If you are new to treadmill shopping, you may not know the difference between a regular belt and a slat belt. There are a few key differences, and knowing them may help you make a more informed treadmill purchase. You may find your needs are more suited for one or the other.
What Is A Treadmill Slat Belt?
A slat belt treadmill is a non-traditional treadmill. They can be motorized or non-motorized. Like regular treadmills, motorized slat belt treadmills can incline, decline, and adjust speed. Non-motorized slat belt treadmills, also known as manual treadmills, are usually curved.
What Is A Slat Belt Made Of?
The belt consists of individual slats that typically have an aluminum core and are covered with a thick rubber or soft plastic coating. These generally provide more shock absorption than traditional treadmill belts and wooden treadmill decks. Regular treadmills have to use shocks that allow the belt and deck to “bounce” and provide cushioning.
Slat belt treadmills do not have a deck underneath. They are attached to the treadmill sides with many ball bearings that allow them to roll smoothly when your foot or the motor powers them.
How Does A Slat Belt Function On A Treadmill?
The function of a slat belt treadmill differs by whether it is motorized or manual. Learn below about the function of both types of slat belts.
Motorized Slat Belt Treadmill
A slat belt moves similarly to a regular belt. It rumbles underfoot due to the movement of the slats. The slats move closer together and flatten to create a running surface. They separate slightly as they turn around the front and back rollers. Higher-quality slat belt treadmills will have less space between the slats. Be wary of the gaps formed over the rollers. There should be a rear guard on a motorized slat belt treadmill to prevent anything from being caught and dragged under the treadmill.
Manual Curved Slat Belt Treadmill
A manual curved slat belt treadmill feels very similar to a motorized slat belt. The exception is that the deck is curved and that you are powering the movement of the treadmill. Some are curved more steeply than others. The weight of the belt affects its function. A heavier belt is harder to get moving but stays in motion more easily. A steeper curve typically makes it easier to build up more speed, accelerating quickly. A shallow curve feels more natural but may be more difficult. Overall, manual curved slat belt treadmills are more difficult than other types of running by about 30 to 40%.
The slats of a manual treadmill are soft and usually conducive to barefoot running. If you like to run without shoes on, this is a great type of treadmill for you.
What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of A Slat Belt?
Established and reported benefits of a slat belt treadmill:
- A slat belt treadmill may feel more like a natural running surface than a regular treadmill.
- Slat belt treadmills are lower maintenance. They do not require lubrication or replacement of the treadmill deck.
- A slat belt is usually more durable than a regular treadmill belt.
- Runners may be able to train barefoot if desired.
- A slat belt treadmill may have manual training options even if it is motorized.
Potential drawbacks to slat belt treadmills:
- Slat belt treadmills may feel more challenging than regular treadmills.
- They are more expensive than regular belt treadmills with the same specs.
- They are heavier than regular belt treadmills and do not fold.
- The running surface does not feel as smooth, and the rumbling may annoy some runners.
Recommended Slat Belt Treadmills
Motorized:
Manual/Non-Motorized:
- AssaultRunner Pro Treadmill
- TrueForm Runner Treadmill
- Bells of Steel Blitz Treadmill
- Rogue x Woodway Curve LTG Treadmill
What Is A Regular Treadmill Belt?
A regular treadmill belt is what one may think of as a more “traditional” treadmill, and has been around for several years. A regular belt treadmill is supported by a deck, which is a hard surface placed below the treadmill belt. A regular treadmill belt is replaceable, and in fact, most users can purchase a new belt and replace it themselves when necessary.
What Is A Regular Treadmill Belt Made Of?
The treadmill belts have advanced and evolved, similar to how other exercise equipment has been improved over the years. A treadmill belt typically has a top rubber coat and an undercoat that is made of polyester, urethane, cotton, or mono-filament. Treadmill belts can be 1-ply, 2-ply, or even 3 or 4-ply. We typically recommend getting a treadmill that is 2-ply. Commercial-grade treadmills at the gym are typically 3 or 4-ply belts. Treadmill belts are also typically textured to lightly grip your shoe while running so no slipping occurs.
What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of A Regular Belt?
Established and reported benefits of a regular belt:
- Regular belt treadmills have been around for longer, so we consider these the tried-and-true treadmills that we know will provide a great workout.
- Some runners may prefer the “feel” of regular belt treadmills: smoother and bouncier.
- Regular belt treadmills for the home are usually lighter and fold.
- They are usually more affordable.
Potential drawbacks of a regular belt:
- The belt or deck may wear out and need to be replaced sooner.
- Running on a regular belt with a lot of cushioning may be significantly easier than running outdoors.
- Most residential treadmills with regular belts need to be lubricated every 3 to 6 months or so.
Recommended Regular Belt Treadmills
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
- Sole F80 Treadmill
- Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
- NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill
- Bowflex Treadmill 22
- ProForm TLX Treadmill
Overall – Which Is Better?
Like many things in life, the better treadmill comes down to your personal preference. It is important to stay aware of new treadmill technologies and make the most informed choice possible about what equipment to use. Slat belt treadmill fans tend to be very vocal about the superiority slat belt treadmills. However, these treadmills are not practical or affordable for all users. If you can try out one treadmill of each type before you buy, that’s the best way to see which one appeals the most to you. If you cannot, we hope that this expert breakdown provided enough insight for you!
Leave a Reply