Treadmill selection help

[Deleted User] · January 9, 2011 12:21PM

After today's disasterous attempt to run at the gym (2 deep wait for every machine due to snow and cold), I want to buy a treadmill for the house (I don't like to wait). I'm sure there have been many discussions about this throughout the huas, but I couldn't find them.

I want to purchase a commercial grade machine that has a larger running platform and better/longer-lasting drum than the cheapo home machines. Any suggestions or lessons-learned would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance-

Aaron

Wiseman · January 9, 2011 12:39PM

I've had a Pacemaster Pro Elite for 7 years and been very pleased. I've had the motor and deck replaced once each ( I do nearly all off my OS training on it).
I would recommend it.

Steven Ford · January 9, 2011 1:34PM

I am waiting as I type this for my Sole F80 to be delivered today. There is a website callled treadmill doctor that gives reviews as well.

Good Luck

Scott Alexander · January 9, 2011 1:35PM

Yes, many discussions, but I remember one especially with links, recommendations, etc.

Calling Nemo and her search-fu to the discussion.

Steve West · January 9, 2011 1:52PM

I bought a PaceMaster Platinum Pro 6 years ago this week for almost the same reason. Love the unit. Not as expensive as the industrial deadmills but light years ahead of the department store stuff. For me I looked at it as a 10 years of winter gym membership. Good investment. Now I can go straight from the drainer to the deadmill.

pepe · January 9, 2011 1:54PM

We picked up a Precor commercial grade treadmill from a local gym that was closing. Most gyms will have some form of maintenance plan so you can get detailed maintenance records. You can also check with the gym to see where they buy their equipment. A lot times those fitness supply companies will have used/refurbished machines available at a pretty good discount. On the downside you do run the risk of getting one with a lot of miles on it. (Though if you buy it from a gym that is going out of business...)

No issues with our treadmill in about six months of use but we did have the company that provided the maintenance plan give it the once over before we started using it.

David R · January 9, 2011 7:33PM

I have been looking at getting a treadmill this past week. I have pretty much decided on the Sole F80. If you want wider one with more horse power you could go with the F85. I will be ordering mine this week.

[Deleted User] · January 9, 2011 10:10PM

Thank you all for your quick responses. I'm going to start pricing models tomorrow in earnest and I'll continue to research. I hope to make a decision by the end of the month.

Again, the speed and depth of the responses is always mind blowing.

Thank you.

Nemo Brauch · January 10, 2011 9:32AM

Posted By Scott Alexander on 09 Jan 2011 01:35 PM

Yes, many discussions, but I remember one especially with links, recommendations, etc.

Calling Nemo and her search-fu to the discussion.

Here is the thread: http://members.endurancenation.us/C...aspx#67289

[Deleted User] · January 10, 2011 11:05AM

As always, Nemo is the true definition of a WSM. Thank You!

Matt Samojeden · January 10, 2011 11:18AM

I have had a True Treadmille for ~6 years and pleased. The Landice brand gets good reviews from many directions. http://www.landice.com/Pages/reviews.html

mgraffeo · January 10, 2011 8:02PM

Most helpful site on the Internet IMHO is treadmilldoctor.com

The guy repairs treadmills for a business, and AFAIK, doesn't sell any units. Last year, I went through his selector, and could not find any reason to spend more than $1500 on a treadmill, no matter what combination of weekly mileage and frequency i put in, up to and including IM training exclusively on the treadmill. I ended up picking out 3 different models I was happy with, and waiting until one went on ridiculous sale.

[Deleted User] · January 11, 2011 10:30AM

@Mike - Wow, that is a cool site, thank you! I'm hoping to spend somewhere in the $1500-2000 range so I'll probably follow your lead (pick a few and wait for sale). Thanks!

mancona · January 11, 2011 11:26AM

So I'm a light weight but I have run over 9000 miles in the last 5 years. My guess is about a 3rd of that has been on my Sole F63 and it still works awesome. I clean and lube the belt/deck about twice a year and otherwise it has been perfect. My only regret is that I didn't get a F80, but 5 years ago I never thought I would run faster than 6 mph.

I highly recomend sole as the best bang for your buck. There are definitely better treadmills out there but you pay more for them. Just make sure you buy one that will cover your needs for more than just a few years.

Matt Samojeden · January 11, 2011 11:44AM

Some of the new treadmills connect to the web and allow you do download user defined courses from Google Earth. You can then run your favorite course or train on the course for your next event before you get there. The technology is Ifit. If I was in the market for a new machine I think this would be a nice feature.

http://www.ifit.com/iFitLive/contentAboutiFit.do

grosso27 · January 11, 2011 11:58AM

I do not own a treadmill. That said, there is nothing like running on a WoodWay. Nothing.

If you have the means, I highly recommend you look into it.

[Deleted User] · January 11, 2011 3:13PM

@Matt A - Thanks for the recommendation. Considering how many miles you've logged, it's a testament to the durability of the Sole.

@Matt S - I've seen the iFit software and it's very cool. What a fun way to compete with your training partners/friends remotely.

@Ed - I looked at WoodWay website...having the means is key!

[Deleted User] · January 12, 2011 3:00PM

@Matt S - Another cool use of the technology from CES http://mashable.com/2011/01/12/virtual-run-feels-rea/

Treadmill selection help

Comments