As a general rule, the more you invest in a treadmill, the better the quality of machine you will get. That being said, it is possible to buy a decent treadmill for a reasonable price. There is only one kind of treadmill, but treadmills come in a variety of price ranges, each with its own set of pros and cons. Treadmills can range in price from $3,000 or more to just a few hundred dollars.
Budget Treadmills
Models in this category are priced between $300 and $500 (2010 prices) and usually have a top speed of 10 miles per hour and 10-percent maximum incline. If you just want to be able to walk on a machine as cheaply as possible, any bargain model will do. The drawbacks are that these models are less well made than more expensive ones, and may be too short, in some cases, for the long strides of a runner. Top models in this category include the Proform C 500 and the Weslo Cadence C44. Models in this category typically have warranties between 12 and 24 months.
Midrange Treadmills
These machines range from $500 to $2,000 (2010 prices) and feature all of the accoutrements of the bargain models with added features such as electronic exercise programs and chest-strap heart-rate monitors. These models offer sounder construction than that of bargain models, allowing for some running. Many models at the lower end of this category still may not have decks suitable for running. Two of the best machines in this category are the Smooth 5.45 and the Sole F85. These models usually have warranties in excess of 24 months.
Expensive treadmills
These machines are the way to go for the serious runner. With powerful motors that enable long and fast running, these sturdily built treadmills usually have the longest factory warranties. The one con that these models have is that most do not have folding decks for easy storage. That hardly seems a deterrent for the dedicated runner, though. In this price range, $2,000 and up (2010 prices), it's hard to top the quality of Precor treadmills. For those looking to spend on the lower side of this range, the Landice L770 Home Pro Sports Trainer is worth looking into.
Features
Treadmills come with a bevy of features depending on what price range the machine falls into. It is important for consumers to consider what features they actually need to avoid paying for things that go unused. Some features that can be found on treadmills are: a folding deck for easy storage, electronic programming, a heart-rate monitor, foot and hand rails, intuitive controls and a console full of gauges that measure time, speed and distance.
Brands
There are many companies that produce treadmills. On the high end, there are companies like Landice, Life Fitness, True, Precor and Vision Fitness, while Nordic Track, New Balance, Bowlfex and Smooth Fitness are also noteworthy makers of treadmill machines. Most companies--with the exception of the really high end manufacturers--make products that span the entire price range. The consumer should always opt for a machine from a solid company over that of a smaller one.
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