Help me pick out a treadmill.

[SlitheryDee]

So my local gym closed recently and I'm having to bring the workouts back home. I already have most of the weight lifting equipment I need from the couple of years I spent working out before joining the gym, but I've gotten kind of hooked on the convenience of a good treadmill.

I'm looking to spend somewhere between $1300 and $1500 and it seems that the best brands in this range are Precor, Spirit, and Lifespan. I'm looking at one model from each of these brands.

Lifespan TR3000i - $1499.00

The more I look at this treadmill the more I like it. None of these treadmills have too many bells and whistles, but this one appears to have the most sophisticated console and workout program, along with usb workout storage and ipod/iphone support. It has the weakest motor of the group at 2.75 hp. It has a lifetime warranty on the motor and welds, 5 year warranty on parts, and the standard one year labor coverage.

Precor 9.23 - $1599

This was my initial choice, but in my research I found many people who were of the opinion that you can get better treadmills in this price range. It has a more powerful motor than the Lifespan at 3 hp, but lacks the lifetime warranty on the motor. It has a deck that is an inch longer than the lifespan, but an inch shorter than the spirit at 57". The console also seems to be the most bare-bones of the group. That's not really a problem for me though.

Spirit XT285 - $1499

This is my new favorite. It has 3 HP motor like the Precor, but also maintains the lifetime warranty on the motor along with the frame. In addition to that it doubles the parts warranty of the other treadmills at 10 years. It has the longest deck at 58 inches. Most importantly to me, the reports of reliability and customer support interaction are generally more favorable than the other brands.

Now I have no place near me that sells ANY of these treadmills, so I'm going to be buying one basically sight unseen. It's either that or go pick out a gold's gym something or other from Wal-mart. What I'm asking of AT H&F is any input at all on any of these brands or specific models, or even other suggestions in my price range. Thanks in advance.

 

[Zivic]

bump your budget another 500 and get a 685 spirit. I prefer running on a precor, but the 2.X series is their china made models. the spirits are also made in china, but the 685 is a very solid machine

 

[SlitheryDee]

I'm afraid the most I could stretch my budget would be to step up to the XT385. Looking at the comparison sheet, there are some improvements over the XT285 to be had. 2.75" rollers vs 2.5", 3.25hp motor vs 3.0hp, more exercise programs, etc. Does that sound like it's worth the additional ~$200 it would set me back?

I see why the XT685 would feel solid though. It's the only one to list "Heavy-Gauge High-Strength Steel" as a feature. Wish I could afford it.

 

[Zivic]

I'm afraid the most I could stretch my budget would be to step up to the XT385. Looking at the comparison sheet, there are some improvements over the XT285 to be had. 2.75" rollers vs 2.5", 3.25hp motor vs 3.0hp, more exercise programs, etc. Does that sound like it's worth the additional ~$200 it would set me back?

I see why the XT685 would feel solid though. It's the only one to list "Heavy-Gauge High-Strength Steel" as a feature. Wish I could afford it.

I guess if those are the ones you have to select from, I would go with the precor. the spirits are nice machines, but I am not a fan of folding mills, so unless I could get their 685, the precor would be my choice

personally I would save up a for a few more months, or whatever it took to get the better machine.

 

[SlitheryDee]

I appreciate the input. Maybe I will wait a little while and shoot for the 685. In the meantime I'll shop around a bit.

 

[purbeast0]

i'd personally check out craigslist for used treadmills. the majority of people get treadmills and don't use them, then realize how much room they take up, then just want to get rid of one. i picked up a really nice norditrack one from someone on craigslist for $300.

it is extremely heavy duty and feels like commecial gym quality. i was shocked how heavy duty it is actually. i had to take it apart to be able to lift it and get it through the doorway where it sits now.

i think brand new it was like $1500 or something.

EDIT:

here is the thread i made when i was searcing - http://www.nordictrack.com/webapp/w...01&productId=79623&categoryId=59002&pageNum=1

retail on the one i got was actually $2500 according to the link in my op.