The 9.3 series of treadmills are serious runners treadmills - built with the same frames and components you find on the Precor treadmills in most hotels.
The Ground Effects Cushioning system gives you softer cushioning where your foot strikes the belt. It then gives you a firmer surface towards the back of the belt where you push off - minimizing fatigue and joint stress.
The Integrated Foot Plant technology automatically adjusts the belt speed to your stride for a more natural running feel.
You also get a club-style console with tap control keypad, wireless heart rate monitor and an extra wide 22" belt.
So is the 9.31 treadmill right for you? Here's a quick review to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Price: $3999
Motor: 3.0 HP
Speed: 0.5 -12 MPH
Incline: 0 -15%
Treadbelt: 22 x 56"
Folding: No
Workout Program: 8
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Hand Grip Pulse Monitor
(+ Wireless Chest Strap included)
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame, 10 years on parts and wear items, 1 year labor
Strengths:
1) Ground Effects Impact Control Cushioning
The Ground Effects system gives you more cushioning in the front (where your foot hits the belt) with a firmer deck towards the back (to give a firmer push-off). Without this added firmness near the back of the deck, your foot can sink when you push off, meaning you expend more energy and fatigue easier. With the extra firm push-off you get a more optimal workout and reduce the stress to your joints. This extra cushioning protection is also ideal for runners who are worried about knee, joint or hip problems.
2) Integrated Foot Plant Technology
When you run, the speed of your foot changes as your foot hits the ground. On many treadmills, this process is hindered since the belt is moving back (vs on solid ground) so it can pull your foot backwards as you're propelled forward.
The 9.31 treadmill makes up for this with Integrated Foot Plant Technology. It registers your foot speed and then makes minute adjustments in belt speed (up to 710 times per second) to support a more natural running motion. This gives you a smoother, more natural feel to the run.
3) Extra Wide 22" Belt
While most treadbelts range from 18 - 20" across, the Precor 9.31 comes with an extra wide 22" belt (56" long). This gives you extra room to move that runners will especially appreciate.
4) Hand Grip and Wireless Heart Rate Monitoring
The Precor 9.31 treadmill comes with both touch (hand grip) heart rate sensors as well as Polar chest strap wireless monitoring (which many users feel is more accurate).
5) Club-Style Console
The console on this treadmill is well laid out and easy to use. There's a tap-control keypad along with quickstart keys. We also like that there is an age and weight input (which will give you more accurate calorie burning results).
The machine can be password-protected so only you can unlock it - a great option for households with little children who might like to play with "Mommy's treadmill".
Weaknesses:
While there's no question this is a well-built machine, the price may be prohibitive for most buyers - especially when you can get commercial-grade treadmills from brands like Smooth for thousands of dollars less.
Also, some people may not like the short side arms on this treadmill - as there is nothing to help balance with.
Overall Conclusion:
The Precor 9.31 treadmill is a premium runners treadmill built to stand up to excessive use and still keep humming along. The excellent cushioning and belt-adjustment systems work to give you a more optimal workout with less stress on your joints.
The strong deck, club-style console and excellent warranty are all reminders of the quality of construction behind this machine. While the shorter side arms and high price tag may be a problem for some, if you're in the market for a health club style treadmill, the 9.31 doesn't disappoint.
Where To Buy:
You can get the Precor 9.31 treadmill and save on shipping Here. You can read the latest user reviews, watch video of how the treadmill works - and even get Free Shipping.
