Treadmill Reviews
Treadmill Doctor has produced treadmill reviews for the last 13 years and we like to believe that we have the best treadmill reviews in the country. Beginning in 1998 we decided to harness the power of the internet to help provides consumers our perspective on how treadmills would last over time. We never had any idea how popular our reviews would become with consumers. Including our review and our Best Buy awards we have over 3 million unique visitors per year reading our reviews. Unlike other reviews and review websites we try to create a comprehensive global review of every significant player in the fitness and treadmill manufacturing industry. This process includes researching online resources, conversations with retailers, manufacturers, visiting manufacturing and engineering facilities, and personally testing and evaluating hundreds of machines each year. During the average year Treadmill Doctor spends over $250,000 producing our reviews.
This year’s reviews include NordicTrack treadmill reviews including the NordicTrack Commercial 1500 and NordicTrack Commercial 1750. We also have produced Sole treadmill reviews, including reviews for the Sole F63 and the Sole F80, all highly popular units for consumers right now. While we have Weslo treadmill reviews we also give you information as to why the Weslo brand is not longer as important in the marketplace as it once was due to its removal from the retail floor of Wal-Mart. We also have Image treadmill reviews even though Image has suffered the same fate as Weslo. We also provide reviews on the Wal-Mart retail floor space winner with our Gold’s Gym treadmill reviews.
We have Horizon treadmill reviews although the distribution for Horizon product is now much less than when it was sold in Sears. In the same vein we have Epic treadmill reviews including the current Epic 425MX, and the discontinued Epic T60 if you search our past review pages. Why the T60 still gets significant search volume is beyond our comprehension. Our guess is that Costco sold so many of the darn things that people still think they are still available.
We do not provide Sears treadmill reviews because Sears doesn’t make any treadmills for themselves, except under the FreeSpirit brand name in Sears Canada. We do provide Proform treadmill reviews because Proform is probably the most widely distributed brand name in the U.S. other than NordicTrack, and possibly Sole now that they are distributed through Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sears stores.
Treadmill Doctor does not limit our reviews, however, to just the mass market brand names like those mentioned previously. We also include specialty brand names and ultra high quality brands like Precor. We have True treadmill reviews, Precor treadmill reviews, and Lifefitness treadmill reviews to name three. All three of the brands are primarily commercial fitness equipment manufacturers, but also have limited lines of high treadmills for the home. If you have the money these give you the best quality but you really have to pay for it.
One of the really interesting things about writing our reviews over the years has been watching how once vaunted brands that had good retail presence have fallen, and unheard of brands 13 years ago, have grown up and dominated certain distribution channels. In some cases we have seen brands rise and fall during that time as well!
A brand that has risen and fallen to a certain extent can be detailed in our manufacurer’s comments on Vision Fitness and in our Vision treadmill reviews. Some brands like Smooth Fitness have grown up during that time. Our Smooth treadmill reviews are probably the only unpaid ones on the web not to make too fine of a point. Then you have brands like Bowflex. We really debated this year whether to produce Bowflex treadmill reviews. Bowflex and it’s parent company Nautilus have shrunk dramatically over the last decade so we debated the importance of including them but finally did.
We produce folding treadmill reviews for consumers that are specifically looking for a Spacesaver design and even provide a Best Buy category for folding treadmills. We identify companies that are bankrupt or have recently gone though bankruptcy so that consumers have all the information they need to make an informed decision. Our Pacemaster treadmill reviews concentrate on their recent bankruptcy for instance.
All in all we believe that we, at Treadmill Doctor, provide the most comprehensive treadmill reviews on the Internet. Please read on to see how we stack up against the other notable reviews that are available to consumers.
How our reviews stack up to Consumer Reports treadmill reviews and Consumer Reports elliptical reviews
Consumer Reports is a well-respected provider of consumer information and we don’t want to say anything here that would disparage their well-earned reputation for providing impartial advice. That being said, in our opinion, their process in producing their treadmill reviews and elliptical reviews is inherently flawed. Consumer Reports selects a given sample of product on the market, usually anywhere from 5 to 15 machines, and then conducts quality, engineering, and usability studies on them.
The problem with that is that the number of machines, while very in depth, is so limited as to make it completely worthless. First, as any good statistician will tell you, the sample that you take will largely determine the outcome. A good sample will produce good results and bad one, bad results. Since there is no way to do a random treadmill and/or elliptical sample with a big enough sample size, usually 500 test subjects of greater, it is impossible to get good final results unless you sample the entire population. That is what Treadmill Doctor attempts to do, give you a comparison of the entire treadmill or elliptical universe. That is why we believe that Consumer Reports, while they do it honest, produces a fatally flawed product review in the end.
How our reviews stack up to Runner’s World treadmill reviews
Runner’s World Magazine is another very popular provider of treadmill reviews for consumers, and while it is not widely known, for several years Treadmill Doctor helped Runner’s World produce them. In the end we severed our connection to Runner’s World due to the fact that they refused to make minor changes to improve the quality and usefulness of their reviews to consumers. Like Consumer Reports, Runner’s World uses a small sample of treadmills to review. Inclusion in the reviews had more to do with the ability of the manufacturer’s sales representatives to persuade the magazine writer that they deserved to be in the review, and less to do with how many consumers would actually be interested in that product. What typically happened is that some brands that deserved to be included were, along with many that had no business being there. The question we kept coming to is what good is a review if the person reading it would never be able to find that particular treadmill either online or in a store? We couldn’t figure it out either so we figured it was best to go separate ways with Runner’s World.
What to Look for in a Treadmill or Elliptical This Year
What to Look for in a Treadmill or Elliptical This Year
The fitness business has been in a big shakeout- bigger than Treadmill Doctor thought last year. Fortunately, for the retailers and factories that remain, things are starting to look better. At least we hope the light in the tunnel is not an oncoming train but we are hopeful. If you think the economy has been in bad shape, you're right but consider this...the specialty fitness business has been in a state of implosion this entire past decade!
What is interesting is some of the factories that sell the lower end equipment have actually increased business. Factories are making high quality products even at some price points that were once considered somewhat in the lower price ranges. Their customer service still isn't very good but the products are far superior compared with what was made in the past. For now, if you want superior customer service, go to a specialty store. Most are very good at service but now a day has dawned where you can demand a high level of service and should expect it for your hard-earned money.
What does all of this mean for you? First, you will find better quality in the mass market. Runners on treadmills and heavy users of ellipticals are now able to get on a machine as low as $1000 without significant problems. The one caveat is that most treadmills in this price range have ¾” decks and those can break with a runner since they put a pounding on a deck. That’s why we have developed a deck reinforcement kit so if you are a runner and get a machine with a ¾” deck, we would recommend our reinforcement kit or simply buy a machine with a 1” deck. The ellipticals in this range typically use bushings instead of bearings on the major load points so you will have less life engineered into the machine but the elliptical will cost significantly less.
As fewer retailers are available for the companies offering treadmills and ellipticals, some companies will have to go the mass market route while others will have to start offering treadmills and ellipticals directly to the consumer in order to stay in business or eke out an existence. Some matters that were not terribly important in the past are incredibly important today. In the past, manufacturers and distributors had leeway in operations since there were only a few companies and missteps could be easily corrected next year. Competition is now so cutthroat, in all price ranges, that a small misstep could mean your company won’t be around next year to service your treadmill or elliptical. Never fear! We are here to help you make sense of this mess.
The point is that you should consider the retailer that you are buying from and the company that makes your treadmill as much as you should consider the model. In our overviews of companies, we give our opinions and thoughts about the stability of the company as well as how we expect them to do over the long run. Check the local BBB (Better Business Bureau) to see how the retailer takes care of their customers. Since product support is very important with fitness equipment, pay careful attention to our outlook for the brands and consider our comments in regard to their long-term prospects.
Many people email us each year asking about specific components, most notably motors and rollers in relation to treadmills or should I buy a front-drive or rear-drive elliptical. Component buying is almost always a trap that you don’t want to fall into and these are two areas of a treadmill or elliptical that has been muddied over the last 10 to 15 years. First, the motor situation is almost laughable. Since there is no accepted standard for rating treadmill motors, it is easy for a company to put virtually any rating they want on a treadmill motor. With some fear and trembling, we have been working on a new motor standard. At first, we had some big players wanting to help out but this fell apart when some factories realized we were going to tell the truth so we have had to go it alone. When we rate the motor, we attempt to rate it based on the size of the windings in the armature in relation to the permanent magnets. It is the only good way to determine the actual horsepower of a treadmill motor and that is why our power ratings may vary significantly from a manufacturer’s stated ratings. In other words, don’t buy a treadmill based upon what the factory claims in HP rating. We hope to have the motor standard online by the end of 2010.
Another related point is roller size. Factories claim a bigger roller is a better roller. In theory, the larger the roller, the slower it will turn causing less wear on the bearings and less stress on the walking belt since the belt can operate at a lower tension. The truth is that many larger rollers have just as many problems as smaller rollers (and some larger rollers have more problems than smaller rollers) because companies skimp on the quality of the parts used to make the rollers, so overall quality is much more important than size of the roller so pay attention in the reviews to the quality ratings.
In summation, the market has improved this year- mainly from attrition; so the retailers and factories that are left are stronger but be careful not to pick a brand that hasn’t been around very long. Treadmill Doctor suggests selecting carefully and make sure you pick one from a company that has good prospects to be around for a long time so you can get the parts you need in 10 years. If you are buying from a specialty retailer in order to receive a higher level of service, double-check the retailer's service level with an organization like the BBB to make sure they take care of customers because if you are buying a high priced treadmill or elliptical, you deserve the best service.
2010 Treadmill Doctor Basics & Tips for Home Treadmills
Basics
1. Remember when you are buying a home treadmill or elliptical, that in most instances a specialty dealer will have more ability to work with you on price than a mass market store. Usually at Sears, Sports Authority, etc., you have to wait on a coupon, sale, or closeout if you want a discount.
2. When buying exercise equipment, make sure to consider where you will put the machine before you buy it. If you are locating the equipment in a garage, porch or other area that is not climate controlled, expect problems. Since most models use lubricants that can freeze or lose their ability to properly lubricate at very high heat or extreme cold, you can run into problems on both extremes. Other problems you will experience in an open area is dust and dirt…these are the #1 reason for failure, not to mention corrosion and other problems associated with areas that have high humidity. Additionally, arid climates quickly evaporate some belt lubricants and joint lubricants for ellipticals.
3. Be sure to buy machines that are built sturdily enough to handle the workload that you want to give them. Usually the higher the original list price, the better the engineering, the better quality of components, the better overall machine you will get for your money. Conversely, if your budget is tight, don't buy more machine than you need. Our grandmother had a cheap $500 treadmill that received very light use every weekday. Since it was lubricated and cleaned, it didn’t have a single problem in over 10 years.
Tips
1. For treadmills- We are starting to temper our view on orthopedic belts. We don't recommend them because 1) a good pair of running shoes provide more cushioning 2) they hold in heat which shortens belt life, motor life, and electronics life 3) the increased weight of the belt shortens bearing life in the rollers. We have tempered our view somewhat because the manufacturers of these belts have thinned them a bit and the backings have become much more friction-free on many models which has lessened the stress the belt places on the system. The best way for the average person to see the effect of the belt is stand on the treadmill without any power to the machine and manually walk the belt to see how much friction it has and then compare it with a treadmill with a regular belt.
2. Do your research and get several price quotes from several different stores. Typically, the more you deal with the various companies, the better deals they will come up with such as discounts, free accessories, financing specials, etc.
3. Tread carefully when buying over the Internet. Some companies, like Landice and True, will void your warranty if bought over the Internet and some have restrictions on delivery distances from an authorized dealer. If in doubt, call or email the factory. Another issue related to Internet buying is delivery. Many of us in the business know how difficult it is to ship a single treadmill or elliptical without having it damaged so deal with a company that has been doing it a long time and has already learned how to do it. Another issue to keep in mind is what you are going to do if you don’t like the machine. Most companies accept returns but the cost to ship the treadmill or elliptical back to the factory can easily cost hundreds of dollars so it is quite an expensive trial test if the machine is returned. Also curbside delivery literally means what it says…the trucking company will sit it on the curb and it’s your problem to get it into the house so either purchase inside delivery or have help ready. Another issue is service…some have good service networks and others don’t but remember that you probably won’t get the type of personalized service you should expect from a local dealer. The best in the Internet business in our opinion are Icon- makers of the Epic... Gold's Gym... Healthrider... Image... Nordictrack... Proform... Reebok... and Weslo brands, Smooth, and Sole (listed in alphabetical order, not in any order of preference)
4. Do take care of your treadmill or elliptical. Whether they require quite a bit or little maintenance, keeping the treadmill or elliptical clean and the walking belt lubricated on the treadmill can be the difference between either having a great treadmill or having a money pit. Refer to our Treadmill or Elliptical Care Pamphlet for maintenance instructions.
5. If you are considering used machines, really do your homework, then do it again. We do rebuilding jobs for local health clubs all the time and do this work occasionally for people who are buying health club models for the home but to do it right costs quite a bit and if someone is telling you they have a used or rebuilt at an amazing price, you typically aren't getting the entire story.
6. Since buying a treadmill or elliptical is a huge investment for most people, choose your dealer and factory carefully. As with any product, a brand new company may not be around in a few years and parts can be very specific to machines and spares may not be available if the factory isn’t around. A dealer for a reputation for high quality and personalized service is necessary for some people. Other people feel confident in servicing their own equipment, so figure out which one you are and buy accordingly. If you know one end of a wrench from the other, you might want to save a few dollars with an Internet or warehouse club or department store purchase. Others may need to pay for the full-service price you should get from a local dealer but if you pay the higher price, demand the higher service level.
7. Treadmills and ellipticals are different than many other home appliances. Remember, we rate a treadmill average if it has a breakdown only once every 5 years…that’s average! Extended warranties can make sense if the manufacturer has a short warranty and if you get it from a reputable extended warranty company. Remember the dealer is typically not the warranty provider and many have gone out of business over the years and others are hard to deal with. For instance, UTS (Icon’s warranty company) is the best we have ever dealt with. If you get an Icon machine, buy the UTS warranty…it will be well worth it. UTS’s number is 800-677-3838. Also, Sears has a good extended warranty program and typically pays for itself if you use the machine. On the other hand, we have had problems with the company called N.E.W. and many others have gone out of business so do your research on your warranty company if you have never heard of them. We are in the process of developing our own extended warranty program so keep your eyes peeled!
8. A great final tip is if you want to save a bit of money. Due to the influence of Asian parts, the lower end treadmills and ellipticals are getting better and better while the price is holding the line or in some cases, it actually dropping and the ones being made today in the $900 range are much better than the $900 machines made 10 years ago. If you need to save a few bucks and your doctor says it is OK, use a few degrees of incline always when you use your machine. If the machine is well maintained and if you use a bit of incline (on the treadmill), you can get by with a bit less of a machine than you might need otherwise. The incline allows gravity to take over quite a bit of the workload from the drive system. We are able to measure this by using a simple AC/DC ammeter. The amp load (thus the load on the electrical system) is reduced when using even a degree or two of incline. A treadmill used with just a slight incline will last much longer than a comparably cared for treadmill that is used at level. Plus, if you are going green, you use fewer amps and that translates into less electricity. If you keep it clean and keep the walking belt well lubricated, that keeps the amp load lower too.
Click Here for 2008 Treadmill Reviews
Click Here for 2009 Treadmill Reviews
Click Here for 2010 Treadmill Reviews
Find a Treadmill and other Exercise Equipment at Proform.com
See more treadmill reviews and treadmill ratings at treadmillreview.com and treadmillsensei.com |
