Sole treadmills are an in-home brand that have been increasing in popularity in the last decade. Their popularity has increased since becoming a part of of Hilton Hotel's In Room Fitness program worldwide. Sole treadmills are durable, and many of the models fold for easy storage.
The Trimline brand was purchased by the Nautilus company. Although Trimline treadmills are not listed on the Nautilus website, and are no longer in production, you can still find the popular Trimline treadmill brands for sale across the Internet and in fitness outlets.
Both the Sole and the Trimline brands have a range of prices and have folding and nonfolding treadmills available.
Price
Sole treadmills are midpriced treadmills that run between $1,000 and $2,500. One of the most popular models, the F80, is rated by Treadmilltalk.com as the best overall treadmill buy for 2010 and is priced at $1,500.
Trimline Treadmills compare favorably in price to the Sole models. They range in price from $1,200 to $2,700, and the T340 model, which Treadmilltalk.com states "is one of the best of the Trimline products," is priced at $1,500.
Warranty
All Sole treadmills come with a lifetime warranty on the frame. The more expensive models (including the F80) extend that lifetime warranty to the motor, deck, frame and electronics. The F80 warranty also covers 5 years of possible labor costs and 2 years of in-home service.
Trimline treadmills have a 30-year warranty on the frame and motor and a 2-year warranty on parts, including 1 year of labor. Nautilus honors Trimline warranties. If you purchase a Trimline from a retailer other than directly through the Nautilus company, the product must be registered with Nautilus.
Belt
The belt on the Sole treadmill is a two-ply, four-layer belt. It has a lifetime warranty and is one of the quietest with the least amount of slippage of any treadmill on the market, according to Treadmilltalk.com. The belt on the Sole F80 is 20 inches by 55 inches.
The Trimline belt is 20 inches by 57 inches and is also two-ply.
Motor
According to Dick's Sporting Good's Treadmill Buyers Guide, "A treadmill is only as good as its motor. The larger and heavier the motor, the longer the treadmill will last." If a treadmill will be used for running, it should have horsepower rating above 1.5 horsepower.
The Sole F80 has a 2.5 horsepower, continuous-duty motor.
The Trimline T340 has 2.0 horsepower, continuous-duty motor.
Deck Size and Cushioning
The larger the deck and belt, the more comfortable it is for running or for people with long strides.
The Sole F80 has a 33-inch by 75-inch "Cushion Flex Whisper" deck.
The Trimline F340 has a a 28-inch by 76-inch deck with Softrak II deck cushioning.
Speed, Incline and Programs
The Sole F80 has speeds ranging from 0.5 miles per hour to 11 mph. The incline in percentage increments up to 15 percent. The Sole comes with six standard programs and two user-defined programs. There are also two programs based on heart rate availability; the Sole F80 also comes with a chest heart rate monitor that is wireless.
The Trimline T340 has a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour and an incline to 12 percent. The Trimline comes with six preset programs and two customizable programs. The Trimline does not come with a heart rate monitor, but is compatible with chest strap monitors.
Display
Both the Sole F80 and the Trimline T340 come with fairly basic displays.
The Sole F80 has an LED display that tracks speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse and pace. The display also includes a 1/4-mile digital track that shows mileage and a peak-and-valley graph that corresponds to incline or speed.
The Trimline has a large LED display that shows time, speed, distance, incline, calories and heart rate.
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