They are the 4th largest maker of fitness equipment in North America and have been making equipment for over 20 years.
Horizon specializes in making affordable, starter treadmills - with most current models coming in under $1000 (depending on where you buy them.)
However at this price point there is a lot competition in the market. How do Horizon machines stack up? Here's a quick review to help you decide.
Strengths:
1) Affordable
One of the best things about Horizon treadmills are that they are affordable.
Prices range from $499 - $999 and these treadmills generally offer you much more for your money than your average department store treadmill.
Perhaps this is because Horizon isn't as well known as other brands. Maybe it's because the company is not as good at marketing as other manufacturers.
In any case, if you're looking for a bargain starter treadmill that still offers good design and construction value, Horizon is a worthwhile option.
2) Track Your Stats with Nike and Your IPod
Some of the new Horizon units like the T202 and T203 offer Nike + iPod technology. Basically you can plug your iPod nano, iPod touch or iPhone 3GS into the treadmill and do your workout.
The iPod saves your workout stats like pace, distance, time and calories burned. Then you just plug it into your computer, go online and iTunes will automatically sync your workout to the Nike website.
This is a fun way to track your workout progress over time. It also helps you reach your fitness goals faster.
3) Bright Consoles with Speakers and iPod docks - Most Horizon consoles have bright, easy-to-read consoles.
The new models also come with an mp3/iPod docks and built in speakers. While this is becoming a fairly standard feature in treadmills, it's still nice to have and can make your workouts more enjoyable.
4) Compact Size - The Horizon Evolve treadmill is specially designed to be a compact treadmill. It's lighter and takes up less space, which makes it perfect for condos, apartments or for people who live in different places throughout the year and want to take their treadmill with them.
It also comes fully assembled - you just take it out of the box and go, which is a nice touch for those un-handy type people who don't want to spend hours putting the treadmill together.
5) Solid, Stable Feel - When we tried out the new Horizon models we found they gave a solid, stable feel, even when you pick up the pace. The decks are strong and while it's not a health club feel, we were still impressed overall.
6) Positive Horizon Treadmill Reviews - Although Horizon units don't top many 'Best Buy' lists, they do rate fairly well. For example, the Horizon T20 (now discontinued) was a Consumer Guide 'Budget Buy'. And the new T101 and T202 treadmills have both received "Best Buy" awards.
Weaknesses:
While Horizon does have a fairly solid reputation, as stated above, this is a crowded market. There's a lot of competition - and many similarly priced brands like Nordic Track give you more in terms of cushioning, fitness programs and tracking tools.
Also, you may want to steer clear of Horizon units under $600 as they have weaker motor powers, shorter belts and fewer program options .
Conclusion: Great For Budget-Conscious Buyers
If you're on a tight budget but still want a decent motorized treadmill for a bargain price, Horizon is definitely worth checking out. You get all the basics with a solid warranty to back it up.
The newer models even give you some fun goodies (built-in fans, iPod docks with speakers, Nike tracking) to help make your workouts more enjoyable.
On the whole, these treadmills are not your commercial, health-club treadmills. But for these prices, they offer good value.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy Horizon treadmills direct through the Manufacturer here. They're currently offering Free Shipping which will also save you a few hundred dollars.
