In addition to the coupon discounts, Smooth regularly has special deals that can either be price reductions, upgraded inroom deliveries or extended warranties. Go to the Smooth Discount Treadmill Coupons page for the latest deals.

Free Shipping on the Incline Trainer X7i

For those not familar with the NordicTrack Incline Trainers, they allow you to incline the deck up to 40%.  There are several benefits...

1. You get an intense cardio workout, not unlike hiking a hill or mountain.
2. You can target different leg muscles as you increase the incline.
3. There is typically less impact to your joints since you would normally walk at a steep incline rather than walk.

The NordicTrack incline trainer have gotten a certain degree of noteriety because they are used on the popular TV show "Biggest Loser". 

In addition to the 40% incline, the NordicTrack X7i also allows you to decline the deck 6%.  Furthermore it comes with a full color display and installed Google Map/iFit interactive programs.  For an extra cost you can also use iFit Live.   For more information go to my NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer Review.

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!

Reply:

I feel that either the Sole F80 or the Spirit XT385 should be adequate for your needs, especially considering your weight.
 
I'm not sure where you are considering buying from, but compare the  warranties.  Online the Sole warranty is 5-years parts and 2-years labor,  the Spirit is 10-years parts and 1-year labor.  Personally I would prefer  the longer service warranty.
 
Also, if you buy from Dick's don't buy their extended warranty.  It is a scam.
 
Fred

So which builds a better treadmill? It depends on the model and the current sales? Both ProForm and Horizon price their treadmills aggressively, and you will find drastic changes in the prices from one week to the next. That said, ProForm has some advantages due to the size of their parent company. As mentioned, Icon Fitness is the largest fitness equipment manufacturer in the world. They are not only #1, but are #1 by a considerable margin.

This affords Icon Fitness, and their brands like ProForm, some economic advantages. For example, their R&D is second to none, which have resulted in the some unique features like iFit technology. Workout programs on a disk that you can insert in certain of their models. the iFit programs follow an arranged series of treadmill training routines that control the the speed and incline of your machine. They are designed by professional trainers, and include audio coaching. You'll find many ProForm treadmills have an abundance of features like fans, speakers (some with subwoofers), iPod/MP3 inputs and digital TVs.

In general, due to an economy of scale, ProForm can produce more for less. That doesn't mean that Horizon can't compete with certain models. For example, the Horizon T1201 and the T901 will match up well with any ProForm treadmills at the $999 price range.

So which model should you buy? First, it depend on your fitness needs and goals. If you are a jogger, neither brand will have a sufficient model at the $599 price range. You need to determine how you will use the machine, and how many users there will be. You also have to factor your weight and height. Taller users, especially runners, will need a treadmill with a longer deck.

Once you have determined your needs you can start looking for the model that will suite your needs. Compare the features and the prices from both brands. If you plan to spend more than $1,000, also compare models from NordicTrack, Smooth, Sole, BowFlex, PaceMaster and Spirit. However, below $800 ProForm and Horizon are the major contenders. Avoid treadmills below $500, you start to get into what I consider the throw-away models.

You can check my ratings and recommendations for the latest prices and special offers.

To a Healthy Life,

Fred

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.

Sole sells online and through Dick's Sporting Goods.  That means if you have a Dick's in the area you can try one out.  Smooth online sells online.  Actually they have some retailers in limited areas.  Although I believe that the Smooth treadmills a excellent machines, if a reader contacts me for advice I will often suggest they go to Dick's and see for themselves.  Although, the service and the expertise of the salespeople at Dick's is rather poor.

Smooth has a better deal on their entry model.  They are currently selling the Smooth 5.45 for $899 with shipping.  The Sole F63 is selling for $999.  The Smooth 5.45 comes with a 2-year labor warranty.

The Sole F80 is one of the best values at $1,500.  It has a superb service record.  Their Sole F85 is a solid contender at $2,000.  However, Sole sells through other online resources and, as I mentioned, through Dick's.  This limits them from running special offers and discounting their models.

Smooth primarily sells online and direct.  They are constantly running sales and offering incentives like free in-room delivery.  Also, their two top treadmills, the Smooth 9.45ST and Smooth 9.45TV come with lifetime parts warranties. 

So which is better, Smooth or Sole Treadmills?

If they continue selling the Smooth 5.45 at $899 with 2-years service, I may opt for that.  At $1,500 the Sole F80 is the winner, as is the Sole F85 at $2,000.  The Smooth 9.45ST with the lifetime warranty has some nice features and is a good buy at around $2,300.  The Smooth 9.45TV, with a 15" flat screen TV, is the best TV equipped treadmill on the market.

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.

• 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.

 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 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 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.