Best Treadmill Buys for 2009Shopping 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 2009 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 6.45M. For about $1,699 you’re getting a quality machine that can take the workout a real runner will dish out. Features that make the Smooth Fitness 6.45M one of the best treadmill models in the mid-price range include larger rollers, a powerful 3 CHP motor and the patented Swing Arm™ Shock Absorption system, 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 dual-stage 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 9.35 HR is the best selling treadmill model that Smooth Fitness has to offer, and for good reason. The Smooth Hydra Suspension adjustable shock absorption system reduces impact on the joints and cushions 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 commercial grade deck is triple laminated for a lifetime of use. For $2,950 the Smooth 9.35 HR treadmill is a genuine runner’s machine, but on sale (you can often find it for less than $2,000) it’s a steal.
Best Budget-Priced Treadmill for Walking
The Gold’s Gym Maxx CrossWalk 650 fits the bill as the best budget-priced treadmill for walking. It isn’t a club quality model and it's not intended for use by avid runners, but this $599 machine offers tremendous value for the price and the incredible features, setting the bar higher for other competitors in the under-$600 price range. The machine has plenty of programs, a quiet motor, good-size walking area, as well as nice cushioning and a power incline -- all for an affordable price. The CrossWalk 650 is not a compact treadmill, so check the footprint before you buy as this Gold’s Gym model is one of the largest sub-$1000 machines on the market.
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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