It seems like manufacturers release new models of exercise equipment every year, so it can be difficult for runners to decide on a machine. A good company, Sole, develops quite a few treadmills, including the more recent F63, F65, and F85.
All can help a runner exercise indoors and keep track of their workouts, but is any one of them better than the others?
That’s what this review aims to find out. I have owned all three so I am speaking from a perspective of an actual user. If you want to buy a used one like I did, here is my ultimate used treadmill price guide. This will keep you from overspending.
Sole F63 vs F65 vs F85 Comparison Table:
The Benefits of a Treadmill
Treadmills were an invention that revolutionized the exercise world. Instead of forcing runners to travel great distances and brave the outdoors, the treadmill meant athletes could stay inside in a controlled climate and run without going anywhere.
This means people can be comfortable, active, and exercise in a safe environment. Outside from comfort, treadmills feature numerous health benefits.
A treadmill can improve a person’s posture and keep the runners safe because there are no random surprises on the belt – after all, the user can’t trip over a curb if there is no curb.
Live Healthy further mentions that the adjustability and customization of the treadmill means users can target specific muscle groups and spare their joints the pain of contact with concrete.
Other benefits of the treadmill are that it’s possible to keep track of important information like speed, calories burned, and heart rate. These can improve a user’s workout, keep them healthy, and help them get better.
Active also states that the treadmill allows runners to check and correct their form, preventing injuries down the road.
With these benefits in mind, it’s time to see which Sole treadmill is the best. First up is the ever popular Sole f63.
Sole F63
The Sole F63 is a reasonably priced folding treadmill. The device features extra cushioning to reduce the force and pressure placed on joints by 35-45% and is capable of holding a person weighing 325 lbs.
There are multiple incline levels with a maximum top incline of 15%. The Sole F63 reaches a top speed of 12 MPH in small increments, meaning runners can adjust the speed as much as they need to for a comfortable workout.
The treadmill can also be used by walkers and those who would like a simple workout. The product folds, meaning it can be transported and stored easily.
The frame is made of powder-coated steel for maximum strength and durability. There are hand grips and two cup holders. The standard model is red and black and features a belt that measures 20 x 60 in.
This treadmill’s full dimensions are 82 x 35 x 57 in., and it features a 6.5 in. LCD screen. The screen tracks workouts and keeps a record of calories burned, distance travelled, current speed, average speed, and heart rate.
The Sole app used by the company connects phones to the treadmill’s computer system, and the app is compatible with Android and iOS devices.
The Sole F63 comes with a manufacturer warranty which means buyers get 3 years for parts and 1 year for the labor. This is shorter than the standard Sole warranty, which typically covers 2 years of labor.
However, the F63 is less expensive than other models. A lifetime warranty on the frame and motor is also included.
Some additional features in the f63 are the presence of cooling fans, a chest strap, and a sound system. The belt has two layers for maximum durability. There are six preloaded exercise programs and users can create an additional two personalized programs.
The Specs of the Sole F63
Sole F65
- Value-priced SOLE F65 treadmill is powered by 3.25 continuous duty HP motor that drives speeds up to 12 MPH and an incline up to 15%. Ideal for home fitness use
- Rack-and-pinion gear design incline, two-ply belt, pulse grip and chest strap heart rate monitoring
- Six standard programs, two custom programs, and two heart programs; cooling fans and MP3-compatible sound system; 7.5-inch LCD workout display
- Measures 35 by 57 by 83 inches (W x H x D); deck measures 35 by 83 inches (W x D) and running surface measures 20 by 60 inches (W x D); 253-pound weight and 350-pound weight limit; 2.5-inch rollers
- Includes the following manufacturer's warranties against defects in materials and workmanship: lifetime on frame, motor, and deck; three years on electronics; and one year on labor
The Sole F65 is a mid-priced electric treadmill.
Like most devices, the F65 is foldable for easy storage and includes a Bluetooth connection so people can sync thier phones to the treadmill and use the Sole app. This app is compatible with Android and iOS devices.
The F65 reaches a top incline of 15% and has a top speed of 12 MPH that is attainable through gradual 0.5 MPH increases. The full dimensions of the product are 82 x 37 x 57 in. and the belt is 22 x 60 in.
The treadmill weighs 262 lbs. and has a total weight capacity of 350 lbs. Like most Sole devices, the F65 comes with an extensive warranty.
The changing portions (that which is different from other Sole products), is that the F65 has a 3 year warranty on parts, electronics, and the treadmill deck. There is also a 1 year warranty on labor, as well as a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor.
The frame is made from powder-coated steel for maximum durability. The treadmill features a 7.5 in. LCD display that shows important information like heart rate, calories burned, distance travelled, current speed, and average speed.
There is a sound system, cooling fans, and a chest strap for safety. The heart rate monitors are in handles that can be grasped for safety and stability. The computer system includes six standard programs, two heart programs, and two programs that can be customized.
The Sole F65’s standard design is red and black and includes two cup holders. The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck is supposed to reduce the force on joints caused by impact by roughly 40%. This can reduce pain and the likelihood of injuries for people with weak joints.
The general specs of the Sole F65 are included below.
The Specs of the Sole F65
Sole F85
The Sole F85 is a more expensive electric treadmill, a notch above the two listed above and the F80. This treadmill includes folding for easy movement, transportation, and storage.
This product features a maximum incline of 15% and has a top speed of 12 MPH. The speed can be adjusted by increments of 0.5 MPH.
The full product dimensions are 57 x 37 x 83 in. and has a belt that measures 22 x 60 in. The treadmill weighs 301 lbs. and has a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs. This product includes Bluetooth connectivity like the other models and can be used with the Sole app.
The Sole F85 has the best warranty out of the three models, with a 5 year warranty on parts and electronics, a 2 year warranty on labor, and lifetime coverage for the deck, motor, and frame. The frame is made of powder-coated steel for maximum durability.
Like the other models, the F85 has a 10.1 in. LCD display to show information like heart rate, calories burned, distance travelled, current speed, and average speed. Near the display is a sound system, cooling fans, and a chest strap for safety.
There are pulse grips and a chest strap for heart rate monitoring to get the most accurate measurement. Each computer system includes six standard programs, two heart programs, and two programs that can be customized.
Finally, the Sole F85 shares similar features to the other two models. The standard design is red and black with a couple of cup holders. A Cushion Flex Whisper Deck is included. The general specs of the Sole F85 are included below.
The Specs of the Sole F85
Conclusion: Sole F63 vs F65 vs F85 - Which One is Right for Me?
These three Sole treadmills share many similarities. The main ways in which they differ are size, warranty, and weight capacity.
Outside of these quantitative facts, there are also some qualitative differences. In particular, the Sole F65 and the Sole F85 tend to last longer and are more durable than the F63.
Because the machines are so similar, though, there isn’t much difference in the quality of the treadmills. For this reason, the best out of the lot is the Sole F65 because it is a good mix of price, warranty, and size, and caliber.
However, people with smaller budgets might prefer to get the F63, while someone who needs something heavy and durable might prefer the F85.
No matter what the situation, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with any of these three Soles.
Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Me.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API