Sole F83 Treadmill (2011 Model)

Sole F83 Treadmill (2011 Model) Review

Sole F83 Treadmill (2011 Model) Feature

• Folding treadmill with 3.25-horsepower continuous-duty motor
• Vibrant 9-inch LCD display with integrated speakers and audio cable
• 6 standard workouts, 2 custom workouts, and 2 HR-controlled workouts
• Easy Assist folding deck design; Cushion Flex shock-absorption system
• 375-pound capacity; measures 33 x 80 inches (W x D); weighs 260 pounds

With a larger motor and additional torque than the F80, the Sole F83 treadmill is an ideal machine for serious runners. All Sole treadmills are outfitted with powder-coated, all-steel welded frames and heavy-duty, stable inclines. Sole took the F83 to the next level, however, by using an industrial-quality 3.25-horsepower continuous-duty motor and an all-steel zinc-coated balanced flywheel, creating a secure, quiet, vibration-free running/walking surface. The flywheel is also much heavier than most other brands, giving runners the fluid motion they're accustomed to at the gym, or on treadmills costing thousands of dollars more. To accommodate runners with balky joints, Sole added its low-impact, whisper-quiet Cushion Flex deck. The Cushion Flex system greatly reduces the impact to your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine, making it comfortable for frequent runners or for users with running- and walking-related injuries. In a recent study, researchers concluded that the Cushion Flex deck reduced impact up to 40 percent as compared to running on asphalt.

The F83's console includes a vibrant 9-inch LCD display and an integrated sound system.

The F83 makes it easy to track your workout progress via the vibrant 9-inch LCD display, which includes windows for speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. The console also sports a 1/4-mile track and a peak-and-valley graph for different programs, along with an integrated sound system for listening to your iPod or MP3 player (the system includes built-in speakers and a sound cord that plugs into your player's headphone jack). Perhaps the handiest feature is the integrated message board, which offers scrolling messages that walk you through the treadmill's features or the workout itself. The message board will also recap your entire routine after you're finished, so you can see your progress from workout to workout.

The F83 comes complete with two heart-rate-controlled workout options, so you can customize the workout specifically to your needs. Throughout your HR workout, the treadmill will display a heart rate zone graph on the console while adjusting the incline to keep you in your target zone (the treadmill includes a wireless chest strap that touts a 99.9 percent accuracy rating). The remainder of the time, you can challenge yourself with the six automatic programs or two customizable programs.

And to reduce space, the F83 boasts an Easy Assist folding deck design. This unique feature allows you to release the deck, step back, and watch the deck unfold itself. When you're done with your workout, simply fold it back up and store it out of the way. Other features include cooling fans, armrest incline and speed controls, a wide commercial-sized belt, and a low-profile running hood.

The treadmill's Easy Assist folding deck helps save space in crowded homes.

Specifications:

• Motor: 3.25 horsepower continuous duty, DC type, ultra high torque
• Speed: 0.5 to 12 miles per hour
• Incline: 15 percent maximum, rack-and-pinion gear design
• Deck design: Cushion Flex shock absorption, whisper quiet
• Running surface: 20 by 60 inches
• Belt: Double-woven 2 ply
• Rollers: 2-3/4 inches
• Folding: Yes, with Easy Assist folding feature
• Heart rate control: Yes, with wireless chest strap
• Hand pulse grips: Yes, with armrest speed/incline controls
• Display: Backlit blue LCD, 9 inches
• Message window: Yes, scrolling info
• Standard programs: 6
• User-defined programs: 2
• Heart rate programs: 2
• Cooling fans: Yes
• Capacity: 375 pounds
• Dimensions: 33 by 80 inches (W x D)
• Weight: 260 pounds
• Warranties: Lifetime on motor, deck, and frame; 5 years on electronics, belt, rollers, and other wear components; 2 years on labor