Purchasing a Treadmill for your own home can be very healthy and beneficial, but finding the correct one can be a challenge. Which brand of treadmill do you go with? What needs do you have, and which ones provide you with the best options for the money?
In today’s article, we are going to review two different companies – Sole Treadmill and Nordictrack.
I share below my experience with two treadmills that I have owned.
Both were purchased gently used on Facebook Marketplace. If you would rather buy a used treadmill, instead of new here is the ultimate treadmill price guide which will keep you from overspending.
Sole Treadmill vs Nordictrack: Which is Right for YOU?
Sole Treadmills:
Sole prides themselves on providing the most amount of features for the least amount of money. The Sole Treadmills typically have an extra-wide platform for each runner, to give you a little more stability as you run. They also offer a longer platform to work on, some up to 60”.
Another great feature that Sole offers on their treadmills is a folding deck. Instead of having to leave it out and having a bulky treadmill take over a room, by utilizing their technology to easily fold the treadmill up, you can store your treadmill in a non-evasive space when it is not in use.
- While running on the treadmills, Sole offers you a wide assortment of options which are great for everyone from a beginner to an experienced runner.
- One of those options is the incline feature – Sole offers you 15 different incline levels while on the treadmill. By having the ability to change the incline feature by this much, you can create a variety of different workouts for you to really maximize your time on this treadmill every day.
- The motor on a treadmill is very important, and the Sole treadmills come with some very powerful motors. They have treadmills that have up to four horsepower, which can easily power any run at any incline you have, for as long as you want to run.
- The Sole Treadmills come with a display which shows a lot of information. They come with brightly lit LDC displays, up to 10", so you can check your progress with monitored feature you want. You can also change the display using the buttons on the arm bars, rather than the display, if you so choose to.
- These treadmills also come with built-in speakers, as well as audio inputs, so you can listen to any variety of audio you desire. If you have a 2016 model, you can enjoy the Bluetooth connectivity of any BT capable device.
Lastly, Sole offers an app for you to utilize, and keep track of your workouts. By using the app, you can analyze various informational data points in order to help you build the best possible workout each and every time. You can pricing on some of their most popular models HERE on Amazon.
Nordictrack Treadmills
Nordictrack – Nordictrack is known within the industry of pushing the limits when it comes to technology and advanced systems, while also offering a great value. They have a wide range of options available to you, to fit your needs and budget.
These treadmills come with the Nordictrack Spacesaver Technology, which includes various shocks, which make the treadmills very easy to lower and raise, so you can keep your treadmill stored conveniently when not being used.
- Most of the Nordictrack treadmills come compatible with Icon’s iFit software. You can purchase a subscription to the iFit software, which can track every workout you participate in, whether it is on the treadmill or not. This software syncs with Google Maps, which helps simulate runs thru any terrain.
- These treadmills also come with cushions and special shocks, to help reduce the amount of pain on your joints. By reducing the high-impact on your joints, you can enjoy longer runs over a longer period of time. By adding support, they give you the option of utilizing this treadmill for the long-term.
- The typical Nordictrack treadmills come with the option of changing incline levels, up to 12%. You can integrate in a variety of workout options, and giving you the option of creating flexible workouts. By mixing up the muscles you work, this treadmill to give you a full workout experience.
- There are some models of Nordictrack treadmills which are within their incline series which can increase your incline up to 40%! This is well beyond anything standard within the market, and can offer you a large variety of workouts to participate in.
- The Nordictrack treadmills come with a 7” display, which helps keep track of any aspect you want to track with your run. It is a touchscreen, allowing you to easily change from one look to the next, so you can see whatever amount of information you want at any time.
The motor on the Nordictrack is a Commercial Plus 3.8 hp motor, which can move the belt on your treadmill up to 12mph.
Most of the treadmills also come with up to 60” of belt, giving you a long tread to run upon, no matter if you have a short or a long stride. Check the most up to date prices on Amazon.
PRICING
No matter what kind of Treadmill you are looking for, both Sole and Nordictrack have a wide assortment of models and price ranges.
Sole – Low-end models start at a retail price of $900, and their high-end models of treadmills can range up to a retail price of $3,000. Here's the link to Amazon to check the most updated prices and models.
Nordictrack – their treadmills start on the lower side of $500 retail price. Their higher-end models run close to $2,500 at full retail price. You can check these up to date pricing and models right here.
You can pick up a used one for about 30-40% less than the new price.
Deck Size & Cushioning
The 22×60 running deck on the Sole F80 is large and reversible. The reversible deck, which has a two-ply belt, extends the life of the deck. Once one side becomes worn out, simply turn it over for new life. It also helps to reduce foot strike noise.
The Cushion Flex Whisper deck from Sole, which protects the joints and reduces impact by up to 40%, is also featured on this model.
The 2.5-inch rollers reduce stress on the motor and help to keep the treadmill quiet.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 also has a 22 by 60-inch deck. It isn't reversible, but it is two-ply and is very durable. The belt's thickness decreases the amount of racket caused by your foot impacts as you increase the speed on the treadmill.
The cushioning on this treadmill is adaptable—it has Flex cushioning—which means users may increase or lower the cushioning to get a softer or more “road” like ride.
Both the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and the Sole F80, have 2.5-inch rollers that provide a quiet and comfortable running surface.
Speed
The Sole F80 and NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmills can only run at a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour. That's 5:00/mile. This will allow runners to have difficult workouts while still allowing them to easily switch between running fast intervals.
Incline
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is equipped with Quiet Drive Incline Technology, which allows for smooth and silent changes incline. This is fantastic when using iFit's instructor-led training sessions, since the incline is automatically managed by the workout program.
Console & Display
SOLE F80
The Sole F80's 9-inch display screen allows you to monitor your heart rate, distance, and calories burned. There are two Bluetooth audio speakers that allow you to connect your phone or IPad for music or shows. The fan in between the two speakers will keep you cool.
The console also has a built-in tablet holder at the top. It will keep your tablet safe while you follow an online workout or watch your favorite show. On each side of the console, two more accessory holders are available. You may store objects like your cell phone, TV remote, or energy gels in them.
The console has one-touch buttons for increasing the speed and incline while you run. There's also a charging port on the side of the screen to charge gadgets while you work out.
The treadmill has two small handrails with built-in pulse monitors. If you want to use a chest heart rate monitor, however, you may connect it via Bluetooth.
The handrails are shorter than many people prefer, but they do provide stability, and each has a button that allows you to regulate the speed.
NORDICTRACK Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has a more attractive console appearance. The buttons on the Sole F80 are higher than those on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 10 inch, full-color HD touch display on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is enhanced by NordicTrack. I am a fan of larger buttons on treadmills. Hitting smaller buttons while mid run is hard for me.
It boasts two Dual AutoBreeze fans below the console and air directed towards you. The treadmill includes Bluetooth speakers and an auxiliary port, allowing you to play music through your smartphone.
The console features two storage compartments on either side of the center console that can keep your phone, keys, or a protein bar. Underneath the console is an additional accessory tray where you may keep your water bottle, earbuds, or other small objects.
Connect a chest strap via Bluetooth to track your heart rate. Alternatively, you may use the integrated Grip Pulse EKG Heart Rate sensors on the stability bar to measure your heart rate.
Programs
The Sole F80 has 10 built-in training programs, including two user programs, six basic programs, and two heart rate programs.
The Nordictrack Commercial 1750 is equipped with 50 different workout programs that have been created by professional runners and personal trainers. Some of these programmable functions have been created by running coaches and specialists. Only on Nordictrack treadmills are included some of the most difficult exercises imaginable.
Five user profiles may be loaded onto the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. This allows each family member to select their favorite programs without having to input their information every time they use it.
Fitness App - Ifit vs Sole App
The free Sole app connects to the F80, where you may see your workout stats. You can have the data sent to 3rd-party applications such as MapMyRun, FitBit, Apple Health, or Record. The information will be uploaded for you to review after you've completed your activity.
The Nordictrack Commercial 1750 comes with a year's subscription to iFit, which provides access to over 17,000 different exercise routines. Google Maps has been integrated with iFit, allowing you to run through locations from around the world while being guided.
iFit Coach will automatically sync the incline or decline to the trail that you’re running or taking part in as part of a live class, as well as track your data. You’ll be able to monitor your stats during the workout, and the stats are stored on the treadmill as well as any device that’s paired with iFit.
Weight Capacity
Sole F80 can support up to 375 pounds. The Nordictrack Commercial 1750 has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. Both are on the higher-end of weight capacity for treadmills.
Motor
The Sole F80's motor is quite powerful though an average motor in most treadmills, at 3.5 HP. It will be able to keep up with runners who want to run farther distances.
The Nordictrack Commercial 1750, on the other hand, has a stronger SMART-Response 3.75 CHP motor. The motor is self-cooling, which means it can perform HIIT exercises, long-distance running, and interval training without putting a strain on the machine.
Folding/Storage
The EasyLift Assist of the Sole F80 makes it simple to fold up the deck. The wheels are bolted to the frame, making it easy to push out of the way.
SoleF80 vs Nordictracks 1750, the Nordictrack commercial 1750 is a SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist, like the F80. It also has wheels attached to the frame, making it simple to roll away. The treadmill folds into a “V” shape.
Between the two, the 1750 was easier to fold up that the F80. The F80 seemed to weigh more and was not as fluid moving into place like the 1750. Both were rated the the same but 1750 was much easier to fold up.
The Nordictrack 1750 has a SpaceSaver design and, like the F80, features EasyLift Assist for easy folding. This treadmill also has wheels attached to the frame, which makes it easy to roll out of the way. It folds into a “V” shape.
Warranty
Sole F80 comes with lifetime coverage on the motor, deck, and frame. A 5-year warranty covers parts and electronics, labor is covered for two years. This is a better than average treadmill warranty.
The NordicTrack 1750 comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2 years on parts, and 1 year on labor. Nordictrack is the overall winner in this category.
Both come with amazing workout programs offering information regarding your speed and incline, calories burned, heart rate trackers and amazing programs that provide a wonderful workout.
CONCLUSION: Sole Treadmill vs Nordictrack
Nordictrack compared to Sole - Both companies offer a wide range of options for you to choose from. Depending upon what your needs are from a treadmill, both Sole and Nordictrack offer you solutions to meet your needs.
No matter which Treadmill you decide upon, you will end up with a machine which will lead to a great exercise each and every day.
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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.