Sole Fitness treadmills used to be used exclusively by hotels like Hilton and Omni for In-Room Fitness. A few years ago however, they made their treadmills available to the home market.
And like any well-made product, they've become extremely popular.
Their decks are some of the strongest in the industry. Plus they use commercial grade parts and construction. So with a Sole, you'll most likely have a treadmill that will last you a long time, without the pricey repair bills.
But there's a few things people don't know about Sole treadmills. They have different models, each with it's own strengths and weaknesses.
This page will help you compare and review Sole treadmills so you can choose the best Sole machine for your needs.
General Strengths of the Sole Brand:
1) Commercial Grade Build & Parts
Sole uses commercial parts like industrial size motors, heavy duty flywheels (flywheels cause the motor to run cooler with less amp draw and extends the life of the motor), large 2.75" rollers, copper ground wires for each roller to reduce static, and all steel welded frames.
2) CushionFlex Cushioning Reduces Joint Impact by 40%
Good treadmill cushioning is essential since poor cushioning can damage your back, hips, knees and ankles.
Sole uses CushionFlex cushioning. It's been proven by a university study to reduce impact on your joints by 40% (as compared to running on asphalt)
#3) Extra Strong Decks
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 extremely strong and can take a pounding - another plus for runners or heavier users.
#4) Scrolling Health-Club Consoles - These scrolling messages help guide you through your workout. They also help you know how to use certain features of the treadmill - kind of like having an owner's manual at your fingertips.
Compare Sole Treadmills
2 Types
There are mainly Sole folding units and non-folding units (the folding treadmills have an 'F' in the name). Many people want to save space and get a folding unit.
The nice thing is that because of Sole's double horseshoe frame, the folding units are just as stable as the non-folding units (usually folding treadmills feel a bit less stable than non-folding units because of the limitations of the design).
This is Sole's most affordable model. Although a strong treadmill in the economy lineup be aware that it does not offer some of the main strengths of the Sole brand.
It does not use CushionFlex cushioning, or come with the Whisper deck. The warranty is not nearly as long as the other units, including on the deck.
Although the console is bright and easy to read, it's a smaller windo than the other models. The belt is 55" long which is good for most people but taller users may want to upgrade to the longer 60" belts found on the F83, S73, S77, F85 treadmills.
This is the next treadmill up in the Sole line and is probably the most popular unit. It does come with CushionFlex cushioning, Whisper deck with lifetime warranty, higher speed limit than the F63 and backlit, easy-to-read console.
The higher end models (F83, S73, S77, F85) do offer more advanced consoles, workout features, and higher user weight capacities (for better stability).
Like the F80 this folding treadmill offers CushionFlex cushioning, Whisper deck with lifetime warranty, higher speed limit than the F63 and the scrolling information console.
It differs mainly from the F80 in that you get a stronger motor, higher speed limit (12 MPH vs 11 MPH) and more reinforced base with higher user weight capacity (for better stability).
The granddaddy of the folding series, the F85 comes with everything: CushionFlex cushioning, Whisper deck with lifetime warranty, scrolling information console, extra long 60" deck, club-like console and monster 400 lb user weight capacity. This is the ultimate runners treadmill.
While it doesn't fold the S73 does come with the main strengths of Sole units like CushionFlex cushioning, Whisper deck with lifetime warranty, scrolling information console and higher user weight capacity.
It's very similar to the F83 and the same price too - except that it doesn't fold and it offers a longer 60" belt. So if you want the extra running room and don't care about having a folding unit, you may want to choose this one over the F83.
Very similar to the F85 except that it doesn't fold and is $100 less. So again, if you don't care about a folding treadmill, you may want to go with the S77 over the F85
Which One Is Best For You?
Everyone differs in what they want and need in a treadmill - so the final decision is ultimately yours. Our general recommendation is that runners go with at least the F83 or F85 since they're made to take more of a beating. Walkers could probably save a bit and go with the F63 or F80.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy Sole home treadmills direct from the Manufacturer. They're currently throwing in Free Shipping and $0 Sales Tax which can save you a few hundred dollars.
