Spirit XT8 Treadmill ReviewWell, Spirit had to start somewhere with the XT range and whilst a better bet than most under $1,000 treadmills, models one or two rungs up the XT ladder like the superb Spirit XT10, for instance, give you much more for a modest additional investment. So what corners have been cut to bring the XT8 in at what is a very competitive price tag?
Spirit XT8 Treadmill Review - What's it Like...?Well temper your expectations and judge the XT8 against models from rival brands such as ProForm and HealthRider and it actually fares very well.But compared with other models in the range, the XT8 lacks some of the touches that make them stand out. The XT8 shares the attractive styling common to the range but is lacking in the all important business end. The 2.0 HP motor is a refined unit that operated quietly in the background during our test and only really showed signs of strain when we cranked it up to the 10 mph maximum speed. Walkers and occasional joggers should find that the Spirit XT8 treadmill meets their needs but runners need a bigger motor, despite the 14% incline that will provide some added intensity to a workout. The same can be said for the deck, which has a modest 50" x 18" running area that proved a little too cramped for my liking. The deck's not bad though, although the XT8 doesn't have the excellent Cushion Flex Deck found on dearer models. However its stable and provides a comfortable running surface. The 1 1/2 ply belt travels smoothly over the big 2.5" rollers - much bigger than you'd expect in this price range. Big rollers mean less friction and tension on the belt resulting in a better workout and a longer belt life. The XT8's deck folds away, which is handy for home users for whom floor space is at a premium. The small transport wheels make moving it from room to room no effort at all. As with the Spirit Z8, corners have been cut when it comes to the controls and electronics. The 10 workout programs with five preset, one manual, two personal and two heart rate control programs are generous enough, but the blue backlit LCD display console is rather spartan and provides the bare necessities when it comes to workout data. There are no speed and elevation controls on the handles, but you do get pulse grip heart rate monitors built into the handles. There's no hands-free telemetry belt as standard either, which you really need to get the best out of the heart rate control workout programs. The warranties are lengthy for a treadmill at this price, though, with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, three years on the parts and a year on the labour. Listing at $1,299, our Spirit XT8 treadmill review found it for $999 at Elite Fitness Equipment.com with free shipping within the US.
Spirit XT8 Treadmill Review - How Does it Rate...?
The XT8 is a pretty good treadmill, but I can't see a reason to choose it over the XT9 or XT10 unless your budget absolutely won't stretch beyond $1,000. Check out the latest prices and further details on the Spirit XT8 treadmill at Elite Fitness Equipment.com
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