The Sole E25 Elliptical Review -- Best Rated Elliptical Under $1000

Ohiyo!

Here at the DOJO I get in a lot of emailing asking me what the best elliptical priced at under $1000 is on the market today. That's always a tough question to answer because my opinion and what I see as the best may not suit everyon. I can just give you what I think is the best from what I've seen and from the units I've repaired, set up or reviewed. But you guys keep asking!

Now, based on my experience of just over 20 years now, if I have to be tied down to a single choice for best elliptical under $1000 then it's going to have to be the Sole E25.

2008 Ichi-Ban Best Buy Award Winner.

By whatever name you want to call it, the Sole E25 elliptical is by far the best elliptical in its price range. What you get is the very comfortable 20" stride with Sole's patented 2% inclined pedals (which are a load easier on your feet than a lot of ellipticals -- Tunturi, I'm taking to you!). The Sole E25 gives you the closest feel to a commercial grade piece (such as from Life Fitness or Matrix) at a fantastic price.

Truthfully, the Sole E25 is just a stripped down and shortened version of the Sole E35, but you're really not losing anything important. You've got a few less programs (6 on the E25), but most people only ever use one or two. You've got a shorter footprint, which is a great thing especially since you keep that longer 20" stride that all of the Sole ellipticals feature.

If you're looking for a super heavy duty, high performance elliptical that will stand up to any workout you throw at it and withstand the test of time, you simply can't go wrong with the Sole E25 Elliptical. It easily ranks as the Treadmill Sensei's best buy under $1000.

The Sole E25 Elliptical gets 4.5 out 5 of Golden Buddahs. Excellent!

The Sole E25 Elliptical gets a near perfect score of 4.5 gold buddahs out of 5.




Get more information on the Sole E25 Elliptical. Don't get conned into paying an additional shipping charge from some vendors...Find the lowest price and FREE Shipping HERE.


Sole E25 Elliptical Specifications
Stride Length: 20 inches
Resistance Levels: 16
HR Control: No
Console: Blue LCD
Programs: 6
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes, pulse grip
Fans: Yes
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

The Horizon T74 Treadmill - Top Rated Home Treadmill

Ohiyo!

Before I get in to today's reviews I'd like to throw a note out to you, my loyal readers. If there is a treadmill or elliptical you are interested in seeing reviewed, email me and I'll try to get it done. I'm doing this for you so let me know what you'd like to see!

Today the Treadmill Sensei got in a batch of 10 Horizon T74 treadmills here at the DOJO. They're going out to a batch of customers down in Pasadena and Burbank. Most of the time we take boxed units out to the customers (we're hired by places like Sports Chalet and Sports Authority to set up and service equipment their customers purchase), but I've been itching to play around with one of these new 2007 Horizon Treadmills since I saw them back in August at a trade show. So, what I did was set one of the boxed units up when I'll take our personally to set up for the customer. Don't worry, I contacted the very nice woman who purchased it to make sure it was ok for me to use her treadmill for a review.

Taking the Horizon T74 out of the box, the first thing I noticed is that, like the Horizon T73, the new design on Horizon's top of the line model is very square and angular compared to the smooth lines of the unit it replaced. If you've seen the old Horizon T64 treadmills then you are familiar with their very pretty curves and fluid lines. The change isn't a minus it is just something that will take a bit for me to get used to. On the plus side, it does look very cool and high tech now.

While there are a ton of cosmetic changes to the new Horizon treadmills, the mechanics "under the hood" are the same as the top rated models from last year. The Horizon T74 has the exact same gigantic Johnson Tech 2.5 horsepower motor, shock absorption technology, and large rollers. It also has the same 20x55 inch deck which I still wish was just a tad bit larger.

One of the great additions is in the frame. The Horizon T74 treadmills just feel a tad bit heavier and sturdier than the old T64s. I'm not a big man, but I could run full out on the new T74 and even jump up and down on it with little to no shaking at all. The Horizon T74 is a well constructed machine and the frame seems to be more metal than plastic...a very nice change from other, more bargain basement level treadmills.

The 10 programs are a nice addition, but what really shines in the new orange backlit LCD screens. The old blue screens on the Horizon T64 were a little blurry and harder to read. The new screens are much brighter, clearer and sharper, giving the Horizon T74 treadmill a huge boost up.

All in all, I quite enjoyed my 45 minute workout on the Horizon T74. Johhnson Tech continues to make some of the best home grade treadmills out there. Like it's ancester the Horizon T64, the brand new Horizon T74 treadmill gets 4 out of 5 golden buddahs!

Riding high on quality, the Horizon T74 treadmill gets 4 gold buddahs out of 5.



Horizon T74 Treadmill Specifications
Horsepower: 2.5 HP
Max Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
Folding: Yes
Max Speed: 12 MPH
Max Incline: 12%
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes, pulse grip and wireless
Heart Rate: Yes
Programs: 10
Display Type: Orange LCD
Display: RPM, watts, time, calories, heart rate, distance, and resistance level
Product Weight: 220 lbs.
Roller Size: 2.4"
Deck Thickness: .75"
Step Up Height: 6.75"
Running Area: 55" x 20"

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

The Horizon EX65 Elliptical Review -- Excellent Under $900

Ohiyo!

Yes, the Treadmill Sensei is back with regular equipment reviews! I was able to hire a couple of extra young senseis to work here at the DOJO which allowed me to get back to what was important -- testing and reviewing treadmills and ellipticals for YOU, my readers. Actually, later on tonight I'll be posting some photos from the new warehouse/repair bay we've set up for the DOJO. More on that later.

For now I want to go over a great new elliptical choice priced under $800, the Horizon EX65 Elliptical. The EX65 is a replacement for the 2005-2006 Horizon EX33 Elliptical and is almost the same exact machine. The specifications are all the same, and the only real changes seem to be cosmetic and 2 additional programs. From the Horizon EX65 we have in the DOJO, Horizon has done an upgrade to the LCD screens since the EX33 Elliptical. The old screens were a little blurry for most users and the new screens are brighter and sharper. A very nice upgrade to an already good unit.

Since I had a bit more time on my hands today I was able to take the new Horizon EX65 for a quick work out. I just did a quick manual workout, checking out the resistance levels and unit response. Then I played around with the very spiffy reverse program.

All in all, the Horizon EX65 held up to the reputation of the unit it replaced, the EX33. Very sturdy, very responsive and loaded with features. Horizon has hit another home run with the Horizon EX65 Elliptical.

As with the unit it replaced, the Horizon EX65 gets 4.5 out of 5 golden buddahs.

The Horizon EX65 Elliptical gets a very strong 4.5 gold buddahs
out of 5 from the Sensei.



Horizon EX65 Elliptical Specifications
Stride Length: 18"
Max Weight Capacity: 275 lbs.
Resistance Levels: 10
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Programs: 9
Display Type: Blue backlit LCD screen
Product Size: 56"L x 26"W x 65"H
Product Weight: 160 lbs.
Flywheel Weight: 14.5 lbs.
MSRP $999

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

The Ignite I905 Treadmill Review -- Decent Product from a new manufacturer

Ohiyo!

Never say the Treadmill Sensei doesn't listen to his readers. Here at the DOJO we get a LOT of email from readers asking for more reviews, even if they are a bit less detailed. Normally, I feel like I'm letting you guys down by not writing as much as I know about a treadmill or elliptical, but some people prefer to bargain basement reviews done by some other treadmill reviewers or treadmill professors. So I'm going to try and lighten things up from time to time with my: END OF THE WEEK QUICKIE REVIEWS.

This week I want to go over the Ignite I905 Treadmill. We got in a batch of these little treadmills this week to set up at a senior center here in Southern California. The Ignite treadmills are made by Lamar Fitness who has been around for a few years now and has some hit or miss products. The main issue has been Lamar over-valuing their treadmills...in other words, in the past they've over priced their units by almost 200%!

Luckily, Lamar has wisened up a bit and dropped their prices down to some more reasonable levels -- the I955 treadmill is the perfect example, and so is the Ignite I905.

The Ignite I 905 is first and foremost a walker's treadmill. They are decently made and will hold up well as long as you keep that in mind. If you're looking to workout for more than 45 minutes a day, 3-4 times a week, then you need to move on to something sturdier. Likewise, if you want to do a lot of running or jogging, then the Ignite I905 won't be for you.

The Ignite I905 treadmill does have a really good warranty for its price range. It's not often a $699 treadmill will have a 30 year motor and 2 years parts warranty. That alone makes the I905 a good solid selection for under $700.

The I905 features a 1.5 hp motor, smallish 18x49 inch belt, 10mph top speed, 12% incline and pulse grip heart rate monitoring. Nothing to blow you away but still solid enough for the casual user. If you're looking for something a bit bigger or heavier duty at this price, try a treadmill by Horizon or Fitnex.

The Ignite I905 comes in average with 2.5 out of 5 golden buddahs from the Treadmill Sensei.

The Ignite I905 is an average performing treadmill at 2.5 gold buddahs out of 5.



Ignite I 905 Treadmill Specifications
Motor: 1.5 HP
Deck: 18x49
Max Speed: 10mph
Max Incline: 12%
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes, pulse grip
Weight: 215lbs
Max User Weight: 275lbs
Programs: 4

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

The Smooth 6.25 Review -- A Great Runner's Treadmill

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei keeps his vow to get back on track and getting reviews out every weekday! The DOJO has been busy as the holiday season fast approaches and yesterday I was able to get on a treadmill I haven't seen in the shop for months. The bad boy that came in was the Smooth 6.25 Treadmill. Now, Smooth has had a rough couple of years in the past, but this year has shaped up wonderfully for them. Smooth continues to be the highest selling treadmill online and it is because of great machines like the 6.25.

The best way to describe the Smooth 6.25 is: one of the only folding treadmills under $1500 designed and engineered for full on, serious running. This treadmill is beefy and built to take hours of pounding per day. The deck is slightly undersized at 20x54, but the shock absorption, incredibly comfortable belt, and the very quiet motor more than make up for it. If you're 6' or under, then running on the Smooth 6.25 treadmill is a dream. If you're taller than that, check out a Sole or Vision for some additional length.

The 2.75 HP motor on the 6.25 treadmill is one of the largest, quietest and smoothest to be found under $1500...and one of the best under $2000. In 5+ years of dealing with Smooth treadmills, we've only had 2 motor issues here in the DOJO.

The Smooth 6.25 only has 6 programs, but most people only use around 3 with any consistency, so that isn't a big deal. It also has large 2.5" rollers and a pretty decent standard warranty. If you're looking for a solid runners treadmill priced at under $1500, the Smooth 6.25 is an excellent choice. The only downside is for taller runners who will probably want to look elsewhere for more running surface.

The Sensei is glad Smooth has worked out its earlier production issues and put out this fine unit. The Smooth 6.25 Treadmill gets 3.5 out of 5 Golden Buddahs.

The Smooth 6.25 gets a solid 3.5 gold buddahs out of 5!


Compare the Smooth 6.25 treadmill and save by going factory direct.



Smooth 6.25 Treadmill Specifications
Motor: 2.75 HP
Running Area: 20x54
Rollers: 2.5"
Programs: 6
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Folding: Yes
Unit Weight: 260lbs
Max User Weight: 355
Console: LED
Max Speed: 10 MPH

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: Sole F83 vs F85

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei is trying to get caught up and, unfortunately, the old blog keeps getting passed over. It's my red-headed stepchild...but I'm trying! Today, at the DOJO, I received a couple of emails asking almost the exact same question, so I'll answer them both at once. Here we go!

The first note is from Joe:

Treadmill Sensei,
I am going to buy a treadmill for my house but do not know which one would be best for me. It is between the Sole f83 or Sole f85. I am 5' 11" and 210lbs and run at 8-12 mph. Your help would be greatly appreciated. -Joe

The second note, echoing Joe's, is from Michael:

Greetings Treadmill Sensei,
First of all, I want to mention that your web site rocks. Keep up the awesome work! I am thinking of purchasing a sole f63 for my home gym. I weigh 230lbs and I would be using this treadmill for sprinting. Will the sole f63 hold up to a beating like this?

With shipping, it looks like the f63 will cost $1150.00. Should I spend the extra money and just get an f83 for $1800.00 or an f85 for $2000.00? Is the f85 worth the $200.00 price jump over the f83? Thanks for the help. -Michael

Guys, thanks for your notes...and, Michael, you have great taste in treadmill blogs!

At 230lbs the Sole F63/Sole F80 (they are the same from the console down - the only real difference is the commercial quality console on the F80 vs the LCD on the Sole F63) should hold up to you pretty well. They are sturdy machines. The Sole F85 might be a bit overkill, but if you're looking for something a bit sturdier then the F83 is a great answer. For personal use, I don't know if the F85 is completely necessary to jump up to.

Here's my question for both of you: do you need a folding unit? If you want something a little sturdier AND a little cheaper, the Sole S73 is the non-folding version of the Sole F83...and the Sole S77 is the non-folding version of the Sole F85. Both are around $100 cheaper than their folding counterpart and will be a little sturdier.

The Sole treadmills are all very sturdy and will hold up to pretty heavy running workouts. Also, as the Hilton Hotels have discovered with their recent contract with Sole, the treadmills are all very low maintenance and run quiet.

Make sure to let us know which treadmills you decide on and how it works out for you. Take care and happy running!

Get 3% off the ENTIRE Sole Treadmill line at
www.treadmillscentral.com with the code TMSENSEI

The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: The Sole F63 Motor vs an ICON Fitness Motor

Ohiyo!

I have been a bad Treadmill Sensei these past two weeks and haven't posted in far too long. I inted to fix that this week. Look for a post a day! WE're going to get started today with a reader asking about a Sole F63 (a popular unit these days) versus a View 550 from Icon Health and Fitness. This letter is from Kerry:

Good Afternoon, My question is concerning the purchase of my first home treadmill. I'm leaning towards the Sole F63 per your recommendations, but I am concerned. At 6ft+ and 245 I want to be sure it's 2.5HP motor can take it. I hate treadmills that slip and want to avoid it at all cost (well not all costs..My budget is about 1,300).

I know your hatred for all things ICON, but they have a View550 with a 3hp CHP motor and 2.5 rollers at about $1,000. The warranty is not as good (12 years motor, 1 year parts/labor). Will the larger motor make much of a difference.

Thanks for your time. -Kerry

Kerry:

Thanks for your note! You bring up something that comes up quite a bit. The difference between an ICON 3hp motor and one by a more reputable manufacturer. If you were to open up most ICON units (Proform, Image, Weslo and so on) what you'll find is a fairly small motor -- some as small as a soda can! What they do is take a 1.25 or 1.5 horsepower motor and then gear them up to run at 3-4 times their normal RPM. What this does is cause the motor to run faster and hotter in order to get the same kind of power that a larger motor has at lower RPMs. It will wear down much faster and not offer as consistant enough of a run. In other words you'll quickly find the motor changing speeds suddenly in the middle of a running work out, which can be a bad thing.

For those of you who haven't read my earlier review of the Sole F63/Spirit Z88, you can check it out here: Sole F63 Review

The Sole F63 should be more than enough even at your height and weight. The machine is very sturdy and solid (it's got the same deck and motor as the F80 but with a non-commercial console on it), and the motor is a big one. Another option, and treadmill sales people everywhere may kill me for this, is to try and get the price of a Spirit Z100 or Z500 down to your price range. I know the margins on those products are great for retailers and they have a lot of room to play with them. The Spirit Z100/Z500 will have the same deck as the Sole F63 but with a 3.0hp motor. The main difference between the Z100 and the Z500 is the fans. The Z500 has them, the Z100 doesn't. They're actually just a little snap on piece at the top of the unit. I know for sure you should be able to get a Z100 around $1300-1400 with a little bit of negotiating. If you want a bigger motor that might be a good alternative.

However, I truly believe, based on having worked on the Sole F63 numerous times over the past few years, that it should work well even for a bigger person. As long as you keep your motor dust free it should serve you and your Sole F63 for many years to come.

Thanks for your note, Kerry, and take care!

Click above to buy the Sole F63/Spirit Z88 for $999. Use the
code TMSENSEI for an addition 3% off!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com