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- The Spirit XT200 folding treadmill has a relatively high weight limit of 350 pounds, so it's good for heavier individuals. It also has a wide (but not terribly long) 55" X 20" two-ply belt. Most reviewers say the company has improved the quality of its treadmills over time, and the warranty is good.
- The fact that the manufacturing of Spirit treadmills has recently moved from the U.S. to Taiwan has caused some reviewers to worry about the long-term reliability of the Spirit XT200 and other Spirit treadmills. Although the treadmill belt is 20" wide, it's only 55" long. Others in this price range offer 60" x 20" belts, which are better for taller people.
Reviewers say the Spirit XT200 treadmill is a solid choice in its price range, and they like that its list price has dropped by $100 (from $1,700 to $1,600). The Spirit XT200 folding treadmill has a high weight limit of 350 pounds and a 55" x 20" two-ply belt, which is a little short compared to others in this price range, such as the Sole F80 (*est. $1,500). One expert raises doubts about the long-term reliability of Spirit treadmills, since their assembly has been moved to Taiwan from the United States.
Besides Consumer Reports -- which includes the Spirit XT200 in its most recent roundup -- we found the best reviews of this treadmill at TreadmillDoctor.com (an especially reliable source, since it doesn't sell treadmills) and Treadmill-Resource-Center.com (which links to online sites that sell treadmills, but does point out both pros and cons of various models).
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Spirit XT200 is one of the treadmills included in Consumer Reports' most recent roundup of 20 folding and non-folding treadmills. These treadmills were subjected to tests simulating long-term use.
Review: Treadmills, Editors of Consumer Reports, Feb. 2007
The Stevenson brothers (who don't sell the treadmills they review) say that Spirit has improved the quality of the components and frame of the Spirit XT200, and they also appreciate the $100 drop in list price. Although this review is short, TreadmillDoctor has a long reputation as a credible treadmill reviewer.
Review: Spirit XT200 treadmill review, Clark & Jon Stevenson
3. Treadmill-Resource-Center.com
The editors of this site say the Spirit XT200 folding treadmill is a "no-brainer" at its slightly reduced $1,600 price. Editors praise its lifetime warranty, motor, belt size and "fantastic" console. However, they do worry about the long-term reliability of Spirit treadmills, since they are now being manufactured in Taiwan.
Review: Spirit Treadmill -- An Overall Well Performing Machine, Editors of Treadmill-Resource-Center.com
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