More than 30 treadmill brand names are available in the United States alone, and these manufacturers offer several hundred models for you to consider when making a treadmill purchase. Treadmills range from budget models to high-end models with special features, and some manufacturers specialize in only one type of treadmill. Treadmills represent a significant investment and it's worthwhile to consider as many brands as possible before making a purchasing decision.
Brand Names
Selecting a brand name is perhaps the most difficult thing to decide when you are considering a treadmill purchase because not all manufacturers install the same features on their products. Narrow down your choices according to what you need in a treadmill and compare similar products from several manufacturers before making a purchase. Be sure to read treadmill reviews and be sure to ask about return policies. Some companies may offer in-home trials. Some treadmill brands include Bodyguard, Bowflex, Cybex, Endurance, Epic, Gold's Gym, Horizon Fitness, Image, Ironman, Landice, Life Fitness, Lifespan, LiveStrong, Matrix, NordicTrack, Pacemaster, Precor, ProForm, Quantum, Schwinn, Smooth Fitness, Spirit, SportsArt, Star Trac, Trimline, True, Tunturi, Vision, Weslo and Yowza.
Budget Treadmills
Budget treadmills include both manual and electric models and generally cost less than $1,000. Manual treadmills may cost less than $300, but they are generally not designed for long-term use or for users over 250 lbs. Budget electric treadmills have only basic features, such as speed and incline controls, a few workout programs and an inexpensive deck. They usually have smaller motors than pricier models and generally don't last as long as better treadmills. Manufacturers that produce budget treadmills include Horizon Fitness, which makes the Horizon and Merit models; LifeSpan Fitness, with the TR100 Compact and TR200 Fold-N-Stor; Weslo, which produces the CardioStride, Crosswalk, and Cadence models; and Schwinn, which offers the 840.
Moderately Priced Treadmills
Moderately priced treadmills range from about $1,000 to $2,500. Mid-range treadmills have motors with horsepower ratings from two to three and a half HP. A stronger motor will have less difficulty starting the treadmill, run more efficiently, and be able to handle heavier users. The motor's horsepower is perhaps the most important feature you should look at when shopping for a treadmill. Mid-range treadmills usually offer speed settings of up to 12 mph and inclines ranging from 10-15 percent. The decking and belt are better quality than on budget models and the electronics are usually more sophisticated. Mid-range models include the Lifespan TR1000, Sole F63, Endurance TF3i, Yowza Juno, Epic 450 MX, Ironman Inspire, Livestrong LS129T, Schwinn 860, Reebok 8400C and V6.80, Bodyguard T240, Trimline T370, Pacemaster Gold Elite VR, Quantum Q-3.1 and Vision Fitness T9500.
High-End Treadmills
Starting at $2,500 to $3,000 and ranging in price to $7,000 or more, high-end treadmills offer the most advanced features of all models and have motor horsepower ratings beginning at about three HP. Top speeds range from 12 to 15 mph and inclines go to about 15 percent, usually with .5 percent increments. Some models offer moderate declines of 2 to 3 percent. The decks and belts are top quality, with many brands offering shock-absorbing decks with cushioning. The decks and belts are generally longer, which makes high-end treadmills a good choice for users with long strides. Some models even offer built-in LCD televisions that range from 7 to 15-inch screens. Brands and models include the Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000, NordicTrack C1250, Vision T9550, Precor 9.27, ProForm Trailrunner 4.0, Tunturi T85, Cybex LCX 425T, Landice L870, and Star Trac Pro S.
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