The Reebok VISTA 8500 Treadmill – a Foldable Model with a TV!

The Machine

This is an affordable TV treadmill model that comes with premium sound coming through 2 built-in speakers, and a cable-ready flat screen TV in the console. The Reebok VISTA 8500 treadmill also offers QuickStep™ speed control, 12 programs, HR sensors on the handlebars, and a large 350 lb. user weight maximum. The full list of the specs include:

• 2.25 CHP motor
• 0-12 mph max speed
• 12% Power Incline® Control
• 20" x 55" treadbelt
• 7" Flat-Screen TV
• 8 Personal Trainer Programs; 2 HR; 2 User Defined
• Handgrip Heart Rate Monitor
• Built-in fan
• 350 lbs. max. user weight
• 12 year motor warranty; 90 days parts and labor

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The Buzz

While the Reebok VISTA 8500 treadmill does have some good points, the overall quality and reliability aren’t what you would hope for. Experts will first have you look at the weak 90 day warranty on parts and labor which gives you an indication of how long the company will stand behind their machine: less than 3 months! And consider the fact that this is a foldable model, so it’s going to be banged up a bit which is not a good idea for a treadmill with a TV console on the dash.

Consumers enjoy watching TV while they walk/jog so they find a model like the Reebok VISTA 8500, for $999, to be an especially attractive buy. The workout itself is comfy enough; the SoftMax™ cushioning offers joint protection making it much safer to walk indoors on a treadmill than outdoors on hard pavement. On the other hand, that dinky motor is pulling a 55" treadbelt. The motor is not going to last for a frequent user. Bet on it.

What We Say

The MSRP on the Reebok VISTA 8500 is listed at $1599, and normally carries a sale price of $999. It’s one of the ugliest consoles we’ve seen; very cheesy and cheap looking, even with the TV off. We like the arms that flair out, and the overall design, but if aesthetics are important to you, you may not like the display layout either. Otherwise, the Reebok VISTA 8500 treadmill is a decent machine, although we recommend you not purchase a TV treadmill without insuring yourself with an extended warranty to cover this expensive part. Apart from the TV, we recommend you look at the Sole F63 or the Smooth 5.25 if you want an outstanding treadmill at this price.

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