Treadmills in this price range vary from very basic non-motorized treadmills to models for runners. In the last few years several manufacturers have made some impressive strides in the $1,000-$1,500 range. They are backing them up with extensive warranties. The treadmill recommendations below are based on a number of factors, including third party reviews, customer testimonials, company reputation and warranties. Treadmill expert Fred Waters provides insight into the best budget treadmills.
1. Sole F80 Treadmill
Pricegrabber.com
Sole treadmills have received a "Best Buy" rating two years in a row from Treadmill Doctor. Their residential models are used by the Hilton chain for in-room exercising, which says something about the durability of the machines. The Sole F80 features include 2.5 hp continuous duty motor, 55" length deck, wireless heart rate control, and 2.75" rollers, (5) windows display and sturdy 250 lb weight. The speed and incline controls are conveniently located on the handlebars. You can make adjustments without breaking your stride. The 2-year service warranty can't be found on any other treadmills for under $3,000.
2. LifeSpan TR3000 HRC Treadmill
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This treadmill was rated a Best Buy by TreadmillDoctor.com for the 2006-07 reviews, and a runner-up for 2007-08. It has full heart rate control at a budget price, including interval and constant control. This folding treadmill has 2.75 continuous duty horsepower and a beefed-up deck compared to their TR1000 and TR2000 models.
3. Smooth 5.45 Folding Treadmill
Photo Courtesy of Smooth Fitness
Smooth Fitness has always had a strong contender at about $1,000. The Smooth 5.45 is an update to their best selling 5.25. The 2.5 HP continuous duty motor has a lifetime guarantee. There is a generous selection of workouts, including heart rate controlled workouts and nine workout profiles - enough for a big family! Smooth has a 5-year parts warranty.
4. Diamondback 400TM Treadmill
This treadmill model rated as a Best Buy by TreadmillDoctor.com for 2007-08 in its price category. It has a 2.0 HP continuous duty motor. There are two built-in hill workouts, one a walk and one a jog. The incline varies to 10% It includes a built-in wireless receiver for Polar heart rate monitors.5. NordicTrack C2500
For under $1000, this treadmill is designed for walkers with a weight loss goal. It has a powerful 2.5 HP motor, a weight limit up to 325 pounds, and a long 60" deck for those with a long stride. It has eight built-in weight loss workouts and eight classic workouts. Use the workouts with the ifit Fitness Journal to track your progress It has grip heart rate monitors to monitor your workout intensity. It has a built-in iPod dock with two speakers. ConsumerSearch rates this as "a good value for taller walkers."6. BodyCraft TR1120 Foldup Treadmill
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At under $1000, the BodyCraft TR1120 is a very solid and stable machine. While the motor is only rated a 1.75 horsepower, TreadmillSensei.com says it performs as well as 2.25 or 2.5 hp machines, and they give it their Best Buy award for 2008. It has eight pre-set workout programs and a grip pulse monitor. The belt is a little short for taller people with longer strides.
7. Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 treadmill is the entry-level model, going for around $1,100. It has many of the same features as the F80. The main differences are the construction of the deck, a less expensive console and display, smaller rollers, and shorter warranty coverage. The overall construction and components make this a strong contender in its price range.8. Lifespan TR2000 HRC Treadmill
If you don't have much space, this is one of the most compact (and folding) treadmills on the market. It also features decline as well as incline, so you can walk downhill as well as uphill - something I recommend to keep all of your muscles in gear. It gets good quality ratings from several reviewers.9. Gold's Gym VX 5000 Treadmill
The big 2.5 HP motor has a 12-year warranty. This model is also iFit compatible, so you can use various workouts with it, as well as the 10 pre-programmed workouts. It has fans to keep you cooled down and heart rate grip and chest sensors. It is a best buy runner-up in its price category for 2006-07 at TreadmillDoctor.com10. Vision Fitness 9200 Treadmill
TreadmillDoctor.com and a leading consumer magazine gave this model their 1st Runner-up for its price category. It has no pre-programmed workouts but does display elevation, time, distance, calories. Has a 2 HP continuous duty motor.Come tell us about your experiences with these treadmills and other models in the Walking Forum. Read the reviews from other treadmill users.
