Yes, my students, the Treadmill Sensei emerges once more from the depths of the DOJO to share his wisdom of all things fitness.
Today I want to discuss a very fine treadmill from Sole, the Sole F83 Treadmill — a version of which used to be called the Spirit Z300 treadmill. These units are almost identical, the only differences between the F83 and the Spirit Z300 is the upgrade fan attachment on the Sole F83 treadmill and the better warranty Sole gives its units over the one from Spirit direct. By almost identical, I mean the base Sole F83 is actually just a Spirit Z300 with the fan attachments added and a better warranty tacked on to it.
These Sole Units are arguably some of the finest treadmills under about $2500. The Sole F83s in particular are incredibly sturdy and durable. The machines themselves weight over 260 pounds and have a maximum weight capacity up over 350 pounds. If you want a treadmill which feels as good and solid as the ones your work out at your gym on, then the F83 treadmill by Sole may be the answer to your prayers. It is easy to see why the Hilton Hotels have adopted the Sole equipment for use in their workout centers. Heavy duty and low maintenance? It’s an easy sell.
Our experience with Sole here at the DOJO has always been excellent. We get 10-20 of the Sole F83 treadmills in each month to take out and set up for customers. As a testament to their high quality production, we might get a call to do service on an F83 treadmill once every 3-4 months. The Sole F83 stacks up to the best of the best, especially when you consider the price you’re paying for one — $1800 or there abouts with free shipping.
The 3 horsepower motor that Sole puts in to the Sole F83 treadmills is a monster. It is large, runs at lower RPMs, runs very cool and lasts forever. We joke here at the DOJO that after a nuclear the only thing left running around will be cockroaches and the Sole F83 treadmill motors. Surprisingly, the motor on the F83 treadmill runs very quiet in spite of its size.
For speed and incline, the Sole F83 goes 12 miles per hour and up to a 15 degree incline, well beyond anything else at this price point or below. If you’ve ever done a workout at a 15 degree incline then you know the intense workout it is. Talk about feeling the burn!
The running area is 58×20. That should be more than enough for even heavy duty runners.
As with all of the Sole units, the Sole F83 comes with a great console which breaks down every bit of information you could possibly need into its own window. If you’ve worked out on a Life Fitness machine at your local gym, then you’ll appreciate the ease of access on all of that info. No more stumbling around trying to keep running while your try to scroll through information on a treadmill’s console.
The final word on the Sole F83 treadmills is: if you’re looking to step up from a residential grade treadmill into something beefier and on par with the quality of a gym unit, then you’ll want to check out the F83 treadmill. Your happiness will be immeasurable.
The Treadmill Sensei gives the Sole F83 a very happy 4.5 Golden Buddahs out of 5.
Sole and Spirit produce another winner with the Sole F83 treadmill.
Sole F83 Treadmill Specifications
Horsepower: 3.0
Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Folding: Yes
Maximum Speed: 12 MPH
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes, Pulse grip and chest strap
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Programs: 10: Standard, User Defined, and Heart Rate
Dimensions
Folded Size: 33″ x 33″
Product Weight: 262 lbs.
Deck Thickness: 1″
Warranty
Frame Warranty: Lifetime
Motor Warranty: 30 Years
Parts Warranty: 5 Years
Labor Warranty: 2 years
http://www.treadmillsensei.com
Thank you sensei, went wtih Sole F83, was actually upgraded by Sole, as I was going to buy the F80, they were out of stock and upgraded me to the F83 for free; got it for 1499 with s/h. Awesome machine, so sturdy, very happy with purchase. Don’t know why Treadmill doctor doesn’t rate accordingly, although grade is good; this is a great treadmill.