The LifeSpan TR1200i treadmill is good machine that just doesn’t quite stack up to the other machines in its cost bracket of treadmills under $1,000. Outmatching the TR1200i in motor size are the Sole F63 and NordicTrack C990. This outmatching is not limited to the motor size as these treadmills outperform the TR1200i in several key areas.
So if you are looking for more bang for your treadmill buck, then we recommend you look at the C990, F63, or even the Horizon Adventure 3. All three of these machines are in the same price bracket as the TR1200i and consistently outdo LifeSpan’s treadmill.
Price
The TR1200i treadmill costs $899.
The TR1200i Is Built For Users who:
Are walkers or joggers - As a budget treadmill, the TR1200i is a fairly sturdy machine, more than the Adventure 3 but less than the F63. It will stand daily use from a couple users but we are not sure the components are up for regular usage by more serious runners.
Want a compact machine - An interesting feature of the TR1200i is the treadmill’s compactness. Not only does it fold up to only take 39" of length and 33" wide, but the console itself is adjustable, a build feature not found in other treadmills in its price range.
Prefer a simple interface - While the Adventure 3 and F63 have simple interfaces, the TR1200i console takes up considerably less space and is more intuitive than the other two. It is also a lower height overall, so those looking for a simple, non-distracting console would like the TR1200i.
Why The LifeSpan TR1200i earned Only 2.5 stars
Small motor and belt area - Here at Treadmill Reviews, we’ve tested a wide range of treadmills. The TR1200i has an equivalent motor size to the Adventure 3 but smaller than the F63 and C990. It also has an inch more belt length than the Adventure 3. However, the TR1200i lacks 4 inches of belt length that the C990 and F63 offer.
Lacks key feature other brands offer - There are no fans in the TR1200i, which other competitor brands offer with their treadmills. Also, while both the TR1200i and Adventure 3 are chest strap heart rate monitoring compatible, these treadmills don’t give a chest strap with the purchase of these machines. The F63 and C990 do add a chest strap with the purchase with one of these machines.
Average treadmill overall - The TR1200i is consistently outshined by the C990 and F63 and fairly comparable to the Adventure 3. For its price bracket, the TR1200i is an average machine.
While the TR1200i is not a bad machine, it just doesn’t quite stack up to the other treadmills in the same price range.
Main Specs - 5/10
Specs “Quick Review”:
Motor Size: 2.5 CHP
Running Area: 20” x 56”
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Folding: Yes
Footprint In Use (W,L,H): 33" x 70.25" x 55"
Footprint Folded (W,L,H): 33" x 39" x 63"
Incline Range: 0 - 15%
Max Speed: 0.5 - 11 MPH
Treadmill Best For: Walkers, joggers
Electrical Requirements: 115V
Motor Size - The motor in this treadmill is a 2.5 CHP motor. It can be slightly confusing looking at the LifeSpan website for the motor specs, as it is listed as 2.5 HP Continuous Duty. However, this is just another way to refer to a CHP motor. This motor will be able to handle a couple of daily users, but may wear out faster than other treadmill motors if more serious running is required.
Running Area - The running surface is 20” wide by 56” long, which is an inch longer than the Adventure 3, but 4 inches shorter in length than the F63 and C990. The belt tread has good traction even though it has a smoother tread than other treadmill belts.
Weight Capacity - Standard for this price range, the TR1200i can hold users up to 300 lbs. The only treadmill in this price bracket that can carry more is the F63, which can hold 325 lbs.
Folding - The TR1200i folds up into a compact 33" wide, by 39" long and 63" high. It is also a light machine, which can be stored more easily than other treadmills.
Space / Footprint - When in use, the TR1200i treadmill measures 33" wide, by 70.25" long and 55" high.
Max Speed - The treadmills max speed is 11 MPH. Other treadmills in this price bracket can reach 12 MPH. However, if you aren’t looking for interval training, this may not be an issue.
Incline - This treadmill has an incline range of 0 - 15%. It beats out the C990 and Adventure 3, which can only go to 12% incline.
Display - The TR1200i has one of the smallest consoles we’ve seen in this price range, which isn’t necessarily a negative thing if you don’t want a console right in your face. This treadmill has a blue backlit LCD screen which takes up a minimal amount of the console space.
Speakers - There are 2 speakers embedded into the top of the console. These are fairly weak even at the highest volume when you are jogging, and become tinny sounding by the time you reach mid-volume range.
Fans - There are no fans in this treadmill.
Heart Rate Monitoring - While there are heart rate monitoring handlebar grips, these are inaccurate which is common across all treadmills. The TR1200i is compatible with heart rate monitoring chest straps but does not come with one.
Other Tech Features
Ports - You can transfer data to your computer from the TR1200i by using the USB port. There are also audio input and output jacks for you to plug in your media.
Holders - There are 2 shallow holders for the TR1200i.
Speed/Incline arm buttons - Like the Sole line of treadmills, the TR1200i has buttons along the arms of the treadmill, allowing for easy speed and incline adjustments.
Build Quality - 6/10
Warranties - Lifetime warranties for frame and motor, 3 years parts, 1 year labor.
Belt - 2-ply
Roller Size - 2.5" Front, 2" Rear
Cushioning - 6 compression shock absorbers
Customer Support - Phone contact Monday-Friday from 8 am - 8 pm. Emails listed but hours not listed.
Return Policy - 30-day money back guarantee, must have written consent from LifeSpan authorizing return. 15% restocking fee applied, delivery and installation fees not refunded.
The TR1200i is a fairly light machine, with easy lift assistance for the deck. It also has hydraulics to help lower the deck gently down from the folded position.
One feature we were impressed with were the shock absorbers. 3 on each side of the treadmill for 6 total, these shock absorbers gave the deck of the TR1200i more give than the Adventure 3 and F63.
We were less impressed by the stringent return policy where written consent has to be obtained before you can make a return. On top of that, LifeSpan has a higher restocking fee than Horizon (minus freight and assembly charges), NordicTrack (10%) and Sole (8%).
Bottom Line Review Of The TR1200i
In specs, features and build quality, the TR1200i is almost constantly outclassed by the F63, C990 and Adventure 3. It has less speed, no fans, no chest strap and shorter belt length than the other machines in its price range.So while we didn’t dislike the TR1200i, it just didn’t match up well to the other treadmills in the price bracket of treadmills under $1000.
We recommend you check out our reviews for the F63 and C990, as these treadmills outperformed the TR1200i in most categories.
Best Place To Buy The LifeSpan TR1200i Treadmill
If you are still inclined to purchase the LifeSpan TR1200i, we recommend you buy your treadmill from the manufacturer’s website. This will cut out some hassle should you need customer service help and ensure you receive the latest model of the treadmill you want, at the lowest price point.
