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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Best treadmill overall
- Easy folding, storage
- Sturdy construction
- Warranty covers labor for two years
- 15 percent incline
- Wide 20-inch belt
- Expensive if you just want to walk
- Belt may be short for tall runners
All of the sources we consulted are in solid agreement about the Sole F80 folding treadmill, calling it the best treadmill in its price range. This machine has a generous 350-pound weight limit with big rollers that help reduce wear and tear. One especially credible reviewer praises the Sole F80's hydraulically-assisted folding action, which makes it easy to store. Its belt is comfortably wide (20 inches) but only 55 inches long, so although the Sole F80 is sturdy enough for running, reviews say tall runners may want to step up to the Sole F85 (*Est. $2,000), which has a longer belt. The Sole F80's warranty (lifetime motor, deck and frame; five years electronics, belt, rollers and labor; and two years in-home service) is one of the best at this price. If you don't think you'll do much (or any) running on your treadmill, reviews say you probably don't need to spend so much. Consider the Sole F63 (*Est. $1,050) if you only need a treadmill for walking.
TreadmillDoctor.com and Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com both weigh in on the Sole F80, as do owners posting at Amazon.com and Buzzillions.com. Unfortunately, ConsumerReports.org does not include this treadmill in its comparison tests, nor is it tested by Runner's World magazine.
Sole F80 Treadmill |
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Our Sources
The Stevenson brothers simply call the Sole F80 "the best treadmill under $1,500." In a brief note, they say they especially like this folding treadmill's drive system and warranty, but they would like to see some improvement in its electronics. They award the Sole F80 numeric scores in eight categories (reliability, noise level, etc.) and give it an overall score.
Review: Sole F80, Clark and Jon Stevenson
2. Treadmill-Ratings- Reviews.com
Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com concurs with other treadmill specialty sites, calling the Sole F80 one of the best buys in its price range. Reviewer Fred Waters, a former treadmill marketing executive, is especially impressed with the Sole F80's large (2.75-inch) rollers and two-year labor warranty.
Review: Sole F80 Treadmill Review, Fred Waters
The Sole F80 is the top-rated treadmill at Buzzillions.com, which compiles owner-written reviews from various online retailers. Over 90 owners have reviewed the treadmill so far, and most say the Sole F80 is a great buy. Most say it's easy to assemble and operates relatively quietly.
Review: Sole Fitness F80 Treadmill, Contributors to Buzzillions.com, As of Oct. 2009
4. Amazon.com
The Sole F80 is one of the best-rated treadmills at Amazon.com, with 35 owners awarding it an average of 4.5 stars (out of five). Users praise its stability, shock absorption and more, while several report first-hand examples of Sole's outstanding customer service. However, some say assembly can be a challenge.
Review: Sole F80 Treadmill, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Oct. 2009
5. Epinions.com
Only half a dozen owners comment on the Sole F80 treadmill at Epinions.com, but they give it a perfect five-star rating. Everyone is satisfied with the treadmill, although one owner notes that the handlebars are awkwardly positioned.
Review: Sole F80 Folding Treadmill, Contributors to Epinions.com, As of Oct. 2009
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