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

An example is the NordicTrack Elite 7500 and the ProForm Perspective ES.  Both have 60″ treadbelts, speakers, fans and a 7″ digital TV.  If you look at the consoles, they are almost exactly the same.  The Elite 7500 has a 1/2 HP larger motor and iFit technology, although the Perspective ES had an extended warranty. 

As of 9/11/09 the ProForm Perspective ES was selling for $1,249 and the NordicTrack Elite 7500 was going for $2,499.  Almost the same machine, but the price is almost doubled on the Elite 7500.  Most likely the price on the Elite 7500 will drop $1,000 by next week. 

If you are considering either a NordicTrack or a ProForm treadmill you first want to determine what your fitness goals are and which features will accommodate those goals, i.e. motor, deck length , workout programs.  Then shop around.  See which models have the features you are looking for and at what price. You may find by shopping both brands you can save yourself several hundred dollars.

To help you get the best value I monitor the NordicTrack and ProForm sites regularly.  I’ll alert you to some great buys as they come available.  (ycqsefka2p)

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.

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.

Overall, treadmill sales decline in the spring and summer, and treadmill sellers are struggling to move their inventory.  In fact, treadmill sales are half or a third of what they are in the dead of winter. So what does that mean to potential treadmill buyers – serious discounts. 

In response to the slowdown several treadmill companies are offering discount coupons.  Some of these coupons are widely available, while some are offered to only a select number of web sites.  Below are coupons that are active as of 6/3/09.  Can’t guarantee how long they will be good for. I know the Smooth coupons are good until the end of June.

SAVE $50 on any ProForm.com order over $799 – use Coupon Code PFDSC10

 Save $100 on the Smooth 5.45. Total cost $899 with shipping. Use coupon code “Smooth545″. Click Here

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

Click here to save $250 on the Horizon T93. Use coupon code “250T93″.  At $750 this treadmill is a bargain.

Stay tune for further discounts and coupons.

• 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.

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.

 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.