Viewer’s Question on Sole F80 vs. Spirit 385
Feb0
Dear staff at treadmill-rating-reviews
I’ve been reading your reviews and insight on various models of machines and I had a couple questions with which I hope you can help. Your answers will greatly benefit me when deciding which machine to purchase.
I’m down to deciding between three treadmills. Sole F80, Spirit XT 385, and Spirit XT 485. I am looking to use the machine five days a week running between 5-7 miles a day at speeds of 7 or 8mph. Although I am a male, I am much shorter and weigh only 135 lbs so in truth can all these machines handle the demands I will put on them. According to your review, Sole F80’s 3.0 motor can handle running but I noticed where your review stated that Spirit XT385 with a similar sized motor could not handle serious running. Is this the case?
If I go with Spirit is it best to go with Spirit XT485 considering the heavy demands I will put on it. It is only me so no other users will be on this machine.
Thank you!
ProForm vs Horizon Treadmills
Sep0
The two major players in the budget treadmill face off are ProForm and Horizon. You’ll find many of their models at many of the large sporting goods strores and at the big name retailers. ProForm is built by Icon Fitness, the largest seller of fitness equipment in the world. They also manufacturer NordicTrack, Welso, Image, Epic and Reebok. Horizon treadmills are built by Johnson Health Technology, which also builds Vision Fitness equipment. Both brands sell in the $500-$1,200 price range.
Sole Treadmills vs Smooth Treadmills
Sep0
I often get inquiries as to which is better a Sole treadmill or Smooth treadmill. First, I have to confess that I use to work for Smooth several years ago, however, I believe both brands offer quality equipment at a value price. Here are some considerations.
Both Sole and Smooth offer 2-year labor, 5-year parts and lifetime motor warranties on most of their models. This says something about the durability of their machines. They would go broke with that kind of warranty if these treadmills did not hold up.
Bargain Shopping for Treadmills
Jul0
Here are some deals you may want to checkout. First, NordicTrack came out with a replacement for their previous C2155 treadmill – the NordicTrack Z7Xi (See Review). As of 7/30/09 it was selling for $699. Not bad for a budget treadmill. This treadmill has some limitations, but if you are a walker and have a limited budget, it is a consideration.
NordicTrack brought back the NordicTrack XT, a TV equipped treadmill with a huge 3.5 HP motor and 60″ long treadbelt. They are offering it at a bargain $1,399 (See Review).
Finally, I got an exclusve discount on extended warranties for NordicTrack treadmills – 10% off. I know the right people. Since NordicTrack gives you only a 1-year parts and labor warranty, it makes sense to protect you investment. You can learn more at my NordicTrack Review.
Memorial Day Treadmill Sales – Smooth Fitness
May0
Smooth Fitness has slashed the prices on a number of their treadmills. Actually, except for the Smooth 5.45 all their treadmills are discounted at least 5% till the end of May. You can get further discounts on the following models:
- 5% OFF any treadmill $1000 and above.
Offer is not valid with other coupons.
- Save $300 on the Smooth 9.45ST Treadmill. Total cost $1,999 with shipping. Click Here
- Save $200 on the Smooth 9.45TV Treadmill. Use coupon code “Smoothtv” at checkout. – Click Here
- Save $200 on the Smooth 7.6 HR Pro Treadmill. Use coupon code “smooth76″ at checkout. – Click Here
- 2-Year Labor Warranty on All Products – If there is a problem with your Smooth Treadmill for the first two years, it is not your problem. The industry standard is typically 1-year coverage for labor. A $100 value.
I particularly like the discounted offer on the Smooth 9.45ST. The treadmill comes with a powerful 3.0 HP motor, an extra long 60″ treadbelt, one of the best shock absorption decks in the industry, heart rate control and their patented motion control. You can check out my review at Smooth 9.45ST.
ProForm Treadmills – 5% Discount Coupon
Apr0
ProForm is offering 5% off treadmills priced between $799 and $999. They only have a few models that fit into that price range. But if you are considering buying a ProForm treadmill at that price, here is an opportunity to save some additional money. The link and code is
Get $50 off. Use coupon code “PFCJ50OFF” at checkout! (Code is Case Sensitive)
Click here to see the latest ProForm treadmill reviews. This offer also applies to ProForm elliptical trainers in this price range.
Smooth Treadmills March Madness Sale
Mar0
In this depressed economy there are treadmill manufacturers who are seeing their market share reduced. Others are aggressively marketing and increasing their market share.
Smooth Fitness has been one of the more agressive treadmill sellers. They are offering some serious discounts, extending warranty coverage and including attractive freebies. Here are a list of specials that extend until the end of March ‘09. They also have daily specials found on their site.
- Discounts on the following Smooth Treadmillsmodels:
- 2-Year Labor Warranty on All Products – If there is a problem with your Smooth Treadmill for the first two years, it is not your problem. The industry standard is typically 1-year coverage for labor. A $100 value.
- 5% off any purchase of $1488.
- Free In-Room Delivery
- Tturn-Key Delivery for only $99. Your unit is unloaded, placed and assembled in the room of your choice.
Get the details at my Smooth Treadmill Review page.
NordicTrack Treadmill Offers Free 3 Year Warranty
Jan0
NordicTrack is not letting the status of the economy affect their sales. They are offering some of the most aggressive special promotions since Black Friday. On the following treadmills they include a 3 year warranty, and with most, a free Jullian Michaels iFit card. Total value for both is $189.
NordicTrack Commercial 1500
NordicTrack T7 si
NordicTrack Elite XT
NordicTrack A2550
According to the NordicTrack site this sale will last 5 days and it started on Saturday. If you are considering buying, this may be the right time.
Smooth Fitness Black Friday Blow-Out Sale!
Nov0
Note: The following sale begins around Noon EST on November 26, 2008.
I was just contacted by Keith Menear, VP of Marketing and Sales for Smooth Fitness. He wanted to alert me of their upcoming Black Friday Sale, running from 11/26/2008-12/1/2008. In addition to lowering prices to their lowest level ever, they are offering the following incentives to get people to buy.
2-Year Labor Warranty on All Products – This is an exceptional offer. The industry standard is typically 1-year coverage for labor. During this special offer you get a full 2-years of service. That means in the next two years if your treadmill or elliptical breaks, Smooth Fitness will send a technician with the parts to repair your machine.
FREE Inside Delivery on Products Costing $1977 or more – Smooth Fitness normally charges $79 for this service. You get two delivery professionals place your equipment in the room of your choice (more than 2 flights of stairs will cost extra). Their typical treadmill weighs 250 lbs. or more. In general, I always recommend people get inside delivery. What most customers are not aware of is that the free delivery service often means your 250 lbs. treadmill or elliptical is dropped off at the curb and you are responsible for getting it in the house.
5% Discount on All Treadmills and Elliptical Trainers – This can add up to a $50-$150 savings. You must use coupon code “smooth5.†Code cannot be combined with other offers.
The bottomline, with the discounts in pricing and the above added incentives you just are not going to get a better deal on a Smooth treadmill or elliptical trainer. In fact, this promotion may be some of the best deals around. Although the current sale on several NordicTrack treadmills is also impressive.
Click here to go to SmoothFitness.com.
Also click here to see my Smooth Treadmill Reviews.
Once last note, if you are looking for a good value on a budget elliptical trainer. They are dropping the price on their Smooth Fitness 2.0 to $699. I believe that includes shipping.
NordicTrack Treadmill Blow-Out Sale!
Nov0
Every once in awhile, NordicTrack drastically drops their prices on some of their models. Being a subsidiary of the largest fitness equipment company in the world, they can get very aggressive on pricing.
I got a call a couple of days ago from NordicTrack telling me they were starting their Black Friday sale early. In particular there are several models that are real bargain…
Nordictrack Elite 7500 w/TV – $1,499 (A $500 Savings)
NordicTrack A2350 – $699 (A $100 Savings)
NordicTrack ViewPoint 3500 w/TV - $999 (A $200 Savings)
In particular, Travis Cox of NordicTrack suggested the Elite 7500 was currently one of the best deals in the industry. Of course, he words for the company. Regardless, for $1,499 with shipping you are getting a treadmill that includes:
These above mentioned sales will continue until Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, or until they run out of the machines. Click here to check out my review of NordicTrack Treadmills.