When it comes to buying a treadmill, you want the highest quality machine in your price range.
We look at hundreds of treadmills during the year so we see a lot of great treadmills and not-so-great deals. The following 'Best Buys' are our top picks for this year.
Here are the top 3 treadmills in 3 price categories: Economy, Mid-Priced and Premium best treadmills:
1) Work Out With Jillian Michaels from 'The Biggest Loser' - The T7 Si treadmill has an iFit card reader built into the console. Each iFit card contains 8 weeks of interactive workouts. You just plug the card into the console and the treadmill remembers where you left off.
Nordic Track has teamed up with Jillian Michaels (from the TV show 'The Biggest Loser') to make specialized iFit workout cards with Jillian-designed workouts. You actually get Jillian talking you through your workout. Very cool.
2) Adjustable Cushioning - Many budget treadmills have poor cushioning, which can really do a number on your joints.
The T7 Si uses Durastride cushioning which reduces impact on your joints by up to 33%, as compared to road running.
This is also a great feature if you have multiple treadmill users. Some people prefer a firmer feeling deck while others prefer a softer running surface.
3) iPod / Mp3 Dock with Upgraded Speakers - You can plug your iPod into the console audio jack and listen to your favorite music through 2 built in speakers. The speakers are an upgrade on older models with 3" high-excursion drivers giving you clearer sound than other treadmills with speaker systems.
Conclusion:Recommended
The Nordic Track T7 Si is a great little budget buy - and to get a Nordic Track at this price is amazing. It outshines other economy treadmills on the market with a strong 2.25 HP motor, backlit easy-to-read console and longer 55" belt.
Then there's the fun stuff like the iPod dock, Jillian Michaels' workouts and built-in console fan that matches the airflow to your workout speed.
While it's still a budget treadmill and not recommended for heavy usage, if you're looking for one of 2009's strongest treadmills under $1000, the T7 Si is it.
Buying Tip: You can buy the T7Si direct through the Manufacturer and get Free Shipping which will save you about $150.
1) 3.0 Ultra High Torque Motor - Sole uses industrial quality motors with large diameter, all-steel balanced flywheels.
The flywheel causes the motor to run cooler with less amp draw. This helps extend the life of the motor - and your treadmill.
2) Rock Solid Deck - Sole treadmill decks are some of the strongest in the industry. They can take a pounding without giving an inch. Plus Sole offers a lifetime warranty on them. If you wear it out, no worries, Sole will replace it - Free.
3) Unique Horseshoe Folding Frame - The folding double horseshoe frame design is unique to Sole treadmills. It was created originally for use in Hilton hotels.
While many folding treadmills have to compromise on stability, Sole's folding treadmills are actuallyMORE stable than many other non-folding treadmills due to this design.
4) Lengthy Warranty with 2 Years on Service - The F83 comes with a Lifetime Warranty on the motor, frame and deck. Plus you get 5 years on the electronics / belt / rollers and 2 years on service.
This is thebest treadmill warranty we've found on a mid-priced unit - especially the 2 years on service (most treadmills only give you 1 year). It shows you the quality of construction on these units.
Conclusion: Highly Recommended
You really can't match Sole's quality of construction at this price point - they're just built so well with industrial components and ultra-strong running decks. If you don't necessarily need a folding treadmill, the Sole S73 is very similar to the Sole F83 and is $100 less.
However if you want a commercial gradefolding treadmill that feels extremely stable - with some fun stuff included like scrolling message boards and iPod docks with speakers, the Sole F83 is an incredible value.
Buying Tip: You can save on the Sole F83 by getting it direct from the Manufacturer. They're also currently offering Free shipping and $0 sales tax.
(Sometimes when you're taller, leaning close to the console to change your speed can have you running up against the treadmill hood - depending on how the frame is built).
3) Extra Long 60" Belt - This is the longest belt size in the industry and especially good for runners or taller users. You can pick up the pace without feeling like you're falling off the treadmill.
4) 400 lb User Weight Capacity - This is one of the highest user weight capacities you'll find in a home treadmill.
Along with a 290 lb machine weight and commercial grade deck it makes for a very stabletreadmill. When you walk or run on it, you'll feel like you're on a health club treadmill.
Conclusion:Highly Recommended
The Smooth 9.45 treadmill is a luxury unit that feels like a health club treadmill. With a strong 3.0 HP motor, extra long 60" belt, 400 lb user weight capacity and motion control on the handrails it is ideal for runners or heavy usage.
Plus the 15" TV is completely removable and sits at eye level. So it doesn't shake or wobble when you run or increase your incline - similar to commercial units. And with a lifetime warranty on frame, motor AND parts, you're protected on your investment.
Buying Tip: Smooth sells the 9.45 directly from their website. Plus, Smooth has given our visitors a special coupon code - enter "smoothtv" in the promo code box when checking out and you'll get $400 off the sale price, making this treadmill only $2499.
1) 15" flat screen LCD TV - This is a similar set-up as you'd find in a $4000 health club treadmill. This TV sits above the console at eye level on it’s own tilting frame.
So if you run or increase the incline on the treadmill, the TV remains stable and doesn't shake or wobble.
2) Motion Control on Handrails - To speed up you wave your hand over the motion control on one handrail and to slow down you wave your hand over the other handrail. This is especially handy for taller runners.
