As with all Woodways, the strength is in the drive system, not the quirky design. The highest priced base unit in the home line will stop your heart for a few seconds. It is a great design and could easily be the last treadmill any family would own.
General Information
Woodway has an interesting history and an even more interesting design, with the original units being designed in Germany. There is no belt and deck like you would find on other treadmills. They combined the two into one unit, so the belt moves around the machine in slats that are joined together and bend around the corners like a tank track. If you want a treadmill that will be the last one you buy, this could easily be it in home use with minimal maintenance.
Quality / Philosophy
Here's the interesting part. The design is so good that with our 400 lb. test, the treadmill never pulled more electricity than what other treadmills pull WITHOUT a person on them. That means very little strain... ever... on the drive system. Woodway put a great deal of effort these past few years into their fit and finish, and it was a HUGE help! The new models we just looked at are really well done. Although they are still a relatively small factory due to the price point (how many $12,000 treadmills can anyone sell?), they are very polished machines and what you would expect for the price.
Outlook
Woodway has an interesting business. To government institutions, pro teams and athletes, and universities, Woodway is a dream. As long as they can get the budget, they get a treadmill with a unique time-tested design. Their popularity, according to the company, in the home market is growing by leaps and bounds. We would still like to see Woodway put about $50 more into the drive system, but when you only charge $12,000 for your top model, you have to watch your nickels.
