Sole F80 Treadmill Review - Solid Performer!

There is no such thing as a perfect treadmill. If you get a budget treadmill, you compromise on the quality of the parts. If you buy a commercial grade treadmill for the home, you pay an arm and a leg.

Therefore, in reviewing treadmills, and judging which should get a "Best Buy" rating, I try to find a model that has the best value at a certain price.

One of the most competitive price points is around $1,500. At this price,you are getting a decent machine for jogging and running, but it will not have the durability of high-end models like Landice or True.

One of the best values I found at $1,500 is the Sole F80 treadmill. It is a solid and durable machine that is ideal for jogging and moderate running. It comes with a very impressive warranty, consider the price – lifetime motor, 5-years parts & 2-years labor. The 2-years labor coverage is one of the features that distinguishes Sole treadmills from the competition. If the machine breaks down in two years, they come out and fix it.

Here are other features that make the Sole F80 worth considering…

3.0 HP Continuous Duty Motor – This motor is strong enough to run smoothly at high speeds and steep inclines, and you will find it is relatively quiet.

2.75" Rollers – In general, the larger the rollers the better. These are the largest treadmill rollers you will find at any price range. Large rollers reduce wear, and extends the life of the rollers, motor, bearings and belt.

Proven Track Record – The Sole F80 treadmill is used by a prominent hotel chain for inroom exercising. If it holds up in a commercial environment, think what it will do in your home.

250 lb. Unit Weight – This hefty weight adds to the stability and gives this folding treadmill a very solid feel. However, you will want to make sure you get in home delivery if you by this machine. There is no way you want to move it yourself.

Wireless Heart Rate Control – Many experts claim that using your heart rate to determine your level of exertion can optimize your workout. In fact, heart rate control workouts are used by many professional athletes.

Build In Speakers – Although these are not premium quality speakers, still it is nice to plug in your MP3 or iPod player into the console and have the sound directed right to you.

Is the Sole F80 treadmill the best running machine on the market? Not by a long shot, however at $1,500 you would be hard press to find a more durable treadmill for the money. When you look at the whole package, the Sole F80 is a contender.

Fred Water is author of the Treadmill Rating and Review site, where you can get reviews on over 100 popular treadmills, including the Sole F80 treadmill.