Date Published: 03/10/2008
The latest treadmills vary wildly in price, quality and features. Generally speaking, if you want a good, challenging workout, you will have to pay more. While some of the low-cost treadmills can deliver an effective workout, most are not built for long-term durability. Unless you are embarking on an exercise program for the first time and want to make sure that you will stay committed before investing heavily in a piece of home fitness equipment, we recommend shying away from treadmills that retail for less than $1,000. As our round up indicates, though, there are a number of high-quality, reliable treadmills available in the $1,000 to $2,000 price range.
Smooth 5.25
The Smooth 5.25 treadmill carries an impressive lifetime warranty on its motor and frame and a 3-year warranty on other parts; additionally, this purchase includes one year of in-home service. The running surface is a decent size at 20X53 inches, although taller users may need a longer running deck to accommodate a comfortable stride. The 2.5 hp motor offers a maximum speed of 10 mph. This treadmill folds when not in use but is not the most maneuverable unit we have tested. It lacks a lot of extra features, but if you are looking for a sturdy, no-frills treadmill for a good-quality workout, we recommend the Smooth 5.25.
Treadmills can be affordable and still built to last.
Smooth 5.25
The Smooth 6.25 treadmill is a step up from the 5.25, offering more power, an even better warranty and plenty of higher-end features. The 2.75 hp motor powers a 54-inch running belt and an updated console that enables you to simultaneously monitor speed, distance, time, calories burned and heart rate. In addition to a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame and a 1-year in-home labor warranty, the 6.25 carries a 5-year warranty on parts. It offers an optional chest strap heart rate monitor and easily folds up when not in use. The Smooth 6.25 is a well-built home treadmill capable of supporting users of up to a maximum weight of 350 pounds.
Sole F80
In our opinion, the Sole F80 is one of the best-value folding treadmills available. It boasts a 3 hp continuous-duty motor that delivers speeds of up to 11 mph and inclines up to 15 percent. Additionally, the F80 offers excellent cushioning, a running surface of 20X55 inches and heart rate monitoring via a wireless chest strap. It is backed by a substantial warranty that extends to lifetime coverage of the frame, deck and motor, five years on the other parts and two years of in-home service. This treadmill even features two cooling fans, an iPod hookup and built-in speakers. The Sole F80 is a high-quality, yet affordable treadmill.
Sole F85
A 3.5 hp motor with a top speed of 12 mph powers this treadmill, which features a large 20X60-inch running surface. The maximum recommended user weight is 400 pounds, and this unit is backed by the same impressive warranty as the F80. The construction of the F85 is excellent, its deck is superbly cushioned and it features ten workout programs as well as wireless heart rate monitoring. Convenience features include twin cooling fans, built-in speakers and a hookup for an iPod. If you are serious about running but do not want to spend more than $2,000, this is the home treadmill for you.
Weslo Cadence C44
Weslo Cadence C44
The Weslo Cadence C44 is one of the least expensive treadmills we have reviewed and is, frankly, a good example of why we recommend looking at the $1,000-plus price range for a home treadmill. The C44 is inexpensive, but it offers little in terms of quality, power or features. The 1.3 hp motor promises to deliver a top speed of 10 mph. The running surface is small at 16X47 inches, and the heart rate monitor is slow and inaccurate. If you're pushed for space, this treadmill folds for easy storage, and it carries a 1-year warranty on the motor and 90 days of coverage for parts and labor. The Weslo Cadence C44 is a treadmill that should only be used for walking, but we would recommend waiting until you have a larger budget for a higher-quality piece of home fitness equipment.
