Horizon 5.2T Treadmill Review

Treadmill Ratings

• NordicTrack

• Sole Fitness

• BowFlex

• HealthRider

• Image

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Treadmill
Buyer's Guide

Horizon CST 5.2 Treadmill
$1,800-$2,000

The Horizon CST 5.2T is no longer available. See the Horizon T1201 Treadmill Review.

The Horizon 5.2T Treadmill received some very favorable reviews from both Runner's World and Consumer Report. For that reason alone you should take a look at this treadmill.

It comes with a good size 2.75 hp motor. This should handle both walkers and runners. If you are tall or a sprinter you'll appreciate the 20"x 60" belt. Although the length of the belt doesn't necessarily mean that is the actual length of the running surface. It may be a couple of inches shorter.

Speaking of the belt, it is orthopedic. That means it is thicker than your average belt (4.4mm), and provides more cushioning. For those with ankle or knee problems you'll appreciate the extra cushion. Although I know that there have been service problems with other treadmills that had orthopedic belts.

It also comes with a bunch of features that have fancy names, such as RapidResponse Drive System, ComfortZone, Cushioning System, SafeZone Lift System and SmartBoard Console. These are just catchy terms for features you will find on any other treadmill in this price range.

The one spec that cracks me up is the 400 lbs user weight limit. I'm not sure there is any treadmill that will withstand a 400 lb user.

Horizon 5.2T Treadmill Reviews

Our Review

We're not a big fan of Horizon treadmills at the sub $1,000 range, but this machine is a whole different class. We would like to see a longer parts warranty, but that is minor. One other treadmill to consider in this price range is the Sole F85. It comes with a 3.5 hp motor, and a 5 year parts and 2 year labor warranty. The Doctor suggests you look at or Bodyguard.

Consumer Report

CS ranked the Horizon 5.2T fourth out of thirteen treadmills it tested in the folding category. They gave it an "Excellent" for exercise range and ergonomics. Their definition of ergonomics is, how well the machine accommodates users of different sizes and how easy it is to get on, exercise, and get off the machine."

Runners World Treadmill Review

Runners World has always been a respected source for treadmill reviews. The Horizon 5.2T ranked number one by a panel of experts and 150 runners. It should be noted they only reviewed 8 treadmills. How they picked the 8 is an interesting question.

They stated that this is "an ideal entry-level model for runners." They appreciated the softer belt, the console layout and the ease in folding.

Horizon 5.2T Treadmill Specs:

Running Area: 20" x 60"
Belt: 4.4mm Orthopedic
Cushion System: Thick elastomers, 60/40/40 durometer; Silicon Wax lubrication system
Speed Range: 0.5-12mph
Elevation Range: 0-12% incline
Drive Motor: 2.75 hp Continuous Duty
Elevation Motor: 500 lbs of thrust
Max User Weight: 400 lbs. (Yeah right!)

Warranty

Frame: Lifetime
Motor: 25 years
Parts: 2 years
Labor: 1 year

Also See the Horizon T83 Treadmill Review.

Walking Treadmill
Smooth 5.45
3-yr Parts/2-yr Labor
Warranty
55" Treadbelt
$899 incl/ship

Jogging Treadmill
Sole F80
3.0 HP Motor
Sound System
5-yr Parts/2-yr Labor
Warranty
$1,499 incl/ship

Running Treadmill
Sole F85
3.5 HP Motor
Sound System
60" Treadbelt
5-yr Parts/ 2-yr Labor
Warranty
$1,999 incl/ship

Bargain Buy
NordicTrack 7500
7" Digital TV
Sound System
3.5 HP Motor
iFIT Technology
60" Treadbelt
$1,499 incl/ship

Treadmills
with TVs
See Reviews