Sole F80 Treadmill (2011 Model)

In the past week I have been on the internet as usual, trying to see what would interest me and just may be interest you too. I was looking and browsing through loads and loads of treadmill brands, prices, and previews. Comparing and contrasting!

I was trying to come up with a perfect treadmill for those of you who are enthusiastic, or is it cautious, about their fitness.

The variety was overwhelming. So I turned to reading through various treadmill reviews and forums. At the end of it all, the Sole F80 Treadmill (2011 Model) stood out of the rest in both performance and price.

The Sole F80 Treadmill is designed for anyone looking for style, value and durability. It is a great machine even for moderate to athletic runners. The 2011 model comes about $100 cheaper than its predecessor (2009-2010 model). For $1,499.99 the Sole F80 continues to be the most popular and best selling mid-range treadmill in the $1,000-2,000 bracket both at Amazon.com and other online stores.

The Sole F80 2011 model comes with an extended deck (5 Inches longer than its predecessor) and an enhanced 7.5 Inch display. Sole is still offering a lifetime warranty on the motor, frame, and deck, 2 years on labor, and 5 years on the electronics.

Let’s have a look at Sole F80 Treadmill (2011 Model) features and functions:

a.   3.0 Horsepower Continuous Duty Motor: The treadmill comes   powered up with a 3.0 horsepower continuous duty motor and a relatively heavier all-steel zinc coated balanced flywheel. This gives the Sole F80 a secure, quiet, and vibration free running/walking surface. The powerful motor can give challenging speeds of up to 11MPH.

b.   Easy Assist Folding Deck Design:  The Easy Assist folding deck design is ideal for those who lack the space to permanently put their treadmill on. The treadmill measures 33 x 80 inches (W x D) and weighs 250 pounds. This feature couldn’t be any handier. It allows you to easily release the deck and watch it gently unfold itself to the ground. When you are done with your workout, just fold it up and stack it away.

c.    Cushion Flex Shock Absorption System:  The whisper-quiet cushion flex deck system is designed to absorb your running or walking shocks on the deck thereby reducing the impact to your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Researchers say that it reduces the impact by up to 40% as compared to running on asphalt. This makes it ideal for regular runners or those with related injuries. The deck has the capacity of up to 350 pounds.

d.   Six standard workouts, two custom workouts:  This feature comes with a preset 6 standard and 2 custom workout programs. It allows you to workout with the 6 automatic programs or customize the other 2 to your specific needs. It also comes with a wireless chest strap that monitors your heart rate up to the second. The chest strap monitor is said to be 99.9% accurate.

e.   7.5-inch LCD Display:  The display plays a vital role in the users’ workout program. It is through this screen that you are able to track your workout progress. The display includes windows for distance covered, incline, speed, time, pace, pulse, and calories.

f.     Integrated Message Board:  The Integrated Message feature can walk you through the treadmills’ features or through the workout program itself. When you are done with the workout the message board will recap your workout routine for you to see your “workout to workout” progress.

g.   Integrated Sound System:  This makes it possible for you to listen to your MP3 or iPod while you are on the workout. Simply plug in your audio source into the jack on the left side of the console. You will have to control the volume from the audio source though.

In my research I found out that many people in fitness programs attest to the fact that this treadmill has fantastic features way above the mid-range category that it can easily fit in the high-end category.

At $1,499.99, you will be buying this treadmill with a full Sole F80 warranty which is way above standard industry warranties, and at far much less than what you would pay on different brands which could sell for well over $2,000 with similar features.

Downside

A drawback on this treadmill many be its top speed of about 11MPH which some intense runners say is on the lower side. Despite having a 3.0 HP motor, those who are looking for robust workout find the 11MPH lacking in that regard. Otherwise the speed is fine for an average and casual workout. It is also worth noting that the Sole F80 is a domestic treadmill, not so much on the commercial side.

Secondly, the price is on the prohibitive side for many who are looking for a casual workout treadmill. The $1,499.99 price is generally on the higher side for most consumers.

Other than that the Sole F80 is an ideal treadmill for almost anyone.

I am sure you would come to the same conclusion as mine if you researched further. In the mid-range treadmill category, and for under $1,500, the Sole F80 is the best you can find. Otherwise you may just end up paying well over $2,000 on a different brand with similar features.

You can buy the Sole F80 right now and right here: Sole F80 Treadmill (2011 Model)

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