Stamina InMotion II

Bottom Line

Those who love the Stamina InMotion II are usually looking for a lightweight, compact exercise machine for casual, limited walking. Those who want a treadmill that can withstand heavy use end up disappointed, saying the InMotion II is noisy, and its belt slips and requires frequent adjustment.

Performance

Noise could be a deal-breaker. We found a number of reports that the InMotion II is noisier than other manual treadmills, although most owners say they can still hear the television while using it. "It's great for the money, but the belt is noisy," warns one on Walgreens.com. "Sounds like I am running a weed-whacker in my living room," says an Amazon.com poster.

You can set the Stamina InMotion II to an 8- or 10-degree incline, but there's no way to set it completely flat. The permanent incline forces you to grasp the handrails as you walk, which is common for any manual treadmill in this price range. A few users warn that tall people may find the handlebars a bit too low. "If you're taller than 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10, you'll have to bend over to use the handlebar, which could be a problem for your back," says an Amazon.com reviewer of the same height. Long-legged users may feel cramped on this treadmill's 42-inch-long deck, even at a walk.

Several owners say the InMotion II works smoothly and quietly once you get its belt centered and lubricated, but numerous others warn that the belt continues slipping even with regular adjustments. "You'll be adjusting this thing almost every day," says one. Another complains, "the belt either speeds along and slips under your feet or it sticks and stops mid-step...no adjusting helps."

Ease of Use

Frequent belt adjustments. Most owners say they put this treadmill together in less than 30 minutes, and a few claim assembly times of just 15 minutes. Still, some grumble about poorly drilled screw holes, and report that it takes multiple belt adjustments and heavy lubrication to get the Stamina InMotion II running steadily and quietly.

While the InMotion II's deck folds against the handles for storage, an Amazon.com reviewer warns: "The knob that holds the treadmill closed is not the best...be careful when you move it."

Durability

Short life cycle. The InMotion II's durability definitely isn't a strong point. We found numerous complaints that the rollers stopped working, rendering the treadmill useless, sometimes just a month or two out of the three-month parts warranty period. "During month five of use (three to four days a week, for some 25 minutes of walking) the belt on the unit froze, and when I tried to move the belt it gave off a terrible grinding noise," says one user at Amazon.com. "This is the wobbliest, unsturdy treadmill I think I have ever been on," states another.

Customer Service

Limited warranty, but good service. The Stamina InMotion II is backed by a good warranty for its price range: a one-year frame warranty and 90 days of coverage for parts. Although we found a few complaints about customer service, most owners consider Stamina Products' customer service to be one of this treadmill's highlights. "When I emailed the manufacturer, I received a response within hours," says one. Another reports prompt, efficient customer service: "I was very impressed with their professionalism and desire to make sure the customer is happy."