Customer Reviews

Sole F85 Treadmill (2008 Model, DISCONTINUED)

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

 

 

I have a late 2006 model which is identical to the 2008 model as far as the specs. There has been a slight cosmetic design change but nothing drastic. My wife and I have been running and walking on this machine for over a year and a half and we've had no problems. The heart rate monitors could be better but I'm not convinced any of the treadmills offer anything more accurate. They get you in the ballpark. The warranty is what really matters and few machines match Sole's much less alone exceed it. The best site for unbiased treadmill reviews is www.treadmilldoctor.com . I've spoken with Sole on several occasions and the customer support is superb. No overseas call center and instant response from a company that wants your business.

I purchased the Sole F85 treadmill on 6/25/08 directly from Sole and took advantage of the free shipping they offer. They shipped it out the next day and I received it on 7/1/08 in perfect condition. It was incredibly easy to put together, it took about 30 minutes to do. I've used it everyday since it arrived. I walk 4-5 miles per day at 8-10 degree incline and so far no worries. I used to get terrible shin splints with my old treadmill at half the speed and no incline but since I've started walking on this machine I haven't had a single twinge of pain. No regrets on this purchase what so ever!

The only negatives I can really come up with are the built in fans and H.R. display. Because I'm only 5' tall the fans can't be adjusted low enough to hit me. No biggie. The other thing is the with the H.R. display. When I wear my Polar H.R. monitor it comes up on the LCD display but is inaccurate. Off by up to +20 bpm in comparison to the Polar H.R. setup I wear. Since I use a Polar monitor it really isn't an issue with me but could be an issue for others.

Pros:

Warranty

Reputation

Very quite...Just a slight wooshing sound of the belt turning.

Controls on handles for speed and incline. Very easy to adjust on the move.

3.5 HP motor

Folds and unfolds effortlessly.

Cons:

Fans
H.R.display

F85 is a great value for money treadmill for serious runners. I clock over 25 miles per week and it has held up well for 3 months now. I am using it to train for my first marathon.I like the long belt and the 3.5HP for this price is a steal as compared to other treadmills with similar features.

Bought this machine after doing a lot of research. The reviews are right on the money - this is absolutely the best machine in its price category and it has no problem competing with machines that are twice as much. I would not hesitate to buy another product from Sole to add to my home gym - the company is great, the customer service is great, the warranty is great, and most of all the company stands behind its products. I bought my machine straight from the company's website - which I would recommend to qualify for free shipping. If you are serious about having a quality piece of equipment but can't afford a machine that costs 5-7k any Sole product will fit the bill and come with a better warranty then any of those more expensive models.

I had done a lot of research on the Net before purchasing my sports equipment. Sole appeared to beat most other brands when it came down to quality and price.
This is my second Sole purchase (first one was their E95 Elliptical)and I am yet to be disapointed! Love the quality of these machines, and more importantly - the results I get within a short period of time.
They are a little on the heavy side though (especially - the treadmill), so don't plan on moving your equipment once assembled, and assemble it where you intend on keeping it :-).
Overall, these two machines are the reason I stopped going to the gym altogether; I no longer have to waste my time dealing with parking, waiting for a piece of equipment, or just dealing with an overcrowded workout environment altogether. I can now work out conveniently and consistently, and thanks to Sole - with great results