Treadmill Help

Gene

I am about to purchase a tradmill for the house.  I have it narrowed down to 2 different models by Norditrack.  They are pretty similar but have a few differences.  The motors are different and one folds.  What would be more valuable?  A bigger motor or a folding model?  Currently space is not a limiting factor, but I am in the military and move around a lot, you never know if it will become an issue.  I feel like even when it is folded up, it's still a big ass machine.  The differences in the motors are a 3.8 CHP (with the folding option) and a 4.25 CHP motor.  What factor should hold a bigger weight: folding, or power. 

 

The two are:

Nordictrack Elite 9700 Pro Treadmill, 

Nordictrack Elite 9500 Pro New for 2012.

 

Thanks for any advice, and I'm open to all ideas and opinoins.

 

-Gene

Steve West

A good resourse is:

http://www.treadmilldoctor.com
http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/BestBuyAwards-Treadmill?

My TM is a PaceMaster Pro and is over 6 years old ~$2K new then and not as feature rich as what you are interested in but has served me well for nearly 2500 miles.

Gene

 Thanks for the links Steve. There is a ton of info here. The only feature I am set on having is a "one touch" speed control. I absolutely hate holding the down arrow after an interval while still running at a sprint. 

Tom Glynn

Treadmill Doctor is the best place on the web for good treadmill advice, I think. My thoughts are, in order of importance; motor size, length and width of running platform, and then electronics. Folding is obviously important in an apartment or close quarters, but not in a garage. Company reputation and ability to get it fixed if it ever breaks are things to consider too.