Both Sole and Horizon treadmills offer a range of features that are now common on mid- to high-end consumer treadmills. These include cushioned running decks, built-in heart rate monitors, space-saving folding designs, user-input custom programs, in-console cooling fans and in-console speakers with MP3 player-compatible input jacks.
Although these treadmills have many features in common, Sole treadmills offer, in general, a slight increase in running surface and power over the comparable Horizon treadmill models.
Motor
Sole treadmill motors rage from 2.5 continuous duty horsepower on the folding F63, to 3.5 continuous duty horsepower on the F85, S77 and TT8.
Horizon treadmill motors range from 1.25 continuous horsepower on the Evolve Treadmill, billed as an ultra-compact space-saving design, to 3.0 continuous horsepower on the T6 treadmill.
Speed
Maximum speeds for Sole treadmills range from 10 mph on the F63 to 12 mph on most other models.
Horizon treadmill speeds range from a maximum of 6 mph on ultra-compact models like the Evolve and Evolve SG to a maximum of 10 or 12 mph on larger models.
Minimum speeds for both brands range from 0.5 to 1 mph, depending on which model you select.
Incline
All Sole treadmills feature motorized incline adjustments from 0 to 15 percent. The Horizon T6 offers an adjustable incline of 0 to 15 percent, with most other Horizon models confined to a maximum incline of 10 to 12 percent. The Horizon Evolve and Horizon Evolve SG models do not offer adjustable incline.
User Weight Limit
Sole treadmill weight limits range from 325 lbs. on the F63 to 425 lbs. on the TT8. Horizon treadmill weight limits range from 250 lbs. on the Evolve and Evolve SG to 400 lbs. on the Horizon T6.
Features
Standout features for Sole treadmills include an extra-large 60-inches-by-22-inches running surface on the TT8; a wireless Polar chest strap heart monitor included with some models; handle-mounted speed and incline controls; and a peaks-and-valley or 1/4-mile track graphics display to give you a visual representation of your workout progress.
Standout features on Horizon treadmills include ultra-compact folding models that fit underneath a bed or couch; in-console iPod controls and charger; a trademarked Advanced Goal Center to help you set and meet short- and long-term goals; and a wireless pedometer with the Horizon WT751 to keep track of your workout, even when you're not on the treadmill.
Cost
As of May 2010, Horizon treadmill prices range from $500 to over $2,000. Sole treadmills pick up roughly where Horizon treadmills leave off, ranging from $1,900 to $3,000 in price.
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