Sole F80 Treadmill Review
If you are interested in the Sole F80, then you are not alone. Let’s face it, this very popular folding treadmill is expensive at the RRP of $2099, so a lot of people are wondering whether it is worth the money. But right now you can get one a damn side cheaper than that.
Compact
This is a folding machine, so you can fit it into tight spaces. Therefore, it is ideal for those who live in an apartment.
Running deck:
The deck is longer than previous versions of the Sole F80, so it is better for runners. The dimensions are 20×60 inches, which means it can handle even taller runners with ease. Many of the cheaper machines have decks that are 55 inches or shorter, which renders them useless for running. That is not the case with the F80. To help those who have issues with lower joints, it comes with a low impact whisper quiet cushion flex deck. Therefore, if you find that running does a number on your joints, the F80 can help. In studies, it has been shown to reduce the impact by as much as 40% when compared with running on the streets. Even better for your join might be elliptical machines. If you consider purchasing one, then click here to read some reviews.
LCD display
The 7.5 inch LCD display has all the features you need to see when you workout (speed, incline, time, distance gone, calories, etc). It comes with integrated speakers, which allows you to plug in your iPod and listen to music as you run. The console also comes with a quarter mile track and a graph that shows how far you have run, something many cheaper machines do not have.
Horsepower
It has 3hp continuous duty motor. This is quite good when compared with other models, and it is able to handle running easily. If you are a serious runner, you do not have to worry about it giving out on you in 3 months.
Speed
It can go up to 12 miles an hour, which is more than enough for even the most serious of runners. Unless you are planning to use it for sprinting, this is sufficient.
Incline
It can achieve an incredible 15% incline rate. Many others can only go up to 8-10. Therefore, if you like running in hilly and mountainous terrain, this machine will keep you in shape during the colder months.
Warranty
The F80 comes with a lifetime warranty for the engine, deck and the frame, which is excellent when stacked against the competition. It also has a 60 month warranty for the electronics, belt, rollers and any other wear elements, and 24 months for the labor. When you compare it with similar priced machines, this is quite good.
Construction
One of the best parts about the F80 is the solid way it is built. It uses a powder coated, steel welded frames and heavy duty stable inclines. In other words, if you are running at full speed, you do not have to worry about it shaking around on you. It also has a very heavy flywheel, which allows users to run more fluidly than they could with other machines.
Assembly
Building the F80 is not that difficult. For any reasonably tech savvy person, this can be accomplished in 60 minutes or less.
Price Reduction
This machine normally goes for around $1500 from most retail outlets, which might sound expensive. However, if you are looking for a serious runner’s treadmill, this is the one to go with. If you spend any less than $1,000 for a new machine, you will have a tough time finding a quality running treadmill. Most of the cheaper ones are really only walking machines.
At the moment, because spring and summer are the low season for home exercise equipment Sole Fitness have dropped the price to a crazy $1299.99. (Love the 99c). So if you have some spare cash and want to keep up a sensible exercise program through the coming winter, I’d suggest you take the plunge. At the moment there is free shipping to any mainland US state; and if you don’t like it after 30 days then there is a money-back guarantee. Just remember to keep the packaging and your paperwork.
Acceleration
While the Sole F80 can go up to 12 miles an hour, it takes quite a while to increase speeds. Of course, this is not a big deal. Waiting a few seconds longer to get up to speed is not going to make or break your workout. Still, it is a small annoyance to some.
Useless Add-ons
It seems like the F80 treadmills wouldn’t suffer at all if Sole got rid of some of the unnecessary elements. For instance, the fan really does not add much value, and is something a lot of runners will never use. Also, the cup holder is in a very awkward location, making it virtually impossible to use without stopping your workout. This is a great machine capable of offering years of trouble free operation. Don’t detract from that with a few questionable cosmetic items.
Speakers
The speakers are relatively low quality. Forget them.
Weight
Due to the solid steel construction and the flywheel, this machine is not light. This makes it difficult to get to the place you intend to set it up. It might have to be a 2 or even 3 person job to move it. Having said that you’ll get a treadmill that will last you for years and years.
Conclusion
This machine has often been compared with health club treadmills due to its high quality and great core features. Overall, the Sole F80 is worth the money at the present heavily discounted price. Sure, it might be slightly more expensive than other new models. However, if you are a runner than the extra cost is well worth it. I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 in terms of value for money at the present price discount.
Compact
This is a folding machine, so you can fit it into tight spaces. Therefore, it is ideal for those who live in an apartment.
Running deck:
The deck is longer than previous versions of the Sole F80, so it is better for runners. The dimensions are 20×60 inches, which means it can handle even taller runners with ease. Many of the cheaper machines have decks that are 55 inches or shorter, which renders them useless for running. That is not the case with the F80. To help those who have issues with lower joints, it comes with a low impact whisper quiet cushion flex deck. Therefore, if you find that running does a number on your joints, the F80 can help. In studies, it has been shown to reduce the impact by as much as 40% when compared with running on the streets. Even better for your join might be elliptical machines. If you consider purchasing one, then click here to read some reviews.
LCD display
The 7.5 inch LCD display has all the features you need to see when you workout (speed, incline, time, distance gone, calories, etc). It comes with integrated speakers, which allows you to plug in your iPod and listen to music as you run. The console also comes with a quarter mile track and a graph that shows how far you have run, something many cheaper machines do not have.
Horsepower
It has 3hp continuous duty motor. This is quite good when compared with other models, and it is able to handle running easily. If you are a serious runner, you do not have to worry about it giving out on you in 3 months.
Speed
It can go up to 12 miles an hour, which is more than enough for even the most serious of runners. Unless you are planning to use it for sprinting, this is sufficient.
Incline
It can achieve an incredible 15% incline rate. Many others can only go up to 8-10. Therefore, if you like running in hilly and mountainous terrain, this machine will keep you in shape during the colder months.
Warranty
The F80 comes with a lifetime warranty for the engine, deck and the frame, which is excellent when stacked against the competition. It also has a 60 month warranty for the electronics, belt, rollers and any other wear elements, and 24 months for the labor. When you compare it with similar priced machines, this is quite good.
Construction
One of the best parts about the F80 is the solid way it is built. It uses a powder coated, steel welded frames and heavy duty stable inclines. In other words, if you are running at full speed, you do not have to worry about it shaking around on you. It also has a very heavy flywheel, which allows users to run more fluidly than they could with other machines.
Assembly
Building the F80 is not that difficult. For any reasonably tech savvy person, this can be accomplished in 60 minutes or less.
Price Reduction
This machine normally goes for around $1500 from most retail outlets, which might sound expensive. However, if you are looking for a serious runner’s treadmill, this is the one to go with. If you spend any less than $1,000 for a new machine, you will have a tough time finding a quality running treadmill. Most of the cheaper ones are really only walking machines.
At the moment, because spring and summer are the low season for home exercise equipment Sole Fitness have dropped the price to a crazy $1299.99. (Love the 99c). So if you have some spare cash and want to keep up a sensible exercise program through the coming winter, I’d suggest you take the plunge. At the moment there is free shipping to any mainland US state; and if you don’t like it after 30 days then there is a money-back guarantee. Just remember to keep the packaging and your paperwork.
Acceleration
While the Sole F80 can go up to 12 miles an hour, it takes quite a while to increase speeds. Of course, this is not a big deal. Waiting a few seconds longer to get up to speed is not going to make or break your workout. Still, it is a small annoyance to some.
Useless Add-ons
It seems like the F80 treadmills wouldn’t suffer at all if Sole got rid of some of the unnecessary elements. For instance, the fan really does not add much value, and is something a lot of runners will never use. Also, the cup holder is in a very awkward location, making it virtually impossible to use without stopping your workout. This is a great machine capable of offering years of trouble free operation. Don’t detract from that with a few questionable cosmetic items.
Speakers
The speakers are relatively low quality. Forget them.
Weight
Due to the solid steel construction and the flywheel, this machine is not light. This makes it difficult to get to the place you intend to set it up. It might have to be a 2 or even 3 person job to move it. Having said that you’ll get a treadmill that will last you for years and years.
Conclusion
This machine has often been compared with health club treadmills due to its high quality and great core features. Overall, the Sole F80 is worth the money at the present heavily discounted price. Sure, it might be slightly more expensive than other new models. However, if you are a runner than the extra cost is well worth it. I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 in terms of value for money at the present price discount.