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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.
The Smooth 6.25 treadmill is one of the better buys. Smooth only sells online and direct, passing the savings on to the consumer. This treadmill is excellent for both walkers and joggers. It is equipped with a 2.75 HP continuous duty motor, 2.5" rollers and an upgraded LED console and display. One of the best consoles under $1,500. The Swing Arm Suspension System excels at reducing impact. It weighs a hefty 260 lbs. What really makes this model a great value are the warranties. Larger rollers reduce wear, and increase the life of the motor, treadbelt, bearings and the roller, itself.
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.
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.
The motor is an impressive 3.0 hp with a 12 year warranty. It has a 350 pound weight capacity. TreadmillDoctor.com gave it their Best Buy for 2006-07 in the Under $1000 price category.
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.com
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.
The Smooth 5.25 is their entry-level model. Smooth Fitness has always had a strong contender at $1,000 (Price includes shipping). The Smooth 5.25 was award "Best Buy" in 2006 from Treadmill Doctor. For approximately $1,000, you get a 2.5 HP continuous duty motor, generous selection of workout programs, the Swing Arm Suspension System, and a generous lifetime motor and 5-year parts warranty. In general, this treadmill has a very good service track record.
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.
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.
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.
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