Customer Reviews

Sole F83 Treadmill (2008 Model, DISCONTINUED)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Yes its $1,800.00 but I wanted a foldable Healthclub caliber treadmill that was built to last a Long time. This led me to the Sole brand and to check into specs/reviews. Came down to a decision the F83 and the F80. Why the F83 ? I wanted the extra motor HP plus the bigger deck, this led me to spend the extra $300 (for fast running up incline) .
Now over 10 months of use & NO BELT SLIPPAGE !!
Not even an adjustment !! Great out of the box.
I Have a TV on in front for sport events to watch TV while working out or rainy days. Absolutely NO PROBLEMS !!! This Sole is Very Quiet when using at any speed or elevation - jogging at maxium speed does not budge this treadmill, so quiet !
The deck is very easy to fold down or up, & rock solid when using. Heart monitor works great plus the 1/4 mile track display mode is nice when jogging or walking (warmup/cooldown). Fans on the display are a Big help to keep cool although thats one thing --wish they were bigger. Overall this has been WELL WORTH the MONEY !

This is my first treamill purchase. I evaluated the Bowflex and the Sole, and I'm glad I got the Sole. After trying both out in the store, this one was easier to figure out the programs, and the deck seemed to be softer. We've had it for a little over a month now, and no problems. I use it almost every day and it works perfectly. Well, except for the fact that when I run, it squeaks a little. Since I'm a rookie at the treadmill thing, I figure I'm running on the wrong part of the deck or something. When I move back on the deck, it seems to stop. Maybe some oil will work.

I was going to get the F80, but the F83 was on sale for only slightly more so I went ahead and bought one. It arrived quickly in a very large and very heavy box. The box had a hole in it where a forklift had obviously gone into it, and one corner of the treadmill was bent, but I was able to fix it with a hammer and pair of vice grips. Since that corner is covered by a plastic shroud, no big deal.
One complaint I have is that part of one of the led numbers is out, which makes it hard to read the speed setting. The other issue is that the belt seems loose, and slaps with every step. I know there is a way to tighten it, and I'll take a look at it when I get a chance, but I wonder how much to tighten it.
Aside from these issues, the machine seems very well made, with easy to use and understand controls. It took me about a hour to assemble, and that was while watching a basketball game in the background. No problems at all. I've only had it two days, but I have no regrets so far.
Mike

I have had this sole F83 treadmill for 26 months. In that time period, it has been down for repairs for more than eight months. I have had several service calls (initially in-warranty, now not/out-of-pocket) for the same recurring problem. I have had a LS5 low speed error occur on three separate occasions. Each time, the technician has come, tried to fix, but has been unsuccessful. The speed harness cabling has been replaced three times. A broken drive belt has been replaced, and the mother board has burnt out twice. A new 3.5hp motor was installed, somewhere along the way. Also, I had the computer top replaced twice. Once for broken speakers set, and second for the non-sensing Heart Rate monitor sensors. With every repair, I had to wait for parts. Wait for service to come. I ahve never met such a collection to useless technicians-as the ones which sole company has fixing their devices. They farm out their service calls to just about anyone with tools and some curiosity, who lives in the area of the broken unit. All of the techs which came (while under warranty) were all not repair people by trade. None of them were familiar with my treadmill model, in fact, none were familiar with treadmills at all. They used printed instructions and a Help cel phone number was sent with the replacement parts to help talk the technicians through the process of fixing the machines. 2 of the service people were from an upolstery biz not too far away. The other one, came with no credentials, no card, and carried his tools in a zip lock bag. Disgraceful! Needless to say, my near $2000 treadmill was BUTCHERED!!! many times over. The Sole company repair center (led by man named Travis) said nothing more could be done. No doubt since he sent inept people to my home continually. By the way, all the replacement parts were all refurbished pieces. Someone elses throw-aways!! The Only reason my treadmill works today, is because I spent my own additional money and paid for private repair thru Techmotion [also, somewhat sketchy company, but were at least more reasonable]
To recap: Recurrent problem with speed sensor, Heart rate sensor handles, computer panel malfunction and incline motor. Replaced: main motor (now 3.5hp), incline motor, speed sensor harness x3, computer panel x2. The company refuses to acknowledge that my unit truly was a lemon. They refused to offer continued warranty service-even though it was the same re-curring problem. In short, the company stinks!!! I have thought of taking them to small claims court, but I have not the time nor patience to follow thru with them. My advice: Go to a REAL fitness store in person. Buy a treadmill (or any type of fitness equipment you want) after you discover what their follow up repair/maintenance service agreements are. BE CAREFUL: I have learned that you will have very little out of warranty labor options available to you, if you buy this type of item outside of a brick and mortar store. Also, if able, spend some REAL money and get a better quality machine from the beginning and AVOID THIS CR*P!

Amazon messed up and shipped it to VA when I live in PA and after a week of tracking it down it finally arrived. Not too hard to set up.

I find this is for runners more than walkers. Running on it is great, walking feels harsh, like you are walking on hard cement.

ordered this treadmill over 2 weeks ago and my CC was charged immediately. 4 emails and 5 phone calls later NOBODY can tell me where it is, why its late, when it will be here, or what they will do about it. Amazon has taken a $1500 interest free loan on my credit card as far as I can tell. Amazon say it shipped, shipping company says they know nothing about it...and here I wait...

Better to buy it from some local...wish I had.