NordicTrack Reflex Deck
NordicTrack Reflex Deck
I received an email from my contact at NordicTrack. He was trying to boost sales for a couple of treadmills that use their patented Reflex deck. It actually is an intriguing design. The deck is made from a slab of poplar wood. The same wood they use for snow boards. What makes this deck unique is the way it absorbs shock.
Unlike typical treadmills that use shocks or grommets to absorb shock. The Reflex deck bends with the impact of your foot and then rebounds, giving a slight jolt. It may be the most forgiving deck in the industry, and ideal for individuals who want minimal shock to their lower joints. According to my contact at NordicTrack, the Reflex treadmills are extremely popular with the executives in the company who are over 50.
NordicTrack Offers Customized iFit Workouts
NoridicTrack and their parent company, Icon Fitness, have always offered cutting edge technology on their machines. Even their budget treadmills has had some impressive features. In fact, NordicTrack is one of the few treadmill companies that is offering something "New" for treadmills.
One of their best programming features is the iFit technology. It is a series of workout cards that you insert into the treadmill. It addition to controlling the speed and incline of the machine, it also provides audio coaching. These workout cards focus on different types of fitness goals like, fat burn, cardio improvment and wellness. Each card covers a 8-week period.
Buying a Compact Treadmill – The Pros and Cons
Horizon Compact Treadmill
I've gotten several inquiries about buying a compact treadmill. Most are from individuals who live in apartments and have limited space. The problem with compact treadmills is you make certain compromises in order to have a lite weight machine that does not take up much space. In addition, compact treadmills usually fall in the budget treadmill category, meaning they are built with budget components.
Icon Fitness through their Weslo, Image and ProForm brands have several models that are lite weight, fold and are easy to move. I recommend these treadmills for walking and individuals who are not excessively heavy. These treadmills usually have small treadbelts, so depending on your height you may feel like you are about to walk off the end.
Keys Fitness is Out of Business
I use to work for a company that private labeled Keys Treadmills. They were a good, dependable machine. I had to make a trip to Dallas, which is where their headquarters is located. I figured I would make a courtesy call and check out their latest treadmill models. I left a message with their marketing and department and with their CEO, who I personally know.
Neither bothered to return my call, which I found strange, since you would think they would like the free exposure of reviews on my site.
I previously heard they went chapter 11, and were restructuring. While in Dallas my wife dragged me to a mall and while she was shopping for shoes I stopped at a fitness equipment store. They were selling Keys treadmills. I asked what was going on to the sales manager and he told me he bought these on a liquidation sale. They were selling everything, including the office furniture and they were officially out of business.
So long Keys Fitness. You were once a major player and once sold some of the best mid-range treadmills available.
NordicTrack Treadmill Blow-Out Sale!
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.
New Smooth 6.45 Treadmill Rating
Smooth just released an upgrade from their popular Smooth 6.25 treadmill - the Smooth 6.45. The 6.25 has proven to be a very reliable and durable treadmill. Building on this winner, they utilized the same frame and electronics and added the following...
- 60" Treadbelt
- 3.0 HP Continuous Duty Motor
- Swing Arm Shock Absorption System
- Sound System with Audio Input Jack
These features improve the quality of the 6.45 as a jogging/running machine in comparison to the 6.25.
As mentioned, one of the most attractive features of the Smooth 6.26 has been the reliability. The treadmill has an excellent service record. If the Smooth 6.45 is basically the same machine, with several upgrades, hopefully it will also prove to be a low-maintenance treadmill.
The current price of the 6.45, as of 5/19/08, was $1,799. I suspect that price will occasionally drop, when they have it on sale. Click here to read my detailed review and ratings on the Smooth 6.45 treadmill.
Note: As of 3/23/09 the Smooth 6.45 treadmill has had a solid performance and service record. I have yet to receive any negative reviews. The feedback I get from the company is that service issues have been minimal. Since launching the Smooth 6.45, the company has also introduced an upgraded version the Smooth 6.45 M, which includes built-in speakers.
New Smooth 5.45 Treadmill Rating
Smooth just released the Smooth 5.45 treadmill. This replaces their popular Smooth 5.25 treadmill. I gave the 5.25 a "Best Buy" rating not only for the quality, but also the service record. It was a low-maintenance machine at a reasonable price.
When I found out the Smooth 5.45 was replacing the 5.25, I was reluctant to extend this top rating, since it is a relatively new machine. And often new treadmills have bugs that need to be worked out. I talked to Keith Menear, the Director of Customer Experience (I luv that title.), and he told me the 5.45 is built on the same frame and uses the same electronics. In fact, the console is exactly the same. So that would suggest this new treadmill should have comparable service record.Â
The difference between the two treadmills is the smooth 5.45 comes with a longer deck, has improved shock absorption and is more stable. It weighs a hefty 210 lbs. What makes the 5.45 even more attractive is it sells for the same price as the 5.25 - $999, with shipping. So you are getting more for your money.Â
The $999 price range is very competitive, however you have to be cautious on the brand and model you buy. Being at the high-end of the budget category, you have some models that are lightweight machines built with mediocre components.Â
If you are looking for a moderately price treadmill that can handle walking and light jogging, the Smooth 5.45 is worth considering.
Fred
Life Fitness T5-0 Treadmill Review
I recently made a trek to the big city to check out the Life Fitness treadmills. In particular, I tried out the Life Fitness T5-0, which is their mid-range home treadmill. A very impressive machine that ran extremely smooth, and was very quiet.Â
I spoke to Brandyn Strother, at US Fitness, and out of the various brands on the floor he had the most positive reviews of this particular model. He mentioned that the Life Fitness T5-0 was a low maintenance machine, and that the company customer service was one of the best.
However, we both agreed that the design of the console was abit annoying. You can find out why and learn more a my Life Fitness T5-0 Review.Â
Treadmill Purchase in Canada
Here is a question for a new treadmill buyer...
Hello,I have read carefully through your treadmill reviews and have noted the recommendations and rankings. Â I am in Canada, so the pricing is quite different, especially with the January sales on. Â As a result, it is a bit tough to directly apply rankings which are presumably based on regular
|
Treadmill |
Treadmill |
Regular |
Today's Price |
 Savings |
 Savings |
Source |
|
Make |
Model |
US Price |
in Canada |
 $ |
% |
|
|
Nordic Track |
Apex 6500 |
 $ 1,899 |
 $        1,687 |
 $     212 |
11% |
Sears.ca |
|
PaceMaster |
Gold Elite |
 $ 2,199 |
 $        1,776 |
 $     423 |
19% |
Fitness Depot |
|
Sole |
F80 |
 $ 1,499 |
 $        1,588 |
 $     (89) |
-6% |
Fitness Superstore |
|
Bodyguard |
T240 |
 $ 1,999 |
 $        1,783 |
 $     216 |
11% |
Treadmill Factory |
|
Life Fitness |
T3.0 |
 $ 2,199 |
 $        1,667 |
 $     532 |
24% |
Fitness Source (flyer price) |
|
PaceMaster |
Bronze |
 $ 1,699 |
 $        1,428 |
 $     271 |
16% |
Fitness Depot |
I am looking for a solid, very dependable machine. I will use it for walking and my girlfriend for jogging and it is possibly that I might return to jogging after a 25 year absence but am unlikely ever to get very serious about running.  I know that there are cheaper machines appropriate for walking but I want good quality and weighing 210lbs at present, something that will handle my weight and 6’0†height easily. Fold-ability would be nice also but not at the expense of quality.Which would do you recommend most highly?
Thanks, Karl