Sole F80 Treadmill (2009 Model)

Sole F80 Treadmill (2009 Model)



Product Features
►Features a 3.0 horsepower motor and lift-assist to easily fold
►Includes grip pulse monitoring and a heart rate chest strap
►Six standard programs, two user-specific programs, and two heart rate programs; speed range is 0.1-12 miles per hour
►LED display tracks your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace
►350-pound maximum weight capacity; measures 33 by 75 by 58 inches (W x L x H) when assembled; folds to 68 by 43 inches (H x D)



Product Description
Updated with enhanced features for 2009, the Sole F80 treadmill has earned a reputation as one of the best-quality treadmills in its price range thanks to its unbeatable combination of high-quality components and user-friendliness. The treadmill boasts a strong 3.0-horsepower, continuous-duty motor, which delivers challenging speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and inclines of up to 15 percent. At the same time, the F80's Cushion Flex Whisper Deck is built to protect your joints from excessive pounding, with the ability to reduce impact up to 40 percent compared to running on asphalt. And when you're not using the treadmill, it folds into a compact footprint and locks securely in place, thereby saving a ton of storage space.

The F80 is equipped with a host of user-friendly features, including six preset workout programs, two customizable programs, and two heart rate programs, along with a red display that tracks your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. There's even a 1/4-mile digital track that you can follow as you run and a peak-and-valley graph that corresponds to individual programs. Other details include a large stop switch for safety; a low-profile running hood; armrest cooling fans; speed and incline controls on the armrests; a wireless chest strap that measures your heart rate; and a 20-by-55-inch running deck. The F80 treadmill, which offers a user capacity of up to 335 pounds, carries the following warranties: lifetime on the motor, deck, and frame; five years on the electronics, belt, and rollers; and two years on the labor.

Customer Reviews

►I owned a Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill for a couple of years. It was repaired several times after suffering mechanical and electrical problems, but never again ran properly. After disappointing customer service with Bowflex (Nautilus), I replaced it with a Sole F80. When comparing my ownership experience with both treadmills, I recommend the Sole F80.

Bowflex Series 7:
a. 20x60 running surface (better for tall runners)
b. 3.0 hp motor gets belt to full speed in about 2-3 sec
c. no countdown before belt begins to move
d. stylish console, but not as easy to use
e. no speed or incline controls on handles (only on console)
f. metallic handrails (causes static electricity shock)
g. must tip/lean treadmill backwards to move (dangerous!)
h. warranty: 10 yrs motor, 2 yrs electronics, only 1 year labor

Sole F80:
a. 20x55 running surface (good for most people)
b. 3.0 hp motor gets belt to full speed in about 6-8 sec
c. 3 sec countdown before belt begins to move
d. console not stylish, but functional and easy to use
e. speed and incline controls located on handles AND on console
f. hand rails covered with rubber compound for better grip
g. treadmill slides along ground without tipping or leaning
h. warranty: lifetime on motor, 5 yrs electronics, 2 years labor

Delivery of large box is supposed to be made inside front door or garage. Both times, I gave the delivery person a generous "tip" for their prompt delivery service, and both times the treadmill was generously brought down into my basement. Delivery drivers were quite pleasant both times.

Assembly for both treadmills was relatively easy and both treadmills took just under 2 hours to assemble (screwing in hand rails on BOTH treadmills can be tricky-need to make sure you don't puncture and/or pinch console wires!). All necessary tools were supplied for both.

The Bowflex Series 7 and Sole F80 both have powerful and quiet 3.0 hp motors.

The decks on both feel about the same when running/walking on them. Neither deck is "whisper quiet" when running on it. To me, the deck of the Bowflex Series 7 was slightly louder (a problem that became progressively worse during my ownership of the Bowflex Series 7). If you're a taller runner (over 6 feet tall) or run with a long stride, then the F80's deck may be a little too short for you (or course, Sole makes a longer treadmill for a few hundred dollars more). But for most of us who walk/jog/run on a treadmill, the Sole F80 is a very good size and fit.

I can see why hotels use the Sole F80 treadmill. First of all, the F80 has a much better warranty (about double of what Bowflex offers). Also, from a safety or "hotel liability" standpoint, the Sole F80's has better user-friendly features such as: (a) 3 sec countdown before belt begins to move (avoids surprises/injuries); (b) belt takes 6-8 sec to get to full speed (avoids surprises/injuries); (c) easy grip handles with rubber compound (remember: most people grab the handles when they get into trouble!); (d) speed/incline controls on console AND handles (really easy to use controls on handles when running or walking); and (e) no need to tip or lean treadmill backwards when moving (easy on your back, plus treadmill won't fall on you).

Had I done my homework the first time, I would have initially bought the Sole F80 instead of the Bowflex Series 7. Although the Bowflex Series 7 was highly recommended, it did not hold up well over time. If you are considering a folding treadmill for under $1,500.00, you should consider the Sole F80.

Good product. Great value. Great warranty.

By Marc