Folding vs Non-Folding Treadmills - The Real Story

!±8± Folding vs Non-Folding Treadmills - The Real Story

We receive this question quite a bit, so we decided to write about it. Many people wonder if buying a treadmill that will fold away is a good idea or not. To answer the question, we have to go a little deeper before we can arrive at a good, logical answer. The primary concern that people have is "am I giving up something to have the capability of the treadmill to fold?" So, let's investigate this concern to uncover the answer to our topic.

What are the differences in a folding treadmill and a regular treadmill? The answer is not many. In many cases, other than frame parts, there are no differences in the physical construction of the machine. One of our owners was at a treadmill manufacturer when they decided to start building fold up treadmills. The parts list for the treadmill was identical, with the exception of a few bolts and different frame parts.

So, we have ended this discussion quickly and can move on. Right? Well, not really. The problem is not with what they put into machines in many cases. It is how they build it. If you are considering the purchase of a folding treadmill or if you think you may want one in the future, consider this question first, "why do I want one?" Most people don't realize that if you need to save room, you usually will be looking at a wall when you exercise. That is due to almost every treadmill on the market folding from the rear of the treadmill to the front. That means the front has to be placed against the wall. The few we have seen that fold from the front to the rear aren't worth buying and we haven't seen one of these for sale in quite a while.

If you want one that is easy to move around this is also a misnomer. It is true that they navigate much better due to the smaller footprint when folded, but you better have someone who is strong to handle it. Even the cheap models can weigh 120 to 150 lbs. Another reason to have one is to be able to clean easily underneath it. We can't find any problem with this logic and that is why we have folding treadmills ourselves.

The difference in the build of the treadmill is the most important feature. Icon Health and Fitness was the first company in the modern era to build a folding treadmill. The first folding treadmill was actually built in the early 1900's. Icon's original ideas have been redesigned in the past few years and have become a very good design. Most of their treadmills are easy to service, the design is very good, and they have minimized the initial problems that surfaced. The frame design is a little heavier than some of their non-folding efforts and actually creates a treadmill that should structurally last longer than other non-folding treadmills in the same price range. They sell under the brand names ProForm, Weslo, Image, NordicTrack, Reebok, and HealthRider.

Some other companies such as Keys, Everyoung, Trimline, Schwinn, and Vision sell a higher class of treadmill but in almost every case, these treadmills sacrifice quality for the ability to fold up. For instance, the Keys folding machines are much less stable than their non-folding units while an Image folding treadmill is much more stable than anything else below ,000. Some of these manufacturers have had to add extra support to bolster their designs just to get them to stand upright when folded, using cheap kick stand-like contraptions. It is our opinion that you should start from scratch to design a folding treadmill, not modify an existing design, as many manufacturers have.

The king of the folding treadmill is unquestionably Spirit. If you look at a Spirit folding treadmill on the showroom floor, you may never realize that you are looking at a folding treadmill. You may just think that it is another ,000 to ,500 treadmill until the salesperson shows you that it will fold up. The amazing feature of the Spirit unit is that their folding units have so much extra structural support built into their frames. Although they still make non-folding treadmills, their folding units are much more stable and rugged than their non-folding treadmills. In other words, if you need a folding treadmill and can afford a Spirit, theirs is the way to go.

Folding vs Non-Folding Treadmills - The Real Story

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Smooth 6.17 Folding Treadmill Review

!±8± Smooth 6.17 Folding Treadmill Review

As a Smooth Fitness product my first expectation is a warranty which makes the other manufacturers in its price range envious. The 6.17 does not disappoint in that department. Smooth is the only manufacturer I know of who gives a lifetime frame and motor warranty as well as a 5 year parts warranty on a machine that sells for less that 00. The warranty keeps you covered in the event of wearing and breakage issues but ultimately it is the machine which needs to make up the majority of its value.

The 6.17 does not disappoint. It is a Smooth through and through even if it is one of their mid range models. Starting with a strong motor and impressive design, the 6.17 goes on to offer rock solid frame, an ease of use which opens this machine up to all abilities, and a unique type of shock absorption which helps to make workouts more effective.

Smooth 6.17 Treadmill Specifications
Motor- 2.5 Hp Folding- Yes Max Speed- 10mph Incline- 0-15% Walking Surface- 56" X 20" Display- Blue Backlit LCD Programs- 11 Dimensions- 77" x 36" x 54" Treadmill Weight- 220 lbs Max User Weight- 325 lbs Warranty- Lifetime motor and Frame, 5 years parts, years in home labor

Despite not having a full 60" of length, the 6.17 does have a cut away console which allows the user to have a body position which is further forward than is allowed on other machines. This means that at my 6' 0", it is comfortable to run on this machine and I do not have the constant feeling that I am about to fall off the back.

The major unique feature is the dual pivot swing arm cushioning design. The deck moves with the users foot falls to not only reduce shock, but also to increase the effectiveness of your workout. In fact, this shock absorption design helps to burn between 14% and 23% more calories.

Sleek, Stylish, A Piece Of Art You Can Run On

Many of the new Smooth Fitness machines have some design element which is really turning heads. Smooth has revamped many of their consoles which as well thought out or designed as they could have been. The 6.17 benefits from Smooth's new attention to console detail and delivers on the promise of continued attention to improving customer experience which Smooth continues to make.

Solidity, stability, and a smooth drive train are 3 things customers expect from a smooth machine. Smooth did not deviate from the formula which has earned them many accolades in the last few years. An absolute joy to just hope on, quick start, and run a good half an hour. The 2.5 horse power runs quiet and does nothing to distract from one great workout.

The length of the running surface is not ideal, but then again Smooth does have many other models which do offer a 60" length if it is necessary. The only thing I would have liked is the availability for a little more speed even though it would probably become awkward with only 56" of belt.

Hard To Fault Easy To Love

Although it is not as long as many other smooth machines it is just as smooth and solid. The strong 2.5 hp is perfectly suited to run cool and last, while providing smooth, quiet function. A true gem which is beautiful and most impressively priced. At around 00 it is a stand out in its price range and surprisingly easy to afford.

Smooth 6.17 Folding Treadmill Review

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Sole F63 Treadmill Review - New For 2009

!±8± Sole F63 Treadmill Review - New For 2009

With some new updates for the new 2009 model, the Sole F63 quality treadmill has been rated as the top buy in its price point for a long time. As Sole does with all models, they have taken note of customer needs and comments-and in the process given the consumer a machine that not only focuses on the customers, but is a great value for their money.

Personally, I don't think that the Sole F63 needed an update, but I will agree that the LCD screen and updated console are improvements that are very welcome and do make the console itself much more appealing. Although the machine has been considered an ultimate in value, the addition of the speakers with MP3 port was icing on the cake.

Knowing that the addition of the speaker helped its popularity, but so has the installation of fans. Also, the ability to fold the Sole F63 easily helps sales, too-except that there are no hydraulic shocks in this machine.

All These Years Later, Still A Great Value

Having been around for many years, and receiving just as many rave reviews, the Sole F63 is now going through some updates for 2009. Many consumers, however, are expressing concern over the MSRP-or Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price-because of the update. Sole does sell it treadmills directly from the factory, so there really is no need to be concerned about the MSRP of 00.

Buying directly from the factory will continue to give you great value, that has not changed.

Even though this is not a high-end treadmill, it still provides increased impact cushioning of up to 36.5%--compare that to running on an asphalt street. Running is turned into a low-impact exercise, and actually becomes enjoyable for those people who have joint problems, such as arthritis-all because of the shock absorption. The platform feels very smooth, and does not pass on vibrations all through the machine, as you are holding onto it-as opposed to many other machines in the same price point, or less.

However, the only concerns about the F63 are that the power may not be enough-especially if the user of the machine is too close to the limit allowed by the machine at the incline in use at the time. The other concern-taller individuals have tougher time feeling at ease on the small walking area on the F63. This can really make running a challenge for them.

Value Driven

Sole is still concerned that its customers stay happy, even with the updates. That's why the aesthetic updates were done in the first place-to make the unhappy pleased. Even with the price hike, the Sole F63 treadmill has kept everything that made it a wonderful value before, and added a few redesigns just for the consumer.

Sole F63 Treadmill Review - New For 2009

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