More Treadmill Brands

Smooth treadmills

Smooth treadmills are sold direct from the manufacturer and only on the Internet. Their treadmills have received top rankings from Treadmill Doctor, Prevention magazine and Runners World. Smooth has been selling fitness equipment for twenty years.

Smooth offers six models ranging from $999 to $2,999. Warranties vary from a lifetime warranty on the frame, 10 years-motor, 2 years-parts and 1 year service on the lowest priced model to a lifetime warranty on everything but labor (which is one year) for the highest priced model.

As with most higher end treadmills, the Smooth has some impressive features, not the least of which is a wireless heart monitor on their most expensive treadmill. The four lowest-end Smooth models fold for easy moving.

Most people report excellent performance from their Smooth treadmills, however many were disappointed they had to pay extra to actually have it brought into their house. Once they tried to move their Smooth treadmill however, they were glad they did, as Smooth treadmills are very heavy. One other complaint has been poor owner’s manuals and customer service. All in all however, the Smooth appears to be a solid, dependable treadmill.

Trotter/Cybex treadmills

Trotter merged with Cybex and now carries the Cybex name. Cybex has a reputation for building a solid treadmill and asking a more than solid price for it.

The Trotter Elite is the only treadmill marketed for home use and carries a hefty price tag at $5,995. The warranty is average with10 years on the frame, five years on the drive motor, three years on parts and one year on labor.

The Trotter received excellent reviews for performance, stability and durability. The components were all hailed as some of the finest consumers had seen. The only drawback to the Trotter treadmill, according to consumers, is price.

These treadmills are probably too expensive for the average person. The Trotter more resembles a commercial grade treadmill usually found in a health club. If you feel you need a treadmill in your home like your local fitness club has and you’re willing to pay for it, the Trotter may be the treadmill for you.

Star Trac treadmills

Star Trac has been in business for 31 years and prides itself on being a preeminent user-focused exercise equipment company. Star Trac makes six treadmills with two models having built in fans on the console. Their list of features is endless.

Star Trac is the treadmill of choice if price is not an object. New units are suggested from $4,995 to $6,295. Even used Star Trac treadmills go for well over $1,000. Warranties vary based on use (home, light club, commercial), however the home use warranty is five years on frame welds, and three years on parts and labor.

Consumer reviews of Star Trac treadmills are glowing. Owners (or just users more likely) give it high ratings for quality and features. They are also complimentary about the Star Trac treadmill’s shock absorption and low maintenance. At nearly $5,000 for the lowest priced model one would expect nothing less.

True treadmills

True Fitness has been in business since 1981 and produces a variety of types of fitness equipment for home and commercial use. They offer 18 models of treadmills ranging in price from $1,995 to $5,695. Warranties vary from cheaper True treadmills (Lifetime on the frame, 5 years on the drive motor, belt, deck, and rollers, 3 years on all other parts, 1 Year on labor) to the most expensive models (Lifetime on frame, 10 years on all parts and 1 year on labor),

True treadmill’s proprietary belt and deck combination is unsurpassed in the industry and probably enables them to get greater performance from other components that aren’t as high quality.

Consumers that reviewed True treadmills loved the performance, however there were some instances of True treadmills breaking after very little use. This may be due to failure of some of the lower grade components. Customer service by those experiencing problems with their True treadmill was not highly rated.

Landice treadmills

Landice has been in the business of making treadmills for 35 years. They are in the high price range and offer two residential and five commercial treadmills.

Landice offers an assignable lifetime warranty on everything except service labor, which is one year. However, read the fine print on the Landice website before purchasing solely on this aspect alone. There are disclaimers, which can invalidate the warranty completely.

Prices for Landice treadmills vary from $2,995 to $4,495. Landice offers eight models. Their components are impeccable although the Landice design is simple. Interestingly enough, consumer reviews were not as friendly as some other manufacturers. Perhaps when people pay over $3,000 for a treadmill they expect perfection. Or, perhaps an inordinate number of people who take the time to review a product do it because they’ve had a bad experience.

Epic treadmills

Epic produces treadmills that fall into the lower price range. Epic treadmills are of average quality for their price range and are more suited for the infrequent or entry-level user. Serious runners would probably not be satisfied with an Epic treadmill.

Epic offers a 12-year warranty on the motor but only 90 days on all other parts. Stability and longevity are not selling points for these treadmills, however some of the Epic treadmills offer the ability to design a workout through iFit. This can also provide music and inspirational imaging to spur you on throughout your workout. Convenience is also a selling point for Epic as they are easily stored and movable.

Epic is marketed through Costco and as such assumes the role of a low cost player in the industry. The keypad has shown itself to be a source of problems and unfortunately customer support is not the strong suit of Epic’s owner, Icon Health & Fitness. The Epic sells for $899.

Horizon treadmills

Horizon is produced by Johnson in China. As a low cost treadmill they have been gaining market share but their long-term durability and component quality can definitely be brought into question.

Horizon makes 12 models priced from $599 to $1,699. Warranties vary by model with some just covering the motor only. Some models have a hydraulically assisted folding mechanism and a heart rate monitoring chest strap.

Consumer comment has been limited on Horizon treadmills. However, it appears that Horizon’s marketing to low-cost users will keep them in the industry for many years.

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