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.   

One of the reasons sales may be lacking on the Reflex treadmills is the fact the deck looks flimsy.  I personally was concerned when I first saw one.  I asked about the durability of the deck and the response was that they never had a problem with a deck cracking.  In fact, the deck is rated for a maximum 350 lb. person.  That may be higher than I would rate it, but overall the deck is solid.

So should you consider a NordicTrack Reflex deck treadmill?  I would say this deck is ideal for individuals that are older or have injuries or stress issues with their joints.  It may not be the right choice for serious runners who are looking for a more solid impact like they would get running outside.  As of 7/9/09 NordicTrack had two Reflex deck models.  The Reflex SR and the Apex 8500.  The prices vary drastically from week to week.  That is their marketing strategy.  Watch for current sales.  I usually will alert you on the review page if the price is a bargain.

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. 

iFit technology has become so popular Icon created a separate web site where iFit afficianados can compare notes through forums. 

Icon/NordicTrack took the iFIT technology one step further and now offer a iFit® Virtual Personal Trainer. They will customize workout programs for you over the course of a year and you can download them onto your treadmill.  The exercise routines are designed by certified personal trainers.  Every 8 weeks you'll get a fitness assessment and new updated workout programs.  The price for an entire year is $99, which is not bad when you compare that to hiring a personal trainer. 

If you are looking for that extra motivation that will help you attain your fitness goals, this could be the answer.

You can learn more at iFit® Virtual Personal Trainer.

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. 

If you purchase one I also recommend that you get an extended warranty.  In general, these machines are not built to last.  However, if you have a limited budget and limited space the brands mentioned are worth considering.  I would stay away from models that are below $500. I get many negative reviews.

There is also the Horizon SG Evolve.  It is small and folds to 10".  The downside is it has a small motor, limited walking area and not much shock absorption. Once again I recommend this treadmill for walking and for someone not excessively overweight.  The programs are limited and you have to manually change the incline. You can check out my review at Horizon Evolve.

After returning from Dallas I got a call from a former employee who now works for Star Trac. He said Keys Fitness was having financial difficulties and couldn't survive the credit crunch.

The Ironman Treadmill brand name was purchased by Star Trac, who is known for commercial grade fitness equipment. They will probably use the popular Ironman brand name to get a foothold in the profitable $1,000-$2,000 price range for treadmills. Keys Fitness generally made decent equipment. It will be interesting to see how Star Trac handles the transition, and how their Ironman models will compare to the past versions.

There is always room for a fitness manufacturer who can build quality treadmills and a value price.

Good Luck STar Trac!

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.

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.

• 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.

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. 

If you are looking for a moderately price treadmill that can handle walking and light jogging, the Smooth 5.45 is worth considering.  

Fred

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. 

Hello,I have read carefully through your treadmill reviews and have noted the recommendations and rankings.  I am in Canada, so the pricing is quite different, especially with the January sales on.  As a result, it is a bit tough to directly apply rankings which are presumably based on regular

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

Hi Karl,

Your list below are all good choices, and it is hard to choose one.  Pacemaster has a good reputation, although I have gotten a couple of complaints.  The Bodyguard treadmill is an excellent choice and a Best Buy from Treadmill Doctor.  They have a slightly longer 57" belt.

The Sole F80 is another good choice.  The 2 year labor warranty is attractive.  I believe it comes with a 55" belt.  For walking or jogging it should be an adequate length.  The service record is impressive.

The Life Fitness T3.0 is their entrance model.  Still, they priced it competitively, and you are getting the Life Fitness quality.  Second to none in the industry.  At $1,667 that is a hard one to pass up.

Which would I choose?  All of the above, however the Life Fitness price you have below is appealing and makes it a stand-out. 

Hope that helps,

Fred