NordicTrack S3000 Treadmill Review

I can't say that we rushed out to review the S3000, although the huge 5.0 HP motor on a treadmill at this price certainly got our attention.

But now we have...well, I would say that overall this vies for the title as the best NordicTrack treadmill that's ever been built.

The giant Icon Health and Fitness, which owns the NordicTrack brand has shown signs recently of getting its act together and putting its considerable muscle behind its products.

Icon is now consistently turning out quality products that justify their massive R&D budget.

The S3000 is a case in point - you get so much for your money that I felt myself double checking the price tag. So is there a catch...?

NordicTrack S3000 Treadmill Review - What's it Like...?

It's not totally new as the S3000 has evolved from recent NordicTrack models that have proved reliable performers in light commercial environments over a number of years.

It's not the prettiest or most elegant treadmill you'll come across, but reminds me of a linebacker or rugby prop forward - a bulldog of a machine that should cope with pretty much everything you can throw at it.

The motor is the most attention-grabbing feature.

At 5.0 HP of continuous duty it will have more than enough power for even the most demanding workout schedule. Marathons, intensive interval training...no problem.

If the 12 mph top speed isn't enough, then use some of the 15% incline for added intensity.

The huge 2 ply commercial grade belt offers a generous 60" x 20" running area that is ideal even for the tallest runners, so space won't be a problem.

The cushioning on the deck is superb and the Durasoft system really absorbs foot impact well without compromising the deck's responsiveness on take off.

As far as the bells and whistles are concerned, there are a rather extravagant 39 workout programs - are you really going to use them all? - and iFit.com compatibility in case you need any more!

For a treadmill in this price range the console display is a little basic, but that's not really a negative as it's clear, functional and easy to use.

The warranties are much better than you get with many Icon brands, but they're not as generous as the competition.

There's a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, 4 years on the rollers, 2 years on the parts and a year on the belt, deck and labour.

As for the price...the MSRP is $3,499, but we found it for $2,699 at WorkoutWarehouse.com although shipping costs $200. Given the weight of this thing, that's hardly surprising!

NordicTrack S3000 Treadmill Review - How Does it Rate...?

The NordicTrack S3000 treadmill came as a real surprise - given Icon brands' pretty lukewarm recent performance it's a revelation.

Now whilst NordicTrack has made some pretty good machines in the past, the S3000 trumps them all.

The 10 out of 10 for value is wholly justified.

The only question for me is how it fares against lower end treadmills from the likes of Landice and Precor, which make some excellent models in this price range.

Whilst the NordicTrack S3000 treadmill is brilliant, I'd probably plump for a Landice given their track record and deserved reputation for making pretty much the best treadmills in the world.

But it would certainly be a close call, the S3000 is that good as a value for money package for serious runners.

For more information and the current price, check out WorkoutWarehouse.com

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