Sole F83 Treadmill Review...Almost Excellent

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Sole F83 Treadmill Review

Our Sole F83 treadmill review looks at a model with a powerful motor and spacious deck that should suit both joggers and runners - how good is it?

Sole treadmills are carving out a sizeable market share with their value packed, well built folding and non-folding treadmills. Popular with both critics and consumers alike, it's not hard to understand why they're becoming such big sellers.

The F83 is a case in point as it offers so much more than most of the competition in this price range. However, it does suffer a little from being sandwiched between the cheaper F80 and the brilliant F85.

So whilst a strong contender, does it stand out in the range?

Sole F83 Treadmill Review - What's it Like...?

For starters, the F83 has a powerful 3.0 HP continuous duty motor that will provide more than enough power for most runners and shows little sign of any strain even at high speeds.

And it does shift, moving the belt along at a maximum running speed of 12 mph - brisk enough for most of us!

However, if you need more of a challenge you can up the incline of the deck and the intensity of your workout to 15% max.

The running surface is also suited to serious runners measuring a generous 58" x 20" - plenty of room for even the longest legs to stretch out on.

I've said a lot about the excellent and very joint-friendly Cushion Flex Whisper Deck in other Sole treadmill reviews and it comes as standard on the F83.

Big rollers also come as standard on all Sole treadmills and the F83 is no exception, with 2 3/4" rollers that are pretty much the largest you'll find in treadmills at this price.

As I've said before, large rollers reduce friction and belt tension, leading to a smoother ride and less wear and tear on the belt.

One aspect our Sole F83 treadmill review left us impressed with is how solid this model feels. The heavy treadmill is extremely stable when you start running and doesn't move or wobble at all.

The F83 has a Tri-colour LED display console with message board, which is better than that on the cheaper models and is clear and easy to read.

The six pre-set workout programs, two custom workout programs and two heart rate programs are the same as on the F80, and the manual programming is a simple, one touch affair.

A feature across the Sole range I like are the incline and speed controls on the arm rests, which are handily placed to avoid any reaching out for the console whilst running.

You can measure your heart rate using the grip sensors on the handles and there's a wireless chest strap that works with the heart control feature that can be used to keep your heart rate in your chosen workout zone.

Folding the F83 is straightforward and requires little effort and once folded, it fits in most corners out of sight and out of mind.

Sole has some of the best warranties and the F83 is no exception, with a 30 year warranty on the motor, lifetime warranties on the deck and frame, a five year warranty on the parts and a two year labour warranty.

The F83 sells for $2,099, but our Sole F83 treadmill review found it for a discounted $1,799.99 at Sole with free shipping within the US.