Sole treadmills have been the choice of major hotels like Hilton & Omni for several years and have recently made their treadmills available to the home treadmill market.
If you're looking for a mid-priced treadmill that feels like a commercial unit, the Sole F 80 is a great option.
Is it right for your workout needs? Here's a quick review to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1499 (Regular $1999)
Motor: 3.0 HP
Speed: 0.5-11 MPH
Incline: 0-15%
Treadbelt: 20 x 55"
Folding: Yes
Heart Rate Control: Yes, with wireless chest strap included
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame, Motor and Deck, 5 Years on Electronics/Belt/Rollers, 2 Years on Labor
Strengths:
Powerful 3.0 HP High Torque Motor - This is a one of the highest motor powers at this price point. The motor uses a large diameter, balanced flywheel which causes it to run cooler with less amp draw. This extends the life of the motor and gives a much more stable feel.
Excellent Cushioning - Good cushioning is essential in a treadmill to protect your knees, back, hips and ankles.
The Sole Cushion Flex running surface is one of the best cushioning systems on the market and has been shown in a university study to reduce impact by 40% compared to running on asphalt.
Whisper Deck with Lifetime Warranty - Most treadmill decks have a Phenolic coating to make them smooth, quiet and durable. Whisper decks have this same type of technology in the design but are made quieter and smoother.
Plus, Sole offers a Lifetime Warranty on the deck. No need to flip your treadmill deck, if you wear it out, Sole will replace it - free.
Excellent Warranty - The Sole F80 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.
Folding - The specially built double horseshoe frame gives you one of the most stable folding treadmills on the market. Plus the safety lock makes it extremely secure when moving the treadmill.
Weaknesses:
It's hard to find a weakness with this treadmill. It is one of the most popular Sole machines so it can be out of stock during busy seasons.
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 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, decent console and the best warranty in the industry. Plus the iPod/Mp3 hookup with speakers is like icing on the cake to make 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 Sole F80 is an excellent value.
Where To Buy:
You can save money on store markup by buying the Sole F80 directly from the Sole manufacturer. You can also get free shipping and save on sales tax.
