Once you have been able to decide on a price range for your treadmill and started to look a the best treadmills under $1,500, you may have found that the best treadmills are fairly similar. We have created a series of comparisons so you can see exactly how these treadmills differ and how they are alike. With this information, it should be much easier for you to decide which treadmill is the right one for you. The two treadmills we will be comparing in this review are the SOLE F80 and the ProForm Pro 2000.
While there are several similarities between these two treadmills, Treadmill Reviews prefers the Pro 2000. It has greater incline range, entertainment features, and a better build quality. There are several other ways the Pro 2000 out-performs the F80 but those are the three key areas. You can view their individual review videos below for more info.
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Sole F80 & ProForm Pro 2000
General Spec Comparison
General Spec Comparison
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$1,000-$1,500 Range |
$1,000-$1,500 Range |
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375 lbs |
300 lbs |
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10 |
32 |
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57” height, 82” length, 37” width |
70” height, 77.2” length, 39.5” width |
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22” wide by 60” long, 2-ply |
22” wide by 60” long, 1-ply non-stretch commercial belt |
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Yes |
Yes |
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3.5 CHP |
3.5 CHP |
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0% to 15% |
-3% to 15% |
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12 mph |
12 mph |
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Yes, Single speed |
Yes |
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Pulse grip and chest strap |
Pulse grip and chest strap |
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278 lbs |
320 lbs |
Cost – The Pro 2000 is often $200-$300 cheaper in price than the F80 and has many features which the F80 lacks, making the Pro 2000 a better choice purely by price.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
Weight Capacity – Many of the top treadmills have an average weight capacity of 300 lbs, which is also the case for the Pro 2000. Yet the SOLE F80 has a 375 lbs weight capacity, far-exceeding the average treadmill.
Category Winner – SOLE F80
Available Programs – There are 32 programs which come pre-programmed into the Pro 2000, with different difficulty levels to accommodate various fitness levels. However, there are only 10 exercise programs on the F80, with only 8 of them pre-programmed. The other 2 programs are available for users to program then save their programs.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
Dimensions – The Pro 2000 is 2.5” wider and 13” taller than the F80. Some of the height difference is due to the mounted tablet holder. The F80 is 4.8” longer than the Pro 2000, which can become more inconvenient due to the fact that the extra length will be directly in the path of those who want to walk around the treadmill. Overall, they are fairly similar in dimensions, making them both rather bulky machines.
Category Winner – Tied
Running Surface – Both of these mid-range treadmills have a running belt area of 22” width by 60” length.
Category Winner – Tied
Folding – Both the Pro 2000 and the F80 have soft-drop release systems, allowing not only a hands-free release of the treadmill decks but also easy lifting. The F80 has a more conveniently-placed release handle than the Pro 2000 and the F80 releases more easily.
Category Winner – SOLE F80
Motor Size – A 3.5 CHP motor can be found in both the F80 and the Pro 2000. They both run smoothly, easily transitioning between different speeds and inclines.
Category Winner – Tied
Incline Range – A greater incline range is available on the Pro 2000 than on the F80. With a wider range available, users can enjoy a greater challenge and workout engagement.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
Speed – A speed range of 0.5-12 miles per hour come built into both treadmills.
Category Winner – Tied
Fans – Most of the SOLE treadmills have small, weak fans and the F80 is no exception. While users can angle the fan up or down, the F80 fan circulated very little air and only has one speed. The fans on the Pro 2000 have multiple speeds and can circulate large amounts of air, which can cool the user no matter their speed.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
Heart Rate Monitoring – Bluetooth wireless heart rate monitoring chest straps come with both the Pro 2000 and the F80. These straps are an accurate way to monitor users’ heart rate, unlike the EKG contact handlebars, which are also included on both of these treadmills.
Category Winner – Tied
Treadmill Weight – The Pro 2000 weighs 320 lbs and the F80 weighs 278 lbs, making the Pro 2000 is heavier than the F80 by 42 lbs.
Category Winner – SOLE F80
Look and Feel Of The Treadmill
Materials – Both treadmills are highly durable and of commercial quality construction. Heavy-duty steel frames come as part of both treadmills. However, the Pro 2000 has thinner plastic parts which can be more easily damaged than the thicker plastic parts on the F80.
Category Winner – SOLE F80
Sturdiness – The two treadmills are almost equal in their sturdy qualities. While the materials on the F80 adds some extra sturdiness to the treadmill, the wider base and weight of the Pro 2000 help the treadmill maintain a high level of sturdiness even when inclined. At higher speeds and inclines, the F80 has some movement, making it a bit more wobbly than the firm Pro 2000.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
Moving the treadmill – Due to the weight differences between the Pro 2000 and F80, the F80 is easier to move. Also, the wheels on the F80 allow users to move it in the upright position, without needing to tilt and roll the treadmill. The Pro 2000 has to be tilted on to its two wheels and then rolled while angled.
Category Winner – SOLE F80
Cushioning – While some users enjoy firm treadmill decks, the treadmill deck of the F80 can be overly stiff and inflexible. The Pro 2000 has ProShox™ cushioning, which makes the deck of this treadmill softer than the F80 as well as more flexible.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
Assembly – Treadmill construction can be complicated, especially as the treadmills increase in price. The weight of both the Pro 2000 and the F80 make the assembly somewhat difficult, and both are more easily put together with two people.
Category Winner – Tied
User Interface
Speed and Incline Controls – The speed and incline controls are completely laid out on the Pro 2000 console, with no numbers skipped. Several incline and speed buttons are not displayed on the F80, which requires users to scroll using the upper buttons if they want to reach an incline or speed which is not displayed. The layout of the Pro 2000 makes the speed and incline controls more accessible, and these controls are more sensitive than the F80 controls.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
Fan Controls – A single button makes up the fan control on the F80. It is fairly responsive and easy to reach. The Pro 2000 has a two-button, responsive control for its fan, allowing users to navigate the multiple speeds available on the Pro 2000.
Category Winner – Tied
Program Selection – A far greater program selection is available to users on the Pro 2000 than the F80. Users can choose between 32 different workout programs on the Pro 2000, with only 10 programs on the F80. Two of the 10 programs on the F80 require the user to create their own workout, which they can then save in one of the two program slots.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
Visual Display – The displays on these treadmills are fairly similar. Both are LCDs, with backlit screens. The screen on the Pro 2000 is 7” and bright blue with an easy-to-read screen. Not as bright but just as easy to read is the F80 9” screen.
Category Winner – Tied
Entertainment Features
Speakers – The speakers on the Pro 2000 are 3” and have great sound clarity. Many treadmills have tinny-sounding speakers but the Pro 2000 has a good amount of bass even in the higher volume levels. While the speakers on the F80 are of decent sound quality, they do not put out as much sound as the Pro 2000.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
USB Port – Neither of these treadmills have a USB port.
Category Winner – Tied
Other Entertainment Features – Not much in the way of entertainment is part of either treadmill. There is a tablet mount on the Pro 2000, so users can add entertainment to their workouts or sync the treadmill with iFit. The F80 does not even have a tablet mount, just a small lip on the console to rest a device, though it might not stay in place if the user is running.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
Data Tracking
Data Display – As treadmill users workout, many of them value the data displayed on the treadmill screens as it can give them valuable feedback on their progress. There is more workout data available on the Pro 2000, with the ability to cycle through interested information. The F80 has basic workout information available, which should be sufficient for most casual users.
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Category Winner – Pro 2000
Fitness Apps – As mentioned earlier, the Pro 2000 can sync with iFit Coach, which is a fitness app that has a large resource library to use for workouts. Users can go on virtual runs around the world, with many of the runs having interactive maps that runners can feel immersed in. The F80 can sync with the SOLE Fitness app. This app can make navigating the F80 easier and is able to save user’s workouts. However, the app is prone to freezing and there is not much else to this simple app.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
SOLE & ProForm Financing Options
SOLE Financing
- Affirm – secondary financing, there is none available through SOLE directly.
- Make monthly payments using Affirm (3, 6, or 12 months plans available)
- Rates vary from 10 to 30% APR.
- For a $1399.99 purchase, you can expect to pay about $123.08 per month for 12 months at 10% APR.
- This seems like a good way to go if you’re financing the purchase. The monthly fees and interest applied to the purchase are all very upfront. However, assume there are major penalties for late payments like with most credit card purchases.
- Subject to credit approval.
ProForm Financing
- No money down, no interest if paid in full in 18 Months; Interest is charged from the purchase date if the purchase amount is not paid in full within 18 months. Standard APR 29.99%. Advertised payment is greater than required minimum payment.
- The ProForm Financing program account is issued and administered by TD Bank, N.A.
- All non-UPS shipments are curbside delivery and require a customer signature. Return shipping and a 10% restocking fee will apply.
- If you receive a machine that is damaged beyond repair we will be happy to send a replacement machine or give a full refund.
- ProForm allows a 30-day trial period on all products. You pay return shipping and a 10% restocking fee.
- Products being returned must be disassembled and packaged in the original box or comparable package. If you do not have a box, we can provide one for you.
- You can expect a refund in the same form of payment originally used for the purchase within 30 days of our receiving your returned product.
Category Winner – Pro 2000
SOLE & ProForm Warranties
SOLE Warranty
- 30-day trial period for a full refund (minus shipping and 8% restocking fee)
- Lifetime warranty on motor, deck, and frame; 5 years for parts; 2 years for labor.
- The warranty extends only to the original purchaser and will need to be registered.
- Owners will need to fill out a form to request service or parts.
ProForm Warranty
- A 30-day trial period for a full refund (minus shipping and restocking fees)
- Lifetime warranty on motor, deck, and frame; 5 years for parts; 2 years for labor.
- The warranty extends only to the original purchaser.
- Repairs first need authorization. Shipping to service centers for repairs is at customers cost. Shipping for replacement parts sent to your home is also at your cost. For in-home service, the customer pays a minimal trip charge.
View The Individual Video Reviews For Each of These Treadmills Here:
Overall Favorite
Total Categories Compared: 27
Total Ties Between the Pro 2000 and the F80: 9
Total ProForm Pro 2000 Favored Categories: 13
Total SOLE F80 Favored Categories: 5
As the Pro 2000 and the F80 have places in the best treadmills under $1,500 category, it is not surprising that they tied in 9 of the 27 categories. However, the Pro 2000 won overall as this treadmill was the best in 13 of the 27 categories. Much of its superiority comes from its user interface options. If this is less of a concern for you, then the F80 may be the right treadmill for your needs.
If you are ready and interested in buying one of these excellent treadmills, you can use one of Treadmill Reviews’ exclusive coupons. We hope you will be able to find the treadmill you need and be able to take full control of your future health and fitness.
