PaceMaster Gold Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers say the PaceMaster Gold's large, wide frame and 400 pound capacity set it apart from the pack in this price range. This treadmill's nine intensity levels keep users challenged; a nifty heart-rate program automatically adjusts intensity to keep you in your target zone. Another plus is that owners say PaceMaster's customer service is helpful and prompt.

What the reviewers don't like:
Some experts say PaceMaster treadmills have a spartan feel: There aren't many bells and whistles, and the design and console layout are very basic. A few owners report problems with the PaceMaster Gold treadmill's heart-rate monitor, saying it was either broken on arrival, didn't function correctly or broke down after a short time.

PaceMaster Gold review highlights

Reviewers say the PaceMaster Gold treadmill is one of the best treadmills in the $2,000 price range. It's sturdy, with a 400-pound capacity and a 60" x 20" running surface, which makes it good for serious runners. Its interactive heart-rate monitoring system adjusts your workout to keep you in your target zone. This machine has a 3-hp motor, the same as some club-quality treadmills, and a standard warranty of 15 years for the motor, five years for other parts and one year for labor. However, treadmills from Smooth and Sole offer even better warranties.

Although Consumer Reports magazine did not include the PaceMaster Gold treadmill in its latest roundup of treadmills, we did find a good professional evaluation of the PaceMaster treadmill at TreadmillDoctor.com, which evaluates more treadmills than any other source and offers a clear explanation of its ratings process. In addition, we consulted some less detailed reviews at TreadmillTips.com, About.com and others.

Also see full report: Treadmills

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

1. TreadmillDoctor.com
PaceMaster Gold Review
Clark & Jon Stevenson

According to the editors of this site, which tests a large number of treadmills, the PaceMaster Gold treadmills is one of the best buys in its class. A wider frame is an improvement as well. Although the reviews here are short, editors evaluate nearly every treadmill on the market, so the site has an incredible scope.

2. Treadmill-Ratings- Reviews.com
PaceMaster Gold Review
Fred Waters

Former industry executive and current consultant Fred Waters has created his own website for treadmill reviews. Most treadmills, including the PaceMaster Gold, get a once-over in a fitness store, but they are not extensively tested. However, the site has some good data on brand reliability and does contain links to other reviews.

3. About.com
Top 10 Mid-Range Treadmills
Wendy Bumgardner

About.com's walking guide, Wendy Bumgardner, cites the opinions of review sources like Runner's World and TreadmillDoctor.com in her article. Her short write-ups mention a few features of each machine. The PaceMaster Gold treadmill is on this list in the number-five spot, but it's unclear why it isn't ranked higher or lower.

4. Epinions
PaceMaster Gold Review
Contributors to Epinions

The PaceMaster Gold treadmill receives notices from a handful of owners, not enough to gauge much of an owner consensus. Most reviews are positive, but the heart-rate monitor seems a little trouble-prone.

5. TreadmillTips.com
PaceMaster Gold Review
Aaron Co

TreadmillTips.com offers reviews and recommendations of treadmills, but we can't tell if these treadmills were actually tested or why some are rated better than others. According to Aaron Co, "PaceMaster's latest models have been nothing but amazing." Co adds that the new wider frame is a big plus.

Also see full report: Treadmills