If you're looking for a mid-priced treadmill that feels like a commercial machine, the Sole F80 treadmill is a great option.
Sole treadmills have been used by major hotels like Hilton & Omni for several years. They have recently made their treadmills available to the home treadmill market.
The Sole F 80 offers strong, stable construction with some fun stuff thrown in like iPod dock, built in speakers and scrolling information display. There's also speed and incline controls on the handrails so you don't have to break your stride.
Is the F80 right for you? Here's a quick review to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1499
Motor: 3.0 HP
Speed: 0.5-11 MPH
Incline: 0-15%
Treadbelt: 20 x 55"
Folding: Yes
Cooling Fans: 2
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Hand Grip Pulse Monitor
(+ Free Wireless Chest Strap included)
User Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame, Motor and Deck, 5 Years on Electronics/Belt/Rollers, 2 Years on Labor
Strengths:
1) 3.0 HP Ultra High Torque Motor With Flywheel For Longer Treadmill Life - The motor is the heart of your treadmill and often the most expensive part to fix. So you want a strong motor that will keep running smooth and steady, even for long periods of time.
The F80 uses a 3.0 HP ultra high torque motor with a large diameter, balanced flywheel. The flywheel causes the motor to run cooler with less amp draw. This extends the life of your motor and gives a much more stable feel. You also get a lifetime motor warranty which helps protect your investment.
2) CushionFlex Cushioning Reduces Joint Impact By 40% - Great Protection For Runners - Good cushioning is essential in a treadmill, especially if you're a runner, as cheap treadmill cushioning can damage your knees, back, hips and ankles.
The Sole Cushion Flex system on the F80 treadmill is one of the best cushioning systems on the market. It's actually been shown in a university study to reduce impact by 40% compared to running on asphalt. So you get great protection for your joints.
3) Speed and Incline Controls on Arm Rests For On-The-Fly Changes - This feature is unique to Sole treadmills. You can change your speed or incline with the touch of a button on the arm rests instead of reaching up to the console.
This comes in handy, especially when you pick up your pace and don't want to reach up to the console which can throw off your stride.
4) iPod / Mp3 Dock with Speakers for a More Enjoyable Workout - You can plug in your iPod or mp3 and listen to your favorite music or audiobook through the built in console speakers. There's also a headphone jack if you prefer (which many treadmills don't offer). This is a great feature that can make your workout a lot more enjoyable.
5) Quiet Operation & Strong Deck For Stable, Shake-Free Running - Sole's Whisper Deck is more quiet than even standard Phenolic coated decks. The deck also comes with a lifetime warranty so you never have to worry about replacing the deck. Sole will do it for you - Free.
Sole decks are also extremely strong so they can take a pounding. When we compared them to several other department store brands, they just felt more substantial, especially when you start to run.
6) Unique Horseshoe Folding Frame Makes the F80 Even More Stable - Many times, because of the limits of the design, folding treadmills are not as stable as non-folding units. So you save space but sacrifice on stability.
Sole however uses a special double horseshoe folding frame on their folding treadmills including the F80. This frame makes their folding treadmills more stable than many non-folding treadmills. So you can get a folding treadmill without sacrificing on stability.
7) Excellent Warranty With 2 Years On Service To Protect Your Investment - The Sole F80 treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, deck and motor. Electronics, belt and rollers 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:
Taller users or runners may prefer the longer 58" and 60" belts on the Sole F83 or F85 which gives you a bit more room. These treadmills also offer slightly higher speed limits and more advanced consoles.
Overall Conclusion: Highly Recommended
Although not as flashy as the higher end Sole models, if you want a stable, well-built machine that feels like a commercial treadmill for under $1500, the Sole F80 treadmill is one of your best options.
It's built with a higher grade of construction than many other similarly priced treadmills. You also get excellent cushioning, stable feel, attractive, bright console and the best warranty in the industry. Plus the iPod/Mp3 hookup with speakers is like icing on the cake to make your workouts more enjoyable.
Although more taller users may want to step up to the Sole F83 or F85 with a longer belt, for most users the F80 is an excellent value.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can save money on store markup by buying the Sole F80 treadmill directly from the Manufacturer. They're also currently offering Free Shipping and you save on sales tax which will save you a few hundred dollars.
