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Spirit Treadmill Review

March 20th, 2009
Spirit Treadmill

Spirit Treadmill

Are They Right for You?Spirit treadmills are popular for their innovative products. These treadmills fall in the mid-range price segment. So if want to purchase cheap beginner level treadmills, avoid this brand. But if you’re interested feature rich treadmills, and quite worried about the price tag, then this machine is right for you.

The Company Manufacturing Spirit Treadmills

Spirit was set up in the early 80’s but they began selling fitness equipment only in the latter part of the decade. Initially, they produced all their machines in the U.S., till Dyaco obtained majority stake in the company. Today all treadmills are produced offshore.

Dyaco manufacturers exercise equipment and is located in Taiwan. They also produce Sole treadmills. It has production units in both Taiwan and China.

Dyaco has its independent R&D department, to focus solely on the growth of new and better equipment. Due to this Spirit is popular for their innovative products.

Price Category

Spirit treadmills lie in the mid-priced segment. Their treadmills are presently available at about $1,000 to $2,000. With these prices, you get wonderfully prepared treadmills with long warranties.

Drawbacks…

Spirit should improve the quality of their machines. In order to offer better features while retaining its economical price, Dayco altered good treadmill parts with middling treadmill parts and shifted the manufacturing abroad leading to the fall of their machine’s quality.

Recommendation

Spirit Treadmills are economical, nice looking, with nice features. But till they don’t improve their quality, don’t go for this brand. There are other better treadmills available with far better quality.

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Sole Treadmills Reviewed

March 20th, 2009
sole treadmill

sole treadmill

Is It For you? Sole treadmills are meant for people looking for a life long treadmill at a very economical price. These treadmills offer excellent value for your money. Though regarded as a mid-priced treadmill, its quality, durability and warranty are equivalent to some premium brands.

The Company making Sole Treadmills

Sole is a new entrant in the treadmill industry. They began a few years ago by offering treadmills for rent in hotels. Some years later, hotel rooms throughout the US, including Hilton Hotels, started using Sole for their in room fitness.

Sole treadmills are being manufactured by Dyaco, which has over 20 years of fitness product design and manufacturing experience. It is also the manufacturing company of Spirit treadmills. But unlike Spirit, Sole has excellent components to give users more quality and durability.

Price Category

Sole treadmills lie in the mid price segment. These machines are available at about $1,400- $2,500. But although they lie in the mid-priced treadmill segment, they offer good warranties (30 years on motor and lifetime on deck and frame)that rivals any machine in any price category.

Where Sole should Improve

One aspect Sole can work on is their design. Sole sells high quality treadmills offering good value but their designs are quite elementary. Except that, Sole is a good treadmill to have.

Recommendation

To summarize, buy Sole treadmills as it provides unbeatable quality, durability and warranty. The price you pay will offer you an excellent value for money.

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Smooth Treadmill Review

March 17th, 2009

Is It For You?

Smooth treadmills are only for those who want to spend more than normal. Most of their treadmills are robust, with plenty of features and have long warranties. It is ideal for home or office use. But if you’re always price conscious and want only entry level treadmills, then this is not for you. Most of these treadmills cost between $1,000 and $2,500.

The Company Making Smooth Treadmills
These treadmills are produced by Smooth Fitness. They are the sole producer of quality fitness equipment who sell mainly through the Internet. They have been operating since 1984. Along with their successful Web operation, they own four retail stores in the Greater Philadelphia area. They have been selling on Internet since 1996 and have earned profits right from the beginning.

By selling directly from factory direct and on Internet, Smooth Fitness reduces the overhead expenses of retail sales. Hence they can sell fitness equipment at very affordable prices. Their customers enjoy the ease of shopping online along with factory direct prices.

Price Range
Treadmills from Smooth are in the mid price range segment. Many of its treadmills lie between $1,000 to about $2,500. This price offers you a high quality treadmill, mentioned by Runner’s World, which value Smooth as one of the “Top 10 Treadmills”. Prevention Magazine, Monster Ratings and Treadmill Doctor have also rated Smooth very highly.

Drawbacks
There were complaints about delivery delays. This is chiefly due to the high demand for Smooth treadmills. Also these treadmills are quiet difficult to move around due to their size and weight. And there is a problem about additional charge for indoor delivery and establishment. There is an extra charge for that and it is better to pay it as these treadmills are quite big.

Recommendation
Go for Smooth treadmills. Except the delays and additional cost for indoor delivery and installation, Smooth treadmills may mostly be one of the best bargains on the internet.

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HealthTrainer Treadmills Review

March 17th, 2009

HealthTrainer Treadmills are owned and produced by Keys Fitness. Most of these treadmills come with very affordable price tags. And, like other Keys brands, they also offer the excellent 10 year motor warranty in all their machines, even the cheapest one.

Are They For You?
This brand is perfect for those who want a decent entry level treadmill with long motor warranties. But I must warn you, if first-rate quality, specs and features are what you want, then avoid this brand. You won’t get those from any of the models below. I suggest you visit our best buy treadmills page and look there.

The Company behind the Treadmills
As I’ve mentioned above, HealthTrainer treadmills are owned by Keys Fitness, a company located in Garland, Texas. They’ve only started producing treadmills in 1997, but they have been in the fitness industry for some time now selling dumbbells and other strength training products.

All their manufacturing jobs are done in the U.S. but in order to stay competitive, they import most of their component parts overseas. As a result, some of their previous machines have had some quality issues.
At present, Keys Fitness owns at least 6 treadmill brands with each of them catering for different needs and budgets. These brands include Alliance, Encore, and Ironman just to name a few. It is also the manufacturer of Smooth treadmills (but they don’t own it), which are primarily sold over the internet.

Price Range Category
Most HealthTrainers are currently priced between $1,000 -$1,500 with only one unit having a $2,000 price tag.
Weakness… Like most brands from Keys Fitness, the biggest weakness of these treadmills is their finish quality. They could also use some improvements in the design.

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Smooth 5.15P Treadmill Review

March 12th, 2009
Smooth 5.15P Treadmill

Smooth 5.15P Treadmill

The Smooth 5.15P treadmill may not be the best, but one of the best, entry level treadmill available in the market today. It has replaced the currently discontinued Smooth 5.0P model.

It is nearly similar to the Smooth 5.0P but with better features. This machine contains the features that the previous unit lacked like a heart rate monitor, a more better display panel and a longer running deck. Best thing, it is also sold for the cost of the old model meaning all the extra features are available for free.

Is It Meant For You?
This treadmill is ideal for people with a limited budget but want a quality treadmill. It is excellent for soft runners and joggers equally. But for serious runners, this treadmill is not recommended.

Things Included
The Smooth 5.15P treadmill is fitted with a powerful 2.5HP continuous motor that is excellent for an entry level. It offers you speeds of 0.6-10 MPH with a power elevation 0-12%.

The handy speed and slope control situated on the side rails is a distinct feature not usually present in entry level units. It helps in simpler adjustment which is particularly useful to keep a rapid speed. The very large and easily readable LCD window shows your pace, distance, calories, slope, time, interval time, pulse and program to assist you in recording your workout. The 7 demanding pre-programmed workouts are meant to provide you more variety and suppleness in your exercise.

It has a cushioned deck measuring 53” x 18” and the non-slip, whisper-quiet tread belt ensures your each workout is the most comfortable. The shock absorption deck reduces impact and lowers stress on joints and back to enjoy a more injury-free run.

It also has a handrail grip pulse monitor. This feature is excellent for people who love doing heart rate exercises.
Lastly, it comes with a lifetime warranty for frames, 10 years for motor, 2 years for parts and a year for service/labor. The warranty by itself shows it is a good quality product as it shows the manufacturer’s confidence in offering such long assurance.

Drawbacks
At times, the Smooth 5.15P treadmill may be out of stock. In event this happens, there can be some delays in delivery. So if you are looking to buy one, do so immediately, otherwise you may have to wait for a long time to get one.
Moreover, though the price already is inclusive of shipping costs, you will have to pay extra for the indoor delivery and installation.

Recommendation
The Smooth 5.15P treadmill is recommended for its value, characteristics and warranties. It is a great treadmill for entry level.

Summary:
Motor: 2.5HP continuous motor
Speed: 0.6 - 10 mph
User Weight Ability: 275 lbs
Slope: 0 - 12%
Warranty: Lifetime for frame, 10 years for motor, 2 years for parts, 1 year for service
Belt Size: 53” x 18”
Foldable: Yes

Features:
• Handrail grip pulse monitor
• 7 pre-programmed workouts
• LCD display with 5 window LED console
• Shock absorbing deck
• Textured Whisper Weave™ low-noise belt
• Scratch Resistant Powder Coat Finish
• Automatic Shutoff
• Push Button Electronics

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Schwinn Treadmills Review

March 12th, 2009

Schwinn treadmills are popular for their decent drive systems but poor quality. They tried to reduce their production cost to rival imported treadmills. Due to this, the quality of their machines reduced.

Is it For You?
If you prefer Trimline treadmills, then you are also likely to like these machines. As both brands are manufactured by the same manufacturer there are few similarities. But you’ll get better value from the Trimline brand.

About Schwinn…
Schwinn, is produced by DF Hebb and owned by the Nautilus Health and Fitness Group. Nautilus is second largest seller of fitness equipment in the world after Icon.

Features
A Schwinn unit, has a decent power. For a recreational runner, Schwinn easily offers you intensity you require. But, for a serious runner, this is not the right brand. The drive motor offered by this brand is sufficient for you.

Price Range
Schwinn treadmills are in the very aggressive mid-priced range segment. Most of these machines cost as low as $1,400 to as high as $2,000.

Drawback
Recently, in an attempt to be more aggressive with their prices, Schwinn shifted few of its production abroad. But this led to inferior quality machines which is one of their major weakness as of now.

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Reebok Treadmill Review

March 11th, 2009

Right for you?
Reebok treadmills are quite expensive. Their prices are slightly higher compared to equivalent treadmills from other brands. However they are a brand that is reputed and trusted, which is not what other brands have.
For a Reebok loyalist ready to pay more for a treadmill due to its name, this review is for you. But if you are  price conscious and want to get good value for your money, then this brand isn’t for you.

The Company making These Treadmills
Reebok exercise equipment is manufactured by the biggest manufacturer and marketer of exercise equipment in the world, Icon Health and Fitness. Icon is the owner of hundreds of patents and equivalent pending patent applications.
Reebok is also owner of numerous trademarks in the United States and in other countries. They have invested millions to construct hi-tech production, research and development, distribution and reporting systems, in order to rapidly design and develop latest product improvements.

These treadmills are “intended for clubs, meant for the home”. However, don’t be misled by commercial treadmills with the Reebok brand. Only the treadmills meant for home use are made by Icon. Those for club are made by another manufacturer.

Why People purchase Reebok
The major reason why people buy this company’s treadmills is the name. It makes sense to buy from trusted source. Moreover you are assured that the company would be around if ever you want their services a few years after purchase.

Price range
Like all well-known brands, this one is also overpriced. Reebok’s machines are priced between $1,200 and $2,000, which is lot more than similar models from other companies. Another thing is that there are few serious defects in component construction of these  treadmills.

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Proform Treadmills Review

March 11th, 2009

Proform treadmills are excellent for people who love to walk or jog. These treadmills are economical and are designed for low intensity excercises. So if you want an economical beginner treadmill, this one may be for you.
But for a serious runner, it is not the best treadmill. These treadmills aren’t meant to face heavy workouts.

Company Background…
Proform transformed the treadmill industry by bringing in the now world-known SpaceSaver(R) fold-away design treadmills. It made their Proform brand famous and associated with treadmills.

Proform treadmills are designed by the biggest producer and seller of exercise item in the world, viz. Icon Health and Fitness. It employees over 4,800 people and has 10 manufacturing locations in the United Stated, Canada and China.
Proform has the biggest range of treadmills in the market today. Most of them, belong to the entry level(less than $500) to the mid-class(about $1,000-$2,000) price range.

Drawback
The major drawback of Proform treadmills is that most of them carry short 90 day warranties. Also, there were few complaints about the sturdiness of their machines.

Summary…
Don’t forget the quality of the purchase is directly related to its price. Even for a treadmill. For a serious runner looking for a quality treadmill with extensive warranties, then buy treadmills priced at $1,500 minimum.

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Precor Treadmills Review

March 11th, 2009

If you’re interested in the best quality home treadmill in the market then Precor is the one for you. They assert themselves as manufacturer of high quality treadmills backed by long warranties.  However, Percor treadmills are quite expensive. So if you want an economical treadmill, then this treadmill is not the one for you.

Company Background
Precor treadmills have just been taken over by a new owner, Amer group PLC., in the fall of 2002. Amer Group is also the owner of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co. and sports brands, Atomic and Suunto.
Precor has been producing high quality fitness items since the early 80’s. They have invested millions for research and development. They hold 170 patents, indicating their intention as remaining one of the leading fitness brands in the US.

Price range of Precor
Precor Treadmills costs between $3,000 to $5,000 and more. They are in high priced range. But looking at the quality of exercise equipment, it is easy to understand the high price of these machines. They use best quality materials to produce these highly durable treadmills.

Features
The company offers one of the best warranties in the industry with their product. They carry lifetime warranties on the home treadmill’s frames and welds, 10 years on parts and a year on labour. This shows the level of confidence of the company regarding the quality and durability of their product.
Besides quality, Precor treadmills are also rich in features. They are fitted with powerful motors, wide running surfaces, are quiet, robust, and full of different programs amongst others.

Drawbacks of Precor Treadmills
The main drawback of Precor treadmills is its high price. However the price is worth it, as it is the quality product. Also, people crib about it occupying lot of space. But it is natural, as the treadmill has big motors and wide running spaces.

Recommendation
Precor makes one of the best quality treadmills availablein the market today, which is quite evident due to the duration of their warranties. So, go for Precor treadmills but if and only if you can afford it. Though it is one of the best in the market today, it is also the costliest one.

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PaceMaster Treadmills Review

March 5th, 2009
PaceMaster Treadmills Review

PaceMaster Treadmills Review

Pacemaster treadmills are reputed in the fitness industry for producing high quality. Hence most of their machines get excellent ratings and glowing reviews from treadmill experts.

Are They suitable For You?

PaceMaster is a reliable brand if you want good quality, features and specs. But, if you are price conscious person, then this brand is not right for you. It is slightly costlier than your normal mid-priced model but rest assured, every additional penny spent is worth it for Pacemaster.

The manufacturing Company

The PaceMaster brand is held and produced by Aerobics Inc. This company was established by Bill Staub, one of the most powerful persons in manufacture of treadmills.

PaceMaster has been manufacturing treadmills for past 35 years. These machines use the principles of Dr. Kenneth Cooper on aerobic exercise giving you a very scientific assessment of the cardiovascular benefits for every workout. Currently, they use their 3 decades of fitness knowledge with the modern technology to give the best machines possible.

Unlike many producers, this company continues to manufacture all their models in the United States. They say that quality should not be compromised for cheaper price tags and due to this their models are on top of many “best buy treadmills” lists.

Price Range

The present PaceMaster treadmills fall in the higher mid-priced to lower premium-priced range segment. They lie between $1,700 and a high of $2,300. Actually, most of their new models are slightly cheaper than the prices we are used to. This is because they want to offer more value in their models to rival with brands produced abroad.

Warranty

One method to know if a product is of good quality is to look at the duration of its warranties. Pace Master offers a lifetime warranty for frame, 12 years for drive motor, 5 years for parts, and one year for labor. This proves that the company genuinely believes in their treadmills.

Drawback

One of the major drawbacks of this company is that their older models as well as few of their present economically-priced models have some stability problems. This is primarily because they use aluminum frames for their machines, making these treadmills lighter and thus unstable.

Recommendation

Their latest models are simply superb. The minor drawback (stability) from their older models has been taken care of in their premium models. PaceMaster treadmills are certainly recommended.

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