 |
SALE PRICE: $1,499.99 MSRP: YOU SAVE: $1,000
|
Sole F80 Treadmill (2013) Specifications
[property_details]
Sole F80 Treadmill Overview
For the money and feature set, this is the best Sole treadmill (in my view). In fact, it’s one of the best treadmills on the market. It’s the quintessential home treadmill ideal for running, marathon training … plus it folds.
There are few treadmill users who need more than what’s offered on this treadmill.
You can compare all Sole treadmills here.
The following video gives you a good overview of the Sole treadmill technology in action.
Sole Treadmill Video
>>Click Here to Save on Sole Treadmills<<
Sole F80 Treadmill Review – Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong
Without a doubt, one of the most commented features of the Sole F80 is how strong and sturdy it is. Sole originally built treadmills for hotels and aimed at developing durable and solid treadmills.
It’s this background that Sole now develops treadmills for the public. Check out other sites on the web … you’ll find that strength and durability are the hallmark attributes of the F80.
Quiet
Many users are pleasantly surprised how well the Whisper Deck operates on the Sole F80 with respect to reducing noise for each foot strike.
Warranty
The Sole F80 is the lowest-priced Sole treadmill with a 5 year warranty on parts and electronics. It also offers a 2 year warranty on labor.
As with all Sole treadmills, the frame and motor warranty is for life.
Overwhelmingly Positive User Reviews
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve read other sites that discuss the F80. What’s particularly impressive is the number of positive non-biased reviews. It’s truly a crowd favorite.
Wireless Heart Monitor
User reports that the wireless heart rate monitor is excellent (it’s not a feature I use on treadmills)
Cons
The following criticisms of the Sole F80 get fairly specific and are disadvantages you should be aware of before deciding to buy the F80. Most users of the F80 conclude it’s well worth the money despite its limitations.
Keep in mind that all big-ticket items such as treadmills will have several limitations and criticisms. My aim is simply to inform you so that you can make an informed decision.
Moreover, the following complaints do not deal with overall performance and quality. The criticisms deal more with non-performance features.
Heavy
The fact it’s heavy is also a pro because it’s built extremely well. However, getting this treadmill in your house is not easy. I’d rather it be heavy and strong than light and weak. That said, it’s important to fully understand just how heavy this machine is. It’s also large so moving it disassembled is not easy.
Sound Speakers Aren’t Great
For a premium treadmill, the sound quality is not great. It’s recommended to use headphones or your own stereo for better sound quality.
Limited Duration Per Use
One person stated that their F80 didn’t function properly when used for more than 1.5 hours at a time. I’ve not encountered this personally as I’ve never used a treadmill for longer than 1 hour. However, it’s one user’s problem that you should be aware of.
Heart Rate Programs Not Very Good
Another complaint is that the pre-programmed heart rate workouts were not very good in that it knee-jerked settings (speed/incline) in order to maintain a preset heart rate. The work around is to simply control speed/incline manually to maintain or target desired heart rates.
Use a Surge Protector
It’s recommended to plug the Sole F80 into a surge protector (all Sole treadmills actually). If you don’t, the power used by the treadmill may pull power away from other appliances/electronics in your home.
Slow Speed Change
This is a common complaint and the Sole treadmills speed changes are slower than other treadmills. Some people like this as a safety feature while other users hate this. If you like your speed adjustments to be fast, perhaps you should look for a different treadmill.
Sole F80 Treadmill Features Explained
Sole pretty much fully loaded the F80 (hence it’s one of the best-selling treadmills on the market and has been for several years).
Motor
The 3.5 horsepower motor generates more than enough power for most users. Only elite athletes who are extremely demanding and work out at a very high performance regularly need to upgrade to a motor with a higher horsepower.
Running Surface Area
With a 22 inches wide by 60 inches long running surface, you have ample room whether you’re tall with a long stride or shorter and prefer walking. Only tall sprinters need look for a longer running surface.
Folding Feature
Sole implements its same hydrolic folding technology on all of their folding treadmills, the F80 no exception. It’s easy to lift and release.
It folds vertically so that it stands upright. With transport wheels you can move it around your home fairly easily (it’s still large and bulky so be careful).
Cushioning
The F80 has Sole’s Cushion Flex Deck which is a suspended running deck that provides a cushioned area at the front of the treadmill. This also contributes to a quieter treadmill with each foot strike.
Rollers
The F80 is Sole’s most inexpensive treadmill with 2.75 inch rollers. 2.75 inch rollers is NOT the industry standard … it’s well above the industry norm for a treadmill at this price point.
Speed
The top speed is 12 mph. The lowest available speed is .5 mph.
You can adjust the speed 3 ways:
- On the handrails for convenient speed adjustment;
- Using the quick-select speed adjustement on the console; and
- Using the smaller increment speed change arrow buttons on the console.
Some people don’t like the quick-select option because it’s in 2 mph increments.
Incline
With hydraulic technology, the Sole F80 treadmill elevates to a maximum incline gradient of 15% which is fairly steep and will accommodate most users … even users who like hill training and steep hill hiking.
Maximum User Weight
With a maximum user weight of 375 pounds, the F80 at its price point offers one of the highest user maximum weight in the industry. Many treadmills in the $1,000 to $1,500 price range have a maximum user weight of 300 pounds.
Treadmill Belt
The F80 uses Sole’s standard 2-ply belt.
Cooling Fans
The cooling fans are there but aren’t very effective. A recurring complaint is the they generate very little moving air.
Water Bottle Holders
2 water bottle holders are located midway between the floor and the main console. It’s not the most convenient water bottle holder location, which is also a common complaint.
Shipping
- Continental USA: Free (curbside).
- Alaska/Hawaii: $250 (curbside).
- International: Varies.
The F80 is one heavy machine and the box it arrives in is huge. If you do not have people available to assist bringing it into your home, you should consider a premium shipping option that includes assembly.
Warranty
The Sole F80 warranty is Sole’s top-of-the-line warranty that’s included in the sale price. The warranty is:
- Frame, Deck and Motor: Lifetime
- Parts and Electronics: 5 Years.
- Labor: 2 Years.
The Whisper Deck has a lifetime warranty which is unprecedented in the treadmill industry.
Uses
This treadmill is not designed for commercial use. It’s purely a home treadmill … but it’s one of the best treadmills for home that will accommodate top performers training for a marathon or anyone who needs a quality machine for getting in shape and dropping a few pounds (and staying in shape of course).
Sole F80 Treadmill Review Conclusion
Without a doubt the F80 is an excellent treadmill for the money … especially the sale price listed above. You get nothing but premium features, Sole’s sturdy design, quiet performance, and a durable treadmill that requires less maintenance than many other leading treadmills.
Click the red button below to get the Sole F80 treadmill on sale.
