Livestrong is Lance Armstrong's new fitness brand (manufactured by Johnson - who also makes the highly rated Matrix and Vision treadmills.) The LS16.9T treadmill is the luxury model in the series of treadmills.
A portion or the sale proceeds from these treadmills go to Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation which helps fight cancer.
The 16.9T offers an overall sleek design and will probably appeal to those looking for a higher grade of construction in their treadmill.
Is it a good buy? Here's what you need to know:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1699
Motor: 3.25 HP
Speed: 0 -12 MPH
Incline: 0-15%
Treadbelt: 20 x 60"
Folding: Yes
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Hand Grip Pulse Monitor
(+ Free Wireless Chest Strap included)
User Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame, Motor and Deck, 5 Years on Parts, 2 Years on Labor
Strengths:
1) Strong 3.25 HP Motor With Lifetime Warranty
The motor is the heart of your treadmill. So you want one that's well built and powerful - especially if you plan on frequent use of your treadmill. This is the strongest motor on any of the Livestrong treadmills. Plus it's covered by a lifetime motor warranty which helps protect your investment.
2) Well Designed Console
The consoles on all of the Livestrong treadmills, including the 16.9T are beautifully designed. They're simple and well laid out - but still manage to appear sophisticated and easy to use.
3) 12 User Livetrack Fitness Journal
The Livestrong 16.9T comes with a Livetrack fitness journal. With the Fitness Journal program you can compare your current workout against your personal best or your last 5 workouts.
You can use this to track your results over time and see how far you've come.
4) iPod / Mp3 Dock with Upgraded Pioneer Speakers
You can plug in your iPod or mp3 and listen to your favorite music or audiobook through the built in console speakers. While this is becoming fairly standard, the 16.9T does add upgraded Pioneer speakers into the console for clearer sound.
5) Extra Long 60" Deck
The added room on this deck is great if you're taller or just want to run and have more room to move. Plus you have a strong motor power to back it up.
6) Excellent Warranty With 2 Years On Service To Protect Your Investment
The Livestrong LS16.9T treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, deck and motor. Parts are covered for 5 years and labor is covered for 2 years. This is one of the best warranties on the market.
Of special note is the 2 years on service - which is excellent. With other brands, you usually only get 1 year on service. This alone can save you quite a bit of money.
Weaknesses:
Livestrong is newer to the market so these treadmills haven't had much time to prove themselves yet. There are few reviews and while we liked these treadmill when trying them out, it's hard to say how they'll hold up in the long run. If that's a concern, you may want to look at a more proven brand like Sole first.
Overall Conclusion:
The Livestrong LS16.9T offers a lot of great features essential to a strong treadmill including a powerful 3.25 HP motor, extra long 60" belt, heart rate monitor with the more accurate chest strap included, high stability with 400 lb user weight capacity and well-designed, professional console.
While it does have some stiff competition going up against brands like Sole (see the Sole F85 for a comparable treadmill), the LS16.9T offers something the Sole does not - the chance to give back and help fight cancer.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy the LS16.9T direct from the Manufacturer. They're also currently offering Free Shipping and you save on sales tax which will save you a few hundred dollars.
