Here at Treadmill Reviews, we have had the opportunity to try a range of treadmills, from budget treadmills to high-end machines. Thanks to our extensive experience, we are able to confidently compare similarly-priced treadmills so you can have a clear idea on which treadmill is the right one for you.
For this comparison, we will be comparing the SOLE F85 and the ProForm (SMART) Pro 9000. These treadmills rank among the top residential treadmills and are highly regarded by consumers. If you are debating between these treadmills, you can read through our comparison as we directly compare each feature and part of these treadmills to each other to discover which one is the best between the two of them.
Sole F85 & ProForm Pro General Spec Comparison
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$1500-$2000 Range |
$1500-$2000 Range |
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300 lbs |
400 lbs |
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40 |
10 |
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70” H, 77.16” L, 39.15” W |
56” H, 80.5” L, 37” W |
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22” x 60”, 2-ply belt |
22” x 60”, 2-ply belt |
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Yes |
Yes |
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4.0 CHP |
4.0 CHP |
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-3% to 15% |
0% to 15% |
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12 mph |
12 mph |
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Yes |
Yes |
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Pulse grip and chest strap |
Pulse grip and chest strap |
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298 lbs |
301 lbs |
Cost – There is a large disparity between the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the F85 and the Pro 9000, with the F85 with an MSRP of $3,799 and the Pro 9000 with an MSRP of $2,999. However, these treadmills are almost never listed at their MSRP.
At their common sale price, both the F85 and the Pro 9000 have the same pricing of $1,999. This pricing, along with the excellence of their function, is why these treadmills are in the best treadmills under $2,000 categories.
Category Winner – Tied
Weight Capacity – Between the F85 and the Pro 9000, the F85 has a far superior weight capacity as this treadmill can accommodate users who weigh up to 400 lbs. While the Pro 9000 can hold a user who weighs up to 300 lbs, it falls short when in comparison to the F85.
Category Winner – SOLE F85
Available Programs – As with all SOLE treadmills, there are only 10 programs on the F85, with only 8 of those programs actually pre-programmed. You will need to create the 2 other programs as those two slots are reserved for user-built programs.
This low number of available workout programs doesn’t compare favorably with the huge number of programs on the Pro 9000. With 40 pre-programmed exercise programs on the Pro 9000, the F85 is clearly outclassed.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Dimensions – The Pro 9000 has fairly bulky dimensions, measuring 70” high including the integrated tablets, 77.16” long, and 39.15” wide to provide greater stability. These dimensions make the Pro 9000 a bit of a space hog, even with its ability to fold, so be sure that you have the space you need before choosing this treadmill. While the F85 is slimmer in comparison, measuring 56” high (no tablet holder), 80.5” long, and 37” wide. The only dimension where the F85 is larger is in length, that is less of a problem when the deck is loaded.
Category Winner – SOLE F85
Running Surface – While there are many differences between these two treadmills, both the Pro 9000 and F85 have the same sized running surface. Both have a 2-ply belt and a running are of 22” wide and 60” long.
Category Winner – Tied
Folding – As expected from higher-end treadmills, both of these treadmills are able to fold up for easier storage. Both the Pro 9000 and the F85 have a hydraulic system which allows a user to have an easier time lifting up a treadmill deck. Also, neither require the users to engage a lock by hand, as the hydraulic system in both of these treadmills allow hands-free safety locking, which helps protect users.
Another helpful feature is the soft-drop release of the treadmill decks which is part of the hydraulic systems. Instead of needing to lower a treadmill deck by hand, a user can allow the treadmill decks to lower hands-free. The only difference between these two treadmills is that the release lever on the F85 is easier to reach and more smooth than the Pro 9000.
Category Winner – SOLE F85
Motor Size – In both the Pro 9000 and F85, you can find 4.0 CHP motors. These motors naturally run louder than smaller treadmill motors, but the treadmills’ sounds are consistent and more of a hum, so it won’t be disruptive. Also, with 4.0 CHP motors, these treadmills can operate smoothly as users change speeds and inclines.
Category Winner – Tied
Incline Range – As people look at more expensive treadmills, a good incline range is a requirement. While the F85 has a decent incline range of 0% to 15%, the Pro 9000 has the greater incline range of -3% to 15%.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Speed – Both of these treadmills come with the standard speed range, which ranges from 0.5-12 MPH.
Category Winner – Tied
Fans – There are fans found on both the Pro 9000 and the F85, however; the fans between these treadmills differ greatly in quality. The F85 has two small fans which are located at the top of the treadmill console. These fans are a single unit, which unit can have their angle adjusted. The air output on the F85 is fairly weak and can be hard to feel. Meanwhile, in the Pro 9000, there are also two fans in a single unit housing but these fans have much more powerful output. While users cannot adjust the angle on the fans, they cover a wider area with cooling air and do the job more powerfully.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Heart Rate Monitoring – Bluetooth wireless heart rate monitors and EKG pulse grips are both found on the Pro 9000 and F85 for users to monitor their heart rates. With the Pro 9000, users can purchase the SmartBeat forearm heart rate monitor to be used with the Pro 9000. When users purchase the F85, they will receive the Polar chest strap, which is also adjustable to fit many different body types. While the EKG pulse grips are not very effective on either of these treadmills, both types of heart rate monitors are highly accurate.
Category Winner – Tied
Treadmill Weight – There is no more than a 3-lb difference between the weight of the F85 and the Pro 9000, as the F85 weighs 301 lbs and the Pro 9000 weighs 298 lbs.
Category Winner – Tied
Look and Feel Of The Treadmill
Materials – The materials on both the Pro 9000 and F85 are high quality, with an eye to durability as well as attractiveness. There are more plastic parts which make up the Pro 9000, such as the treadmill arms and side rails. The F85 has more commercial-grade steel parts, which are less likely to become damaged.
Category Winner – SOLE F85
Sturdiness – Beyond the materials, both of these treadmills are remarkably sturdy. Users can feel secure while using these treadmills, whether they are sprinting at an incline or walking at 0%. The broad base on both of these treadmills keeps them from uncomfortable movements when in use and both are durable treadmills which can last you for years.
Category Winner – Tied
Moving the treadmill – With the weight of these treadmills, both require caution as someone tries to move them. The F85 is a tilt-and-roll treadmill, as is the Pro 9000. However, the F85 has shorter treadmill arms, making it difficult to effectively steer the treadmill. Also, the wheels can be prone to jamming. While the wheels on the Pro 9000 can become jammed, they generally have smooth action and the arms and base are longer, allowing easier control as users move the Pro 9000.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Cushioning – Both treadmills use proprietary cushioning, with Cushion Flex Whisper Deck for the F85 and ProShox Cushioning on the Pro 9000. The F85 cushioning is not as robust as the Pro 9000, as the F85 deck is harder and less flexible. Meanwhile, users can enjoy the more flexible and soft deck of the Pro 9000 without feeling that they are running on unrealistic clouds.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Assembly – Treadmill assembly is notoriously difficult. While the Pro 9000 and F85 are not overly hard treadmills to put together, they both have some tricky assembly parts.
Category Winner – Tied
User Interface
Speed and Incline Controls – The F85 console splits up the speed and incline controls on either side of the console. While it is a convenient layout, the restricted space on either side of the console means that not all the speeds and incline levels are readily available, requiring users to scroll. The console layout of the Pro 9000 speed and incline controls can cause users to accidentally press the wrong button as the controls are stacked right on top of each other. Yet, the Pro 9000 has all the various speeds and inclines available for immediate selection, making it highly convenient.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Fan Controls – Both of these treadmills have easily accessible fan controls, with fast response times. The F85 control acts as a simple on-off button while users can choose different speeds on the Pro 9000.
Category Winner – Tied
Program Selection – There is a clear difference between the program selection on the Pro 9000 and the F85. When users look to choose between programs on the Pro 9000, there are 40 programs which are organized by type (interval, speed, heart rate, etc) then by difficulty level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). This style of program selection makes it much simpler to choose a workout program. Comparatively, the F85 doesn’t show as well, as it only has eight pre-made programs and two user-input program spots. There are buttons on the console for each of these programs, which does make it easy to select one of these basic programs.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Visual Display – On both of these treadmills, users will find crisp visual displays. The F85 has a 10.1” LCD screen with bold lettering and colors. This simple display should appeal to those who just want to jump on a treadmill and go. However, the Pro 9000 may have a greater appeal, as it is a touchscreen 10” screen. The touchscreen makes input easier as the screen is highly responsive, high-definition, and has the ability to connect with the user’s Wi-Fi.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Entertainment Features
Speakers – While the speakers on treadmills are often not one of the most used features, both of these pricey treadmills have two good quality speakers embedded into their consoles. The sound quality of both sets of speakers bottom out not far beyond the mid-volume point, which then the crispness deteriorates a bit.
Category Winner – Tied
USB Port – Neither of these treadmills have a USB port.
Category Winner – Tied
Other Entertainment Features – SOLE as a whole provides treadmills which focus on solid durability and not much else. There is a small shelf for a device to be set on the F85 but that is the extent to its entertainment features.
ProForm provides high-quality variability with your training options in iFit. iFit has an extensive library of classes both on and off the treadmill to take.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Data Tracking
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Data Display – With a fairly basic console, the F85 presents simple workout data. While this isn’t necessarily a negative, the lack of information doesn’t present well next to the massive amount of information and feedback users can receive from the Pro 9000.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Fitness Apps – The SOLE Fitness app can be synced with the F85, allowing users to control the treadmill from their mobile device. By using the app, users can create their own custom workout programs and save them for future use as well as saving user workout data at the end of the exercise. However, there are frequent complaints against the app that it freezes and will not close or that the app failed to record their exercise. But, the SOLE Fitness app is completely free.
Users can access iFit through Pro 9000, unlocking hundreds of premade running programs and having access to the constantly evolving library of running challenges, workout video library, as well as a supportive community. It does cost $39/month for up to 5 profiles, though it can be more affordable if users purchase access a year or two upfront.
Category Winner – Pro 9000
Sole & ProForm Financing Options
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 they 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.
Sole Financing
- Affirm – secondary financing.
- 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 and Sole Warranties
ProForm Warranty
- A 30-day trial period for a full refund (minus shipping and restocking fees)
- 10-year warranty for the frame; 2 years for parts; 1 year 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.
Sole Warranty
- 30-day trial period on all of our equipment. If you are not completely satisfied with your product, they will refund your purchase amount and freight charges both ways, no questions asked. All the customer is responsible to pay is an 8% restocking fee within the 30-day trial period. Some stipulations regarding original packaging.
- Lifetime warranty on motor, deck, and frame; 5 years for parts and electronics, 2 years for labor.
- All service is performed in your home.
Overall Favorite
Total Categories Compared: 27
Total Ties Between the Pro 9000 and the F85: 13
Total ProForm Pro 9000 Favored Categories: 11
Total SOLE F85 Favored Categories: 4
Both of these treadmills are of fantastic quality, and as users can see, they tied in many categories. Both the ProForm 9000 and the SOLE F85 cater to certain demographics and neither would be a bad choice for your next home treadmill. If you do decide one of these treadmills are for you, use one of our coupons to make the purchase more affordable.
