421 of 421 people found the following review helpful:
Great Treadmill!
I did a fair amount of looking before I bought this model and I am very happy with it. I became interested in Bowflex treadmills after Consumer Reports rated the Bowflex 7 series as one if its best folding models. Shopping on Amazon, I realized that Bowflex made 3 folding treadmills--the 3, the 5, and the 7 series. Online, these look very similar, with the 5 and 7...
34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
Cross your fingers and hope you get a good one
Bought this treadmill about 18 mo.'s ago in July 2007.
The Good: Solid, sturdy treadmill. Clearly not a cheap piece of junk. Not difficult to assemble. East to fold up (we don't really use that feature but I've tested it and it's not a problem).
The Bad: If you get a defective one, you're stuck; good luck trying to get it repaired, and good...
I did a fair amount of looking before I bought this model and I am very happy with it. I became interested in Bowflex treadmills after Consumer Reports rated the Bowflex 7 series as one if its best folding models. Shopping on Amazon, I realized that Bowflex made 3 folding treadmills--the 3, the 5, and the 7 series. Online, these look very similar, with the 5 and 7 series having longer tracks and a bigger motors. Strangely, the best source of information on these was not the Bowflex website itself (it has *no* information on the 3 ,5 and 7 series treadmills--just those crazy tread climbers), but rather the specs from Amazon.
Consumer Reports indicated that the best way to buy a treadmill was to actually see how the machine felt. I agree. I managed to find a store that had a 7 series in stock. I was impressed. The 7 series was rock stable and has a very nice folding mechanism--it locks in the up position and drops down slowly when released (a great feature if you worry about your kids getting crushed by the track accidentally). Unfortunately, I could not find a dealer that carried the 3 series to try in person, but it seemed like it would be optimal and very cost effective.
I also tried several Nordic Track treadmills in person. These seemed to have very unappealing walking decks (sproingy!, in a bad way) and even on high hp power machines, the motor seemed to power the track very unevenly.
I decided to take a chance that the 3 series would be as sturdy as the 7 series I tried---I am very happy. Amazon shipped the thing super-saver in a relatively short period of time--very appealing! It was very straightforward to assemble once I got the thing in place--parts are labeled and the assembly pictures are really self explanatory. It is also a quiet machine and the deck is *very* sturdy even for a big guy like me (200+ lbs). One quibble--the grip heartrate monitor could work better--sometimes it does not give a reading after even 10 sec of holding. Also, be aware the deck will not lock in the up position unless you reset the incline to 0 degrees. The incline automatically resets to 0 every time the machine is powered on.
I use the machine primarily for walking, for this application it is great, the machine handles inclines and relatively fast walking speeds with no problem. I can't comment on how well this machine compares with others for running fast. For jogging it seems just fine.
A note on delivery and installation. This thing is *very* heavy (~275 lbs). The shipping company chosen by Amazon (Eagle) did a great job. I called them prior to delivery to schedule when they would drop it off--thats the good news.
The bad news, they would only bring it to the threshold (just inside the house). I asked if they would bring it upstairs for an extra fee and they said--"no way." Three calls to moving companies and an estimate of ~$250-300 to move it from my entry up a flight of stairs--this is not a two person job--the shipping box is enormous (80" x 35" x 16"). I solved this problem by recruiting my father-in-law (also a big guy). We turned the box on its side, opened it, and moved the main piece (track and motor together) by itself. Make sure not to cut the restraining strap, this keeps the frame and the track held in place making moving *much* easier. Even then, the main piece weighs about 200 lbs and was serious work getting around corners. Very glad at that point that I bought the shorter (56") track!
Overall, a great mo-chine--equal to much more expensive models! Glad I managed to avoid a hernia during installation.
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The only thing I wish this treadmill included was an option that would allow me to save MY settings for a workout. There are several pre-programmed workouts, and I've tried most or all of them. Over time, my speed is increasing, so I'm not using the pre-programmed settings as-is. I typically have to do one or more button presses each time the treadmill changes to another part of a program, in order to increase the speed to where I want it.
Aside from that, however, this is a wonderful machine. Our old treadmill had finally died after 10 years or so. And I hadn't REALLY been doing enough of a workout on it. With the Bowflex Series 3, I set the treadmill for the program and time I want and start working out. By doing this every day, I've started to slowly lose a little weight, and more importantly, my HDL (the good cholesterol) has increased over the past few months from 38 to a current 54 (goal is at least HDL of 60). I absolutely credit this machine for the substantial improvement in my health.
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This treadmill is a great product--very sturdy and runs smooth. It is better than the treadmills that I was using at the high-priced gym where I was a member. The only problem that I encountered was getting it into the house--it took 3 strong guys grunting pretty hard to get it in the house. Once inside, though, set-up was easy and took about 30 minutes. The only thing needed was a phillips screwdriver ( the one supplied could have done it-but it wasn't too easy with it.) All in all, I am really happy with this treadmill--it's a well made product!
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The Bowflex Series 7 is rated best by CR but was to much for me to spend. I was unsure about purchasing the Series 3 but, it has more then preformed up to expectation. This is a excellent treadmill and I would recommend it for anyone. My wife walks one or two times a week about one mile and I run about two miles three times a week and it has done great for both of us. It looks nice and folds up if needed.
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I just recveived this treadmill after ordering on Amazon less than w week ago. It is a solid piece of machinery and goes together really fast. It took me 30 min to put together. I did my research on treadmills and tested alot of them. This is a great treadmill for the price. No vibrations when running.You will be happy you bought this
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I just wanted to say because of your honest reviews I did feel very comfortable purchasing this product. I purchased the Bowflex Series 3 as opposed to other models in the same price range and class. Some notes for anyone considering the same purchase. I live in Maryland and had no problem receiving my purchased. I was quoted 3 weeks and I got it in two weeks. EGL was very helpful and at least my experience the staff was professional. Someone posted the number and address, which was also very helpful in tracking my purchase. For those of you, who call to track, keep in mind that your purchase is under your AMAZON name and address. It is better to use your tracking number when working with EGL shipping. Staff members by the name of Lisa, Monte, Jabar I think where all very helpful. My items arrive in Baltimore MD a week and a half after I order them. EGL was very flexible in getting my treadmill to me. You must request a 2 man crew; and call back and verify that a two man crew is in route or you may have to wait longer. Also if you want the treadmill in your basement bring the delivery men around back; their policy is to the front door. Which ever door it is should not matter, and really is none of their business. The treadmill is by and large extremely huge and close to the size of an oversized couch.
Now onto assembly details, my husband put it together for me. He is 6'0 and pretty strong, it took him about 3-4 hours to put it together while watching Sunday night football. A small power drill does help a great deal but is not required. Be careful not to pinch the wires while assembling the top portion (screen/panel). You may need an extra set of hands just to have someone hold the wires clear of the railing while you snap the top portion in. The treadmill is strong and sturdy and my husband ran on it at a speed of 7.5 while I do my fast walking at a speed of 2.7. I am 5'9 with a long stride so for folks out there looking for a machine able to handle their height this is the one.
Read the manual on how to use different workout settings before you begin or you will swear it is broken. Reading the manual first will avoid being frustrated in the middle of your workout when you want to modify your routine. The treadmill in size is comparable to one you would find at a commercial gym. You must get the Bowflex floor matt so that you have a sold sturdy workout (avoid rocking on carpet), and also to keep from ruining your floors. At $100 dollars no one is really happy about it but once you put it down, it is a perfect fit and certainly worth it. The treadmill is very very heavy and does take up a lot of space; something to consider if you are planning to bring the bowflex to a spare room, guestroom or bed room. As far as sound goes I would have to say it is not completely silent but not as loud as the ones at the gym. To give you an example I can walk at a speed of 2.5 and not wake the baby up. I am sure anything faster than that and the baby might be disturbed; running would be too loud, better still not as loud as the gym.
In closing, if you don't have time to go to a store, go to Amazon they will take care of you. You will NOT find a better treadmill with free shipping at $999, unless you stole it. (Smile) I went to Sports Authority, Cosco, Treadmill Doctor, and several other places online and this is the best deal in town. I hope this information is helpful especially during the New Year when we start our resolutions all over again.
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I purchased my Bowflex Series 3 a couple of months ago and am thrilled with this machine. I can only compare with my hand-me-down $89 15-year-old floor model. I love the large display, the 2 bottle holders (I have a clamp-fan hooked on one), the smoothness and quietness, the sturdiness, the controls are easy to reach. I really felt I got a good workout from day 1. I'm 5'2" and have no problems running on the platform. Only three design complaints:
1. my hands are small and have to be positioned rather awkwardly to get the pulse reader to begin registering; and although it reads in the manual it takes up to seven pulses to begin, it has taken up to 14 minutes for me (better than my previous machine which stopped registering heart rate years ago);
2. the manual is vague and I wish it was more detailed (no description for "watts" and what am I suppose to do with the "scan" buttons); I'm still trying to figure out the lingo on the screen when I've finished and want to keep a record of my progress;
3. my book/magazine holder slides off at the first level incline (0.5) as there is no real ledge to hook on the console; I had to secure with packing tape.
As other reviewers have written this is a very heavy machine. And bulky. I placed it where my previous treadmill was and the large console blocks the entire TV. I had to do some rearranging (I also have a NordicTrack ski machine). So be sure of where you want to put it beforehand. I suggest purchasing a floor mat.
Also, I did not buy from Amazon (although I would have). I paid $649 plus $150 shipping from Sears. Amazon does not do price match because they believe they offer the lowest price (wise up Amazon--Sears is regularly $899.99). Sears is threshold or garage delivery too. Drawback was it took 15 days from time of ordering to arrival.
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Bought this treadmill about 18 mo.'s ago in July 2007.
The Good: Solid, sturdy treadmill. Clearly not a cheap piece of junk. Not difficult to assemble. East to fold up (we don't really use that feature but I've tested it and it's not a problem).
The Bad: If you get a defective one, you're stuck; good luck trying to get it repaired, and good luck trying to return it. The problem with our treadmill (Bowflex Series 3) is that the running deck is at a permanent incline/elevation even after an attempted repair. First, we had to wrangle with Bowflex to get them to send someone out to look at it. When Bowflex did send someone out for us, the guy told my wife that the treadmill deck angle was "normal" and that there was nothing wrong with it. Luckily I work close to home, because I had to come home from work and argue with the guy! When I got my 6 foot level out and showed him that the degree of incline was in excess of 15 degrees, he finally relented and agreed that there might be a problem. He then - lo and behold - discovered a problem with the motor-mount and bowflex agreed to send a part and have it repaired. It's been a year since the "repair," and it's better - at about a 5% elevation now - but still not right. I also use the treadmills at the gym in my office building and it's clear to me that our treadmill running deck angle is not "normal." I'm all for running on hills, but not 100% of the time!! So, I now have a board under the rear wheels to help make the treadmill level (in case you're wondering, the floor under the treadmill is perfectly level). Anyway, just what you want with a $1000 treadmill right, a board under the back end.
I'm not saying that all Bowflex treadmills are bad, but I do caution you that you may be gambling with your $1000 because you risk getting a defective one. You also risk not having the company repair the product properly even if they are willing to send someone out to look at it. Also, our problem occurred about a year ago, but I've seen a recent reviewer state that bowflex now refuses all responsibility for treadmills sold through Amazon. If I were purchasing this treadmill, I would sure want to find out whether that's true before plunking down my grand.
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I looked in Consumer Reports for the best treadmill for my dollar and decided to buy this model. I absolutely love it! It was very well priced through Amazon.com and I thought the shipping was very fast.(About two weeks which is not much considering the weight). It is very heavy and well constructed. It does need to be put together, but I did it with my twelve year old daughter in about an hour with no difficulty. Everything is so well laid out for you, and the instructions were great! The treadmill is comparable to fitness center models! Very easy to operate. The folding is easy and it comes down very gently. I am very pleased with the Bowflex series 3 treadmill in every aspect and I thank Amazon for making it available for such a good price and free shipping to boot!
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Overall, a very sturdy and solid machine. Easy to assemble and fold back when not in use. Only thing is that is does not fold straight up but the deck stays at about 60 degrees from floor. The console is nice and professional looking. The only small issue is the response time of the buttons when you press them, for example, it takes about a 1-2 seconds to start running when u press 'Start'.
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