PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR Review

What the reviewers like:
The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR is unique in that it offers the option of a negative incline, which can be helpful for preparing for hilly races like the Boston Marathon. This PaceMaster treadmill features seven pre-programmed workouts with adjustable intensities, five heart-rate programs and six virtual reality-courses. It comes with a standard warranty of 15 years on the motor, five years for other parts and one year for labor.

What the reviewers don't like:
Reviewers have a hard time locating weaknesses on this treadmill. One reviewer says the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR treadmill may still be too wobbly for heavier runners, and another reviewer thought the handrails were set too far back to swing his arms comfortably.

PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR review highlights

The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR treadmill is unique in that it features a negative incline (down to a -3º grade), which is helpful for runners who want to strengthen the fronts of their legs by simulating downhill running. Also, PaceMaster has a 40-year reputation for quality, and reviewers say the Platinum Pro offers a lot of bang for the buck, with a 3-hp motor, a long (60" x 20") belt, a 400-pound weight limit and a Constant Effort Compensation mode that adjusts speed to keep your exertion level constant. Although there's a lot of competition in this price range, reviews say the negative incline really sets this model apart.

We found the best review of the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR at Runner's World, which conducts thorough tests of various models. (Since Runner's World 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 Treadmilltips.com and Bodybuilding.com. Consumer Reports doesn't include the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR in its latest roundup of treadmills.

Also see full report: Treadmills

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Runner's World
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Insider Training
Megan McMorris

In this roundup, Runner's World recruited 100 members of the Michigan Athletic Club to give eight 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.

2. Runner's World
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Running in Place
Megan McMorris

Runner's World asked a panel of treadmill experts, including the owners of TreadmillDoctor.com, to share their top picks, then asked 150 runners to try out the recommended machines. The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR does very well here, with no drawbacks cited.

3. TreadmillDoctor.com
Pacemaster Platinum Pro VR Review
Clark & Jon Stevenson

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.

4. TreadmillTips.com
Best Buy Treadmills
Aaron Co

Treadmilltips.com offers reviews and recommendations of treadmills, but we can't tell how extensively they might have been tested. The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR treadmill is said to have the best features and electronics of all PaceMaster treadmills.

5. Bodybuilding.com
Discussion thread
Contributors to Bodybuilding.com

This discussion forum for bodybuilders addresses treadmills, with contributors offering varying opinions of the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR. Many posters agree that the PaceMaster's price is reasonable, and it provides a solid workout, but others feel its aluminum frame makes this treadmill too "bouncy."

Also see full report: Treadmills