Long 20-by-60-inch belt
- Solid warranty
- 400-pound user weight limit
- Expensive
- Overkill for walkers and light runners
The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR treadmill is unique in that it features a negative incline (down to a -3 percent grade), helpful for those who want to strengthen their legs for downhill running. A wide range of programs includes six virtual reality courses that automatically adjust the incline along the route. The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR treadmill has a wide and long 20-by-60-inch belt and a high user weight limit of 400 pounds, so it's appropriate for heavy and tall individuals. Testers say the treadmill feels relatively sturdy, and they appreciate the varied workout programs. Although there's a lot of competition in this price range, reviews say the negative incline really sets this model apart. If you don't need the decline feature, you can spend less by considering the Sole F80 (*Est. $1,500), which has a 15-percent incline, but no decline.
We found the best review of the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR at Runner's World magazine, which conducts thorough tests of various models. (Since Runner's World magazine is aimed at serious athletes, it considers treadmills in a higher price range). TreadmillDoctor.com, an online retailer of treadmill accessories, also reviews this model, and we supplemented these analyses with reports from Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com and Bodybuilding.com. ConsumerReports.org also includes the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR in its latest roundup of treadmills.
Our Sources
1. Runner's WorldDetails/Subscribe
In this roundup, Runner's World magazine recruited 100 members of the Michigan Athletic Club to give 10 treadmills a pounding. None of the models are rated or ranked, however, and there's no way to tell which treadmill might be best for your particular needs. Several models, including the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR, are noted for automatically adjusting speed and/or incline to keep users in their heart-rate zone.
Review: Top 10 Treadmills Reviewed 2006, Megan McMorris, Nov. 30, 2006
2. Runner's WorldDetails/Subscribe
Lisa Jhung enlists the help of 20 testers to run a total of 100 miles on three treadmills. While the treadmills aren't scored, testers say the incline transitions are very smooth, but note that the treadmill shakes slightly at high speeds.
Review: Insider Training, Lisa Jhung, Feb. 2009
3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR is one of the 29 folding and non-folding treadmills included in this latest review from ConsumerReports.org. Editors use mechanical simulation to test durability. Interestingly, most treadmills ultimately are rated very good to excellent, no matter the price.
Review: Treadmills, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Feb. 2009
Fitness expert and endurance runner Roy Wallack recommends four treadmills in this roundup. The treadmills are not rated or ranked, but Wallack lists pros and cons based on his tests. The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR is praised for its decline feature and virtual reality courses, but Wallack say the design looks dated.
Review: Four That Go the Distance, Roy M. Wallack, Nov. 17, 2008
TreadmillDoctor.com evaluates nearly every treadmill on the market. The editors here call the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR treadmill a good alternative to more expensive machines, saying its decline feature (among other bells and whistles) makes it a lot of treadmill for the money.
Review: PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR Review, Clark and Jon Stevenson
This discussion forum for bodybuilders addresses treadmills, with contributors offering varying opinions of the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR. Many posters agree that the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR 's price is reasonable, and it provides a solid workout, but others feel its aluminum frame makes this treadmill too "bouncy."
Review: Discussion Thread, Contributors to Bodybuilding.com, As of Oct. 2009
Treadmills Runners Up:
3 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
2 picks including: About.com, Treadmill-Ratings- Reviews.com…
2 picks including: Runner's World, TreadmillDoctor.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
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