Spirit Z88 Treadmill Review

Well for starters it's not perfect, sharing some of the failings of the Z8, like the basic display console for example. But it's well designed and delivers well on the fundamentals - value and performance combined with decent warranties.

Spirit has garnered a burgeoning reputation for building quality treadmills - how does the Z88 stack up?

Spirit Z88 Treadmill Review - What's it Like...?

Just compare what you get with the Z88 against say a ProForm or a Nordic Track.

The 2.5 HP continuous duty motor should be sufficient for joggers and provides a top speed of 10mph, which should prove adequate for most home trainers.

If more intensity is required the 15% power incline will provide a few challenging hills to run up!

The motor copes well with the the belt that has a 55" x 20" running surface, which I found roomy enough when reviewing the Z88.

The Cushion Flex Deck was a joy, proving both responsive and extremely comfortable for the relatively short duration of our test workout.

As with the Z8, the big 2.5" rollers facilitate the smooth travel of the belt with no snagging and should cut down on belt wear.

Our Spirit Z88 treadmill review in common with our reviews of the other models in the range, left us impressed by the overall build quality. OK, it's not quite commercial quality, but you'll struggle to find a more durable machine for home use in this price range.

To add to its credentials as a strong contender for the home trainer, the Z88 folds for easy storage when space is tight.

Now electronic features are way down my list when assessing a treadmill, but these are where the Z88 falls down a little. The backlit LCD display console is OK but a little uninspiring and doesn't have the user friendly features you may be used to on the treadmill at your local gym.

The eight workout programs would be enough for most users and give sufficient variety, with pre-programmed workouts as well as user-defined and manual options.

There's a pulse grip heart monitor as well as a chest strap for hands-free heart rate monitoring, although no heart rate control function.

Spirit's warranties are strong, and the Z88 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and deck, 30 years on the motor, three years on the electronics, belt and rollers and a year on the other parts and labour.

The Z88 lists for $1,999, but there are some big discounts available online. The best discounted price that our Spirit Z88 treadmill review found was $999 at Elite Fitness Equipment.com with free shipping within the US.

Spirit Z88 Treadmill Review - How Does it Rate...?

There are some cut corners and economies on the Z88. But where it really matters, our Spirit Z88 treadmill review would conclude that this is a very competitive treadmill in a tough section of the market in which to carve out market share.

I'd be surprised if Spirit's investment in the Z88's good looking package and the strong warranties didn't enable it to claw its way towards the top of the pile.

If you can, snap it up at the heavily discounted price whilst it lasts.

For more information and the latest prices on the Z88 check out Elite Fitness Equipment.com

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