When it comes to buying a treadmill, you obviously want the highest quality machine in your price range.
We look at hundreds of treadmills during the year (with over 100 product reviews alone!) so we see a lot of great treadmills and not-so-great deals. The following 'Best Buys' are our top picks for 2009.
Choices were based on:
How Treadmills Compared To Similarly Priced Models
Quality of Construction
Range of Workout Features
Consumer Reviews
Stability & Cushioning
Overall Value For Your Dollar
We've listed the top 3 treadmills in 3 price categories: Economy, Mid-Priced and Premium best treadmills, along with reviews and links to where you can find out more about these treadmills.
1) Adjustable Cushioning - Many cheaper treadmills have poor cushioning and shock absorption, which can really do a number on your joints.
The T7 Si uses Durastride cushioning which reduces impact on your joints by up to 33%, as compared to road running.
This is also a great feature if you have multiple treadmill users. Some people prefer a firmer feeling deck while others prefer a softer running surface.
2) iPod Dock with Upgraded Speakers - You can plug your iPod into the console audio jack and listen to your favorite music through 2 built in speakers.
The speaker system is an upgrade on older models and comes with 3" high-excursion drivers giving you clearer sound.
1) 3.0 Ultra High Torque Motor - Sole uses industrial quality motors with large diameter, all-steel balanced flywheels.
The flywheel causes the motor to run cooler with less amp draw. This helps extend the life of the motor - and your treadmill.
2) Cushion Flex System Cushioning - The Cushion Flex system was recognized by a leading university as the industry’s best, providing a 40% lower impact than walking or running on asphalt.
A good cushioning system is crucial to protect your joints - especially if you're a runner. And this is hands down one of the best treadmill cushioning systems out there.
3) Folding Safety Lock Deck - The folding double horseshoe frame design is unique to Sole treadmills. It was created as a result of needing a very stable - yet portable - treadmill frame for Hilton hotels. Once folded and locked it allows you to move the treadmill easily and safely.
While many folding treadmills have to compromise on stability, Sole's folding treadmills have actually received high praise for beingMORE stable than other non-folding treadmills due to this design.
1) 15" flat screen LCD TV - This is a similar set-up as you'd find in a $4000 health club treadmill. This TV sits above the console at eye level on it’s own tilting frame.
When TV's are embedded in the console, if they break they can sometimes render the treadmill useless. But The Smooth 9.45 TV attaches separately and can be removed if it needs a repair - without affecting your treadmill operation.
Another advantage to this set-up is that even if you run or increase the incline on the treadmill, the TV remains stable and doesn't shake or wobble.
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3) Long 55" Treadbelt - Many economy treadmills have 48" - 52" belts, so having extra room to move means you can pick up your pace.
4) Strong 2.25 HP Commercial Motor with Lifetime Warranty - The motor uses an internal fan to cool inside components. This helps reduce noise and extend your motor's life.
You're also covered with a lifetime motor warranty. As the motor can be the most expensive part of the treadmill to fix, it's nice to know you're covered.
Conclusion:Recommended
The Nordic Track T7 Si is a great little budget buy - and to get a Nordic Track at this price is amazing. It outshines other economy treadmills on the market with a strong 2.25 HP motor, Durastride cushioning, backlit easy-to-read console and longer 55" belt.
Then there's the fun stuff like the iPod dock and built-in console fan that matches the airflow to your workout speed.
While it's still a budget treadmill and not recommended for heavy usage, if you're looking for one of 2009's strongest treadmills under $1000, the T7 Si is it.
Buying Tip: You can buy the T7Si direct through the Nordic Track Manufacturer save on store markup and also get Free Shipping.
4) Superior Warranty - The F83 comes with a Lifetime Warranty on the motor, frame and deck. Plus you get 5 years on the electronics / belt / rollers and 2 years on service.
This is absolutely thebest treadmill warranty we've found on a mid-priced unit - especially the 2 years on service (most treadmills only give you 1 year). It shows you the quality of construction on these units.
5) Built-In Speakers with iPod / Mp3 Port - Have some fun during your workout - you can plug in your iPod or mp3 player and listen to your favorite music through the built in console speakers. There's also a headphone jack if you prefer which many cheaper units do not have.
Conclusion: Highly Recommended
You really can't match Sole's quality of construction at this price point - they're just built so well with industrial components and ultra-strong running decks. If you don't necessarily need a folding treadmill, the Sole S73 is very similar to the Sole F83 and is $100 less.
However if you want a commercial gradefolding treadmill that feels extremely stable - with some fun stuff included, the Sole F83 is an incredible value.
Buying Tip: You can save on the Sole F83 by getting it direct from the Sole manufacturer. They also offer free shipping and $0 sales tax.
2) 400 lb User Weight Capacity - This is one of the highest user weight capacities you'll find in a home treadmill.
Along with a 290 lb machine weight and commercial grade deck it makes for a very stabletreadmill. When you walk or run on it, you'll feel like you're on a health club treadmill.
3) Extra Long 60" Belt - This is the longest belt size in the industry and especially good for runners or taller users. You can pick up the pace without feeling like you're falling off the treadmill.
4) Motion Control on Handrails - To speed up you wave your hand over the motion control on one handrail and to slow down you wave your hand over the other handrail. While most people will like the feature, it's especially handy for taller runners.
(Sometimes when you're taller, leaning close to the console to change your speed can have you running up against the treadmill hood - depending on how the frame is built).
5) Lifetime Parts, Motor and Frame Warranty - While a lifetime frame warranty is fairly common, it's hard to find one that covers the motor and parts for a lifetime. Even commercial $4000 treadmills don't cover parts for a lifetime so this warranty is exceptional.
Conclusion:Highly Recommended
The Smooth 9.45 treadmill is a luxury unit that feels like a health club treadmill. With a strong 3.0 HP motor, extra long 60" belt, 400 lb user weight capacity and motion control on the handrails it is ideal for runners or heavy usage.
Plus the 15" TV is completely removable and sits at eye level. So it doesn't shake or wobble when you run or increase your incline - another feature very similar to health club units.
Buying Tip: In order to cut out the middleman and keep prices low, Smooth sells directly from their website. Plus, Smooth has given our visitors a special coupon code - enter "smoothtv" in the promo code box when checking out and you'll get $400 off the sale price, making this treadmill only $2499.
