Comparing the Horizon treadmill to theSole treadmill
Whether you’re aiming to create your own home gym or just looking for a new alternative to walking, jogging or running outdoors, a treadmill is a great option to have in your home — especially when the weather is bad. A treadmill allows you greater flexibility and clarity when tracking your workout progress, as most treadmills display details such as calories burned, speed, incline, heart rate and other vital information. While treadmills are perfect for beginners, athletes and everyone in between, they can be a bit of an investment, so you want to make sure you choose a durable machine that will last you a while. Two popular companies that manufacture user-friendly, trusted models are Sole and Horizon.
Sole treadmills
Sole offers a line of treadmills and other exercise equipment across North America. While they carry several different models, many of the models have the following inclusions and features:
A cushioned 2-ply belt; many are folding and widths vary by model
3.0-4.0 continuous horsepower, or CHP
The ability to control speed and incline easily, as well as monitor heart rate (mounted on the handle bars)
LCD display that shows you your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, heart rate, calorie, pulse and pace
Emergency stop and safety buttons
Bluetooth connectivity and association with SOLE Fitness app, which is compatible with FitBit, iHealth and MyFitnessPal
USB port for charging your devices while you run
Some models have removable tablet holders included, so you can watch a close-up stream or recording of an exercise class or show while you workout.
Sole treadmill pros
Sole provides runners with several options across all of their models. Most are durable, larger treadmills with a weight limit of about 325 pounds to 400 pounds. They have large LCD screens, which are user-friendly even for beginners or young runners. Sole models have strong motors, meaning they can run with full power for an extended period of time.
One of their best features for wear and tear is their cushioned belt, which helps absorb shock. This makes runs easier not only on the treadmill itself, but your knees, too.
Sole treadmill cons
Sole treadmills run between $1,000 to $3,000. While this is the average cost for an at-home treadmill, it’s not a light purchase. Besides the cost, you should also prepare yourself for the headache of assembly. Many reviews claim that these treadmills are a bit difficult to assemble and require a lot of reading and patience.
The best Sole treadmills
Sole F63 Treadmill: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods This model promises power while remaining fairly quiet when in use. The F63 includes a 3-CHP motor, a tablet holder and built-in Bluetooth speakers so you can listen to your music while you run. Sole F80 Treadmill: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods The F80 features a large LCD display screen. This model has speeds between 0.5-12 MPH and has a 3.5-CHP motor. It holds a maximum weight of 375 pounds, as opposed to other similar models from Sole that only support users of 325 pounds or less. You can set the incline anywhere from 0% to 15%.
Sole F85 Treadmill: available at Amazon This model has a 4-CHP motor, holds up to 400 pounds and has a speed range of 0.5-12 MPH. The cushion flex deck reduces impact on your joints — compared to running outdoors — by 40%. The F85, like the F80, can be altered to have an incline anywhere from 0% to 15%.
Horizon treadmills
Like Sole, Horizon manufactures several different models of treadmills, most of which include the following:
3-zone variable response cushioning
Feather-light folding capabilities
Bluetooth connectivity
Built-in speakers
Multiple speeds and incline settings
CHP ranging from 2.5-4.0 (depending on the model)
Horizon treadmill pros
Horizon treadmills are typically available at a lower price point when compared to Sole treadmills; you can find a good model between $640-$2,000. They also have an energy saver mode, a fan, a water bottle holder and the ability to hold your tablet in place while you run. They produce minimal noise when in use and offer feedback and tracking for:
Time
Distance
Calories burned
Speed
Incline
Pace
Heart Rate
They also include 10 workout programs that you can use: Manual, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, My First 5K, Distance, Heart Rate, Calories, Custom, Sprint 8 and Custom HR.
Horizon treadmill cons
As with most technology, the more features involved means more room for potential malfunction and flaws. When compared to Sole, their user reviews are slightly lower, but most people state that for straightforward running, these products are great.
The best Horizon treadmills
Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon This treadmill is a basic, user-friendly treadmill for anyone who wants to walk, jog or run. It features simple assembly and sturdy construction. Its speed range is between 0-10 mph and its incline range is 0-10%. It also includes Bluetooth speakers.
Horizon Fitness 7.8AT Treadmill: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods The 7.8AT is a slightly newer model; it has a wider surface than other Horizon treadmills and has a 15% incline. The Bluetooth connectivity on this unit is more advanced, allowing you to stream classes more seamlessly.
Should I get a Sole treadmill or a Horizon treadmill?
In the end, both Sole and Horizon treadmills are similarly designed and would provide you with years of successful home workouts. Although Horizon is more budget-friendly, Sole treadmills seem to have the most positive reviews, useful features, highest customer satisfaction and overall durability.
Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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