| Sole F80 Treadmill |
Customer Reviews
By Kasey Meadows
I researched treadmills for MONTHS before finally deciding on a Sole F80. I've been running for about 8 months and ran my first Half Marathon a few months ago. I usually run about 3-4 days per week, 15-25 miles per week. I am an outdoor runner, but this winter has been a doozy and I wanted an option for days that it's too icy to hit the trail. I spent hours reading reviews on Amazon and other treadmill review sites.
A few things I learned, both online and from experienced runners:
1) Most treadmills with < 2.5 Continuous Horse Power (under $999) are NOT made for running - they are designed for walking. If you run more than about 3 miles on a small motor treadmill on a regular basis, you will burn it up. ESPECIALLY is you have more than one user in your household, it will not last.
2) Most treadmills under $999 are made by Icon Fitness, whether they are branded Reebok, Gold's Gym, Weslo, ProForm, etc.
3) Most treadmills come with a 25 yr or lifetime motor warranty. This is because it's not the motor that will fail you. It's the computer that will get fried, from the heat of the adjacent motor that is not designed to handle high speeds for prolonged periods of time. You may get a treadmill for $700, but it will end up costing you $1400 if you have to replace it in a few years.
4) A good warranty is just as important as choosing the right treadmill. Look for something that has at least 2 years parts and labor.
I was torn between the F63 and F80. I finally decided to spend the extra $500 on the F80 for more horsepower, higher weight limit, larger rollers and most importantly, the 2 yr labor + 5 yr parts warranty. I also paid $119 for an additional 2 years on the warranty.
Once I knew the Sole F80 was the treadmill for me, the big question was WHERE to order it. Several reviews here mentioned that Amazon shipped via ABF and the delivery was to your driveway only. I found that SPORTS AUTHORITY was running a free shipping promotion on orders over $99. Additionally, this included 'FREE INSIDE DELIVERY' - defined as: Two men will bring the box into the designated room in your home. THIS is why I ordered from Sports Authority. I'm a DIY (30-something) girl and was confident I could handle the assembly with a bit of lifting help from my husband.
I got a call from ABF to set up a delivery time. Imagine my surprise when the delivery guy showed up and began unpacking the box in my driveway, saying, "The last treamill I put together took about 2 hours. I think this time I can do it in 90 minutes or less." Apparently, this FREE INSIDE SHIPPING was an even better deal than I'd thought! I smiled and nodded and let him go about carrying in all the parts. A second guy showed up to help him carry in the heavy part (the deck) and put it together. They had it completely assembled and tested inside of an hour. They made sure I was comfortable with their work and answered my questions before leaving. They were SUPER professional and nice and treated me like family...and they wouldn't accept a tip! After they left, I looked up ABF on the web and figured out that I'd received what they call 'TURN KEY SERVICE.' All I can say is that I would've PAID $100 for that delivery service and it was completely free.
I've only had the Sole F80 for a few days now, but it is everything I thought it would be. Smooth, quiet, substantial. It feels like the treadmill I use at the gym. The fans don't really do much, but that wasn't a deciding factor for me. I wanted something that will perform consistently for a LONG time and I'm confident that this machine will do just that.
Unexpected bonus: This treadmill is so 'sexy' that my husband has started jogging!
By Roland Deschain
What a great treadmill. I purchased this direct from Sole to replace a Proform 985 that I had for five or six years. For the past two years I had trouble with the Proform belt. Finally one of the rollers broke and I was forced to replace it.
I tried out the Sole at Dick's Sporting Goods to see what model I wanted. While the F63 is tempting at $500 less than the F80 the difference is night and day. If you just walk or perhaps do some light jogging the F63 may work for you. If you like to run the only way to go is with the F80. It is extremely sturdy and well built. The deck is unbelievable. I tried out several other treadmills in the same price range as the F80 and none felt as good as the Sole. I read many reviews and really put this purchase off for a long time. I should have replaced my old treadmill months ago but $1500 is hard to part with when you have a working piece of equipment.
Assembly was very simple. It only took about forty minutes or so to assemble. I read reviews where people mentioned cutting a wire with a screw while assembling. I could see how it could happen if you were not paying attention but with some care and patience it is easily avoided. The only thing I recommend is paying $100 to have it delivered to any room in your house. I did not do this and really wish I would have. If you are putting it on the first floor that may not be an issue. I have mine in the basement and it was difficult to do. This thing weighs a ton!
To sum it all up. Don't think twice about buying this treadmill. The warranty alone is enough to set your mind at ease. I think I paid around $600 for my old Proform when it was on clearance. It only lasted five or six years. This puppy will last you a lifetime.
By D. ByrdStadler (Lawrence, KS United States)
I bought this treadmill right at the new year. I agree with others that, 1) Inside delivery is important unless you have 2 other people to help you; 2)the fans are weak but ok; 3)the sound system is good enough but you can't control the mp3 player through the machine which is a little inconvenient while running; 4)I find the unit very stable (I am 6ft, 190lbs and run for an hour at 7.3).
My one negative is that I don't think they do a good job of lubricating the belt/deck very well because there is black dust that accumulates on the floor behind the end of the treadmill. This is obviously from the friction caused from the belt scraping the deck. They do provide you with a tube of lubrication, but the instructions say that this is for future lubrication, not immediate application during initial set-up. The company told me that sometimes this happens when the treadmills sit in the warehouses for long periods before getting delivered, but even so, it seems like a pain that I am going to have to lube the deck myself since I just bought it. I haven't done it yet, but hopefully it is an easy process. (anyone see this same "dust" issue?)
But even with that being said, I still think it is a really good treadmill that I would recommend to others.
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Technical Details
- Features a 3.0 horsepower motor and lift-assist to easily fold
- Includes grip pulse monitoring and a heart rate chest strap
- Six standard programs, two user-specific programs, and two heart rate programs; speed range is 0.1-12 miles per hour
- LED display tracks your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace
- 350-pound maximum weight capacity; measures 33 by 75 by 58 inches (W x L x H) when assembled; folds to 68 by 43 inches (H x D)
Product Description
The Sole Fitness F80 folding treadmill is equipped with cooling fans, a 6-window LED display, convenient speed/elevation controls in the handles and a high-output 3.0 continuous duty HP motor. Its 6 standard, 2 user-defined and 2 heart rate programs provide all of the options you need to reach your fitness goals.Amazon.com Product Description
Updated with enhanced features for 2009, the Sole F80 treadmill has earned a reputation as one of the best-quality treadmills in its price range thanks to its unbeatable combination of high-quality components and user-friendliness. The treadmill boasts a strong 3.0-horsepower, continuous-duty motor, which delivers challenging speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and inclines of up to 15 percent. At the same time, the F80's Cushion Flex Whisper Deck is built to protect your joints from excessive pounding, with the ability to reduce impact up to 40 percent compared to running on asphalt. And when you're not using the treadmill, it folds into a compact footprint and locks securely in place, thereby saving a ton of storage space.The F80 is equipped with a host of user-friendly features, including six preset workout programs, two customizable programs, and two heart rate programs, along with a red display that tracks your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. There's even a 1/4-mile digital track that you can follow as you run and a peak-and-valley graph that corresponds to individual programs. Other details include a large stop switch for safety; a low-profile running hood; armrest cooling fans; speed and incline controls on the armrests; a wireless chest strap that measures your heart rate; and a 20-by-55-inch running deck. The F80 treadmill, which offers a user capacity of up to 335 pounds, carries the following warranties: lifetime on the motor, deck, and frame; five years on the electronics, belt, and rollers; and two years on the labor.
Specifications:
- Assembled Dimensions: 33 by 75 by 58 inches (W x L x H)
- Folded Dimensions: 68 by 43 inches (H x D)
- Motor: 3.0 horsepower
- Speed: 0.1 to 12 miles per hour
- Elevation: 0 to 15%
- Deck: 1-inch Whisper
- Belt: 2-ply
- Running surface: 20 by 55 inches
- Roller: 2.75 inches
- Fold-up: Easy Assist Fold
- Pulse Grip
- Heart Rate Control
- Heart Rate Chest Strap Included
- Display Type: LED
- Six-Window Display
- Color: Red
- Accessory tray
- Six Standard Programs
- Two User-Defined Programs
- Two Heart Rate Programs
- Quick speed/elevation buttons: 12
- Speed/elevation in handles
- Built-in cooling fans
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
 The F80's LED display will track your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. |
Manufacturer's Warranty
Motor - lifetime, deck - lifetime, frame - lifetime, electronics/wear items - 5 years, labor - 2 years
About Treadmills
Walking is still considered one of the most beneficial cardiovascular exercises for people of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. As a fundamental form of aerobic training, walking has numerous physical benefits for the heart, lungs, and circulatory system, while also increasing muscle tone and burning fat calories. Treadmills provide a convenient way to regularly exercise in all weather conditions in the comfort and safety of your own home.
From beginners just starting an exercise regimen to advanced athletes looking to maintain their fitness level, anyone interested in getting and staying in shape can benefit greatly from regular use of a treadmill. Treadmills allow you to determine the pace, distance, and complexity of the workout based on your needs, all while watching television, talking on the telephone, or reading a magazine. Much easier on sensitive joints like the knees and hips, treadmill walking and running surfaces are typically long, padded platforms that allow ample room for a long stride and comfortable, low-impact walk or jog without the harsh contact of a concrete surface.
While many different types, styles, and price ranges of treadmills exist, many of them offer unique features like a fold-up design for easy storage, an electronic display monitor showing speed, distance, workout time, incline level, and burned calories, and EKG grip pulses to monitor the heart rate while exercising. Regardless of the simple to complex features you may choose, treadmills offer an array of aerobic exercise opportunities that will provide long-lasting beneficial cardiovascular results without a commute to the gym or a jog in the rain.
About Sole
Sole brings over twenty years of treadmill and fitness product design and manufacturing to the table in their line of innovative equipment designed for fitness-conscious people. The company's treadmill line is simple in design, with an emphasis on quality and warranty all at a great price. Sole's easy-to-use treadmills offer a great value and feature a convenient, space-saving portable design. The treadmills have a very stable base with four wheels for ease of movement, folding decks to conserve space, and a 30-year motor and lifetime deck and frame warranty. Sole is always looking for ways to make their equipment better, more efficient, with higher quality at a great price.
