Best Reviewed
Treadmills
- Best treadmill overall Sole F80 *Est. $1500
- Treadmill for casual runners ProForm Power 995 *Est. $1000
- Treadmill for incline/decline training PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR *Est. $2500
- Heavy-duty treadmill for serious runners Landice L7 Pro Sports Trainer *Est. $3500
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- Sturdy, durable
- Solid warranty
- Good for walking and light jogs
- 15 percent incline
- Belt is too short for tall runners
- Maximum speed of 10 mph
- Software errors
- Lengthy repair/replacement process
If you mostly walk or jog on your treadmill, experts say you probably don't need to spend more than $1,000. Although the Sole F63's 2.5-horsepower motor, 20-by-55-inch belt and maximum speed of 10 mph can stand up to some running, most experts recommend it for walking and light jogging. The Sole F63 has an excellent warranty (including lifetime motor and frame coverage), and gets generally good reviews from owners, although some complain that assembly is challenging. In addition, user reviews reveal that the 2011 model may have a serious software error that sometimes renders the treadmill completely unusable, and several owners complain that trying to get the error repaired takes a long time. If you plan to run a lot, critics say the Sole F80 ( *Est. $1,500) is a better choice, with more speed, a more powerful motor and a longer deck.
The Sole F63 ranked well in tests from ConsumerReports.org, which evaluated nearly 30 treadmills on a variety of criteria. Previous models were well received on Amazon.com, but the 2011 model garners only a 3.5-star average rating. Reviewers at Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com and About.com make only brief comparisons between the Sole F63 and other treadmills, and it's not clear whether they actually tested the Sole F63 or not.
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| Sole F63 Treadmill (2011 Model) | |
(52 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
TreadmillDoctor.com calls the Sole F63 a "great value" and praises the company for updating this treadmill, but doesn't elaborate on exactly what that update entailed.
Review: Sole F63, Clark and Jon Stevenson
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org subjects nearly 30 treadmills, including the Sole F63, to a mechanical test designed to simulate a year of use. Human testers also rate factors like comfort and usability. Several treadmills were singled out for Recommended or Best Buy status, but only brief ratings are disclosed for each model.
Review: Treadmill Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Feb. 2011
3. Amazon.com
The 2009-2010 model of the Sole F63 received a 4-star rating from more than 50 Amazon.com reviews, but the 2011 model only gets a 3.5-star rating from about 20 reviewers. The overall consensus is that the Sole F63 is a good value, but a few owners report experiencing problems right out of the box. The most common complaint is a software error that renders the treadmill completely unusable, and reviewers warn that the replacement and repair process can be frustratingly lengthy.
Review: Sole F63 Treadmill, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. Treadmill-Ratings- Reviews.com
Fred Waters, previously an executive with Smooth Fitness, acknowledges that Sole treadmills have a reputation for quality. However, he recommends the F63 only for "walking and light jogging."
Review: Sole F63 Treadmill Review, Fred Waters
5. About.com
The Sole F63 is one of eight treadmills on this list of best budget treadmills. Bumgardner does not personally test the treadmills, but she refers to advice from outside experts. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Best Budget Treadmills, Wendy Bumgardner, July 4, 2010
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