Icon tread mills are manufactured by ICON Health and Fitness, the largest producer of exercise equipment in the world.
You won't necessarily find an Icon fitness treadmill when shopping.
However other brands like Sole and Smooth are starting to sell direct online to customers - for similar prices. So Icon may get some major competition in this area.
Another strength of Icon models is that if you want the bells and whistles like iFit compatibility (where you can download new treadmill workout programs from the Internet), built-in tv's, iPod docks with built-in speakers, workout fans and handweights, you can probably find it in an Icon treadmill.
Weaknesses:
Even with a large company like Icon, you will get what you pay for so if you're buying a $500 treadmill, don't expect it to last or give you the kind of proper cushioning you need.
Also, Icon warranties - depending on the brand - can be quite short.
(However the Nordic Track lineup has improved lately with lifetime frame and motor warranties)
Many store brands only offer you a 90 day warranty. This really doesn't give you much protection on your investment.
Final Conclusion:
You really can't make a general conclusion about Icon treadmills as a whole. There are some great models (especially in the Nordic Track series) and some questionable units.
Your best bet is to review the individual brands and the individual treadmill reviews. We've provided links to various Icon brand reviews below:
Where To Buy At A Discount:
If you're looking to buy an Icon brand treadmill at a discount, you can visit the Icon Wholesale store Workout Warehouse. You can save on store markup, sales tax and even get free shipping.
Icon is known for packing their treadmills (especially the Proform and Nordic Track models) with unique workout tools.
Fitness goodies like TV's, built-in speakers, iFit Compatibility (where you can download new workouts from the internet), free workout CDs, heart rate monitors, handweights, Carb Counters and more are common in these treadmills.
Icon brand treadmills are usually economy to mid-priced units and some Icon brands cater to various sections of the market.
For example, Weslo and Image tend to target the under $500 low-economy price ranges whereas Nordic Track offers higher economy to mid-priced treadmills.
Strengths:
Obviously one of the main strengths of these treadmills is their affordability.
Most are more than affordable if you're on a strict budget. And if anyone has the resources to build a better treadmill for less, it's ICON.
