Bowflex 7 Series Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers say the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill has two features that make it stand out for its price: A 3.0-hp continuous-duty motor and a long (60" x 20") long belt, which is ideal for tall users and those doing interval training or sprints. Owners say the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill is fairly easy to assemble.

What reviews don't like:
Users and reviewers agree that the Bowflex 7 Series is very heavy (298 pounds) and bulky (one owner discovered that when assembled, the Bowflex 7 Series was too wide to fit through a standard doorway). They also indicate that other treadmills have better warranties. Generally, experts recommend other models over the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill.

Bowflex 7 Series review highlights

While reviewers agree that the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill is a high-quality treadmill, there's a great deal of competition in this price range, and the 7 Series doesn't come out on top in reviews. The Bowflex treadmill's best features are said to be its 3-hp continuous-duty motor and generous 60" x 20" belt. If you can find it on sale, it's competitive with the top-rated Sole F80 (*est. $1,500), which has a longer warranty period, a slightly higher weight limit and a higher incline.

We found the best review of the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill at TreadmillDoctor.com, an online retailer of treadmill accessories that reviews more treadmills than any other source. This Bowflex treadmill is also tested by Consumer Reports, and we found notices from owner-reviewers at Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com, Amazon.com, Epinions, About.com and Consumer Guide.

Also see full report: Treadmills

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

1. TreadmillDoctor.com
Bowflex 7 Series Review
Clark & Jon Stevenson

TreadmillDoctor.com treadmill ratings are based on company reputation, durability, build quality and hands-on testing. While the write-ups are short, the objectivity and passion of this site's editors make them more credible than most reviewers. The Bowflex 7 Series treadmill is included in evaluations.

2. Consumer Reports
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Treadmills
Editors of Consumer Reports
May 2007

Consumer Reports evaluates about 20 treadmills starting at $1,000, rating models based on tests that simulate a year of use. While reviews are based on extensive testing, the write-ups are very short. The Bowflex 7 Series treadmill is included in this test.

3. Amazon.com
Bowflex 7 Series treadmill reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

At Amazon.com, the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill gets a larger number (about 75) of owner reviews than most treadmills. The average rating is very high. Users especially appreciate how easy it is to assemble this treadmill, and they indicate that it's both well built and reliable.

4. Treadmill-Ratings- Reviews.com
Bowflex 7 Series treadmill review
Fred Waters

This website's owner is Fred Waters, a one-time industry executive who's started his own treadmill review website. The evaluations here are based on company history plus some testing, usually in treadmill stores. Also included are links to further reviews and resources. The Bowflex 7 Series treadmill is said to be a solid value.

5. About.com
Top 9 Budget Treadmills
Wendy Bumgardner

About.com walking guide Wendy Bumgardner cites the review sources listed above -- including Consumer Reports, Runner's World and TreadmillDoctor.com -- in her article. And since Fred Waters of Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com contributed as well, the picks here are mainly redundant from other sites. The short review for the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill is helpful.

6. Consumer Guide.com
Treadmill Reviews
Editors of Consumerguide.com

Consumer Guide lists hundreds of treadmills, usually providing only a manufacturer's description and list price. Models are given a rating for performance, but there is no discussion of hands-on testing, so these picks don't have much credibility.

7. Epinions
Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

Very few owners evaluate the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill at Epinions, so we couldn't get an idea of overall consensus.

Also see full report: Treadmills

Bowflex 7 Series Review