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Best Treadmill Buys for 2008Shopping for the best treadmill requires looking at a variety of different features and considerations. For some people, cost is the deciding factor while others can choose the best features regardless of price. Comparing hundreds of models is daunting, so we’ve put together what we feel are the best treadmill buys for 2008 in four different categories.
Best Mid-Priced Treadmill
Smooth Fitness offers the only folding treadmill in this price range that is built for serious runners, the Smooth 6.25. For about $1,500 you’re getting a quality machine that can take the workout a real runner will dish out. Features that make the Smooth Fitness 6.25 one of the best treadmill models in the mid-price range include larger rollers and a powerful 2.75 motor and phenolic anti-shock deck, all of which will extend the life of the treadmill. It also has a great feel for the price and can easily fold up with the gas-assist folding mechanism. The deck and frame are separate units for amazing stability that you can really feel. Add in the generous warranty for an excellent deal on a serious machine.
Best Overall ValueValue takes a lot into consideration, so we ended up with two winners in this category. One because it was a great folding treadmill, the other because it was a great all-around model.
The Sole F80 delivers more than any other folding treadmill you’ll find. You get the true feel of a commercial machine with the F80, one of the best folding treadmills you can get for around $1,500. The 2.5 horsepower motor is more than enough power, and this treadmill has more incline variety than others at this price – up to 15%. The lifetime warranty on the frame and deck with 30 years on the motor is better than any other warranty at this price point. Why so generous? Excellent construction and the best treadmill parts. It’s also the most stable folding treadmill you can find thanks to a patented deck and frame design.
The Smooth 9.17 HRO is the best selling treadmill model that Smooth Fitness has to offer, and for good reason. The Smooth Impression Shock Absorption system and orthopedic belt reduce impact on the joints and cushion your walk or run for a great feel and less fatigue. We love the full 3.0 horsepower motor, which has a lifetime warranty. The parts and electronics are covered for a full five years, which indicates the quality of the components. The folding mechanism is the only one in the industry that’s automatic – just push a button and it folds itself. For $2,400 the Smooth 9.17HRO treadmill is a genuine runner’s machine, but on sale (and you can often find it for about $2,000) it’s a steal. Highest Incline
For the real fitness enthusiast, the incline of a treadmill is essential to pushing your limits and providing variety in your workout. The NordicTrack X5 lets you vary the incline for 0-30% - no other treadmill can come close. It’s by far the best incline treadmill for challenging yourself with interval training that mimics those hills you face in real life. Want to burn lots of calories fast? Try walking up a 25% incline. NordicTrack even adds the option of an upper body workout with the attached Cardio Cables. It all adds up to what is arguably the best treadmill for fat-burning around.
Best Treadmill for Pros/Heavy Runners
For the serious runner who is looking for the best treadmill to challenge and last for years, it’s the Landice L700 ProSports Trainer. Quite simply, you can’t find a better treadmill. It’s pricey ($4,000), but worth the investment for individuals who want true luxury in a treadmill. Landice has perfected performance and comfort by manufacturing nothing but the best treadmills around – no ellipticals, no weight machines, no steppers. The result is the L700's extra-long walking area, 4-ply deck (usually only found on commercial treadmills), 1” thick deck and patented shock absorption system. The aircraft quality aluminum frame and fabulous warranty makes the Landice L700 a dream machine for the serious athlete.
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