PUBLISHED 01/02/2008
NordicTrack Apex 8500
Runners with sensitive knees and other joint issues may appreciate the 8500's deck, which cushions each landing by flexing down and up. The drawback of this arc-shaped wood deck is that it isn't adjustable since the resulting bounce made several testers feel they were on a trampoline. On the positive side, this is one of the few treadmills with a built-in fan that can be set to adjust its speed based on how fast you're running. And the model we tested included a 7-inch flat screen TV and built-in speakers that played movies and music once hooked up to a DVD player or iPod. Time flies when you're watching 007.
Price: $2,399
Tester says: "I couldn't see my min/mile pace, and it was loud at higher speeds." -Florian Hedwig, 34
Belt size: 60" x 20"
Dimensions: 77"L x 36"W x 65"H
Maximum speed/incline: 12mph/12%
Number of programs: 22
Warranty: Lifetime motor; one year parts and labor
Contact: nordictrack.com
Additional Features:
--Four HR programs automatically increase or decrease speed to keep you in a your training zone.
--When folded up treadmill has a footprint of 36 x 29 inches.
--I-Fit cards ($29.99 each) contain 24 pre-programmed, progressive workouts like "Weight Loss" and "Performance" to keep training interesting.
Landice L7 Cardio Trainer
This rugged machine has been updated with a higher torque motor that makes the machine noticeably stable, even while running at high speeds. Plus, the larger motor makes it one of the few home models that can handle 400 pounds. We liked how the L7 CT accelerated and decelerated, but noticed some noise increase and a slight sense of jerkiness (as opposed to a smooth transition) when upping the incline. Pluses include a standard wireless chest strap heart rate monitoring system, but we didn't like how hitting "HRM" and holding the hand sensors switched the program to manual. Pre-programmable workouts can simulate an upcoming racecourse, which is a great feature if you have the patience to input the information.
Price: $4,000
Tester says: "A nice, intuitive, stable treadmill with great custom programming, but I wish the belt was longer." - Tony Mancuso, 34
Belt size: 58" x 20"
Dimensions: 77"L x 32"W x 57"H
Maximum speed/incline: 12mph/15%
Number of programs: 29
Warranty: Lifetime frame and parts; 1 year on labor.
Additional Features:
--Adjustment buttons are very responsive.
--Varied programming options, including Fitness Tests, keep workouts interesting
--Extended side rails add security for some, got in the way of shorter runners.
Pacemaster Gold Elite Fold-Up
This treadmill feels smooth and stable underfoot--a pleasant surprise for such an inexpensive fold-up--and the 60-inch belt provides plenty of room for taller runners to stretch out their stride. While the console might not be as visually dynamic as the others, it provides a clear display of your workout. Our testers especially liked the row of preset speed and incline keys that made on-the-fly adjustments easy--shifting up to a seven-percent grade, for example, while dropping down to a slower pace. The Gold Elite offers four courses modeled on actual locations, such as the Appalachian Trail (AT), to keep your training interesting.
Price: $2,499
Tester says: "I liked how the machine automatically dropped my speed as I approached an incline on the AT course." --Garrett Reder, age 30
Belt size: 60"L x 20"W
Dimensions: 73.5"L x 34"W x 57"H
Maximum speed/incline: 12 mph/15%
Number of programs: 20
Warranty: Lifetime frame; 12 years motor; 5 years parts; one year labor
Contact: pacemaster.com
Additional Features:
--Shows pace, distance, incline, and calories simultaneously in separate displays.
--Offers a variety of programs, including hill intervals and a fat-burn heart-rate workout.
--With deck folded up, treadmill has a footprint of only 34" x 28".
