With a 'Best Buy' rating from a leading consumer magazine, it got a lot of people's attention.
With an overall sleek design, strong motor, extra long belt, and positive user treadmill reviews the Series 7 offers you alot for under $1500
But it's sitting in a crowded market with lots of buyer options. How does it stack up against the competition?
Here's a review to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1399
Motor: 3.0 HP
Speed: 0.5-11 MPH
Incline: 0-12%
Treadbelt: 20 x 60"
Folding: Yes
Heart Rate Control: No
Workout Programs: 15
Warranty: Frame for 15 years, motor for 10 years, parts/electronics for 2 years and service for 1 year
Strengths:
1) High Powered Motor: A 3.0 Continuous Duty HP motor power is impressive at this price point. It will also give you enough power to run or walk without too much strain on the treadmill.
2) High Expert and User Ratings - With a "Best Buy" in 2006 from a leading consumer magazine, many people took notice of the Series 7. Since then, it has built up a lot of positive buzz from buyer reviews.
Users especially like the sturdy feel of the treadmill and the quiet operation. Some users however did warn about the heaviness of the treadmill (so you may need a few people to move it.)
We tried this treadmill out back in 2006 and have to agree - it did give a very solid feel, even when you run. And while some users complained about the console ergonomics, we actually liked the display.
3) Solid Warranty - While it isn't the best warranty out there, it's still a good one. The warranty covers the frame for frame for 15 years, motor for 10 years, parts/electronics for 2 years and labor for 1 year.
4) 15 Workout Programs - You get some workout variety with 15 built in workout programs including two heart rate calculation, two user-defined, and a body mass index test.
5) Long 60" Treadbelt - Although several other treadmills in the price range also offer a 60" treadbelt, this is still one of the best treadbelt lengths out there Taller users or those who really want to pick up the pace will appreciate the length of belt.
Weaknesses:
Bowflex has not updated their treadmills over the past few years and several other brands like Nordic track and Sole are overtaking them with stronger construction, higher powered motors, better warranties, more fitness toys etc.
Plus the Bowflex online manufacturer is no longer selling the Series 3 or Series 5 treadmills anymore. So we're betting that the Series 7 treadmill's days are numbered as well.
Overall Conclusion: Good Value
There's no doubt that the Bowflex Series 7 treadmill is a great value buy. It offers excellent motor power, stable feel, an extra long belt, decent warranty and high expert and user reviews.
While the price has come down a bit, which is another plus, there's also a lot of competition in this field. And some models are starting to eclipse the Series 7 in terms of what you get for the money
If you want a comparable treadmill in terms of price that has also rated highly, try the Sole F80 which also has high ratings, a higher 15% incline, mp3/iPod music port with speakers and a longer warranty.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can usually find discounts on the Series 7 online. You can even get free shipping which will save you a few hundred dollars.
