HealthRider H550i Treadmill Review

With a decent motor and big running area the H550i impressed me during our review, which was a surprise.

Sure, it's not the best treadmill I've ever used but you do get a lot for the money and with some heavy online discounts available it represents a serious option for the home exerciser.

So how did the H550i stack up?

HealthRider H550i Treadmill Review - What's it Like...?

Along with some of it's other brands like Image and Epic, Icon has packed HealthRider treadmills full of features that you'd normally find on more expensive machines to make them more attractive propositions to potential buyers.

The HealthRider H550i treadmill is a good case in point.

This is a big, quite well made and stable treadmill that looks more expensive than it is.

It gives the impression of solidity, which isn't quite borne out under closer inspection as corners have been cut in component quality to knock it out at these prices. Nonetheless, it's not at all bad.

The motor is a 2.5 HP continuous duty unit with a 12 mph max speed and is good for walking and jogging, although you'll need something more powerful to cope with serious running.

One concern would be how the motor will cope in the longer term with the big belt and its very spacious 60" x 20" running area. Perhaps something to watch out for in terms of the H550i's reliability.

The 'SoftTrac' cushioning system makes for a comfortable, joint-friendly surface to walk or jog on, but again this level of cushioning is likely to cause some additional strain on the belt.

The H550i folds up with the deck locking into place at a 60 degree angle, the SpaceSaver design common to Icon brands making the treadmill easy to store between workouts.

The deck incline up to a 10% gradient, adding extra resistance if needed during a workout.

The one touch incline and speed controls on the arms help to make mid-workout adjustments simple and straightforward.

The HealthRider H550i treadmill comes equipped with a four window LED console and 10 workout programs and is iFit.com compatible so you have the option of downloading more fitness programs if required.

You also get pulse grip heart rate sensors and cooling fans as standard.

The warranties on the H550i are better than with most Icon brands, with a 12 year warranty on the motor but a paltry one year on the parts and labour.

The H550i lists for $1,299, but we found it with a hefty discount for $750 direct from the manufacturer at WorkoutWarehouse.com although shipping is extra.

HealthRider H550i Treadmill Review - How Does it Rate...?

For our money, the HealthRider H550i treadmill is the best model in the HealthRider line up.

Now that's not saying a lot as this is a pretty average bunch, but if you can get it for under $800 the H550i is a terrifically good value treadmill.

You'll certainly struggle to get anything significantly better at this price.

You can check out the H550i at the discounted price direct from the manufacturer at WorkoutWarehouse.com

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