From the Mailbag: Horizon LS 645E Elliptical Trainer

I had one of Our AWESOME readers ask me to take a look at the Horizon LS 645E. I had a chance to go to Sports Authority the other day and wanted to check it out (since it is Exclusive only to SA). So I go into this Mega store, feeling like I do in all these warehouse places…GRAY. Well, as I am looking at the ellipticals, I notice that most of their prices are fairly competitive.

Then I see the item in question, the Horizon LS 645E. Appears to be fairly sturdy and priced on sale at $499……Then I get on it! UGH, I don’t like the feel of it immediately! That does not always mean anything, but this elliptical is no bargin! I noticed that this ellipitcal is very light weight, and does not feel sturdy when working out at a slow pace. I cannot imagine if you were really flying on the thing! The LS 645E is also on the loud side, which is never a selling point to anyone I have ever known!

Besides the noise, I also notice that the flywheel felt light, well 14 lbs is on the lighter side (compared to a 23 to 29 lb flywheel on other brands). This is a standard size, but some just feel better, and this was not one of them!

The positives were fairly commonly found on ICON/Horizon ellipticals, like the decent sized pedals, and the 16 inch stride. That was about all I could give this one, not typical from Horizon!

So Ana, keep looking. I know you can do better in this same price range! Try Schwinn or Healthrider!

Horizon LS 645E Elliptical Specifications
Stride: 18"
Flywheel: Approximately 14lbs
Pivot Footplate: Yes
Display: LCD
Readouts: resistance, time, incline, calories, heart rate, distance and strides per minute
Programs: 9 Goal to Go (3 calorie-specific, 3 distance-specific, 3 time-specific)
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Max User Weight: 275
Price: $599

Reader Mailbag: Problems with the Sole E25?

Ohiyo!

Sole Fitness has become one of the dominant brands in the fitness industry over the past few years. Their great position has come from producing some of the best treadmills and ellipticals for some of the best pricing, and also from their great customer service. That being said, even the best companies have problems with their equipment and we're here to take them to task for it.

Over the past couple of months, the DOJO has been receiving emails asking about issues with the current Sole E25 ellipticals. A few readers a week have written in and mentioned they were having problems with their E25 and asked if we could help them out with it. I know there is nothing worse than getting a new piece of equipment and not being able to use it. For me, it's computers. I always seem to buy a computer that has some sort of problem which requires me to pack it up and take it back to where I purchased it from. I hate that feeling.

Before I get to addressing the problems with the Sole E25, let's hear from Dan in Texas who has a question about problems with the unit. Let's see what Dan has to say. Take it away, Dan!

Hi Sensei,

First off thank you for all the hard work in putting together all the information on the elliptical machines. I went to Dick's Sporting Goods to try out a few ellipticals (Sole and Horizon). I tried the Sole E25 and E55 and the Horizon E900. All three machines felt very sturdy. There was no shaking or side to side movement. I really could not tell a difference in the strides between the Sole and Horizon models. I noticed on all three machines that the tracks were marred and scratched especially the Sole models. I read the reviews the Dick's website on the Sole machines (models E25, 55, & 95). There are many bad reviews on the Sole E25 due to the wheels coming off the tracks. There was nothing said about the Sole E55 and E95 models. I am curious as to you take on the problem. Is it the owner's error while putting the machine together or a design flaw?

Thanks, -Dan from Prosper, TX

Dan:

Thanks for the note and the great question. We've been getting in a lot of reader emails about problems with the Sole E25 elliptical, but this is the first real chance we've had to sit down and investigate the issue.

First off, the Sole E25/E55 and the Horizon E900 are all very solid units. The difference between the Sole E25 and Sole E55, and why only one of the units has had any problems, is probably because they are manufactured at two different plants (from what I understand, the Sole E25 comes from a Chinese plant versus a plant in Taiwan for the Sole E55). The Horizon E900, in particular, is a spectacular incline elliptical for the price. It is a very tough elliptical to beat for those looking for a sturdy incline elliptical at a budget price. The Horizon E900 elliptical is a great value for your money and I whole heartedly recommend it even over its bigger brother, the Horizon E1200 incline elliptical.

In regards to the issues with the Sole E25 ellipticals over the past few month, we've turned up two recurring problems. The first was from a thoroughly annoying squeak coming from the pedal assembly. We received a number of readers asking about the issue and whether or not it would work itself out. The problem itself came from the articulating pedal assembly and how it connects to the E25 itself. The squeak didn't affect performance of the unit but was annoying to find on what is normally a very quiet elliptical. The fix came in the form of a bushing which can be obtained from Sole's customer service department. From what we've heard, this problem was in a small number of units and Sole reported to us that the issue had been fixed back in January.

The second issue we've been hearing about sounded a lot more drastic. We received emails from our readers reporting a problem with the pedal assembly of the Sole E25 elliptical jumping or popping off of the track during workouts. When we heard this we ordered up a Sole E25 elliptical to test out ourselves and saw no mechanical problems in the machines at all -- in fact, we couldn't for the life of us get our unit to jump the track like we'd been hearing about. So we took the mass of reader emails directly to Sole Fitness to find out what the issue was.

Surprisingly, Sole was completely upfront with the issue. I say "surprisingly" because a lot of other manufacturers would try to hide problems like this from us. The problem itself comes from over lubrication at the overseas manufacturing plant. Too much lube on the rails causes the wheels to slide over the track instead of rolling along it. This sliding would cause the wheels on some units to pop out of place and would cause scratches in those that didn't. The fix is to clean off the lubrication and then reapply a small amount back to the rails. If you contact Sole Fitness customer service they can walk you through it and have a PDF they send out to illustrate how to do it.

Sole said they have since fixed the over lubrication issue and new units are back up to the high quality consumers have come to expect from them. That being said, there are probably still a few of the over-lubed units running around at local fitness dealers.

Sole E25 Elliptical

The Sole E25 elliptical was and is a very solid budget-priced elliptical, even with the pair of burps it experienced recently. However, there is a great alternative with the same basic design. A great alternative to the Sole E25 is the Bladez 850e, which is an almost identical elliptical in feature and design to the E25 but at a crazy-low price of just under $700. The Bladez 850e elliptical also features one of the coolest new technologies out on the market, adjustable width on the pedals. The AWT feature of the 850e elliptical allows you to change the distance between the foot pedals, giving you a much higher level of comfort to your workout.

The Bladez 850e elliptical is easily one of the best deals for ellipticals going on right now.

Thanks again for your note, Dan. Good luck with your elliptical search!

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

Reader Mailbag: Bladez 850e Elliptical vs the Horizon E900 Elliptical - to the Death!

Ohiyo!

For today's episode of the reader mailbag we have the fitness version of the Celebrity DeathMatch, this time featuring two very solid performing best buy ellipticals priced under $1000. Brad from Pennsylvania wants to know how the Bladez 850E Ellipticalstacks up against the Horizon E900 Elliptical when it comes to value, durability and performance. Let's see what Brad has to say. Take it away, Sir!

Ohiyo!

Gotta say, I'm a recent discoverer of your site, but thanks so much for the time you put into it -- It's a fantastic service. I'm hoping you can answer a question for me, if you have a moment, though I realize you are busy so anytime.

First, a bit of background - My girlfriend and I are looking to purchase our first elliptical. This will be the only piece of cardio equipment we have. We're on a budget. But at the same rate, I don't want junk. Just the best for my money. I currently use high end Precor ellipticals at my gym so I am used to them. My girlfriend likes treadmills but is anxious to try an elliptical. She is in her 20's and I'm in my early 30's. Weights are average, nothing too high or too low (she is actually quite light for her age). I'm around 180 so no weight issues.

Anyway, here's my issue - The Bladez 850Ereview you wrote really has me thinking, do I want to throw caution to the wind and order it? I dunno how important the pedal spacing feature is to us, but it seems like the main reason you love it so much. The pro is the price is SO good, it's got a 20" stride, I pay no tax or shipping on it. We're in Pennsylvania, and have Dick's all over the place, so if I buy there, I gotta pay 6% tax. I was looking at the Horizon E900 which you gave 4.5 and the Dicks site visitors unanimously LOVE. Is that a better built unit than the 850e? I realize it's costing me $300 more plus tax, but I'm wondering, comparitively, is it better?

My biggest fear with ordering the 850e is that once I get it, I am stuck with it. I can't try it ahead of time, and if I don't like it, sending it back would cost a fortune. With Dick's, I can try it, even take it back to the store, though I don't want to pay the extra cost if the Bladez unit is superior.

Basically, I just want something that is built solid, not wobbly, not noisy, etc. I don't care about bells and whistles. I realize it's not going to be the smooth quality of a gym Precor elliptical, but I want the best smart buy for my money.

So what do you think? Do I take a risk with the Bladez you gave 5 buddhas too, or should I play it safe with the Horizon or another Dick's model? If only I could try both of them, it would be so much easier, but I do value your opinion given my stats.

Much thanks for all you do! -Brad

Brad:

Thanks for your note and your very kind words. Believe it or not, you're in a really good position. You've picked two very strong, well-designed ellipticals and which ever way you go you are in a win-win situation. The two units are going to feel very similar when you get on them. They have nearly the same stride-length and unit weight - the Horizon E900 is about 160 pounds with a 19" stride and the Bladez 850e is around 175lbs with a 20" stride length. They are also both based on a shorter frame style, similar to the Sole E25 elliptical in feel...although I believe both units are more sturdy and durable. If I was placing a bet, I'd say strides on the two units are actually the same -- closer to 19.5" from what I've seen.

The Bladez has a heavier flywheel upfront, but the Horizon E900 is balanced with its heavier backend to even things out. The only significant differences in the two units (since they are both based off the same basic elliptical trainer design) is going to come in the form of the incline and additional price on the Horizon E900. You're paying for the ability to add an incline to your workouts, which can be a great thing for sure.

If I was nitpicking, I would say that the Horizon E900 has a sturdier upright support which does make a difference during heavier-duty workouts. Of course, just to be difficult, the adjustable width technology is a fantastic new feature and is great if there is a major height differential between your wife and yourself.

I'd suggest going in to Dick's and trying the Horizon E900 out. The Bladez 850e will feel very similar to the E900, but you can also hop on a Sole E25/E35 for another unit with a similar design. That should give you a decent comparison in regards to the basic feel of both units. Just keep in mind that you will be able to adjust the pedals with the 850e to your individual stance style and that will make a bit of difference in comfort.

Yes, Brad, I realize I'm probably not helping you make your decision! I'm going to make it even worse by saying, if you're used to a Precor then you really should go out and get on a home grade elliptical to see how you like the feel. There is a difference (it's kind of like going from driving a BMW to driving a Nissan...both are good cars, but they're hard to compare).

My advice would be to buy the Horizon E900 if the incline feature is important to you and something you'll use. If it's not, I'd suggest saving the $300 and going with the Bladez 850E Elliptical (and, really, the savings will be closer to $450 or so after shipping and tax is factored in).

Thanks again for the note and the fantastic question, Brad. I hope I didn't make things worse for your decision-making!

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

Reader Mailbag: Extended Warranties, to buy or not to buy...that is the question

Ohiyo!

As the final day of the IHRSA show in San Diego wraps up, I wanted to make sure to keep my loyal readers happy with another trip to the old Reader Mailbag for a new question. Today, Michael from Michigan asks the Treadmill Sensei about extended warranties for treadmills and whether or not they are really worthwhile. Take it away, Michael!

I just bought one of these after reading your very informative review. The question I have is should I buy the extended warranty for this unit. The sales person at Dick's Sporting Goods tried like "heck" to get me to buy it. It comes with lifetime frame and motor and 1 year on parts and labor. What do you think? -Michael

Michael:

Thanks for the note and your question. You know, I'm of two minds when it comes to the extended warranties when it comes to budget treadmills and ellipticals.

On one hand, you are purchasing a budget level product which is made of lighter grade materials and are prone to difficulties if not maintained properly (cleaned, etc) or are over used (heavier users or hardcore workouts). In that case an extended warranty can be a good thing because it will help you extend the life of your equipment. And don't forget, a lot of people want the additional piece of mind an extended warranty offers even if they never have to use it.

On the other hand, if you follow the maintenance instructions of the unit and take care of it, you should see a fairly trouble free lifespan of about 5 years (sometimes as long as 7-8 years) for the unit.

I'd also say it depends on your own fitness lifespan -- meaning, how long you'll actually use it. A lot of these budget treadmills are bought by folks who only end up using them for a few months before they become permanent clothes-hangers over in the corner of your room. If that's the case then I'd avoid an extended warranty at all cost!

Just keep in mind that the sales people are always going to suggest you spend more money, especially on something like an extended warranty which you may never actually use. In fact, you'll see sales people pushing extended warranties on units which don't need them because that amounts to free cash for the retailer. I'd be worried about any treadmill or elliptical that a retailer doesn't offer you an extended warranty on!

I hope this helps!

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

Reader Mailbag: Elliptical Suggestions Under $800?

Ohiyo!

Today I am writing you from here in San Diego while we're attending the IHRSA commercial fitness trade show. We don't do a lot of these trade shows but with IHRSA down in our backyard we couldn't resist checking it out. Even being away from the DOJO for the day I wanted to make sure I didn't neglect you, my loyal readers.

Today we have a question from Jeff and his wife who have just purchased a treadmill and are looking to add an elliptical trainer to their workout room. Jeff is on a little bit of a budget but still wants to get the most bang for his buck.,

Dear Treadmill Sensei,

First off, I love your website and recently used your advice to buy a Fuel treadmill that I absolutely love. My wife and I plan on adding an Elliptical to our home gym as well, and we do not want to spend more than $750 on an Elliptical. Right now we have 5 Elliptical machines that we are currently looking at. I would love to hear how you would rank these 5 Ellipticals head to head. My wife is 5-3 118 pounds and I am 6-0 200 pounds. Your advice would be greatly appreciated, we want to buy the best Elliptical in our price range. Keep up the great work! You have an awesome website that I will recommend to anybody looking to buy an Elliptical or Treadmill.

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer
Fuel Fitness FE44 Elliptical
Bladez 850E Elliptical Trainer
Esprit by Spirit EL-3 Elliptical
ProForm CrossTrainer Elliptical 600

Thanks, -Jeff

Jeff:

Thanks for the note and I am tickled pink to hear our advice worked out for you. It is always great to hear back from our readers who have followed through and made a purchase. The Fuell treadmills have been doing really well for those who need a solid treadmill for a budget price. Sole has done an excellent job with their design.

In regards to what elliptical to add in to your home gym, you've picked out some excellent choices. Of the equiment in your list, I'd place the Proform 600 at the bottom of the list, follwed by the Schwinn 431. The Fuel FE44 is a fantastic budget unit -- very stable, very nice elliptical feel to it. I'd have to say the Fuel FE44 Elliptical is going to be the best bang for your buck right now.

You also mentioned a unit on Ebay. I'd be a little careful of anything sold on Ebay because you may be looking at a gray market unit and the manufacturer's warranty may not be valid for units sold on there. I personally buy stuff on Ebay every week, but for something which may need a manufacturer's warranty to help with problems down the road I would suggest caution.

I hope that helps, Jeff. Good luck with your quest for a new elliptical and make sure to drop me a note to let me know how things work out for you and your wife. Take care!

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

Reader Mailbag - Sole E25 vs Sole E35 and what about an elliptical for a shorter user?

Ohiyo!

It seems the Treadmill Sensei has been neglecting his reader mailbag a bit recently. Sure, I've been using reader email as the starting point for reviews lately, but it has been a very long time since I did an old fashioned mass email answer here on www.TreadmillSensei.com and that is exactly what I'm going to do today.

In this episode of the Reader Mailbag, we've got questions on Sole (as always), Esprit, Kettler, Stride length, returning equipment and more! I'll be answering each email in its own post to help keep the size of each one down. To start off I'll be going over questions from readers asking about ellipticals from Sole Fitness, specifically the Sole E25 elliptical and Sole E35 elliptical.

Our first question for the day is from Del who is trying to decide between the Sole E25 and the Sole E35 ellipticals. Take it away, Del!

Thank you Sensei. You do a good job of reviewing the products. I was curious E25 tops the under $1k range and E35 tops the under $1.5k range… but between the two which do you think is a better value? They’re relatively close enough in price that one could justify “Oh, it’s only a little bit more..” for the E35 (ooo… it’s a bigger number, has to be better, right?), but has Sole packed in enough upgrades to realistically make the $285 jump? Is warranty (LT/5/2 vs LT/3/1) and programs (8 vs 6) pretty much a main differentiators?

I’m 5’2”, 135lb, so the weight range isn’t my biggest selling point. Stability was (which is why I’m looking at Sole – I’m not heavy, but when I go I like to go all out). I’m looking for something reliable, well built, and worth the money spent. Heart program or not aren’t big for me – I wear my own chest strap and monitor myself (I don’t trust the programs, they don’t seem to work all that well, unless someone’s figured out how to do it better than Precor).

Thanks for your time, -Del

Thanks for the note, Del, and I am glad www.TreadmillSensei.com has been of assistance to you on your search for an elliptical. You've got a couple of different questions going there and it seems like you're wanting me to validate a decision you've already made. Let's start with the first question, "is the Sole E35 worth the additional money over the Sole E25." For average or larger-sized people that answer is going to be "yes." The Sole E35 elliptical is going to give you a larger and more stable elliptical base to work out on, which equals a slightly smoother ride. The larger size comes in to play for those who "go all out" on their machines or are heavier users. The addition of the much better warranty (in particular, the two year labor warranty) is also a big plus, as is the addition of heart rate monitoring and control in the newest version of the 2008 Sole E35. Both machines are great and are best buy award winning ellipticals, but the Sole E35 is definitely a sturdier step up from its little brother, the Sole E25 elliptical.

With that being said, right now Amazon has a crazy deal going on the Esprit EL3 elliptical by Spirit, which is a repainted version of the old 2006 Sole E35 elliptical. The cost for the Esprit EL3 is actually about $100 less than the Sole E25 right now, although I have no idea exactly how long that sale will be going on for. It is definitely worth checking out for a great deal on the Esprit EL3. See the my deal of the week post for more information.

Now that we've got all of that out of the way, I have a question for you, Del. Have you actually been on an elliptical with a 20" stride before? The reason I ask is because, at your height, it might be a bit too long for you. Some shorter users like the longer strides, but some find it to be a bit too far of a stretch. It might be worth checking out an elliptical with an 18" or even a 16" stride. Ellipticals from Kettler or Smooth are on par with the Sole ellipticals in terms of quality of construction and design, but target those who are looking for a shorter stride length.

Thanks for your note, Del, and I hope I've helped out in your search. Zap a note back to us here at the DOJO to let me know what you eventually decided on and how it worked out for you. Take care!

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

Reader Mailbag: The SportsArt E83, a perfect elliptical for tall users

Ohiyo!

Before I get to the reader mailbag I want to confess to something...and I'm only able to do this because I know Mrs. Sensei doesn't ever read this website. Today the Treadmill Sensei encountered something that has completely ruined his finely regimented and regulated diet (regimented and regulated by Mrs. Sensei, of course). Today the Treadmill Sensei was at Costco with Hikaru, making a quick trip to refill the lunchroom here at the DOJO with juice, soda and snacks for the other Senseis. It was there in the bakery aisle that I saw what was to be my downfall...a banana and chocolate cream pie.

When we arrived back at the DOJO, I decided to pop open the pie and have a small taste before going back to work. Sure, my wife would disapprove, but it was just going to be a tiny bite and no one would ever know. Unfortunately, one small bite led to a small piece which led to a medium sized piece which led to the Treadmill Sensei eating almost half of the pie before Hikaru burst in to my office to save me from myself.

Now, I'm feeling tired from the huge carb and sugar intake, I've got a cream stain on my shirt and all I can think of is having to kill Hikaru to get my pie back. So, if you're in Costco and see the beautiful banana and chocolate cream pie, please do yourself and your sanity a favor and walk away. Just walk away.

Ok, let's get back to today's Reader Mailbag before your Treadmill Sensei goes and runs for an hour to work off some of that delicious pie...and tries to figure out how to "Shout" the new stain out of his shirt! Today we have an email from Matt C. who is looking for a sturdy elliptical for himself and his wife, both of whom are very tall.

Take it away, Matt!

This is a great website. I really appreciate the reviews and advice.

My wife and I are both tall. She is 6 feet and I am 6' 6 and weigh about 295. I have bad joints and need a low impact type of exercise which is why I have chosen an elliptical. My problem is that I really feel like most machines I will run into the ground. The residental machines seem too weak for my frame. I know I need an adjustable stride of at least 25 inches. Can you tell me the best "sturdy" machine that is going to take my abusive workouts for the the next few years that won't give me problems that have a longer stride?. I am willing to spending between $2,000-$2900.

Thanks for your advice, Matt

Matt:

Thanks for your note. It's nice to hear from a taller reader because it lets me talk about something besides "which is better, Sole or Smooth." To start off, you could probably make due with a 20" or 21" elliptical stride and be ok. That being said, a good 25" stride will definitely feel a lot better for you. If you did decide to go down to a shorter stride, I would avoid Octane and Bodyguard ellipticals like the plague. You'd wind up bumping your knees or thighs on those machines, which don't have the best designs for taller users (I'd recommend them only for those under 6' in height).

Now, if you're looking for a very stable, sturdy and long lasting elliptical with an adjustable stride, there is really only one brand to look at: SportsArt Fitness. SportsArt puts together what I consider to be the best designed, best supported ellipticals on the market today, and probably of all time.

In particular, you want to take a look at the best buy award winning SportsArt E83 Elliptical.

2008 Ichi-Ban Best Buy Award Winner.

You can check out my full review of the SportsArt E83 Elliptical HERE. If you've got the budget for it, which you mention you did, the SportsArt E83 Elliptical is really and truly one of the finest ellipticals out there. It completely blows away lower priced ellipticals, and even higher priced units from Precor or Life Fitness can't really compete with its design or rock-solid frame. There is absolutely no better elliptical especially in the $2000-$3000 price range.

The three key points to focus on after the steel-welded frame are: the use of ball bearing joints instead of the cheaper bushings used in lower end ellipticals from Spirit or Nordic Track (for example). The use of bearings will give you a much smoother, more maintenance free, quieter and longer life elliptical.

The second point to look at is the manual adjustable stride. This may sound a bit counter-intuitive, but the manual stride adjustment is a lot more reliable than an electronic or computer controlled one. Those automatic stride adjustments are a lot more complex in their design which causes them to be far less reliable than the SportsArt E83.

The last point to think about is, and this won't affect your elliptical workout, there is a man who works at SportsArt named Scott Logan. The reason you should know that name is because he has what we here at TreadmillSensei.com consider to be one of the finest groomed beards to ever come out of the Pacific Northwest. Like I said, it doesn't affect the fantastic workout provided by the Sports Art E83, but proper grooming should be a matter of principal.

But seriously, if I had to choose a "best of the best" elliptical it would probably be the SportsArt E83 Elliptical trainer. The level of engineering and thought behind its creation are mind-blowing. You can get more information on it online HERE.

Thanks again for your note, Matt. Good luck with your elliptical quest!

Get more information on the incredible SportsArt E83 Elliptical and find the lowest price online.

SportsArt E83 Elliptical Specifications
Stride: 17"-25.5" manufally adjustable
Flywheel: approximately 22lbs
Display: Dot Matrix LED
Readouts: Workout Level, Calories, Time, Stride Length, Distance, Cal/Hr, Strides/Min, Total Strides, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Target
Programs: 8
Resistance: 14 Levels
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Max User Weight: 350lbs
Unit Weight: 282lbs
Grade: Residential
Price: Under $2600

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

Reader Mailbag: Who is Cardio Zone?

Ohiyo!

Today we pull out an email from the Treadmill Sensei's reader mailbag from a reader named BGrimes1. He wants to know about Cardio Zone equipment and what the Treadmill Sensei thinks of it.

Take it away, BGrimes1!

Sensei, I saw many makes of treadmills reviewed on your website, but I did not see anything on Cardio Zone treadmills. Do you have any experience with them and/or an opinion on the quality? -BGrimes1

BGrimes1:

Thanks for your note. Cardio Zone is a bit of an interesting line. It is owned and operated by one of the largest online fitness retailers, Fitness Blowout (owned by a man named Jim Rosen). We see a lot of their equipment here at the DOJO, but not under the Cardio Zone name. You see, Cardio Zone itself is just made up of repackaged versions of treadmills and ellipticals from Keys Fitness (makers of Ironman equipment) and from BH Fitness/BladeZ.

Their equipment itself is as good as what comes direct from the manufacturers, but they have a tendency to be a bit over-priced and the specs are often over rated. For instance, they sell a treadmill with a 62" deck...however, BladeZ/BH Fitness (who manufactures their units) only actually manufactures a 60" deck. So, their 62" deck is in reality a 60" one. Their motors are also similarly over spec'd from what I've seen.

Anyway, they do have some nice equipment just be aware that you can generally get the exact same unit under a different brand name at a much lower price.

If you do a search of our site you will find a few Cardio Zone pieces listed under their original manufacturer. I hope that helps.

Take care, BGrimes1!

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

Reader Mailbag: Sole E95 vs Bodyguard E230X

Ohiyo!

To quote Jed Clampett...Weeeeeeeeell, Doggy! We've got a reader in the midst of an elliptical quandary. Erik is torn between two higher end ellipticals and can't figure out which to get. This time around it is the Sole E95 Elliptical versus the Bodyguard E230X in a duel to the death. Let's see which one comes out on top. Take it away, Erik!

Hello Sensei!

I love your site! I really appreciate your professional and honest opinions.

As you've mentioned many times, searching for the right elliptical is really tough! I've been struggling with that for weeks and I've finally come down to the Sole E95 vs. the Bodyguard E230X.

You've given both of them great reviews and the same high rating. The Sole would be $1700 delivered, then I haul it upstairs and assemble it myself. The Bodyguard is $2260 with tax but they deliver AND assemble.

Bodyguard has the best warranty of any elliptical, 3 years, and I'd have service from the same place I bought it, but Sole is also good at two years.

The Bodyguard feels more natural and seems to have a better console and programs but the Sole just feels "smoother".

I love the ride on the Bodyguard E230X but I don't like the armbars. They're too thin and too hard on my hands, not enough padding.

The rear shroud on the Sole E95 is very flimsy as you said in your review. It's crazy to have a shroud that will break if you step on it and have it in a place where you're always stepping.

I started out with a $1500 limit but I'm just not satisfied with anything in that range. The Bodyguard is way over my budget but I'd hate to go cheap on myself and end up unhappy. Those armbars on the E230X could be the dealbreaker. Should I spend all that money and then try to find some padding?

You'll probably say I'd be fine with either one but I need some insight. I'm dying here trying to decide.

Please throw something at me that will help! - Erik

Erik:

Thanks for your note and your great questions. Interestingly enough you've picked two ellipticals that we'll be re-evaluating here on treadmillsensei.com over the next few weeks. Both units performed well in our initial tests but both have had a few reader emails come in about problems (and, in regards to the Bodyguard E230X, quite a large number of reader complaint emails).

Let me go over what other readers have been saying. First, the Sole E95. Everyone who purchases the Sole E95 has absolutely loved it. They love the feel of the machine, they love its sturdiness, they love just about everything. The only problem that comes up every single time is the plastic guide rail shroud on the back of the machine. For some reason Sole decided get rid of the metal shroud the E95 elliptical had in previous years and replace it with the plastic shroud formerly found on the Sole E55. Unfortunately, while the old steel shrouds would hold up to someone accidentially stepping on them, the plastic shrouds tend to crack if too much weight is placed on them.

Aside from that one problem, the Sole E95 is a great unit with the excellent elliptical motion and smooth ride found in all of the Sole ellipticals.

As for the Bodyguard E230X, the comments and complaints are also almost universal in the emails we get. People first comment on the pedals and how they are cushioned to reduce impact. To which I always say, "Um...ellipticals are almost zero impact as it is and cushioned pedals, while nifty, don't add anything to that." That's right, the ultra cushioning found the in the Bodyguard E230X (and all their ellipticals) is just a bit of a marketing ploy. They're putting in a feature with a much higher perceived value than any real added benefit. They're also charging you more for that feature which isn't really doing anything for your workout. They do feel really nice, though.

The second thing people mention is almost exactly what you said: how god-awful the handlebars on the Boyguard E230x are. I'm not sure how much thought went in to their design, but they definitely aren't the most comfortable handles out there.

A lot of readers also talk about how the E230X feels great when you're just standing on it, but that it doesn't have the smoothest or most natural feel over the course of a longer workout. A number of readers compare it to more of a stepper feel. I'm not sure that is the most fair comparison. Perhaps they' just been on the units which ship out with 18.5" strides instead of the full 20.5" stride the E230x is capable of having.

My advice would lean more towards the Sole E95. I think you're getting a slightly better value for your money. It might be worth snooping around to see if you can find a 2007 Sole E95 with a metal shroud or ask around and see if you can have them ship you just a metal shroud instead. The shroud ships in a second box and shouldn't be too hard to replace. Plus, you can always drop the extra $150-200 for inside delivery and set up that most companies charge if you don't want to do the set up yourself.

I'd also suggest checking out the slightly cheaper Sole E55 elliptical. It has most of the same features as the Sole E95 (including the same sized flywheel, even if the manufacturer doesn't want you to know that) and comes without the annoying plastic shroud.

Another great option for the same price range is the SportsArt E81 which would give you the same higher quality components as the Bodyguard but with a much more comfortable workout feel. I'll be posting a review of the SportsArt E81 later this week if you want to check back.

Thanks again for your note, Erik. I hope I haven't rambled too much! Good luck with your fitness quest and feel free to write back and let us know how it turned out for you.

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

Reader Mailbag: What is the story with Sole vs. Spirit

Ohiyo!

Posts three days in a row?! The Treadmill Sensei is back! It's amazing what someone can do when they have an entire day to dedicate to one task, with no interruptions beyond doing laundry for their wife. I do the laundry, the dishes and take out the trash and for that my wife puts up with me without too much complaint. I also kill spiders and open jars.

For this installment of the Read Mailbag we have a reader who wants to know about the difference between Sole Fitness equipment and Spirit Fitness equipment in terms of quality. Let's see what Jen has to say. Take it away, Jen!

I like your site very much, and it seems to have alot of information that has helped me to start to figure out which elliptical to purchase.

Right now I have it narrowed down to the Sole E55 and the Spirit XE550. I know that they are basically the same, but I, of course have the guy at the specialty fitness store telling me that the Sole brand is just a lower level of Spirit, and that I should definately get the Spirit since it is basically the same price. Is this true or are they the exact same machine? Also, I have read a little about the new Esprit line, and that the EL-7 has an automatic incline ramp included as well. I don't see it on the Spirit site yet and I can't seem to find anything else about it. Do you know much about this new line and specifically the EL-7? -Jen

Jen:

Thanks for your note, Jen, and I'm glad you enjoy the website. I want to start off by addressing a very common misconception readers seem to have -- especially if they've spoken with some of the shadier retailers out there. Sole Fitness and Spirit fitness are two different companies. Sole is out of Utah and Spirit is in Arkansas. Spirit has been around since the early 80s and started off as a manufacturer, I believe, of farm equipment. Sole has been around since the early 90s and began as a supplier of bicycles. Both companies re-brand and sell equipment from an OEM company called Dyaco. OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer" and is how a lot of companies do business. What it means is that Dyaco (with factories in Taiwan and China) manufactures the equipment and then paints and labels it for their clients. Dyaco became the 100% owner of Spirit Fitness back in 2004 (I believe) and, from what I understand, this past year may have purchased a stake in Sole as well (rumors were to the effect of 20% but I doubt anyone knows for sure).

In the past, Sole and Spirit bought the same basic equipment, had it painted different colors and sold it under their own label/brand name. So, for example, pre-summer 2007 you had a Sole E55 elliptical which was essentially the same as the Spirit XE350 elliptical. Different paint jobs, different labels but the same "under the hood" and using the same off-the-shelf parts. Where the two companies differed was in what happened with those units once they landed in the US. Sole and Spirit are two different companies in respect to their QC process and their customer service. A funny thing that I've heard about happening is that a customer will go in to purchase a Sole treadmill or elliptical and then a shady salesperson will "upgrade" them to a Spirit for a slightly higher cost. Do NOT buy in to this, especially with the 2006-2007 models because they are the same units and should be the same, lower cost.

This past summer (2007), Sole and Spirit both redesigned their equipment in order to help differentiate the two lines of product from one another. Because of my huge ego, I like to think it happened because our website opened up the flood gates back in 2006/2007 by letting everyone know they were selling the same equipment under two different names. Nowadays, you wouldn't mistake a Sole treadmill or elliptical for a Spirit one even in bad light. Sole has stuck to the fantastic feeling, longer frame ellipticals while Spirit has moved to shorter profile with more of a stepper feel to their ellipticals.

As for Sole being a lower level version of Spirit, this is definitely not the case and often comes from overzealous or borderline shady salespeople. The two companies sold the same equipment, although the Spirit versions tended to have a higher price for some inexplicable reason. That's still the true today -- you'll find that the Spirit equivilent will be priced $100 or more than its Sole counterpart. This may be because Sole has a much higher sales volume than Spirit and is able to bring in higher quality equipment for a lower price. To tell the truth, the two companies are very similar. Sole is the more experienced, cooler bigger brother while Spirit is still young and going through some growing pains because of its smaller sales volume. You'll continue to see a lot of good things from both companies.

Before I forget, you asked about the Esprit line in general and the Esprit EL7 Elliptical in specific. The Esprit line is basically just a repainted version of the pre-2007 Sole treadmills and ellipticals. Since Dyaco owned the molds that Sole used for their equipment in years past, they decided to re-release the units with a new white paint scheme to be sold exclusively online. It's a decent idea because it gives consumers the chance to purchase some great equipment for a very low price.

About the Esprit EL7 elliptical: the reason you're not finding a whole lot of information on it is, from what I'm hearing, because Spirit pulled production on the model and it is currently not shipping. I'm not sure why, but it may have resulted from issues with the new technology or it may have just been a reworking of their product mix. Spirit hasn't had an incline trainer in the past and this technology can be a bit difficult to get perfected. As with any new technology, it is best to give it a year or so for the manufacturer to get all the bugs worked out before buying in to it.

This may change in the future, but as of right now I'm hearing the Esprit EL7 ellipticals are not available. If anyone has any info to the contrary, please email in and I'll write and update.

I hope this helps, Jen, and thanks again for the great questions! Take care and good luck in your search for fitness!

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

Reader Mailbag: Best deal - Sole E55 Elliptical or Sole E95 Elliptical?

Ohiyo!

Now that the holidays are over and the extended family has left, the Treadmill Sensei is ready to get back to work at being the internet's #1 source for information on treadmills and ellipticals. Interestingly enough, the Treadmill Sensei is also the internet's #1 source for unbridled machismo...or was that mo' cheese? I can never remember.

I'm sure that many of you, my loyal readers, have noticed I haven't dipped in to the reader mailbag for quite sometime. Now, this isn't from a lack of reader emails - heck, we get in around 50 reader emails a day here at the DOJO. What it comes down to is: your Treadmill Sensei has been a bit of a lazy bastard for the past couple of months. With work in the DOJO being at an all time high, treadmill and elliptical repairs have been taking up most of my time at work. Well, with the new year now upon us your Treadmill Sensei has made a resolution to answer more reader emails and to post more often in order to keep his readers more informed and better armed for when they head out to purchase their new fitness equipment.

As with most new years resolutions, we'll see how long it actually lasts...

Get the absolute lowest price for the Sole E95 elliptical online. Save more with Free Shipping, Pay No Tax and Save an Additional 3% with Coupon Code TMSENSEI . Click NOW for more information.

Our first reader email of the new year is from D.R. who has a question about the Sole E55 Elliptical versus its big brother, the Sole E95 Elliptical. Let's see what D.R. has to say. Take it away, D.R.

Hello,

I found your site through by googling ellipticals and WOW I’m impressed. Treadmillsensei is clearly the best review site on the Internet. Period. Congratualtions!

I have a quick question for you on the Sole line of ellipticals: Does the extra bulk/rigidity and fancier display of the Sole e95 justify spending the extra $200 versus the Sole e55? We would have 4 family members using the machines on a fairly regular basis, so it’s certainly no a club-style environment.

Thanks for your time and keep up the great work! God bless you, D. R.

D.R.:

Thanks for the note and for your very kind words. I don't know if we're the best review site on the internet, although my mother thinks so...not that she even knows what an elliptical is. We do try to hard to provide you, our readers, with the most up-to-date and valid facts we can put together in order to help you with your treadmill and elliptical research.

On to your questions. First off, I'm going to be doing new reviews for the 2008 Sole equipment in the next week. Sole has done an excellent job with their new upgraded line of ellipticals and has produced one of the best looking, best designed line of equipment to come out in a very long time. Their new line shows why Sole has consistantly been ranked at the top of everyone's list for best buy ellipticals for the past few years. They really do put out some very solid equipment and have a good customer service department to back it up.

In regards to the Sole E55 versus the Sole E95 and which you should buy: I hate to fall back to my patented answer to this question but, you'll be happy either way you go. However, if you're not in a commercial setting (a corporate gym, for example) then the Sole E95 may be a bit of an overkill for your needs. In fact, and the guys at Sole might kill me for saying this, I think you'd be better off going with the Sole E35 to get the best value for your dollar.

Get the absolute lowest price for the Sole E55 elliptical online. Save even more with Free Shipping, Pay No Tax and Save an Additional 3% with Coupon Code TMSENSEI . Click NOW for more information.

Let me layout my somewhat convoluted thinking for you. There really isn't much of a difference this year between the Sole E35 and E55...and, in fact, even the E95 is very similar in features. First off, the flywheels. I know the three units are listed with different flywheel weights. From what I've seen in opening the units up, they all have the exact same flywheel system...and, it's almost the same as the "30 pound" flywheel system they had last year. I believe the differing weights are just there to help differentiate the machines and are a bit of creative copywriting by Sole. It's not anything out of the ordinary for a manufacturer to tweak their specs on paper. From what I've seen, every manufacturer out there does it.

Once you get past the size of the flywheel, the only significant difference between the Sole E35 and the Sole E55 comes in the number of programs - the Sole E55 has 10 versus 8 on the Sole E35 - and in heart rate control programs - the Sole E55 has them and the Sole E35 doesn't. The only differences in the E95 are the addition of the plastic guide rail shrouds on the back and the fancier LED monitor. Truthfully, the only reason for the guiderails is to make the unit a bit more stable for heavier users (and, in my thoughts, to make it look more like a commercial elliptical for the hotels which use the Sole ellipticals) and the upgraded console has absolutely no benefit for a home user. It's a great console, it just doesn't really do anything special for home users.

So what it comes down to is: will you miss those 2 extra programs and will you even use the heart rate control programs? Most people only use 3-4 programs and end up ignoring the rest and, more importantly, never even make use of the heart rate control programs (and, keep in mind, the two programs the E35 is "missing" are the two heart rate control programs).

Any of the Sole ellipticals are going to be very good machines, but if you don't need heart rate control you're going to be able to save yourself $200 by going for the Sole E35 over the Sole E55 elliptical...and you'll save $400 with the E35 over the Sole E95 elliptical.

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Thanks again for your note, D.R., and I hope this helps you in your elliptical search. I'll be back later with more from the Reader Mailbag!

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

Reader Mailbag: A question on mats

Ohiyo!

A common question that the Treadmill Sensei gets is about treadmill mats. I think I've covered this a few times now (such as in the Treadmill Maintenance guide -- see link below), but with the huge amount of articles on the site now stuff sometimes information gets overlooked. I know I have problems finding articles on here from time to time myself!

Anyway, Mike just bought a treadmill and has a question about what type of mat he should get. Let's see what he has to say. Take it away, Mike!

Good morning Sensei,

I really enjoyed your site while shopping for a treadmill. My family and I settled on a Smooth 7.1 as they were on sale this weekend. Can you please recommend a mat? Since it folds up do I need a short mat or long? The Smooth site says the treadmill has a 39" X 73" foot print. Does the 36" wide mats work? Thanks for your help and for the incredible information service you provide. -Mike

Mike:

Thanks for your note. The mat isn't needed as much for when the treadmill is folded as when it is running. You see, in addition to protecting your floor from the treadmill, one of the main benefits of the mat is to help reduce the amounts of dust and dirt that get sucked up in to your treadmill's motor when it runs. The motor will build up a huge static charge which sucks dust in like a magnet and the mat will help reduce that quite a bit,

If you can't find a mat that fits the foot print, you can go shorter but shouldn't go thinner. Make sure to cover the width and front of the treadmill if you have to purchase a shorter mat.

Make sure to check out my Treadmill Maintenance Guide here on the site for some additional tips to keeping your equipment running well for a long time.

I hope that helps!

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

Reader Mailbag: What to do with a used treadmill?

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei gets a lot of email from readers who are either on a budget and have purchased a used treadmill or elliptical in order to help themselves get fit, or still have an older treadmill which works but needs a little bit of love to keep it going. One question in particular that pops up is in regards to what lubrication should be used and how to use it. Today we have that very question from Beth. Take it away, Beth!

What a great web site you have!! I am so impressed. I bought a used Schwinn 6700p treadmill which my husband and I use frequently. It is old but rarely used, I was wondering how to lubricate it. I do not see anything in the owners manual at all about lubrication but I can't afford another treadmill so I want to keep this one in good condition! Thanks, -Beth

Beth:

Thanks for your note. One of the best lubricants out there for treadmills is "Lube-N-Walk." You can purchase it everywhere and can get more information at the manufacturer's website - www.jadfitness.com. They should have a maintenance kit that will help you out and give you instructions on how to do it. Keeping your treadmill lubricated, clean and dust free, as well as keeping the treadmill belt properly adjust, will help give your treadmill a long lifespan. I'd suggest picking up a treadmill mat as well.

Thanks again and take care.

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

Reader Mailbag: New or Used Equipment?

Ohiyo!

Today we've got a note from Chris who resides in our neighbor to the north, Canada. He's trying to find a good elliptical and is wondering if he should buy new, remanufactured or used. Take it away, Chris!

Hi Sensei,

I've been researching an elliptical purchase for many months now, your site has been a great resource, thank you.

There is currently a "rebate" program on Precor @ Fitness Depot here in Canada and the 5.23 (home version of 546) is on for $2858, that is a $1000 discount. However, it is still more than I wanted to spend and I keep looking at used/refurb units online from the US. Some of the used units can be had for under $2000 US. The new unit comes with a 10 year warranty and the used ones with virtually nothing.

If I purchased used am I likely to encounter large repair costs that will quickly eat the savings from buying used in the first place? What are typical repairs and repair costs for Precor 546's?

Thank you very much, -Chris

Chris:

First off, thanks for your note. Searching for the right elliptical can be a huge hassle due to the huge number of units out on the market. I've done around 120 elliptical reviews of the past year and have barely dented the surface of what is out. Buying an elliptical can be a truly daunting task for the uninitiated.

Your question is a good one, but one that is a bit difficult to answer. First and foremost, Precor puts out some of the best ellipticals. Period. There are only a few companies which produce ellipticals as good or that last as long (notice I said "ellipticals"...that's because their treadmills have been hit or miss). Getting a Precor 5.23 elliptical, as expensive as they are, is a long term investment in your health. The Precor 5.23 will probably outlive your car if properly maintained. With a new unit, like you said, you also get the benefit of a healthy warranty.

That being said, if you can find a well-remanufactured commercial elliptical it will have the potential to last 5-10 years without any trouble. A Precor 546 is a commercial unit that is rated for a lot more usage than you'll ever be able to put on it - they are made to be used in 24 hour gyms and the like. Again, as long as you keep up the cleaning and general maintenance of the unit. The ellipticals, unlike the treadmills, are mainly mechanical in nature. Any mechanical problems with a unit would pop up in the first month or two, hopefully while you're still under warranty. The electronics issues with a machine like the Precor 546 will usually come in the console or control boards. A problem there will cost a few hundreds to replace but is something most owners can do themselves to avoid having to call a service tech out.

The problem with remanufactured units is finding one from a reliable company. There are some dealers out there who clean up a unit without replacing bearings (some just "wipe down" a machine and send it out), without removing rust and without replacing anything that can't be seen. In that case you're just getting a used elliptical while paying a higher remanufactured price. The best thing to do there is to ask the dealer about their remanufacturing process. Ask what is done and what gets replaced. Check out my remanufactured equipment guide for a little more info. Oh, and remanufactured home units are always a bad idea. If you're going remanufactured, then stick with commercial units because a remanufactured budget treadmill just won't last.

Finally, used ellipticals. Used machines can be a bit of a crap shoot. Sometimes you'll luck out and get a good one and sometimes you'll get a lemon.

On remanufactured or used ellipticals I'd try to get the dealer to agree to a 30-day return period (60 days if you can manage it) to let you try out the quality of the machine you're buying. Again, any mechanical problems should be fairly quickly noticed.

Just remember, for any elliptical you get (new, used or remanufactured), proper maintenance is the key to long product life. Keep the machine clean and dust free, and keep it lubricated.

I don't know if any of that helps or not. I would say that if you're looking to stay under $2000, you might want to check out a remanufactured Precor 544 instead of a used Precor 546. The units are a little older but are built like tanks and you can find them for under $2000.

Thanks again for your note, Chris, and good luck with your elliptical search!

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

Reader Mailbag: Which is better - Treadmill or Elliptical?

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei will be back later on today with a new review, but I wanted to start the day off by opening up the old reader mailbag here at the DOJO. I get in tons of email every day. While I may not get back to every single person who writes in, I do read every single email I get -- well, except the Spam ones for Viagro. Although, Mrs. Sensei may be sending those to me. I'll have to check in to that.

Our first email of the day is from Renee who is having problems decided what kind of equipment to buy, a treadmill or an elliptical. Let's see if we can help her out (or confuse her even more!). Take it away, Renee!

Hi! I looked at all the articles on your site and couldn’t see this question addressed: Which is better for a daily workout, an elliptical or a treadmill?

I am 51 years old, 5’3”, and 130 lbs. I need to lose 10 lbs., but haven’t been successful at this for the last 12 years.

I would like to define my waist and get more toned overall.

Are either of these machines “miracle-workers”?!!?!?!

Thanks for taking the time to reply. -Renee

Renee:

Thanks for your note. Truthfully, there isn't a huge difference between an elliptical and a treadmill in regards to weight loss. The main difference is in how they affect your joints and your own person preference. An elliptical is an almost zero impact workout but you can't run as fast or as hard on it as you can on a treadmill. Either one is a great cardio workout. I would suggest doing some strength training a couple of times a week to help tone and shape you body, otherwise you might wind up weighing less but still look flabby and out of shape.

Neither one of the machines is a miracle worker. Weight loss depends on you and your dedication to it. Getting on a treadmill or elliptical for ever just 10-15 minutes a day is going to help improve your health, but without a proper diet it may not be as effective as you need. Now, when I say "proper diet" I mean eating healthy and consciously, not going on a "DIET." Diets tend to be temporary and short term solutions. Most people really just need a minor life change in how they eat, in addition to excercise, to dramatically change their weight and their health.

I'd suggest going in to a local store or gym and trying out both machines to see what feels better to you. If you do go in to a retail store, I'd stay away from big chain stores because the employees will generally be pretty clueless about equipment. Try and find a smaller specialty shop who only deals in fitness equipment. Try and speak with the manager or owner to get the most qualified help. If you go in to a gym, just ask to speak with one of the personal trainers and they will generally answer any of your questions.

I hope that helps!

Our second note for today comes from David who just ordered a treadmill. Take it away, David!

Hi Mr. DOJO,

I want to thank you for all the time you've taken from your personal family activities to devote to your website. Your imput and inbiased opinions have helped me immensely in making a choice which thanks to you I feel fairly secure about despite never trying the treadmill out before my making this purchase. We all need more people like you who keep unscrupulous manufactures/ dealers on their toes for fear of being exposed for their deceitful ways. My thanks again and my best to your and your loved ones. -David ( p.s. I purchased the SOLE 77 and I eagerly await its delivery )

David:

Great to hear from you and I'm glad you enjoy the website. Good luck with your new treadmill and write us back to let everyone know how it is working out for you. Take care!

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

Reader Mailbag: Feedback on the Sole E35 Elliptical

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei and family went out of town for the long weekend and, unfortunately, I am just a bit too fried to post anything too long today. I will be back tomorrow with another review and will try to kick a few extra this week to make up for my slacking today. In the meantime, let's hear from a loyal reader with a couple of comments about the website.

Sensei,
My wife and I have been looking at elliptical trainers for a number of weeks and given the numerous brands and models out there, we found your site to be extremely helpful. Your reviews are clear, concise and on point. They hit the issues about which we need to know and provide an excellent basis for comparison. We ended up choosing the Sole E 35 and look forward to receiving it. Our purchase from Sole was made with confidence and knowledge of the product that would not have been possible without your help. Thank you. -Gerry and Melanie

Gerry:

Thanks for your note and I'm glad my site was able to help you out. It is great to hear back from readers who have purchased a treadmill or elliptical based on my reviews...definitely an ego boost for sure! Thanks again and feel free to drop me a line after you've had a chance to work out on the Sole E35 for a while...let us all know what you think and how your workouts have been going.

Thanks again and take care!

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

Reader Mailbag: A reader's feedback

Ohiyo!

Every so often the Treadmill Sensei gets a really great piece of email that makes all this work worthwhile. Today let's hear from Ben in New Jersey. He's just bought a treadmill and has a few words. Take it away, Ben.

Dear Sensei:

I would like to say thank you for all the information and reviews on your website. I'm am a Type 1 (Insulin Dependant) diabetic, who is starting infusion therapy. As I'm sure you've guessed, my physician and diabetes educator have both told me that I MUST exercise to avoid the complications associated with this disease. The best exercise, I've been advised to do is walking. My head was spinning until I found your site. Your recommendations, reviews and advice were straight forward, easy to understand and most helpful.

Thanks also for saving me from a big mistake. I was very interested in the Nordic Trak ViewPoint 3000 due to its iFit system as well as its Carb counting readout (the basis of diabetic infusion therapy), but after reading your review, I've decided upon the Sole F63. I have no reservations or buyer's remorse. Again, thank you.

While I doubt you'll ever see me on Sasuke as a contestant, please know that I will be walking my way to a healthier life due all the hard work you've put into your site.

I wish you all the best and continued success.

Domo Arigato, Ben

Ben:

Thanks for the note and the very kind words. I am glad that my website was able to help guide you in the right direction. The most important thing is that you're going to get started on your exercise and your walking. Truthfully, the brand you buy doesn't matter as long as you're using whatever it is to get healthy.

Thanks again and take care, Ben.

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

Reader Mailbag: What does a labor warranty cover?

Ohiyo!

In the rush of getting ready for the Ichi-Ban Best Buy Awards later this year the Treadmill Sensei has been a bit lax on answering reader emails. It's not that I don't love you guys, I've just been trying hard to get as many reviews done as possible and between running for hours a day on treadmills and ellipticals, and writing up reviews, all of my time seems to have disappeared! But never fear, it's a slow day here at the DOJO and I've got a few minutes to open up the old Reader Mailbag to see what is in there.

Today we have a question I'm surprised I haven't been asked more often. Calvin wants to know a bit more about what a labor warranty entails. Take it away, Calvin!

Treadmill Sensei,

I've been looking at various elliptical models, and the one thing that has me a bit puzzled ... What exactly would the labor part of a warranty cover? It would obviously be varied with different manufacturers, but I was just wanting to get some idea.

Thanks! -Calvin

Calvin:

Thanks for the note and the great question. A full labor warranty (as opposed to a "limited labor warranty" you might see on some of the lower end equipment) should cover all costs incrued from a service or repair tech coming out to your location (home, office or whatever) to work on your treadmill or elliptical. It's really that simple. In general, if your equipment is still under labor warranty and a manufacturer (or, more often, the retailer you purchased it from) tries to bill you or make you take the equipment to a location to get repaired, then you're getting ripped off.

Now, different manufacturers have different terms in their warranties so make sure to read their supplied warranty information if you have any questions. The better manufacturers cover their warranties themselves while others require their retailers to cover them.

Now, and manufacturers will hate me for saying this, but I'd suggest calling in for service a month or two before your labor warranty is up -- have your treadmill belt changed, get your elliptical all lubed up, have everything recalibrated and so on. And then, before your parts warranty is up, call again to get a new treadmill belt then as well - there's not as much to do part-wise on an elliptical unless something actually goes wrong. Doing this will help get a longer life on your equipment.

I hope I've answered your question, Calvin. Thanks again for your email!

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

Reader Mailbag: Should you replace a Proform Motor?

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei rants and raves about the horrors of Icon Fitness products all day here at the DOJO. Aside from one or two semi-decent units, Icon and its brands (Image, Proform, Weslo, Reebok, Nordic Track) produce some of the worst equipment in the industry. Their treadmills almost always look really spiffy and have a lot of extra little gadgets on them to confuse poor consumers in to buying their equipment, but low end components, poor QC and downright terrible customer service have most Icon buyers cursing their existence after a few months.

In spite of my repeated warnings, the Treadmill Sensei still gets tons of people asking whether or not they should buy a Proform or other Icon product. Let's hear what Greg has to say about his Proform. Take it away, Greg!

Kon ba wa sensei...
I'd like to know your thoughts about replacing a wimpy motor from a Proform treadmill for a more heavy-duty and larger motor makes sense...eh? (I live in Canada).

By the way, are you the t_sensei that posted at Lakers Blog at the LA Times recently? I am a transplanted So. Californian living in Canada...Arigato! -Greg

Greg:

Thanks for the note and the great question - Beauty, eh! (See? I speak Canadian too) To start off with, I don't post on the Lakers Blog, sorry. The only forums I post on as the Treadmill Sensei are on Runners World. Must just be another Sensei running around out here!

In regards to whether or not replacing the stock Proform motor with a larger or heavier-duty motor is worthwhile. I'd have to give you an emphatic "No!" The Proforms not only have problems with their motors, but their control boards burn out very quickly and aren't usually covered in the Proform warranty. Their treadmills have such a high rate of failure and problem that your money would be better spent buying a better unit at the combined cost of the new motor and the Proform treadmill itself.

Also, anyone who recommends you purchase an upgrade motor on a Proform (or any Icon brand) treadmill should be considered just a little shady. Either that or they are just plain ignorant of Proform's reputation for low quality components. A lot of the less honest repair/service shops will sell Icon "upgrade" parts and motors knowing full well that you'll have to come back to them to fix even more problems down the line. I'd suggest staying far away from that person or company. And don't even get me started on "review sites" who sell upgrade parts to the treadmills they sell.

Check out some other treadmills in the price range you're thinking of right now. You'll be a lot happier in the long run...especially if you have to deal with the Icon customer service department. They're worse than the DMV!

Thanks again, Greg!

That's it from the DOJO for right now. I'll be back around later to post a new treadmill review.

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

Reader Mailbag: A comment on buddahs

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei has a new addiction to confess to. Mat, who helps me out with all things internet and website, introduced me to a magnificent service called Statcounter, which is a statistics and monitoring service we use here at the DOJO for treadmillsensei.com. What it lets you do is see how many people are on the site, what pages they go through, where they are from and so on. I've gotten so addicted that I check my stats every few hours now just to see where people are coming from and what they are looking for. It helps me figure out what I should write about next. An added benefit is that I get to see when manufacturers, retailers and even competitor reviewers are checking out my page. My favorite two visitors are an Arkansas manufacturer and a review site from Memphis...both are here on the site a few times a day soaking up the wisdom of the Treadmill Sensei. Great going, guys, the best place to learn is at the feet of the master! If you both stick at it then you might just become possessed by the spirit of the Sensei.

Anyway, I have to bail out on doing a review tonight because my beloved grandchild is going to be staying with Mrs. Sensei and I until tomorrow and, to tell the truth, I'd much rather play with him! However, I will answer a piece of new reader email with a suggestion I will be following up on.

Sensei,

I absolutely enjoy the site. It's magnificent what you do and have done.

I'm in the midst of researching ellipticals and thought I had it narrowed down only to find yet a new one pop up on your 2007 list. I was wondering if you'd like a couple of suggestions on the site. Obviously you can ignore them.

Since the buddah rating is in the reviews, could they be added to the right hand index, perhaps at the end of the elliptical/treadmill name maybe in parenthesis? Or, I was also wondering if the right hand lists would be better off in buddah order from top to bottom. That way, a quick stop at the site could immediately show what's at the "top of the heap", instead of having to search through every one to see if there's a new winner.

Each time a better one comes up in your reviews, etc, you just pop it into the appropriate spot on the list. Thanks and regards, -Stephen

Stephen:

Thanks for the note and I'm glad you like the site...I hope it's helped at least a little on your search. About getting the buddah ratings listed in the right navigation bar: I think you're on to something. I am going to try and get that implemented this weekend. I'm not sure if they'll show as a picture in the right nav because of the limited space, but I know they'll work as a mouse over bit of text. In other words, when you place your cursor over a unit a little box will pop up with the treadmill or elliptical buddah rating in it. Will that work? What do the rest of you think?

Before I sign off I want to put out an open call to everyone who has bought a treadmill or elliptical in the past. I am looking for buying horror stories. Did you run in to an incredibly pushy sales person? Were you unable to even get a sales person's attention at a big box store? Did it take forever to get your treadmill delivered? Or did your elliptical show up completely destroyed in transit? Send in your buying horror stories and I'll publish them all in the next few weeks.

That's it from the DOJO tonight. I'll be back with a couple of new reviews tomorrow to make up for tonight. Take care and stay fit!

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

Reader Mailbag: Is a 21" Stride too long for a shorter person?

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei will be back later today for a treadmill review, but to hold you over I wanted to answer an email that came in to the DOJO this morning. Craig is worried that the 21" stride on a Smooth CE 7.4 Elliptical is too long for his 5'3" wife. Let's see what Craigs has to say...take it away, Craig!

Dear Sensei,

Thanks for putting together such an informative site. My wife and I are about to purchase an elliptical for both of our use and we tried out the Smooth CE 7.4 a friend recently purchased and we both really liked it. However, while I am 5' 8", my wife is 5' 3" and everything I have read (including the Smooth website), says the 21" stride on this machine is too long for her, even though she said it felt fine during the test run she gave it.

Would it be a mistake to purchase this machine given her height? Thanks, -Craig
Check out the 21" stride on the CE7.4 Elliptical from Smooth Fitness.

Craig:

Thanks for the note. If your wife tried out the Smooth and the stride felt comfortable to her, then it is fine. A lot of people who use ellipticals at their gym are already used to the longer stride found in Precor, Life Fitness and Star Trac units (generally 20"-21"). I personally find the longer strides to be much more comfortable and less choppy. I'd suggest seeing if she could try the machine out for a 30-45 minute workout and see how it feels in a longer workout.

One of the things I've noticed in the 15 or so years Ellipticals have been on the market is that longer strides tend to be easier for shorter people to adjust to than shorter strides. Getting a machine with a stride that is too short is just plain uncomfortable and will kill your desire to workout.

I would say if she tried it and liked the 21" stride then go with it because what is most important (and more important than any review site) is how it feels to the both of you. Do it if it feels good! The Smooth CE7.4 is a good buy elliptical for around $1999.

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

Reader Reviews

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei gets a lot of email everyday, and far too much of it goes unanswered. So, starting today I am going to be posting some of the reader comments here on the website. If you've got something to say - positive or negative - then it can end up here for every to read. In fact, if you've got your own review of a piece of equipment you've purchased, then send it in and I'll post it too! Check back every day for new comments and reader reviews.

Enjoy!

READER REVIEWS AND COMMENTS

7/16/07
I really love your humor and personality that shows through on your web site, and have suggested that my hubby read some of your entries just because they are kind of funny. You've been a great help - thanks! -Christine

Hello Sensei,
I'll be buying a treadmill sometime over the next few months: Your website has been a HUGE help in figuring out what I need to buy in a machine. -Kat

First of all, great website. It is a must read for any less than professional shoppers. Very easy to understand and very much appreciated. The only other thing I can find are user reviews and those are usually less than helpful. -Rob

Hi Sensei,
First of all, I just wanted to say that your website is absolutely wonderful! Great information that I feel is completely trustworthy and brutally honest :) -Ted

Sensei,
Thanks so much for your efforts on behalf of those who are looking for sound fitness equipment!! It is a great thing to find someone who is knowledgeable and that can be trusted!! -Bob

7/3/07
Hi Treadmill Sensei,
Your website was so helpful!! I just placed an order for the F63 from Sole. Thanks! -Theresa

Osu Sensei!
Your site has been a great source of information while I am researching which elliptical to purchase. - Bob

Hello Sensei,
Love your site and treadmill advice. When the time came to buy a treadmill for my wife and myself, it was extremely helpful. -Jacob

Dear Sensei,
Your site is wealth of information and I love your witty humor! Thanks to you I am moving toward achieving elliptical enlightenment! -Nicole

Hi!
I just found and love your web site…best info I’ve found on the web, Thanks! -Steve R.

Hello Sensei,
I found your site the other day because the wife and I are looking for a good piece of health equipment for you house. I really like your view as a mechanic on the products. It really seems to allow you to see the guts of the machines and let us buyers know what to watch out for...Thank You! -Jeff T.

Treadmill Sensei,
I've been looking for sound advice on elliptical trainers, and your blog is a revelation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. -David V.

I was looking for some reviews on the sole ellipticals and stumbled across your website. Needless to say I was very entertained AND received some great information.
Regards, Cary L.

Dear Sensei:
What a terrific discovery your website has been as I search for the ideal home elliptical machine for me and my wife. You've been a great resource. -Mark C.

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

Read Mailbag: Do Ellipticals Really Need Mats?

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei is on his way out for a meeting in San Diego, but I wanted to make sure to post before I left the DOJO. Don't worry, I'll be back later in the day to put up a new review as well. Today's question is from Michelle here in Souther California. Michelle wants to know about elliptical mats. Let's see what she has to say. Take it away, Michelle!

Oh Wise and Helpful Sensei,

Many thanks to you for sharing your 21-plus years of experience in fitness equipment with the rest of us. With your help, I've selected and ordered an elliptical at last! Do I need to put a mat under it? I'll be setting it up in the garage, so I'm not concerned with damaging any carpet or flooring. I read a couple of your comments about the importance of protecting a treadmill's motor from dust and gunk, but I wanted to know if the same goes for an elliptical.

Thank you again for your efforts. I'm in Southern California as well, so if I fail miserably with setting it up, I might be ringing up the DOJO for some help...Michelle

Michelle:

Thanks for your note and you've asked a question a lot of people send me notes about. While treadmills do need a mat under them to help protect the motor, ellipticals really don't. Unless you have a carpet or floor to worry about getting damaged, the only real benefit you'd get from the mat is as a sweat catcher. That's really it. It is much more important to keep your elliptical's track/rails (depending upon which it has) and its cleaned and lubricated. A lot of crud can build up on the wheels from sweat and dust, and keep them cleaned will help smooth out your ride. Same goes for the rails/track.

Thanks again for your note, Michelle. Take care and stay fit!

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

Read Mailbag: Tips to Burn More Calories

Ohiyo!

Your Treadmill Sensei gets tons of questions asking about fitness or health advice. I try not to answer those questions because they really are something people should be asking their doctors or other health professionals. While I have been in the fitness industry for over 20 years now that does not qualify me (or anyone else doing fitness reviews) to give you medical advice.

That being said, I can give technical advice and my OPINION on things. If you want to know what I THINK about something and are prepared to take those THOUGHTS with a grain of salt, then I'll babble all day...especially if you're asking technical questions. I workout every day myself and can tell you about my own experiences.

Today we have a note from Linda. She is having problems with her elliptical's heart rate monitoring system and its "Calories Burned" readings. Let's see if we can help her out. Take it away, Linda!

Hello,

I recently purchased an elliptical machine and am troubled by the number of Kcals I am burning...prior to the elliptical I had a treadmill and a 30 minute walk at 4 mph burned about 200 cal and covered a distance of about 2 miles.

On the elliptical, in 30 minutes I burn 65 Kcal, 10-12 mph (about 70 watts), level 5, cover 5 miles. Now something isn't quite right cuz I'm sweating profusely at 30 minutes and I had to have burned more than 65 cal. I could walk 5 miles at a leisurely pace and burn more than 65 calories.

Age 48 Wt 165

I know these machines aren't all that accurate but this is ridiculous...Is there a formula to convert Kcal to cal.

Appreciate your thoughts. -Linda

Linda:

Thanks for your note. From not being able to take a look at the machine, it seems like the pulse grip heart rate monitor on it either isn't reading correctly or isn't calibrated correctly. The quickest fix would be to use a heart rate chest strap instead. The chest straps or HR monitor watches are much more accurate. The units should burn a similar amount of Calories during similar workouts. The main advantage of an elliptical is going to be the low to no impact workouts.

A KCal and a Calorie are actually 2 names for the same thing in this respect - KCal is an abbreviation for Calories like we're talking about (basically "food calories").

I'd suggest giving the manufacturer's tech support a call and seeing if they can either recalibrate it for you or get you a new unit. If you like the machine and don't want to worry about the less-than-accurate results, pick up a good heart rate monitor.

While we're talking about Calories burned during an elliptical workout, I thought I'd go in to a bit more detail on it. First off, the 750-1000 burned Calories per hour some manufacturers claim isn't true for 99% of people working out on the machines. More than likely, that is just the top amount they encountered during months or years of testing. In general you'd be looking at 450 to 500 Calories per hour, which still isn't bad at all.

Truthfully, for a well-built man (say 170 lbs like your Treadmill Sensei...ok, maybe I'm not well-built, but I am around 170 lbs now) to lose 1000 Calories in an hour of running, he'd have to be able to maintain around 8 miles an hour for the entire time.

A few tips for getting the most Calorie burn:

• Vary your work out: Use you elliptical's resistance or incline levels to increase the intensity of your workout and push yourself to burn more Calories. This sort of workout can increase your metabolism for up to a full day after your workout.


• Workout forward and backwards: Changing the direction of your workout changes the muscle groups being worked out and will increase your Calorie burn. Also, try changing your positioning on the elliptical itself to work different muscles.


• Use hand weights while you work out: (anywhere from 2-15 pounds, depending on your conditioning) Yes, I know the upper body arms are they, but they won't do anywhere near as much for you as a pair of hand weights will. Strength training is required to maximize your cardio workouts.


• Multiple Sessions: A great way to maintain your Calorie burn is to do a few shorter (at least 15 minutes) workouts during the day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon or evening is best. That way you keep your metabolism on increased burn mode for the entire day.


• Most Important: Only YOU know what is right for YOU. If it doesn't feel right to you, in spite of what the experts say, try something else. You have to enjoy what you're doing in order to keep doing it. If you want it to last then make sure it doesn't hurt!

I hope this helps, Linda! Thanks again for your note and stay fit!

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

Reader Mailbag: Treadmill Sensei Readers Lose Weight..oh and an Elliptical Maintenance Question!

Ohiyo!

In case anyone was wondering, the Treadmill Sensei absolutely loves to get reader email here at the DOJO. I especially love to hear from readers who have had success with a treadmill or elliptical. Today, let's hear from Scott, who lost an amazing 50 pounds using a Sole E25 and has a question about elliptical maintenance. Take it away, Scott!

Sensei,

Thank you for your wonderful reviews. Because of them I purchased a Sole E25 Elliptical and have been loving it and it has helped me drop over 50 pounds. I have found it to be more comfortable to work out on than some of the semi-commerical units I've found in hotel gyms I've had to use.

But the questions I have are regarding elliptical care. I bought my unit as a floor model and the owners manual I was able to download from the website did not list any do's or don'ts when it came to elliptical care & maintenance.

I've read where you talked about the white tube of lube that was provided to one purchaser. But since I did not get that I have been using silicone spray to clean the rails once a week and also cleaned the wheels themselves of the gunk that seems to build up on them. Is there anything I'm doing wrong or could you make a suggestion as to better cleaning and maintenance tips? Respectfully, Scott

Scott:

Thanks for your note. It sounds like you are cleaning your elliptical above and beyond what is required. The spray silicone should be ok, but it would be best to call Sole's tech support and supply them with the brand name you're using to make sure there are no issues. There shouldn't be, but it's best to be certain.

What you're already doing should keep your elliptical running well for a long time. The wheels and rail are where most of the problems will pop up. Also, keeping the unit dust free is important as well. Aside from that, not much will go wrong with an elliptical.

Thanks again and great job on the weight loss!

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

Reader Mailbag: How much height does an elliptical add?

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei, master of all things treadmill and insomnia related, just couldn't sleep last night. I took my early morning hot shower (nothing gets me going like hot water on my old bones!) and headed in to the DOJO by 6am today. I love the workshop in the morning -- it's quiet and it's a great place to get work done. Well, until Hikaru and the other Senseis come in at 8am. Then it gets loud.

In spite of the peaceful morning so far, today is going to be a bit of a sad day here at the DOJO. The nice lady who drove our local lunch truck announced yesterday was the last day our particular stop was on her route. While I was disappointed because the lunch truck generally made some really good food (except for that time I ordered a bacon and egg sandwich that tasted like fish...), Hikaru in particular is going to be crushed. You see, there was a cute girl on the truck who cooked all the food and Hikaru was in love...ok, maybe LOVE isn't the word but it works for the story. Since his first day of work over two years ago he's been plotting to ask her out. Unfortunately, he was never able to work up the courage to say more to her than "breakfast torta and a Mountain Dew" when he ordered every day. Poor Hikaru.

Now, on to fitness related things. I received a note from "Dave" recently. Dave has a low ceiling and wants to know how much clearance is needed for an elliptical. Let's see what he has to say...take it away, Dave!

Hey Sensei, I wasn't able to find this information on the manufacturer's website. How high up does an elliptical place it's user? I ask as I would like to purchase one for my workout room in my basement. However I only have 14.5" of clearance from the top of my head to the ceiling. Thanks, Dave

Dave:

Thanks for the note, Dave. The way to determine how much height an elliptical will add to you is to measure the pedals at the lowest and highest points. Then you average that amount to get the added height, i.e., if an elliptical's lowest point is 8 inches and highest is 16 inches then the height addition would be 12 inches. The standard addition is going to be 12 to 14 inches, but I generally tell people to figure the full 16 inches just to be safe. No one wants to bumped their head during a rigorous workout.

Some units put you up a bit higher, such as commercial ellipticals like the Star Trac Pro or Elite. Your best bet is to either measure yourself or ask the retailer you're purchasing from what the pedal heights are.

Thanks again for your note!

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

Reader Mailbag - Another retailer/repair tech weighs in

Ohiyo!

Although I was a little unsure about this who computer-internet thing back in May, 2006 when I started this website, I am in love with the email I get in from my readers. I especially enjoy getting in notes from other members of the fitness industry. This morning I received the below note from Dan Sharshel, owner of Stay-Fit Fitness in Kansas. Let's see what he has to say.

Take it away, Dan!

Hello my name is Dan Sharshel, owner of Stay-Fit Fitness Equipment in Wichita, KS. I was looking at your web site on some of the ratings. I have been working on exercise equipment for over 32 years now and am always curious what others have to say about some of the equipment I have worked on and in some cases regreted ever laying my eyes on. Yes we are a retail store as well as a service center here.

I do agree with some of what you are saying here. I will continue watching your web site to see if I agree or do not agree with what you say and let you know some of my opinions. As you well know, opinions are like back sides, everyone has one.

I do not claim to know everything but I do know that when the number of repairs we do here on some of the equipment exceed what they should and we contact the manufacturer and they tell us the old BS line of "gee, we have never heard of this issue before" you want to just reach into the phone and slap the crap out of them. Take care and good luck, Dan.

Dan:

Thanks for the note and I'm glad you are enjoying the website. It is always good to hear from a retailer or another service tech. I know what you mean about manufacturer BS. Just like you, we run in to that "we had no idea that was a problem" crap almost weekly. A prime example was the Z700 treadmill from a certain manufacturer. They shipped those units knowing full well there was an issue with the consoles loooking blurry due to the distance of the plastic screen from the console below it. It was a design fla; tt was known about well in advance of the unit shipping; and they still shipped it out, denying knowledge of a problem they knew about in advance when customers and retailers called in with complaints or trying to get repair. That's not even mentioning the poor retailers who got stuck selling the closeout stock without being warned of the issues in advance. Do I even need to go in to what some of the bigger manufacturers pull on customers and retailers?

We all know some of the manufacturers are a little shady and people like you and I are left to clean up the mess.

Enough ranting from me. Thanks again for the note, Dan! For those of you in the Wichita, Kansas area, make sure to check out Stay-Fit Fitness.

Take care and I'll "see" you all tomorrow. Stay fit!

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

Reader Mailbag - Where to try out treadmills

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei is loving the new site! I was very excited to get out of the old one and in to something a lot more user friendly and easier to navigate. If anyone sees any problems on the website, definitely email me here at the DOJO and I'll get on fixing it. Also, if there is anything you'd like to see on the site let me know and I'll see what I can do to make the reader experience better.

Today we have a question from a reader in Southern California (stomping grounds of the Treadmill Sensei) who is having problems finding places to try equipment out. Let's see if we can help her out. Take it away, Lisa!

Hello,

I enjoy reading your website. It is very funny and informative. However, it seems that a lot of the treadmills that are highly rated (in your site and others) cannot be tested by the consumer before purchase. Specifically, Sole, Smooth, and Spirit brands. I live in Mission Viejo, CA and have only found one "brick and mortar" store chain that carries a Spirit treadmill. (And they only have one fold-up model and one non-folding one.) Do you have any recommendations for how the average consumer can try out some of these treadmills? I'm not a serious runner who needs an expensive machine. I just want one that is quiet, durable, and preferably priced under $1,000. So far, my research doesn't come up with many options. I was excited to see the Spirit in person, and it is one of the quietest that I've tried, but I would like to be able to compare it to the other two brands because the prices vary so much. Also, you recently wrote that you are seeing some problems with the quality of the Spirit XT200 ( the only model available in the store), so I'm worried about spending a lot for something that might not hold up very well. I'm more afraid of purchasing a treadmill over the internet, sight unseen, that weighs a ton and can't be returned easily if it doesn't work well.

Thank you for your time and any advice you may have.

Sincerely, Lisa

Lisa:

Thanks for your note and I'm definitely glad you're enjoying the website. I want to apologize for taking so long to get back to you, but I get in around 150 emails a week and I tend to run a little slow on answering. Unfortunately, I don't really like to recommend one retailer over another for questions like this. I can say that the Spirit Fitness website has a dealer locator section that might help you. Sole mainly sells direct and through Dick's Sporting goods, so they don't have a dealer list, but you should be able to call them for a dealer in your area. Between the two companies, they have thousands of dealers across the US.

Unfortunately, Smooth is an internet only company -- and, in fact, Smooth will only sell their main line of equipment direct to customers. While they do make some excellent equipment, the internet-only attitude makes it impossible for customers to see a unit before they buy it.

What I'd suggest if you can't locate a unit to test out, and manufacturers will completely hate me for saying this, but negotiate a 30-day risk free trial with the equipment. Most reputable dealers who are confident in the equipment will have no problems shipping a unit out for you to try. Don't be conned in to having to pay the shipping on a unit you've never tried before because you'll get stuck for as much as $600 or more to return the unit. You want free shipping to and from if you are unsatisfied and you should be able to get it from most dealers if you're buying something site unseen.

Right now is probably one of the best times to buy treadmills and ellipticals because it is the slow selling season for the fitness industry. Because the weather is nice outside most consumers are just not buying treadmills or ellipticals during the summer and retailers are generally hurting for sales. That makes it a great time to buy because you can pressure a dealer for lower prices, even on normally MAP (minimum advertised price) companies like Spirit, Landice or SportsArt. Play a little hardball during the summer and you can come away with $100 or more off a list price. So there's a huge piece of advice that I'll probably add to my treadmill buyer's guide -- buy during the summer to save money.

For under $1000, the units you'd want to try out are the Sole F63 or Spirit Z88. They are actually the same unit. I'd also look at treadmills from New Balance and Horizon which have some great pricing right now if you check out my reviews for them.

The issues with the XT200 seem to have come at the end of the busy season, which runs October through April. I would recommend avoiding the Spirit XT200 treadmill until the replacement unit comes out at the end of the year. In general, though, Sole, Smooth and Spirit are all very good brands.

Thanks again for your email and fee free to zap me if you have any other questions. Take care.

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

Reader Mailbag -- What Does Horsepower Really Mean?

Ohiyo!

Once more the Treadmill Sensei has returned from the depths of the DOJO to answer your treadmill and elliptical questions. Mrs. Sensei and I had a relaxing weekend where we did absolutely nothing constructive at all. We hung out at home, we went to Claimjumper (one of the greatest restaurants in the universe -- the "I Declair" is easily the most perfect dessert ever created), and we watched the grandchild who was not named after me but should have been...but I'm not bitter.

Taking a weekend off from the fitness industry was great but then Monday rolls around and I still have a couple of hundred emails to answer as the Treadmill Sensei. Back to work!

A question I get asked quite often is about treadmill motors and about horsepower. I received this note from "Shane" a while ago, but it sums up the question pretty well. Let's see what Shane has to say. Take it away, Shane!

Hello,

I am so excited to have found you and your website via yahoo answers. I am in the process of shopping for a treadmill.

First I'd like to thank you for saving me from purchasing a Proform...by the way, I laughed so hard at the review (the one about your wife's uncle and his purchase from Cosco's) LMAO!!!! Of course I was going to head down to my local sears and buy the same one. Who knew???? I am very keen on doing research first before making large purchases especially something as important as a treadmill!!!

Your sight is fantastic, I was wondering if you could help me with one aspect:

I've been reading about the CHP vs. the HP I'm reading that a 2.0 CHP is better than a 2.0 HP. Is this true and how so? Thanks! - Shane

Shane:

Thanks for the note and I'm glad you enjoy reading the site. I have a lot of fun writing it as well. My wife calls it my "therapy." She likes it because it keeps me from talking about treadmills and ellipticals when I get home from work...now it's all out of my system by the time I leave the DOJO.

From all the letters I get about it, I can tell that this whole horsepower things is a little confusing to treadmill buyers in general. If it helps, it's all confusing to me too. Let me see if I can help clarify things a bit.

Horsepower is a bit of an ambiguous power rating in the fitness industry and there are no real standards to how a manufacturer has to rate its motors. According to the dictionary, one (1) horsepower is a unit which produces 746 watts of power. That's all fine and dandy, but when you put a 150 pound person on a treadmill with a 3 horsepower machine which produces 2238 watts at its peak, you find the actual horsepower and watt output of the motor drops dramatically. That is where you have the two familiar horsepower ratings in treadmills: peak horsepower (PHP or THP) and continuous horsepower (CHP).

For simplicity's sake, peak horsepower is what the motor can produce without anyone on it and continuous horsepower is what a motor produces when it is being used at capacity (meaning, with the heaviest weight it is rated for). When you're looking for a horsepower rating on a treadmill you want to make sure you are getting the continuous duty rating.

To make things more confusing, a lot of manufacturers will increase the RPMs on a their treadmills to "gear up" a smaller motor and have it produce more wattage. In the short run a smaller motor running at higher RPMs might work the same for you as a larger motor running at low RPMs, but in the long run the smaller motor will run hotter, have more problems and break down quite a bit faster.

It's all a little more complicated than that (to determine HP you need to know the voltage, amps and efficiency of the motor), but the bottom line is to make sure the HP rating you see on a treadmill is a continuous duty rating. A peak rating (PHP or THP) doesn't do you any good at all -- how powerful a treadmill is when you're not on it is meaningless.

So say it with me "I want a big motor, running at low RPMs and I want to know its continuous duty rating." It may all sound confusing but it is the difference between a treadmill with a motor that will burn out in 6 months and one that will last 5-10 years or longer.

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

Reader Mailbag - Why New Equipment in a Repair Shop??

Ohiyo!

I'll have a review up later today but I wanted to do a quick answer to a reader email I received recently. The note made me chuckle because it was something that I never thought to answer! Let's see what Beth has to say:

Dear Treadmill Sinsei,
I am a little confused about something why are 2006 ellipticals in the repair shop? I am looking to buy one the most I can afford is $1500 Canadian including all extra costs ie.shipping ,duties and taxes. I thought if I spent this much the machine would run trouble free for a number of years. Thanks for your time, Beth

Beth:

Thanks for the note! You know, that's a fantastic question. The reason why a lot of ellipticals and treadmills come through the DOJO is for set-up. A manufacturer or local retailer who sells a unit (or bunch of units) and needs them assembled and set-up will have them shipped to our shop (the DOJO). We'll assemble the treadmill or elliptical and then deliver the to the home or business who ordered them.

In other words, not all the treadmills or ellipticals we review are in the shop because they are broken. Thanks again for your note and take care.

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

Reader Mailbag - Sole E55 Elliptical vs the Spirit XE550

Ohiyo!

Continuing my recent flurry of activity on this site, I wanted to answer a question sent in tonight by a reader out in South Carolina. He is checking out the Sole E55 Elliptical and the Spirit XE550 Elliptical. Let's see what he has to say:

Sensei,
I have enjoyed reading your website and appreciate the information you have to offer. I have been looking at purchasing an elliptical trainer for my home. I am a big guy and need a sturdy piece of equipment. I live in Charleston, SC and have been looking at the Sole E55 Elliptical $1499 and the Spirit XE550 Elliptical $1599. I know that they are essentially very similar machines and shouldn't feel very different but at least in the stores, they do. The Spirit feels more solid that the Sole. This may be due to the Sole being in a higher traffic store but I think that there is more to it. I noticed afterwards that the shipping weights of comparable models of Spirit weigh more than Sole's. On the other hand, the motion of the Sole felt more natural to me. The Spirit felt like it was short on leg flexion and long on extension. It gave it a feeling like you were stepping up. This doesn't make sense but I went back twice. This might have been due to the Sole not being plugged in and the Spirit being fully operational. What do you think here? Does this make sense to you? Thanks for your thoughts. -Ben

Benjamin:

Thanks for your note. Actually, I think I know what the problems were with the units you looked at. First off, the Sole E55 Elliptical is actually the Spirit XE350 Elliptical, and the Sole E95 is the Spirit XE550 Elliptical. So, the XE550 should feel a lot more solid than the E55...it's a slightly beefier unit. The equivalent units should be the exact same weight.

Now, the reason the Sole E55 Elliptical felt a little more natural to you is because someone had changed the adjustable foot pedals on the Spirit XE550 Elliptical. I actually come across this happening on the units every week. If you'd looked down under the pedals you would have seen a little adjustment pin which would have allowed you to put the pedals into a more comfortable and more natural position for your stride.

It's a bit hard to compare the two units because they aren't quite equal. The Spirit XE550 Elliptical is going to be a bit more solid and heavy duty than the Sole E55 Elliptical, but you save around $100 on the Sole E55. It does sound like you're getting a great deal on the unit as Spirit is generally very strict about dealers dropping their prices below their MAP (minimum advertised price) on the X series units. Make sure your warranty is still going to be valid on a unit where the retailer is breaking the rules a bit (you should be able to confirm it with a quick call to Spirit Fitness itself).

If you like the Sole E55 Elliptical then check out the Spirit XE350 Elliptical on which you can usually save an additional $100 off of the E55 cost.

A final thing I want to mention on Spirit product is that I've been getting a number of reader email saying the Spirit QC (quality control) has been dropping these past few months. A lot of faulty treadmills are going out (not so much on the ellipticals). The units I've heard complaints on are the Spirit Z9, Spirit Z700, Spirit XT200 and LW539 treadmills. I'll be posting reader comments on the treadmills and updating the reviews in the upcoming weeks.

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

Retailer Response to "Online Buying vs Offline"

Ohiyo!

Today the Treadmill Sensei has something a little different for his loyal readers. It seem a lot of people are reading this website now, including some offline retailers. Today we're going to hear from Norm Morrison. Now, Norm is the product manager for Gym Source which has locations in 9 states (although, their "about us" page mentions "47 states and 37 countries" as being served, so they may be considered an online or mail order store as well). Here's Norm's note (edited for length):

Hi.

I’m Norm Morrison, Product manager for the Gym Source. I am wishing you a long and prosperous career as a proclaimer of truth.

I spend my whole day comparing the mechanical, sales, and ergonomic qualities of different brands of equipment, so I enjoyed your entries. As we have fixed more treadmills than any other company in the world, as well as having a 70 year company history, I have a lot of raw data and shared experience to draw upon. We are currently the largest commercial dealer in the industry as well as having over thirty retail store locations.

And though I disagree with a few entries, I appreciate greatly the obvious effort and lack of guile that fills each review.

I LOVE your treadmill buying guide. I teach all sales staff to give HP with the corresponding RPM’s they are rated on, but I was beginning to think I was the only person who cared about this.

I actually talk about the weight of the piece as being one of the most important things, as commercial treads are only heavy as hell so that they can last longer. Gym owners don’t want heavy equipment; it just torques less and does not bounce the internal components around as much.

Best of luck, and I am very curious to hear how it goes with the treadmill rating once brands start sending you stuff to rate.

Norm Morrison
Newton Gym Source

Norm!

Thanks for the note and the kind words. It's good to hear that brick and mortar retailers are enjoying the website as well.

If you're in their area and are looking for some good, high quality service on commercial equipment, make sure to check out a Gym Source store near you or check out their website at GymSource.com. They've got a ton of experience and, as a group, service more treadmills than any other company in the US. Just make sure to do your research online and go in well-educated.

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

Reader Mailbag - Sole E55/Spirit XE350 vs Sole E95/Spirit XE550

Ohiyo!

The end of the busy season has us hard at work here at the DOJO so I do apologize for not posting as frequently lately. I hope to get back on track after IRHSA at the end of March. In the meantime, let's hear from a recent reader who followed the Treadmill Sensei's advice on a purchase and see what he has to say.

Treadmill Sensei,

Many thanks for your quick reply and information! I went to several fitness stores to try out the different models and did about 5 minutes on each one. The Life Fitness models (except the X9i) all felt a little flimsy in the front when I got on them. Not a big noticeable wobble, but definitely one I could feel. Ditto for all of the discount fitness store models. The Life Fitness X9i and the Precors are out of my price range so I didn't even consider them, but they are nice machines. After many tryouts on several models in the different fitness specialty stores, I decided that I liked the Sole E55 (Spirit XE350) and the Spirit XE550 (Sole E95). But since the Spirit was on sale for $1388 compared to the $1499 for the Sole E55, it was an EASY decision on what to buy!

I just finished a quick 30 minute work on the Spirit XE550 and I am very happy with the machine! I was ready for a longer work out but my wife demanded equal time on it this morning. :) I am 5'9" and 195 lbs and I really gave the elliptical a work out, getting up to level 14 and about 70-75 PPM with no discernable wobble or flimsy feelings. The machine is very quiet and I like the adjustable foot pads too. My only negative observation is the placement of the angled water bottle holder and the fact it will only fit the small water bottle that came with the machine. The bigger ones we regularly use will not fit. But if that is I have to "complain" about, I am doing pretty good with this machine! Again, THANKS for your information. -Dave

Get the Sole E55 at the lowest price online and save 3% with the code TMSENSEI

Dave:

Thanks for the note and I'm glad I could be of service. A lot of the Life Fitness residential grade equipment doesn't hold up to their commercial units. Their commerical ellipticals are fantastic, but the home units tend to be a lot less stable.

You got a great deal on the Spirit XE550! Spirit has some very strict MAP pricing (meaning the minimum a unit can be advertised at) and the XE550s normally sell for around $1699. One of the best features in the Spirit XE350 and Spirit XE550 is the adjustable foot pad option. They allow you to get the most comfortable workout on your elliptical and blow away just about everyone else out there. As for the water bottle, I'm not completely sure what Spirit was thinking with that one, but there are third party clip on bottles out there for you to replace it with.

Thanks again for your note and have a great workout!

Find best price online for the Sole E95 and save 3% with the code TMSENSEI.

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

Reader Mailbag: Elliptical Lube and Maintenance Question

Ohiyo!

Today the Treadmill Sensei is posting from his room at Ceasar's Palace here in Las Vegas. Sure Mrs Sensei and I took the weekend off to go and have some fun, but she's sleeping and what she doesn't know won't hurt me!

Last night I received an email from a reader who just purchased a Spirit ZE120 and had a question about a little white tube she found in the packaging of the elliptical. Take it away, Carol!

Hey Sensei,

Thanks for your advice on the ZE120. It was a great deal, and seems like a great machine. I was wondering if you could answer another question. When assembling the machine, we were given a tube of lube, but not told where to use it? Do you know which parts should have the lube applied to them? Thanks again for your help! -Carol V

Carol:

Thanks for the note. About which parts need lube...that sounds like a personal question! Sorry, I couldn't resist. The little white tube of lube (why Spirit decided to put a completely plain white tube in a lot in completely plain white packing material is beyond me -- lots of people accidentally throw their tubes away!) is used to lubricate the shiny elliptical rails on the Spirit ZE120. What it does is reduce the friction between the rails and the wheels which the elliptical runs on.

Lubrication on the Spirit ZE120 and its brothers (the ZE110, XE125, XE150 and XE350) is pretty simple. Squirt a little lube on your finger and then run it along the rails. Then, use the Spirit ZE120 for a minute or so and you'll notice the difference -- the machine will be a lot quieter and run a lot smoother. It will also help elongate the life of your elliptical.

Thanks again for your note, Carol, and good luck with your lube!

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

Reader Mailbag: Life Fitness vs Star Trac

Ohiyo!

I'm trying to catch up on some of these reader questions today. This time we have a gym owner wanting to know about the difference between Life Fitness and Star Trac fitness equipment. Let's see if we can help him out.

Sensei -
I read your online reviews and the are very detailed.

I manage a large community center and I was interested in your thoughts of Star Trac equipment quality vs. Life Fitness. We are about to make a large purchase of equipment and I have hear negative comments on Star Trac that seem off base considering your review.

Granted, we are a commercial user vs. the home buyer, but can you tell me which of the two are better in terms of long term maintenance? Your comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you -Sean

Sean:

Thanks for the note and I'm glad you like the site. It's strange that you're hearing negative word about Star Trac. From my experience -- and, keep in mind, the DOJO does mainly commercial installations at gyms, apartment complexes and the like -- Star Trac and Life Fitness are the two main companies when it comes to commercial fitness equipment right now (sure, Precor deals with great ellipticals, but the rest of their equipment isn't quite as sterling). However, people do fall in to camps when it comes to opinions on the two brands -- they love one but hate the other and nothing will change their minds.

My preference is Star Trac just because I think their designs are a bit more modern but that's a mainly aesthetic preference. If pressed, I'd say the new Star Trac units are a bit better built and designed, and are a little more maintenance free (of course, nothing that runs for 100+ hours a week will be completely maintenance free!).

Truthfully, your gym will do fine with either product. They are both very high quality and have great customer service when you need it. New units from either camp will last you a long time with the proper maintenance. A treadmill from either company should last around 7 years or so before you might want to consider a replacement. You're basically comparing a Mercedes to a BMW.

Thanks again and take care!

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

Reader Mailbag: Nordic Track C1800 Review and Treadmill Deck Replacement

Ohiyo!

Now that I'm finally getting caught up on the Ichi-Ban Award reviews (the second annual awards will be a lot more organized!), I've decided to answer a few pieces of reader mail. Strangely, even though the busy season is coming to a close, the Treadmill Sensei is getting more and more mail every day. I'm spending almost an hour a day trying to sort through 50+ email messages. I apologize for not being able to get back to everyone who writes, but Mrs. Sensei is already annoyed with the amount of time I spend on the website.

The first note of the day comes from Daniel who has a broken deck on his Nordic Track.

My Nordic Track c1800's walking deck broke and I have removed it. Can I replace this with a piece of 3/4" plywood? The part will be on back order with Nordic Track or Sears for a few weeks, not to mention that it will be $100 + S/H. I can salvage the mylar sheet and the hardware guides on the bottom. Also, do I need to treat the board with any special type of paint or anything? Thanks. -Daniel

Thanks for your note, Daniel.

Sounds like you're in a bit of a pickle! The short answer would be no -- you could probably cut a piece of wood to size and then mount it on the Nordic Track c1800 treadmill but it would never feel quite right. The reason being not only the mounting (very specific grommit types and placement and so on), but also because the decks are actually multi-layered pieces made up of different woods which have undergone treatments to make them rebound just right. It's a bit more than just sliding a new piece of wood in.

With the amount of abuse a treadmill gets during even a walking workout, the plywood would fail fairly quick and you'd have another broken deck and potentially an injury if it happened during a run.

Unfortunately, with the Nordic Track C1800 I really wouldn't even recommend getting the deck replaced because you will continue to run in to problems with it. The c1800 treadmill has a very small motor for the price (generally these things run for about $800-$900), the decks are poorly constructed (as you've learned), the belts are cheap and fray quickly, there is a lot of plastic in the Nordic Track c1800 and the console tends to be a bit user unfriendly. Luckily, I believe the C1800 has been discontinued.

If this unit were priced at about $499 it would be a good unit, but at the higher price point the Treadmill Sensei gives it 2 out of 5 golden buddahs...and that might be a bit generous.

Move along, there's nothing to see...the Nordic Track c1800 treadmill
gets 2 gold buddahs out of 5.


Click for more information or to purchase a Nordic Track.

Nordic Track c1800 Treadmill Specifications
Motor: 1.5hp
Running Area: 20"x55"
Max Speed: 10 mph
Max Incline: 10%
Folding: Yes
Display: LCD
Max User Weight: 250 pounds

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

Reader Mailbag - Elliptical Advice for a tall person

Ohiyo!

Tonight we have a question that comes from one of our taller readers. Kevin comes in at 6'2" and has long legs. Let's see if we can help him figure out which elliptical is right for him!

First of all, AWESOME Blog. I read 10-12 political/sports blogs per day and your blog's content is second to none. Thanks so much for the information you give anyone with a computer.

I'm a 25 year old male who actually used to be somewhat athletic. I'm 6'2 but have legs that could fit on someone 6'4. Thus, stride length is important to me. Quality workout is the #1 factor for me.

I'd like to spend under $1000, but I want great value. Programs aren't that important to me, I just want a great, stable, sturdy workout that lets me stride naturally. I've found three possibilities on Amazon.com and would like your feedback in comparing them. If you have other suggestions, please let me know.

LifeSpan EX3 Elliptical ~ $1000
Spirit Fitness ZE120 Elliptical Trainer ~ $800
Mileage 1636 Elliptical ~ $800

Thanks in advance for your response, and again, GREAT BLOG! -Kevin

Kevin:

Thanks for the note and the very kind words. This site is a lot of fun for me to do and I'm glad I can give a little help to anyone looking to purchase a treadmill or elliptical. As a service tech, I know there are a lot of units out there and things get a bit confusing.

You've brought up some interesting choices. Spirit is always a good choice, especially if you can take advantage of Amazon's insanely low pricing that's going on right now (they're about $200+ lower than every one else out there). Click to check out my original review of the Spirit ZE120 . It's a great unit.

The other two companies aren't quite as known to the average consumer. The Mileage line is made by a company called JK Fitness which is best known for higher end commercial equipment. Not many people in our area purchase Mileage equipment so we don't see them very often at all (a few a year truthfully), but the Mileage 1636 elliptical looks to have some pretty decent stats. The only real negatives I see are the light user weight (which tends to mean a less sturdy elliptical), the Tunturi-style drive/elliptical design and the static footpads (which can be uncomfortable for longer length workouts). The adjustable stride length on the Mileage 1636 is a great feature as is the 22 pound flywheel which isn't bad at all for an elliptical under $1000.

Lifespan is another fairly unknown company when it comes to the mainstream consumer. They've been around for over 12 years now. Their marketing tends to be for a slightly older crowd. They don't get a whole lot of exposure, but when they do it tends to be high praise. The Lifespan EX3 Elliptical actually looks very similar to one of the older Reebok BodyTrek units (also known as the Sole E89 -- a really bad feeling elliptical). The Lifespan EX3 has some nice features, however in my opinion it feels more like a stepper than an elliptical. I know that sounds crazy because of the 20" stride but it's true. The feeling is much more vertical than elliptical. It's a very nice unit it just doesn't have that true comfortable elliptical feel.

If you're buying a unit online without trying a unit out and want to make sure you're getting a great feeling machine, then the Spirit ZE120 elliptical is an excellent choice. Especially since Amazon seems to be running a super low-price sale on them -- and, based on what I know of Spirit and its strict pricing policies, I doubt that price will last. But, even at the regular price it's a a great elliptical...the Sole E25 version of the unit (basically the Spirit ZE120 with a different paint job) is my top choice for a unit under $1000.

However, everyone has different opinions when it comes to what feels good. You might find you like the static pedal style of the Mileage 1636 or the slight stepper feel of the Lifespan EX3. Your best bet is to get out there and try a few units out before you make your buy.

I hope I've helped! Take care and I'll see you all with another review tomorrow!

UPDATE! I just got in a quick response from Kevin...and some very kind comments. Here's his note:

Thanks for your help.

I had the same concern about the Mileage 1636's weight. I wasn't sure if the EX3 worth worth the extra $$$, but the "stairstepper" comparison scared me off. I'm going with the ZE120... I really had myself convinced after reading your blog entry about it from last year, but wanted to get your feedback first.

You should really consider trying to get your reviews published to earn some extra cash. They are BY FAR the most thorough and straightforward information I've found on ellipticals.

You are also a class act. This is on top of all of knowledge you possess and communicate so very well to your readers. Thanks Again. - Kevin

I'm glad I could be of some small assistance, Kevin. Good luck with your elliptical and I hope you like it. Feel free to come back and let us know how it worked out! Take care!

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

Reader Mailbag - The Spirit XE150 vs the Spirit XE350 Elliptical

Ohiyo!

Today your Treadmill Sensei tries to help out a customer with a question about a couple of Spirit Ellipticals. Sometimes it gets confusing even when trying to compare two ellipticals from the same company. Let's see if we can help her out!

I am looking for a decent elliptical machine without spending a ton of money. In looking at your reviews for both the Spirit XE150
and the Spirit XE350, I noticed that you gave the XE150 five golden buddahs and the XE350 only 4 golden buddahs. But your reviews for them seem similar other than some differences in features. Can you tell me why one got a slightly better review than the other? Also, have you had a chance to look at the Spirit XE550?
Thank you. --Britt

Britt:

Thanks for your note! You've actually asked a pretty easy question for me to answer. I rate ellipticals and treadmills on not only their features and specifications but also on their price point. In other words, if the Spirit XE150
elliptical and the Spirit XE350 elliptical were both priced at $50 (I'm just making up a price here), then the XE350 would blow the XE150 away. However, since there is a price difference between the two, I rate the XE150 a bit higher because of the price -- I don't think the XE350 gives you quite as much for your dollar as the XE150. Also, the compeition in the price range is fierce and I'm comparing the ellipticals against each other.

It's not a scientific system...it's just based on my experience and gut reaction.

You can check out the Spirit XE150 review HERE and the Spirit XE350 elliptical review HERE. The XE550 was in my top rated list for the $1500-$2000 price range. I haven't done an XE550 review yet, but keep an eye out here over the next couple of weeks and I'll try to get one up.

Thanks again Britt and I hope this helps!

Get more info or purchase on the Spirit XE150 and entire Spirit Line...save 3% with the code TMSENSEI

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

Reader Mailbag - Ohiyo from Ohio

Ohiyo!

A quick non-fitness related email from Debi.

Thanks for the review on the Reebok RL 900. We own this machine and are enjoying it but it was good to read your information on the importance of maintenance.

BTW - I am also of Japanese heritage and just wanted to point out a common error - Ohaiyo (ohaiyogozaimasu) is the correct spelling rather than Ohiyo. I have been tempted to make the same error myself. :-)

Thanks again for the good info. I forwarded to a friend that is interested in the RL900 too.

Akemashite omedetogoziamas! (Happy New Year) - Debi

Debi:

Thanks for the note and I'm glad the Reebok RL900 review helped! About Ohiyo vs Ohaiyo: back in the early days of this blog I received a very nice email from a man named Johnny who titled it "Ohiyo from Ohio." At the time it made me snicker very much so I adopted it. Unfortunately, it confused people since I wasn't actually from Ohio, so I shorted it with later usage, keeping the misspelling of Ohaiyo in place. If that's the only grammatical error someone points out about my writing then I'm in good shape!

Thanks again and enjoy your elliptical!!

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

Reader Mailbag - Sole vs Smooth Treadmills

Ohiyo!

Today the Treadmill Sensei feels old! The family and I spent the day at DisneyLand and all of the walking really wore me down. I'm just not the nubile young Sensei I was in the past. It was the last day of the Christmas DisneyLand set up and Mrs. Sensei wanted the see it before they took everything down. As always, it was a blast but tiring.

Due to the huge amount of emails I get here at the DOJO from readers looking for help, I'm going to try to answer a few here on the blog every day. If you send in an email and don't get a response, drop back by here and you may find your questions answered right here on the website. Also keep in mind that if you send in an email it may be published on the web. If you don't want your email publicized then make sure to let me know.

The first question of the day is a common one, Sole vs Smooth.

I just read your very helpful treadmill blog. I was wondering what your opinion is on Smooth treadmills. I was considering buying their 5.25 and 6.25 model and also Sole F63 and F80. I am very confused, though I think I have narrowed it down to these 4 choices. My family will all use it. My husband and I are both about 190 lbs (he's about 6 feet tall and I am much smaller) and my 3 teenaged kids, too. If you could help me choose, I'd really appreciate it.
Happy New Year! -Reb

Reb:

Thanks for your note! I get a lot of questions about comparing Smooth and Sole treadmills - they are the two leading companies when it comes to higher quality consumer equipment. From a quality standpoint you can't go wrong with either company. Their reputations are well deserved.
In regards to your specific questions of the Smooth 5.25/6.25 versus the Sole F63/F80, the units are all very similar in specs and even warranty. The Smooth 6.25 has a larger motor than the rest, but the Sole units have the edge in running area. If you're looking for the best bargin then the Sole F63 treadmill wins just about every time. The reason being that it's the same unit as the Sole F80 with a consumer grade console on it. It does have a shorter warranty, but most retailers will be able to give you an extended warranty for 2 years at around $100 which still beats the price of the other units.

All of the treadmills you mention, Smooth and Sole, will work well for your 6' husband to run or jog on (even running should be comfortable for him, but marathon training may be out because the decks are a little short for extremely long strides). They are also all sturdy machines which will hold up to teenagers.

I'd suggest the Sole F63 treadmill as the best bet at under $1500 right now, but you should be happy whichever way you go.

Take care and Happy New Year to you and your family!

For more information or to purchase the Sole F63 click above.
Save 3% with the Code TMSENSEI.

-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

Reader Mailbag -- Sports Art E82 Elliptical opinion

Ohiyo Gozaimasu!

Your Treadmill Sensei took a nice quiet vacation to Las Vegas (well, as quiet as Vegas can be) with Mrs. Sensei this weekend and left the DOJO far behind. I normally try to catch up on my monster backlog of reader mail over the weekends but figured I could let one weekend slip by without too much trouble. Boy was I wrong! Nearly 200 of you wrote in to ask for my advice while I was gambling and eating at buffets!

Guess that teaches me to take the day off!

In order to knock the pile down a bit I'm going to take a couple of days off from my reviews in order to answer your questions. I've picked three at random...and here we go:

Oh, most honorable Sensei, I seek your guidance.

I have really
enjoyed reading you reviews of elliptical trainers. I have not seen you mention
ellipticals from SportsArt. Have you worked with them? Good, Bad?? In particular I am looking at the SportsArt E82 elliptical. It seems to be well built but I
would appreciate your experienced opinion.

Greg

Thanks for the note, Greg. I've actually talked about a couple of SportsArt units in the past but only in the Reader Mailbag section (you can find one HERE). I really need to get around to doing some actual reviews of the units soon. But, to answer your question, I have done quite a bit of work on SportsArt treadmills and ellipticals and am familiar with the E82.

SportsArt itself is one of the older fitness companies still in business. They were founded back in the late 70s and they began manufacturing fitness equipment sometime in the early 80s (about the same time I got started!). For a long time they were best known for producing equipment for other companies. Precor, Tunturi, Schwinn and, I believe, Smooth, all had equipment designed and manufactured by the craftsmen of SportsArt. Soemtime around the early to mid nineties, SportsArt began putting out their own equipment in addition to producing product for other companies.

All in all, SportsArt is a great manufacturer with some great ellipticals. If you've ever seen one of their units with the adjustable stride you'll know what I'm talking about. In fact, the SportsArt E82 you asked about has that very feature, adjusting from 17 inches up to a monster 26 inch stride. The E82 elliptical is very heavy duty and a sturdy machine. If you've worked out on a Precor then you'll be familiar with how the SportsArt E82 will feel. In fact, I'd recommend a SportsArt unit over one of the Precor's without an adjustable ramp (such as the Precor 556) any day of the week.

You really can't go wrong with a SportsArt elliptical. I'll try to get a more detailed review up of some SportsArt equipment very soon.

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

Reader Mailbag -- Sole F63 Treadmill vs Smooth 5.25 Treadmill

Nihango!

Last time we talked about the SportsArt E82. This time we've got a reader who wants to put a pair of treadmills in to ThunderDome...Two treadmills enter, One treadmill leaves!

Hello

I am in the market to buy a treadmill and i have read numerous
reviews on the Sole F63 and the Smooth 5.25 treadmills on your website and
others, and have to make a decision between the 2, Both treadmills are quality
treadmills that will get the job done, please help me in deciding which one is
the better treadmill for the long run. THank you for your help in advance i
appreciate it

Amindu

Well, Amindu, you've picked a couple of really good units to compare against each other. I've actually reviewed both of them in detail in the treadmill reviews section of the site. You can check out the Sole F63 Treadmill review HERE and the Smooth 5.25 Treadmill review HERE.

The units are very, very similar in their stats and actual performance...and even their prices are pretty close. I would have to say I'd give the edge to the Sole F63 (or the Spirit Z88 as it is also known) for a couple of reasons.

First off, the F63 treadmill is quite a bit heavier than the Smooth, which means it is also going to feel a lot sturdier when you're on it. There's nothing wrong with the weight on the Smooth 5.25, it's just that the Sole F63 treadmill is beefier.

Second, the deck is about 2 inches longer on the Sole F63/Spirit Z88, giving you a larger running area -- 20x53 on the Smooth 5.25 and 20x55 on the Sole F63. Two inches may not seem like a lot but you'll definitely notice the difference when you run on a longer deck.

Both treadmills are made by high quality companies and you'd be happy either way you went. However, in a head to head battle to the death, the Sole F63 Treadmill wins.

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

Reader Mailbag - Treadmill Motor Maintenance and Cleaning

Nihango!

Things are going well here in Colorado at the Health & Business fitness tradeshow. The Treadmill Sensei is having much fun seeing the latest from treadmill and elliptical manufacturers. Even though I am away from the DOJO (and I dread to see the condition young Hikaru and the others leave the shop in) I still wanted to share the wisdom of the Sensei with you, my fine readers.

This week we have a note from Sandy in Australia about her treadmill motor. Take it away, Sandy!

"Hello, I just came across your site and thought you could give me some ideas. I have a York Runner 61820 that I bought about 4 years ago. Lately it has been smelling like rubber (or motor!) burning. I lubricate the mat probably too much, but I thought that may be the problem. After reading your tips for treadmill maintenence, I thought it could be because I don't have a matt under it. Is there some way to clean the motor if it is because of the static you mentioned? I tried e-mailing York, but I never got a response. I am in Australia so I maybe I just don't have the correct e-mail address. Anyhow, I'd really appreciate any advice you may have. I love my treadmill and will probably never be able to afford another so I'd really like to look after it."
Kind Regards, Sandy in Australia

Thanks for your note! Just from your description of the smell, it sounds like your motor needs to be cleaned. What you can do is remove the hood that covers the motor -- make sure your treadmill is unplugged first! Then you'll probably notice a ton of dust and debris in there. You'll need to blow it out -- we use an air compressor here in the repair shop, but you can also get a couple of cans of the compressed air used for cleaning computer keyboards. It'll probably be caught in the fan portions of the motor especially. A vaccuum cleaner works as well and probably won't be as messy, but they take a bit longer to get the job done.

Get as much out as possible.

You might still smell the burning for a few days after as bits and pieces fall away, but it should disappear within a week. Make sure to clean under the treadmill for the first week because if you don't the debris will get sucked back up in to the motor.

If that doesn't solve the problem in a week or so, feel free to get back to meand we can try to work it out.

Take care.

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

Reader Mailbag -- Sole E25 Elliptical Questions

Moshi Moshi!

Welcome again to the DOJO. I am your host, the Treadmill Sensei, and today we have another offering from our reader mailbag. This time we have a question from Hank who has been looking at the Sole E25. Let's hear from Hank:

"Treadmill Sensei, dig the blog, very helpful. So I'm about to pull the trigger on the elliptical Spirit XE150/Sole 35 based on all the good reviews I've read on it (including yours of course), but I've also heard good things about the Smooth brand (direct on-line only) ellipticals. Have you ever had any experience with them? About the same price range.

I'm short (5'5") so I'm actually wondering if the Smooth's 19" stride is better for me than the Spirit's 20" - you think a one inch difference would make much of a difference anyway?

Thanks, and keep up the great reviews!"
Hank from NY

Thanks for the note, Hank, and I'm glad you enjoy the blog. I am familiar with Smooth. They used to be a very good brand (and were actually made by Spirit at one point, as well as by Sportsart, I believe), but in the last year or two they're gone down hill. The new manufacturing company (whose name escapes me right now but I can look it up if you are interested) has dropped the quality of the parts quite a bit.

The Spirit XE150 / Sole E35 Ellipticals are definitely "A" quality and the Smooth is more "B-" or "C" quality from what I've seen. We get a couple of their ellipticals in a week to do repair work on. Oh, and so you know, I don't have any attachments to either company. I do repair work for every single manufacturer out there and would prefer if everyone bought a Smooth because it would mean more work for me!

The stride different shouldn't matter much at all -- I'd definiely avoid a 22 or 24 inch stride (I'm 5'7" myself) and keep away from anything less than 17-18 inches.

And we had a follow up question from Hank:

"If I can pick your brain one more time - would you happen to know what the big difference is between the cheaper Sole E25 and Sole E35 model, if any? According to the Sole site, the only real difference is the lcd size, pulse monitor and different warranty (E25 does not cover as many years). I don't really care for the bells and whistles, heart rate monitor and stuff, but I want to make sure the E25 has the same internal mechanics and parts - looks like it's got the same magnetic braking resistance, stride length the same, etc. Not many places selling the E25 (most are selling the E35) but Dick's Sporting Goods does have it on sale for $999."

Hank, ou listed exactly the differences between the Sole E25 and the Sole E35 Elliptical. The E25 is a stripped down version of the Sole E35 but is still a good machine. It also has a slightly smaller footprint, but from the couple I've worked on, they seem to be the exact same machine otherwise. I believe it was an exclusive model that could only be ordered through a select few retailers and through Sole itself. The Sole E25 ellipticals are very nice little machines that will last you for a good long time.

I hope that helps Hand and any of you out there interested in more information on Sole and Spirit in general or the Sole E25 elliptical in specific.

Until next time, take care!

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

Reader Mailbag: Problems with Life Fitness 9500 treadmills and Star Trac Pro Treadmills

Ohiyo again, faithful students of the DOJO!

I hope the holiday weekend is treating you all well. Tonight we dip back in to the reader mailbag to try and help out a reader who is having problems with the treadmills at his gym. Let's see what we can do to assist him.

Dear Treadmill Sensei,

I came across your website from a google search on the topic of treadmill belt slippage. I recently joined a new gym that has two types of treadmills, Life Fitness 9500 HR & Life Fitness 9700 HR treadmills, and Star Trac Pro treadmills. This gym is much more expensive than the other one I used to go to that had the exact same equipment. At the previous gym I had no problems using either type of treadmill.

My problem is that about 90% of their Life Fitness treadmills have belts that slip when you run faster than 6.0 MPH. I'm not a small guy, about 260 lbs, but I believe this should be well within the specifications of that model. The Star Trac Pro treadmills don't slip but they make horrible vibrations and pounding noises if you run faster than about 5.5 MPH. Obviously, lighter/smaller users (women) that walk or jog do not exhibit these symptoms, and that does comprise the vast majority of their users. I have complained to the gym about these problems and they seem to think I'm either nuts for implying all their treadmills don't work, or just too heavy for all of them.

I have a few questions for you:

- Am I being unrealistic? Can 260 lb guys not run faster than 6.0 MPH on this class of treadmill?
- The gym uses Durabelt brand belts on their treadmills. I suspect this is a cost saving measure, do you know this to cause problems?
- How does a treadmill repair expert verify that the belt won't slip for heavier users if the repairman is a small person?
- Could the problem with the startrac treadmills be that they don't have them on a soft floor?

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I understand you're running a business, and you're under no obligation to reply to my email with any kind of response without compensation. I'm just frustrated, and you seem very knowledgeable on the topic, so I thought it was worth a try.

Many thanks, Jim

* * * * *

Nihango, Jim!

Thanks for your note. From you description it doesn't sound like you are crazy at all. It does sound like there are problems with your gym's Life Fitness 9500 treadmills and Star Trac Pro treadmills. Life Fitness and Star Trac both produce some of the highest end commercial treadmills out on the market. Both should have no problems with a 260-300 pound user running even at their max speeds without the slipping you've described.

Without actually seeing the treadmills myself, it sounds like either the belts aren't properly aligned and adjusted or the decks are older and worn down. If the belt adjustment is off it could be from high usage (and would just need a couple of quick adjustments at the rear of the machine) or the rollers might be damaged or defective. If that's the case it's a little tougher to fix, but still pretty simple. If the decks are worn down and need replacement, then it could be a major issue for the gym. If they're smaller and are short on their repair/replacement budget, then the higher expense of obtaining a new deck might be keeping them from maintaining their machines. It doesn't really sound like a problem with the motors because then you'd be feeling changes in speed more than belt slippage.

As for the loud noises on the Star Trac Pro treadmills, I'd say there is definitely an issue there. Even on a hardwood style floor, the Star Trac Pro treadmills should still be fairly quiet machines.

From my experience it sounds like the gym has machines that are older and no longer under manufacturer warranty -- either they've had the machines for a long period or they've purchased remanufactured equipment to save cash -- and they are not able or willing to keep the units up to fighting shape. It sounds like most of their users are smaller and they figuring risking the annoyance of a couple of larger clients is worth it to avoid paying to have their equipment repaired properly.

My suggestion would be to see if you can have the gym manager or owner watch you during a treadmill workout to see the problem. If they see the problem and don't fix it, I'd say get the heck out of there and move on to a more responsible gym.

Please let me know how things work out for you and don't hesitate to email me again with any questions or comments you might have.

Take care.

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

Reader Mail: SportsArt 803 Elliptical versus the Sole E35 Elliptical

Ohiyo!

Tonight we're going to answer a piece of reader email that came in earlier today. This one is from Jim and he's got a question for the Sensei:

"Treadmill "Sensei",

After much research including your site, I have come down to two ellipticals at the same price ($1299). First, the Sole Fitness E35, the other is the SportsArt 803. I have seen/tired the 803 but only read abou the E35. Any recommendations?

Most Sincerely, Jim"

Jim:

Thank you for your note. You've actually picked two really good machines. We work on ellipticals every day here at the DOJO and neither one of those brands come in very often -- which is a great sign of quality! Plus, they both have similar 5 year part warranties and decent labor ones as well (1 year on the SportsArt and 2 on the Sole).

The SportsArt units are great for people who have worked out with Precor units at the gyms and want something with a similar feel (although without the "ramp" technology the Precors are famous for). The reason people like the SportsArt ellpticals is because they have a great adjustable stride on them. The downside is they have static pedals so your feet might start to fall asleep during long workouts.

The Soles are great machines all the way around. But, it is tough to purchase something you haven't been on. If you have a Dick's Sporting Good or something similar in the area you might be able to find the Spirit XE150 to try out. It is the exact same unit as the Sole E35 and usually about $200 cheaper because you are cutting out the middle man (Sole buys their machines from Spirit, re-labels and resells them at a mark-up).

So, in a round about way, I'd say if you liked the feel of the SportsArt 803, it is a good, solid machine. However, it might be worth trying to track down a Spirit or Sole locally to try out because they are fantastic, comfortable machines.

Thanks again for your note and I hope I helped...I tend to ramble a bit about the equipment. Take care.

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