The Horizon T71 Treadmill Review — the same great unit with a new name

Ohiyo!

I want to start this review off by saying it was definitely not a good time for the Treadmill Sensei and Mrs. Sensei to take a short trip to Hawaii to visit our daughter at school (she attends the University of Hawaii). In all of my years growing up there I had never heard of an earthquake taking place in the islands. The island had experienced aftershocks from earthquakes in other locations, but that was never a big deal…and was generally great for those of us who surf! Rain, earthquakes and no electricity. Still, we had a great time and are glad to be home. I also want to point out that it rained like crazy last time we where visiting the islands back in March. I’m guessing the Treadmill Gods are trying to tell me something: GET BACK TO WORK!

Now, any regular reader of my ramblings will know how much I hate when a treadmill manufacturer (or any manufactuer) tries to hide a treadmill with a ton of different names, each depening upon where you buy it. Unfortunately one of my favorite companies, Horizon Fitness, does this quite a bit. They’ve got units online, in Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sport Authority and tons of other places…and they’re all the same but with different names and prices in order to confuse you the customer. Actually, it’s mainly to make each retailer happy so he doesn’t have to compete with all of the other retailers out there. Either way, it irks the heck out of me.

From time to time, the also just re-release an old treadmill under a new name to help kick up the sales a bit. In this case, the 2006 Horizon T61 Treadmill has undergone a couple of minor cosmetic changes and been renamed the Horizon T71 treadmill. Luckily, it’s a great unit by any name.

Horizon produces a lot of quality equipment in the budget range of about $600 up to $1300 and you really can’t go wrong with most of their equipment. The new Horizon T71 treadmill is an excellent example of that quality shining through. If you’ve read my Horizon T61 review (HERE) then you’ll see what you’re getting in to with the Horizon T71 treadmill.

If you’re looking for a good, solid little treadmill that is great for light workouts, the the Horizon T71 is a perfect choice. It doesn’t hurt that Horizon kept the price at the same budget-conscious $599 for those of us who like to workout without breaking the bank.

For keeping a great unit around for another year — with the same 1.75 HP motor, 18×50 inch deck, and great hydraulic folding, the Treadmill Sensei gives the Horizon T71 treadmill 4 out of 5 Golden Buddahs!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com