Treadmills

Reviews say that with treadmills, you generally get what you pay for. Fitness experts recommend that walkers spend at least $1,000 on a treadmill and that runners start shopping at the $2,000 mark. If that's not realistic, there are some well-received models that cost less, although treadmill experts aren't as enthusiastic about these, especially when it comes to durability. We found several less expensive treadmills fitting this description. The good news is that quality and value in the budget range is getting better. Another plus, especially if space is at a premium, is that most of the treadmills in this category can be folded up for storage between workouts.

Budget treadmills under $1,000

The NordicTrack C2155 (*est. $750) is a good choice in the budget price range. ICON Fitness, the company that makes NordicTrack treadmills, has been seeing an improvement in build quality and reliability, according to reviewers, particularly TreadmillDoctor.com's Jon Stevenson. The NordicTrack C2155 gets particularly good reviews. TreadmillDoctor.com calls the C2155 a best buy in the $699 and under category, although we found the actual average price to be a bit higher. Several reviewers say the NordicTrack C2155 is an excellent value, but most caution that like most treadmills in its price range, it may not stand up to heavy use. So far, more than two dozen owners posting reviews to Sears.com have given this model high scores. Most owners say it works well and is fairly easy to assemble. A few say it was louder than they expected. This treadmill includes an unusual feature -- an audio port and speakers for plugging in an iPod or other music player.The NordicTrack C2155 treadmill has a 2-hp motor with a 300-pound weight limit and 20" x 55" belt; although the belt is nice and wide, it's not terribly long, so it may not work as well for tall users. Otherwise, the features are good: 15 workout programs, a top speed of 10 mph and a maximum incline of 12 percent. TreadmillDoctor.com says, "If you are a serious user, look elsewhere but this could be a perfect choice for those who have less strenuous needs." Some reviewers wish the warranty was longer, but others say the lifetime coverage of the frame and motor with one year for parts and labor aren't bad for this price range.

At the top of this price range, the Smooth 5.25 (*est. $950) is a standout. The display panel is highly readable, and it folds up to save space. The Smooth treadmill has six programs and a heart rate monitor on the hand grip. At 20" x 53", the Smooth's belt is on the short side for runners or tall walkers. Another limitation is the comparatively low 275-pound capacity, meaning that heavier athletes will need to look elsewhere. However, this treadmill is backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor plus three years on all other parts and one on labor. Reviews say this is a good quality treadmill mainly for walking.

The Image Advanced 1400 (*est. $750) is a less expensive choice that still gets some positive reviews. Recommendations for the Image Advanced 1400 treadmill tend to highlight its low price rather than any outstanding features. For example, TreadmillTips.com says: "If you are looking for a good entry level treadmill, then the Image Advanced 1400 treadmill is definitely one of the best." Taller or heavier users may find that the 2.25-hp motor and below-average 19" x 55" belt may not meet their needs. Another concern is the short warranty period -- 12 years on the motor but just 90 days on everything else -- which reviewers say suggests low-quality and failure-prone components. This treadmill is made by the same company that makes NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills, ICON Fitness. We did find some user reviews for this model on the Wal-Mart website. The half-dozen owners mainly like it, though some add that it's not meant for running because the belt is too small and can slip.

At just over half the cost of the NordicTrack C2155, the ProForm CrossWalk 300 (*est. $400) is a true budget treadmill. Reviewers are actually quite positive about the CrossWalk 300, saying it's a good treadmill for those who just can't spend more on something more durable or sturdy. Reviewers say the 2.25-hp motor is a reasonable size for walking, but probably not a good choice for runners. The 18" x 50" belt may feel narrow and short for taller people (it's two inches narrower and five inches shorter than the belt on the NordicTrack C2155), and experts suggest an upper weight limit of 200 pounds is more realistic than the stated 250-pound capacity.

Otherwise, the ProForm CrossWalk 300 comes with all the standard features like speed up to 10 mph, an incline to 10 percent, a hand-grip heart rate monitor, an LCD display, impact-reducing cushioning and six workout programs. This model's most controversial features are the CrossWalk handles that allow users to get an upper-body workout while walking. While some say the handles are a nice bonus, others say they just get in the way. Another limitation is the warranty: five years on the motor but only 90 days parts and labor. While reviewers say it's tough to beat the ProForm CrossWalk 300 in this price range, they also suggest looking into an extended warranty with in-home labor coverage. The ProForm CrossWalk 425 (*est. $500) is similar. This model is a folding treadmill with a thumb HR monitor, 10 mph maximum speed and a 17" x 50" belt -- actually a bit narrower than the cheaper CrossWalk 300.

The Weslo Cadence C44 (*est. $300) and Weslo Cadence 80 (*est. $300) are almost identical. Both are representative of what you get in this price range. While both are motorized treadmills, the belts are only 16 inches wide -- far narrower than the more comfortable 18-inch belt on the ProForm CrossWalk 300, which costs $100 more. These treadmills can run up to 10 mph, but the incline adjustment is manual -- so you'll have to stop the treadmill to adjust it. Owners posting comments to Sears.com and Wal-mart.com say that assembly was fussy, and a few had trouble getting the treadmill to work, but most seem pleased given its limitations and low price. As you might guess, the Weslo treadmills have just a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.

Mid-range treadmills $1,000 to $2,000

For those who plan to use their treadmill regularly, and those who want to both walk and jog, the $1,000 to $2,000 price range is the current sweet spot for residential-use treadmills. TreadmillDoctor.com calls the NordicTrack C2500 (*est. $1,000) "one of the best values under $1000," and other reviewers agree. What makes the C2500 stand out from others in its price range is the 20" x 60" belt that makes room for even the tallest users to jog without feeling cramped. Other nice features include iFit workouts (which let you add programs with special memory cards), an iPod dock, adjustable cushioning and a hand-grip heart rate monitor. While we read good reviews for this model, we also read some cautionary tales. A good percentage of the user reviews posted to Sears.com complain about either the console or the motor, which either never worked or failed shortly after purchase. Of the complaints, many owners say they waited for months for a service call or a replacement part. Oddly, we did not find as many complaints for the less expensive NordicTrack C2155 at Sears (though one owner of a C2500 says he acquired it as a replacement for a defective C2155).

The NordicTrack C2500 treadmill has a 2.5-hp motor with 12 mph maximum speed and up to 12 percent incline -- a bit faster and higher than cheaper treadmills. The stated weight limit is 325 pounds, but one reviewer suggests that 235 pounds is more realistic. NordicTrack offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor plus one year on parts and labor.

The Bodyguard T240 (*est. $1,900) is cited as the best treadmill in the $1,500 to $2,000 range by TreadmillDoctor.com, and it gets a Best Buy rating on TreadmillTips.com as well. The Bodyguard T240 has a 20" x 57" belt, a 350-pound weight limit and 14 programs, with an optional chest-strap heart rate monitor. This treadmill's greatest strength, according to reviews, is its quality construction, which is backed by a superb warranty for this price range -- lifetime on the motor, ten years on parts and three years for labor. This company also makes Polar heart rate monitors. Bodyguard treadmills aren't sold at big-box stores -- you'll mainly find them at specialty fitness-equipment dealers.

TreadmillDoctor.com calls the Sole F80 (*est. $1,500) "one of the best treadmills under $1500." The Sole F80 has a 20" x 55" belt and 350-pound weight capacity, folds for storage, and has the useful feature of speed and incline controls on the side rails. It has a lifetime warranty on the frame, deck and motor, along with five years on other parts and two years on labor. It has six preset programs, a 3-hp motor, and both a hand-grip heart rate monitor and an included wireless chest strap. Reviewers say the Sole F80 is a good value mainly for walking and the occasional run. If you've stayed in a Hilton hotel recently, you might have used a Sole treadmill; Hilton now has in-room Sole treadmills in many of its hotels.

The Bowflex 7 Series (*est. $1,400) is made by Nautilus. TreadmillDoctor.com says this treadmill wasn't much of a deal at the old list price of $2,000, but might be worth considering now that it's widely available for less. We also found more than 100 good reviews for this model at Amazon.com. The Bowflex has a large 20" x 60" belt, which is both wide and long for this price range. This folding treadmill has hand-grip pulse sensors plus a heart rate monitor, along with a 3-hp motor (also good for this price range) and a 300-pound user weight capacity. The frame has a 15-year warranty, along with ten years on the motor, two years on other parts and one year for labor. At the new lower price, the Bowflex treadmill competes with the Sole F80 and Bodyguard T240. The Sole and Bodyguard treadmills both have a longer warranty period, higher 350-pound weight limits and up to 15 percent incline. The Bowflex has a slightly longer belt, but a shorter warranty and a 12 percent incline adjustment.

PaceMaster has a long-standing reputation for high-quality treadmills, and their entry-level PaceMaster Bronze Basic (*est. $1,600) does well in this price range. TreadmillDoctor.com and TreadmillTips.com say it's a good buy for a solid treadmill, although both caution that some runners wish it had a heavier feel. The PaceMaster Bronze Basic has a 3-hp motor, a 20" x 54" running surface, 11 mph maximum speed, 15 percent incline and a weight capacity of 350 pounds. The warranty is better than average, offering lifetime on the frame, 12 years on the motor, five years on all other parts and one on labor.

Smooth treadmills stand out for the large number of sites recommending them. The problem, according to TreadmillDoctor.com, is that many of these recommendations come from affiliate sites which earn money from each Smooth treadmill sale. While that doesn't mean that this brand doesn't make good products -- TreadmillDoctor.com says "it is hard to get on a Smooth treadmill and not be impressed" -- it does mean that consumers are better off not taking all these glowing reviews at face value.

The Smooth 6.25 treadmill (*est. $1,500) is a decent choice for walkers and occasional runners. This treadmill is a step up from the Smooth 5.25 (*est. $950) and has both a longer 20" x 54" belt and slightly more power, with a 2.75-hp motor. Like the Sole F80, it folds for storage. The Smooth 6.25 comes with a hand-grip heart rate monitor, but the more accurate chest-strap monitor is optional and must be purchased separately. The Smooth 6.25 has a total of eight preset programs, and the 350-pound maximum weight capacity makes it a good choice for heavier users. There's a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, five years on parts and one year for in-home labor.

The NordicTrack ViewPoint 3000 (*est. $1,200) is notable because its console features a television to entertain while you exercise (you can also plug in an iPod or DVD player). The ViewPoint has a 2.5-hp motor, a maximum speed of up to 12 mph, and an incline adjustable up to 12 percent. Its belt is a fairly long 20" x 55", and it has a weight capacity of 350 pounds. This model now sells at a discount while the newer ViewPoint 3500 (*est. $1,900) is introduced; the newer model has a 3.5-hp motor but is otherwise similar. TreadmillDoctor.com says that the LCD TV is a great selling feature, but cautions that if it breaks down, you could be looking at an expensive repair. Indeed, we did find several complaints at Exercise-Equipment-Review.org from owners who say the TV broke down, even though others say it's a great motivational tool.

We found some good reviews for Vision Fitness treadmills, but this manufacturer has been subject to a recent recall for some of its console panels, which could cause the treadmill to speed up unexpectedly. Unlike competitors in this price range, the Vision Fitness T9200 Simple (*est. $1,300) doesn't have a heart rate monitor or any preset programs to help vary your workout. Vision Fitness does offer a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor (with one year for labor), and the treadmill has a 325-pound weight limit. Last year, TreadmillDoctor.com called the T9200 a good "starter" treadmill, but this year's assessment is less favorable: "With more and more factories producing entry level machines, the luster is off this model." One reviewer recommends the step-up Vision Fitness T9500 Deluxe (*est. $2,100), which has an orthopedic belt to cushion your run, but TreadmillDoctor.com and TreadmillTips.com caution that orthopedic belts can cause extra wear and tear on the treadmill and ultimately increase service costs.

The Epic View 550 (*est. $1,300) also gets mixed reviews. One top comparative review gives it a Best Buy rating along with perfect scores for ease of use, ergonomics and exercise range. The 3-hp motor, 20" x 60" belt and 350-pound weight capacity put the Epic View 550 in line with the top models in this category. Still, TreadmillDoctor.com is less than enthusiastic, saying "at $1000 at Costco, this one makes sense but not at $1500." One concern with the Epic View 550 is its warranty: lifetime on the frame and 12 years on the motor, but only one year on all other parts and labor. The short warranty period is especially worrisome in light of complaints on Epinions that the Epic View 550 is prone to quality problems and premature breakdown.

Reviewers say the Keys Ironman 320t (*est. $1,000) , which straddles the line between budget and mid-range treadmills, isn't necessarily a good value despite its relatively low price. TreadmillDoctor.com says there are better options in this price category, and TreadmillTips.com has similar comments, saying there are "other treadmills out there that would provide comparable features and specs for a much lower price tag." Treadmill Sensei calls the Ironman 320t "a pretty decent machine," but cautions that Keys Fitness has a poor track record when it comes to customer service and warranty repairs.

Treadmills for runners

If you can spend more, you generally get features tailored more to running than walking, plus better build quality to take the pounding of running. Experts say that if you plan to run daily on your treadmill, you should start looking at about $2,000. Not as many of these are folding treadmills, though in general, a non-folding model is a more stable choice for runners anyway.

We found several reviews of the NordicTrack S 3000 (*est. $3,000). This model is notable for its stability, as judged by testers at Runner's World, making it a good pick for big and tall runners. It's also quiet, with an easy-to-use control console. NordicTrack calls this an "institutional" treadmill. It has a 5.0-hp motor, much more powerful than other home treadmills. Be aware that this treadmill requires a 20-amp outlet. Otherwise, features are pretty standard for the price: a shock-absorbing deck, 12 mph maximum speed, 12 percent maximum incline, heart rate monitor (with included chest strap), a 20 "x 60" belt and a 400-pound user weight limit. The motor is covered by its warranty for a lifetime. Other parts have a two-year warranty. The belt and deck carry a one-year warranty, with one year for labor.

For several years, reviews have recommended Landice treadmills for serious runners. The Landice L8 Cardio Trainer (*est. $5,000) earns kudos from Runner's World for its generous 63-inch deck and durable aircraft-quality aluminum construction. The L8 Cardio comes with hand-grip and wireless chest-strap heart rate monitors, either of which can be used with the included heart rate monitoring programs. The Landice L8 Pro Sports Trainer (*est. $4,600) has the same aluminum frame and 22" x 63" belt as the Cardio version, minus the Cardio's built-in heart rate programs and hand-grip heart rate monitor. TreadmillDoctor.com gives the Landice L8 Sport Trainer (*est. $4,000) its vote for best value in the $3,000 to $4,000 range. The L8 Sport Trainer has the same basic features as the pricier models, but doesn't include a heart rate monitor or built-in programs. On the higher end of the spectrum, the Landice L8 Executive Trainer (*est. $5,600) has all the features of the Cardio model plus some extra electronic programs and a computer-animated video display. For $800 more than the L8 Cardio, though, it doesn't provide much in the way of extra functionality.

The Landice L7 series gets excellent reviews from Runner's World and TreadmillDoctor.com plus scores of top recommendations elsewhere. The Landice L7 comes in the same configurations as the L8: the Landice L7 Sports Trainer (*est. $2,500), the Landice L7 Pro Sports Trainer (*est. $3,700) , the Landice L7 Cardio Trainer (*est. $4,000) and the Landice L7 Executive Trainer (*est. $4,700) . Once again, TreadmillDoctor.com recommends the basic Sports Trainer model, saying "it has a bare bones console but a heart of steel." Anyone over six feet tall may want to stick with the Landice L8, though, since the L7's running surface is a less generous 20" x 58".

Both the Landice L7 and the Landice L8 have lifetime warranties on parts (with one year on labor). But be aware that contributors to Epinions note loopholes in the warranty that might make it invalid. For example, if you live more than 50 miles from the closest dealer, or if you buy from any dealer and then find out there's a dealer closer to you, your warranty may be invalidated. Assembling the treadmill yourself may also invalidate the warranty.

Reviewers say the Bodyguard T460X (*est. $4,000) is another excellent choice for serious users. Treadmill Sensei calls it "simply one of the finest treadmills in production today," and TreadmillDoctor.com says it's "one of the best new treadmills we have ever seen." Standout features include an inclining/declining deck that Runner's World says is ideal for runners training for rolling courses. The 3.4-hp motor and 20" x 63" belt also make it a good choice for larger and taller runners. The Bodyguard T460X's warranty outdoes Landice with a lifetime warranty that includes two years on labor. Runner's World says some of their testers found the deck too hard, but several reviewers say price is the only downside.

True Fitness treadmills are consistently praised in reviews for their durability, smooth and quiet performance, easy maintenance and shock absorption. If you're a competitive athlete who's willing to spend the money for a top-of the-line treadmill, reviewers say a True treadmill may be worth the investment. TreadmillDoctor.com gives the True ES9.0 (*est. $5,900) its top rating in the $4,000 and up category, saying: "If price is no object and you have quietness and cushioning as big factors, forget commercial models and go with this True." Runner's World praises the True ES9.0 for its smoothness and stability even at high speeds. Testers also like that the incline can be adjusted from -3 to 15 percent, allowing users to simulate both uphill and downhill running, which Runner's World says is useful for runners training for hilly races. (Running downhill strengthens the fronts of your legs, while neutral and uphill running strengthens primarily the backs of your legs.) Still, reviewers say this model isn't for everyone. While the 400-pound maximum weight and generous 22" x 60" belt offer plenty of room for heavier and taller runners, some shorter testers at Runner's World say their elbows felt cramped by the extension bars. Other than that, most reviewers say the only negative is cost. The True ES9.0 offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor along with ten years on parts and two on labor.

The PaceMaster Gold Elite VR treadmill (*est. $2,100) is one of the best you can buy in the $2,000 price range. It's sturdy, with a 400-pound capacity and a 20" x 60" running surface, so it's good for serious runners. This PaceMaster treadmill has an interactive heart rate monitoring system that adjusts your workout to keep you in your target zone and also offers nine intensity levels. It has a 3.0-hp motor, the same as some health club-quality treadmills. A folding version of this model, the PaceMaster Gold Elite Fold-Up VR (*est. $2,300), is discussed in our section on folding treadmills (below).

For an extra $200 above the Gold Elite VR, the Platinum Pro VR (*est. $2,400) treadmill offers e-courses and extra electronic features. The Platinum Pro VR is one of the few treadmills with negative incline (up to -3 percent). All PaceMaster's VR models -- the Gold Elite VR, the Gold Elite Fold-Up VR and the Platinum Pro VR -- include a Constant Effort Compensation mode which adjusts speed to incline so that your effort level stays the same. All have 400-pound user weight capacities and standard warranties of 12 years on the motor, five years on other parts and one year on labor.

The PaceMaster Platinum ProClub (*est. $2,900) is rated for residential or light institutional use and trades some of the Platinum VR's features, like negative incline and e-courses, for heavier-duty components. The PaceMaster Platinum ProClub comes with an industrial-grade drive motor, a multilayered deck, and an upgraded ten-year warranty on parts for residential users. For light institutional settings, the ProClub's warranty period is just two years on parts and one on labor.

The Nautilus T7.18 (*est. $3,800) won TreadmillDoctor.com's Best New Product rating in 2006, and it's also featured in a review at Runner's World. It has a 22" x 60" belt, a 400-pound user capacity and 15 programs. If you're preparing for a specific race, you just might find it on this machine. The T7.18 treadmill has four training-specific courses preprogrammed in its memory, including the annual Bolder Boulder 10-kilometer run. It has a powerful 3.0-hp motor, touch and chest-strap heart rate monitor, handlebar touch-sensitive controls and convenient power plug-ins in both the front and rear. Testers at Runner's World thought the belt's "SuperSoft" construction was indeed softer than standard treadmill belts.

A less expensive model, the Nautilus T518 (*est. $3,000), has a 375-pound weight limit and a narrower 20" x 60" belt. It has memory for a personal training log, but it doesn't include half-marathon, marathon or specific race programs. Runner's World includes the Nautilus T518 in its report on the top treadmills of 2007, and About.com's guide to exercise, Paige Waehner, calls it "the ultimate runner's treadmill."

The Life Fitness T3 Advanced (*est. $2,700) also has a 20" x 60" belt and a 3.0-hp motor. Runner's World says the T3 Advanced console is "one of the most intuitive and welcoming" of the models they tested. Testers liked the ten workout programs found on the T3 Advanced, especially the heart rate controlled programs which automatically adjust speed and incline to keep a runner within a heart rate target. The T3 Advanced also stores settings for two user profiles and includes two custom workouts and a wireless heart rate chest strap. For those less interested in advanced programs, the T3 also comes in a Basic (*est. $2,400) version, sporting a simpler console with only five programmed workouts and a hand-grip heart rate monitor. Both the T3 Basic and Advanced are rated to a maximum weight of 350 pounds, top speeds of 12 mph and up to a 15 percent incline.

Best folding treadmills for runners

The PaceMaster Gold Elite Fold-Up VR (*est. $2,300) is the folding version of the top-rated PaceMaster Gold Elite VR (discussed above). Both models have a 3-hp motor, a 20" x 60" running surface, a maximum speed of 12 mph, and an incline of up to 15 percent, which can be raised or lowered in 0.5 percent increments. The console offers custom and heart rate-controlled programs as well as fixed programs in nine intensity levels. The only difference between the folding and non-folding versions is that the PaceMaster Gold Elite Fold-Up weighs a bit more: 260 pounds instead of 205. Its user capacity remains the same, though, and at a maximum load of 400 pounds, this model can accommodate most walkers and runners. TreadmillDoctor.com calls the PaceMaster Gold Elite Fold-Up VR "the most compelling foldup on the market," awarding it the top spot in its category.

Reviewers say the Life Fitness F3, which comes in Basic (*est. $2,400) and Advanced (*est. $2,700) versions, is a very good folding treadmill. TreadmillDoctor.com says the Life Fitness F3 is "a very solid unit… so solid you forget it is a foldup," and Runner's World remarks that this "high-quality fold-up is remarkably sturdy, thanks to steel tubes in the uprights, frame, and console bridge, so it doesn't bounce too much underfoot or hiccup when you switch levels." Both models have a 3-hp motor, a maximum user weight of 350 pounds, a 20" x 55" belt, a top speed of 10 mph (on the slow side for this price class), and a maximum incline of 12 percent. The Life Fitness F3 with the Basic Workouts console has five workout programs plus hand sensor heart rate monitoring. The Advanced Workouts console adds an additional five programs plus wireless chest-strap heart rate monitoring, heart rate-controlled workouts, a race mode, and the ability to store two separate user profiles. The Life Fitness F3 has a lifetime warranty on the frame and shock absorbers plus ten years on the motor, five years on electrical and mechanical parts, and one year on labor.

The Sole F83 (*est. $1,700) and the Sole F85 (*est. $2,000) cost significantly less than the top-rated foldups. Treadmill Sensei says: "These Sole Units are arguably some of the finest treadmills under about $2500." However, several reviewers caution that Sole Fitness is too new to have much of a track record for customer service or product durability. The Sole F83 has a 3-hp motor, a 375-pound user capacity, a 20" x 58" running surface, and a 12-mph top speed with 15 percent maximum incline. The Sole F85 is a step up with a 3.5-hp motor, a maximum user weight of 400 pounds, and a longer 20" x 60" running surface.

Despite the $300 price difference, most reviewers say the Sole F85's powerful motor and extra-long running surface make it a better buy than the Sole F83. Several reviews say that if you want a Sole, you're better off either springing for the Sole F85 or saving some money and going with the Sole F80 (*est. $1,500) . While the Sole F85 doesn't compare with the PaceMaster Gold Elite Fold-Up or the Life Fitness T3, TreadmillReview.net says "runners should definitely consider it before looking at the more expensive commercial units."

Treadmills for incline training

Most treadmills have an adjustable incline that raises the front of the belt up to about a 15 percent grade. This simulates walking or running up hills. Some fitness experts say walking up a steep incline is a great way to shape leg, hip and gluteus muscles.

The NordicTrack Incline Trainer X5 treadmill (*est. $1,700) can go as high as a 30 percent grade -- twice the incline of most regular treadmills. TreadmillDoctor.com says this NordicTrack treadmill provides "one of the best workouts you can get," and testers for Prevention magazine say that although this is one of the heaviest, bulkiest treadmills, they would "make room" for it. The NordicTrack X5 has a 300-pound weight limit and a 20" x 52" belt. It is also iFit compatible, so you can download workout programs from the Internet. The X5 has a large footprint (64" x 81"), but it folds up to about half that size. It has both hand-grip and chest-strap heart rate monitors, as well as optional resistance cables for an upper-body workout, a nice feature that isn't commonly available on treadmills.

Reviews say that the NordicTrack X5's 30 percent incline is plenty for most people, but, if you really want to push it, the NordicTrack Incline Trainer X10 (*est. $2,000) has up to a 50 percent incline. Owners posting to Epinions give the NordicTrack X10 a near-perfect score, saying it's great for extreme hikers or exercisers who want to burn a lot of calories quickly. Extreme incline isn't for everyone, though, and users say even setting up this large and heavy machine is a challenge. The NordicTrack X10 has a lifetime warranty on the motor, with one-year warranty on other parts and labor.

TreadmillDoctor.com calls the FreeMotion Incline Trainer i7.7 (*est. $5,000) the best new treadmill this year, saying "We would buy this one for just being a great treadmill. The high max incline is a bonus." The FreeMotion i7.7 has the same 30 percent maximum incline as the NordicTrack X5 but comes with a more powerful 5-hp motor, a higher 350-pound weight limit, and a bigger 22" x 60" running surface. There's also a longer warranty, with lifetime on the frame, ten years on other parts and two on labor. According to Runner's World, "If you're looking to run up the side of a mountain in the comfort of your own home, this is the treadmill for you."

Important Features: Treadmills

Reviews say to consider the following when shopping for treadmills:

• Look for a motor with a continuous-duty rating of at least 2.0 horsepower. This is the bare minimum; anything less will give you an inferior workout and is likely to break down and need repairs. If you plan to run and not just walk on your treadmill, or if you weigh more than 180 pounds, don't settle for less than 2.5 hp. A DC-driven motor (as opposed to AC) gobbles less power and is less expensive to repair should trouble arise. Reviews say you should avoid manual treadmills altogether.

• The two-ply belt should be no less than 18 inches wide and 50 inches long. According to Prevention magazine walking editor Maggie Spilner, a shorter belt forces the average walker to shorten his or her stride. If you have long legs, you must have a belt longer than 50 inches. The American Council on Exercise recommends a 49-inch belt.

• The deck should be at least a quarter-inch thick. The best decks are low-impact structures that absorb shock by flexing under your foot when it strikes the belt. If you have injuries like shin splints or recurring back/foot problems, this feature is a must.

• The display panel should show all the necessary information at once, preferably in large, easy-to-read numbers. Make sure the display shows speed, distance covered, incline and time elapsed. Some displays show all the information at once, but most have a scanning display, which rotates information.

• Push-button controls are better than dials or switches. Sliding switches can be imprecise and stubborn to move. You should be able to easily reach and push control buttons while you're running.

• Beginners should look for an incline of at least 10 percent. A treadmill's maximum incline should suit your fitness level. According to the American Council on Exercise, beginners will do fine with an incline of up to 10 percent, but advanced exercisers may want a treadmill capable of 15 percent. Test the machine's stability during incline mode before you buy.

• Walkers need a speed capability of 5 mph; runners need 8 to 11 mph. The starting speed should be slow (0.1 to 0.5 mph) to avoid injury.

• Look for a safety key if you have kids. Children and pets should not be able to start the machine by accident. Reviews say refrigerator magnets can start some machines that use a magnetic key.

• Go for a treadmill with a panic button or automatic shutoff. If you slip or get into trouble, the power should cut off instantly by means of a button you push or a tether attached to your clothes.

• Read the fine print on the warranty. If you're heavier than the warranty specifies, the contract may be void. The frame should have a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Other components should come with a warranty of one to three years for parts and labor. Avoid 90-day warranties. Look out for special exclusions or ways the warranty can be voided. Finally, make sure you can return the treadmill if it doesn't suit you.

• If you purchase a treadmill with a 90-day warranty, consider buying an extended warranty from the retailer. Normally, we think (and experts agree) that extended warranties are wasted money. For home fitness equipment, however, it's worth checking out. Most inexpensive treadmills offer a labor warranty of only 90 days. Since treadmills are big and heavy, taking them to be repaired after warranty or hiring someone to service them in your home is inconvenient and expensive. Extra in-home coverage might not be a bad idea.

• Keep your treadmill clean. Dirt and dust are the primary early killers of treadmills, so weekly dusting is a must to ensure your machine has a long life. Lack of regular at-home maintenance can also void your warranty.

• Check the delivery policy. Sometimes, "delivery" only means delivery to your curb, and you may have to pay extra for delivery into your house -- or even for unloading off the truck. Check the retailer's delivery policy before signing on the dotted line.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
7	Landice L7 (*est. $3,300 to $4,700)	details
5	NordicTrack S 3000 (*est. $3,000)	-
5	Sole F80 (*est. $1,500)	details
3	Life Fitness T3-0 (*est. $2,000)	-
3	PaceMaster Gold Elite Fold-Up VR (*est. $2,300)	-
3	Sole F83 (*est. $1,700)	details
3	Sole F85 (*est. $2,000)	details
3	True ES9.0 (*est. $5,900)	-
2	FreeMotion Incline Trainer i7.7 (*est. $5,000)	details
2	Landice L8 (*est. $4,600 to $5,600)	details
2	PaceMaster Bronze Basic (*est. $1,600)	-
2	Precor 9.31 (*est. $3,700)	-
2	ProForm CrossWalk 425 (*est. $500)	details
2	ProForm 2500 (*est. $1,000)	-
2	Smooth 5.25 (*est. $950)	details
2	Smooth 9.25X (*est. $3,500)	-
2	SportsArt TR33 (*est. $3,800)	-
2	Bodyguard T240 (*est. $1,900)	-
2	Bodyguard T460X (*est. $4,000)	-
1 each	Bodycraft TR1120 , Bodycraft TR1180 , Bodyguard 312C, Bodyguard T320X, Bremshey Control T, Diamondback 400TM , Epic View 550, EVO FX2-M, Golds Gym 450, Horizon Elite 507, Horizon T20, Horizon T51, Horizon T53, Horizon T6 AFG, Horizon T81 , Image 17.5S , Image Advanced 1400 , Keys Ironman M4, Life Fitness F3 Advanced Workouts, Merit 720t , Nautilus NTR 300, Nautilus Sport Series T518 , Nautilus TreadClimber TC5000 , New Balance 1200, NordicTrack 8600, NordicTrack Apex 8500 , NordicTrack C2155 , NordicTrack C2255, NordicTrack Commercial 1500, NordicTrack Elite 2900 , NordicTrack ViewPoint 3000 , NordicTrack X5, PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR, PaceMaster ProElite, Precor 9.33, Precor 9.35, Precor M9.31, Precor M9.33, Precor M9.35i, ProForm 540 , ProForm CrossWalk , ProForm Performance LXs, ProForm Sport 1200, ProForm XP Weight Loss 620 , Reebok RX6200, Smooth 5.15, Smooth 5.15P, Smooth 6.25 , Smooth 7.1 HR , Smooth 9.15, Smooth 9.17 HRO, Smooth 9.25 HR, Smooth EVO 1 , Sole S77 , Sole TT6, SportsArt 3110, SportsArt TR31, SportsArt TR32, Star Trac Pro S , Star Trac TR901, True PS100, True PS300, Tunturi T20 Competence, Vision T9200 Simple , Vision T9600 Premier .

Landice treadmills do exceptionally well in comparative reviews, with more top ratings going to the basic Landice L7 than to the enhanced -- and pricier -- Landice L8. We chose not to include either Landice treadmill in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers because they are so expensive. For runners with deep pockets, however, they are worth serious consideration.

The NordicTrack S 3000 also gets lots of positive reviews, and experts say it's an especially good choice for heavier and taller runners. For about $1,200 less, the Bodyguard T240 is a good mid-range choice with an especially long labor warranty. The moderately priced Sole F80 also does very well (although the highest praise comes from websites with lower credibility). The discontinued NordicTrack C2255 and the updated NordicTrack C2155 get very good user reviews among under-$1,000 machines. Several very expensive treadmills also do well in reviews, but since our report focuses on less expensive models, they are outside the scope of Fast Answers.

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