Justin’s Treadmill Review

Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill Review

Summary:

This ultra-compact unit is ideal for walkers and joggers looking for a quality, motorized treadmill that fits the smallest workout spaces and stores easily. The 10" folded height lets you store it under beds or couches, but still gives you a full 17" x 45" workout area when unfolded. No assembly needed.

Specs:

• Ultra-compact design
• Folds to 10 inches high, stores vertically or horizontally
• No assembly required
• Motor: 1.5 CHP
• Running/Jogging Area: 17" x 45"
• Weight: 99-lb
• Belt Speed: 1 to 6 mph
• Standard Programs: 2 (manual, weight loss)
• LCD Displays: time, speed, distance, calories
• Display Color: Black with orange backlight
• Maximum User Weight: 250-lb
• Reading Rack: Yes
• Audio In: MP3 and CD players (via included audio adapter)
• Speakers: Yes
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes (via thumb heart rate button)

Price:

Low: $599.99

High: $799.99

Justin’s Commentary:

The big selling point here, and it’s a pretty innovative one I must admit, is the one-step easy setup: when you get home you merely take it out of the box, unfold it, and plug it in. That’s it. No screws, no assembly, no trying to fit weird pieces together, and not having 100 small pieces fall everywhere out of the box is a big deal I think. This is a great step in treadmills. One other big thing: folded, this treadmill can fit under most beds. I’ve never seen this before. It really folds down small. Just don’t put it under your bed and forget about it.

This has all the standard features of most modern treadmills. It seemed well made to me and sturdy. Let me make this clear though : this is a treadmill made to walk on. Or, at best, a light jog here and there. The speed tops out at a meager 6 mph, so it really won’t even allow you to go that fast (a light run is around 5-6 mph). The belt is shorter than most and the motor is underpowered for anything but walking. If you are a serious athlete or strive to be one, go look at other treadmills. If you want a sharp, very portable and easy to setup treadmill for walking, this is a good buy.

Horizon Fitness T72

Description:

Get a great workout in your home with the quiet and smooth Horizon T72 treadmill, which can reach speeds up to 10 miles per hour. Perfect for rigorous training routines, the T72 has a 2.0 horsepower incline motor with a 0 to 10-percent grade and speed increments of 0.5 miles per hour. The SmartBoard computer console has a blue backlit LCD and separate speed and incline display windows, as well as one-touch modification keys for speed and incline. It includes six preset programs–manual, interval, weight loss, golf, hills, and custom. The treadmill also offers a built-in fan to keep you cool and running longer and contact heart rate monitors built into the handles.

Its easily storable, thanks to Horizon’s exclusive Featherlight lift, which incorporates two hydraulic shocks to assist you when raising and lowering the deck. They even hold the deck in place above 45 degrees, eliminating drops. The ultra-compact, fold-on-nose design is the safest, easiest in its class.

The multi-ply AirCell belt provides excellent cushioning and durability, and it’s divided into three distinct zones:

• Impact zone, with thicker, softer cushioning to take stress off your legs and joints
• Transition zone, with moderate cushioning for comfort as you move through the stride
• Push-off zone, with thinner, denser cushioning for a more solid surface to launch into your next stride

The Horizon Quitetdrive system use an integrated digital drive for fast, accurate control. Its continuous duty motor–the same type found in health club units–also incorporates large magnets to keep the RPM low, which translates to a quieter motor that will run longer and generate more power than other treadmill motors.

Specs:

• Motor: 2.0 continuous horsepower
• Speed range: 0.5 to 10 miles per hour
• Elevation range: 0 to 10 percent
• Running area: 20 by 50 inches
• Running deck: 3/4 inch
• Cushion system: AirCell
• Belt thickness: 1.6 millimeters
• Roller size: 1.75 inches (80 percent tapered)
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Real World Pricing:

$499-$799

Justin’s Comments:

This model is being replaced by the T82, as is all the T7x series - I am reviewing this because I have noticed this treadmill being sold for a very good price at many places, presumably in anticipation of the newer models. I have seen it being sold as cheap as $499 at some retailers. Not too much changed between this and the T82, so it is a great bargain right now if you can find a discounted one.

I have used this treadmill extensively, and can say it is a solid treadmill. A few sore points for me though:

-They used cheap looking stickers on the face (where you press buttons for speed, etc). I have seen a few arrive with bubbles from poor sticker application, and can foresee them looking crappier as time goes on.

-The head unit wobbles as you run. The base is solid as a rock, but the head unit wobbles all over. It isn’t really an issue aside from my Ipod shaking and hitting the sides of the cup-holder, making the otherwise quiet treadmill rather loud.

-The fan is worthless. Now, I never expect much from these new tiny treadmill fans, but this one is even more worthless than most.

-Needs bigger cup-holders. They don’t even fit my water bottle.

Horizon Fitness Company Info

Horizon Fitness equipment is made by Johnson Health Tech, a large health equipment manufacturer who also makes the Merit line of equipment. Horizon Fitness is headquartered in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.

Issues:

Horizon recalled several models in 2002 after a bunch of people reported falling off of them when they wobbled.

Despite an impressive warranty on paper (see below), many people report horrible experiences when calling them for service.

Good Things:

Current Horizon models offer some of the best warranties I have seen, including a lifetime frame and motor on their highest end models.

They claim to thoroughly inspect 10% of everything they make.

Contact Info:

Horizon Fitness T84 Treadmill

Product Description:

Enjoy a vigorous workout in the comfort of your own home with the Horizon Fitness T84 treadmill. The T84 is built around a robust 2.75-horsepower continuous-duty motor, similar to the type found in premium health clubs. The result is a smooth and powerful performance at all speeds, with the ability to run quieter and longer while generating plenty of power for a long workout. The T84 is no slouch from a feature perspective, either, with 18 workout programs to help you focus on your goals, including Manual, Intervals 1, Intervals 2, Intervals 3, Weight Loss 1, Weight Loss 2, Mountain Climb, Rolling Hills, Foothills, Golf 9-Hole, Golf 18-Hole, Pacer, 5K, 10K, THR Zone 1, THR Zone 2, Custom 1, and Custom 2. Add in a speed range of 0.5 to 12 miles per hour, an elevation range of 0 to 12 percent, and ComfortZone air cell cushioning and you have a powerful, comfortable treadmill that excels in any environment.

The Horizon control console, meanwhile, emphasizes simplicity, with logical control locations and a high-resolution blue backlit LCD screen (3.6 by 4.4 inches) that offers key feedback on your workout. The T84 is also easy to store thanks to Horizon’s exclusive FeatherLight lift, which incorporates two hydraulic shocks to assist you when raising and lowering the deck. Other details include contact heart rate grips, built-in Vortex cooling fans, an MP3 port with speakers and audio in/out jacks, and a 20-by-55-inch running area.

Specs:

• Motor: 2.75-horsepower continuous-duty motor
• Speed range: 0.5 to 12 miles per hour
• Elevation range: 0 to 12 percent
• Running area: 20 x 55 inches
• Belt: 2.2 mm orthopedic tread
• Cushion system: ComfortZone air cell
• Folding system: FeatherLight hydraulic assist
• Screen: High-resolution blue backlit LCD (3.6 x 4.4 inches)
• Programs: 18
• Program type: Manual, Intervals 1, Intervals 2, Intervals 3, Weight Loss 1, Weight Loss 2, Mountain Climb, Rolling Hills, Foothills, Golf 9-Hole, Golf 18-Hole, Pacer, 5K, 10K, THR Zone 1, THR Zone 2, Custom 1, and Custom 2
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Dimensions: 72 x 68 x 35 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 213 pounds
• Warranties: Lifetime on frame and motor; 1 year on parts and labor

Real World Price: $1300 - $1600

Justin’s Comments:

This is the top of the line Horizon model, and looks like something that should be capable of taking you into space. It has all the frills of a high-end treadmill such as a power motor, sturdy enough to let fat-asses up to 350 pounds use it, thick orthopedic belt, and more. Like a lot of the newer Ironman treadmills, this thing really looks cool and high-tech. In this price range the T84 is competing with a lot of tried-and-true models however, like the Bowflex 7. This is a brand new model with not a lot of feedback yet - I would wait and let other people test the waters before taking this plunge.

Horizon Fitness T83 Treadmill

Product Description:

Enjoy a vigorous workout in the comfort of your own home with the Horizon Fitness T83 treadmill. The T83 is built around a robust 2.5-horsepower continuous-duty motor, similar to the type found in premium health clubs. The result is a smooth and powerful performance at all speeds, with the ability to run quieter and longer while generating plenty of power for a long workout. The T83 is no slouch from a feature perspective, either, with 16 workout programs to help you focus on your goals, including Manual, Intervals 1, Intervals 2, Intervals 3, Weight Loss 1, Weight Loss 2, Mountain Climb, Rolling Hills, Foothills, Golf 9-Hole, Golf 18-Hole, Pacer, 5K, 10K, Custom 1, and Custom 2. Add in a speed range of 0.5 to 12 miles per hour, an elevation range of 0 to 12 percent, and ComfortZone air cell cushioning and you have a powerful, comfortable treadmill that excels in any environment.

The Horizon control console, meanwhile, emphasizes simplicity, with logical control locations and three blue backlit LCD screens that offer key feedback on your workout. The T83 is also easy to store thanks to Horizon’s exclusive FeatherLight lift, which incorporates two hydraulic shocks to assist you when raising and lowering the deck. Other details include contact heart rate grips, built-in Vortex cooling fans, an MP3 port with speakers and audio in/out jacks, and a 20-by-55-inch running area.

Specs:

• Motor: 2.5-horsepower continuous-duty motor
• Speed range: 0.5 to 12 miles per hour
• Elevation range: 0 to 12 percent
• Running area: 20 x 55 inches
• Belt: 2.2 mm orthopedic tread
• Cushion system: ComfortZone air cell
• Folding system: FeatherLight hydraulic assist
• Screen: 3 blue backlit LCD displays, 1 large (2.4 x 4.9 inches) and 2 small
• Programs: 16
• Program type: Manual, Intervals 1, Intervals 2, Intervals 3, Weight Loss 1, Weight Loss 2, Mountain Climb, Rolling Hills, Foothills, Golf 9-Hole, Golf 18-Hole, Pacer, 5K, 10K, Custom 1, and Custom 2
• Weight capacity: 325 pounds
• Dimensions: 72 x 68 x 35 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 216 pounds
• Warranties: Lifetime on frame and motor; 1 year on parts and labor

Real World Price: $999 - $1300

Justin’s Comments:

The treadmill from the Starship Enterprise, this thing is ready to make even the most obese look cool while running. Includes some worthless speakers and a fairly worthless fan. Has an orthopedic belt, which is thicker than a standard belt and supposedly better on your joints. The trouble is that they also force the motor to work harder to move the belt - this is a fairly new trend in treadmills so only time will tell if this affects the reliability. This would be fine for all but the most hardcore runners, but I think better deals can be found on similar models without all the do-dads that jack the price up.

Horizon Fitness T82 Treadmill

Product Description:

Enjoy a vigorous workout in the comfort of your own home with the Horizon Fitness T82 treadmill. The T82 is built around a durable 2.25-horsepower continuous-duty motor, similar to the type found in premium health clubs. The result is a smooth and powerful performance at all speeds, with the ability to run quieter and longer while generating plenty of power for a long workout. The T82 is no slouch from a feature perspective, either, with 14 workout programs to help you focus on your goals, including Manual, Intervals 1, Intervals 2, Intervals 3, Weight Loss 1, Weight Loss 2, Mountain Climb, Rolling Hills, Foothills, Golf 9-Hole, Golf 18-Hole, Pacer, Custom 1, and Custom 2. Add in a speed range of 0.5 to 10 miles per hour, an elevation range of 0 to 10 percent, and ComfortZone air cell cushioning and you have a robust, comfortable treadmill that excels in any environment.

The Horizon control console, meanwhile, emphasizes simplicity, with logical control locations and three orange backlit LCD screens that offer key feedback on your workout. The T82 is also easy to store thanks to Horizon’s exclusive FeatherLight lift, which incorporates two hydraulic shocks to assist you when raising and lowering the deck. Other details include contact heart rate grips, a built-in cooling fan, an MP3 port with speakers and a headphone jack, and a 20-by-55-inch running area.

Specs:

• Motor: 2.25-horsepower continuous-duty motor
• Speed range: 0.5 to 10 miles per hour
• Elevation range: 0 to 10 percent
• Running area: 20 x 55 inches
• Belt: 1.6 mm, two-ply
• Cushion system: ComfortZone air cell
• Folding system: Hydraulic assist
• Screen: 3 orange backlit LCD displays, 1 large (2.4 x 3.1 inches) and 2 small
• Programs: 14
• Program type: Manual, Intervals 1, Intervals 2, Intervals 3, Weight Loss 1, Weight Loss 2, Mountain Climb, Rolling Hills, Foothills, Golf 9-Hole, Golf 18-Hole, Pacer, Custom 1, and Custom 2
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Dimensions: 71 x 69 x 35 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 187 pounds
• Warranties: Lifetime on frame and motor; 1 year on parts and labor

Real World Price: $799 - $999

Justin’s Comments:

A lifetime warranty on the frame and motor? Horizon is quite confident in this badboy. With speakers and an mp3 jack this isn’t your grandpa’s treadmill. Worth $200 more than the T81 though? Not in my opinion. The meager motor difference isn’t worth that much - and I don’t know about you, but I just turn on my Ipod and put the headphones IN MY EARS. If you are a hardcore athlete go to a higher end treadmill like the Bowflex 7 - if you aren’t than look at the Horizon T81.

Horizon Fitness T81 Treadmill

Product Description:

Enjoy a vigorous workout in the comfort of your own home with the Horizon Fitness T81 treadmill. The T81 is built around a durable 2.0-horsepower continuous-duty motor, similar to the type found in premium health clubs. The result is a smooth and powerful performance at all speeds, with the ability to run quieter and longer while generating plenty of power for a long workout. The T81 is no slouch from a feature perspective, either, with eight workout programs to help you focus on your goals, a speed range of 0.5 to 10 miles per hour, an elevation range of 0 to 10 percent, and ComfortZone air cell cushioning on the two-ply treadbelt that makes every step feel remarkably comfortable.

The Horizon control console, meanwhile, emphasizes simplicity, with logical control locations and a 2.4-by-3.1-inch orange backlit LCD screen that offers key feedback on your workout. The T81 is also easy to store thanks to Horizon’s exclusive FeatherLight lift, which incorporates two hydraulic shocks to assist you when raising and lowering the deck. Other details include contact heart rate grips, a built-in cooling fan, and a 20-by-50-inch running area.

Specs:

• Motor: 2.0-horsepower continuous-duty motor
• Speed range: 0.5 to 10 miles per hour
• Elevation range: 0 to 10 percent
• Running area: 20 x 50 inches
• Belt: 1.6 mm, two-ply
• Cushion system: ComfortZone air cell
• Folding system: Hydraulic assist
• Screen: Orange backlit LCD (2.4 x 3.1 inches)
• Programs: 8
• Program type: Manual, Intervals 1, Intervals 2, Weight Loss 1, Weight Loss 2, Foothills, Golf Course, and Custom
• Weight capacity: 275 pounds
• Dimensions: 71 x 69 x 35 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 176 pounds
• Warranties: Lifetime on frame; 20 years on motor; 1 year on parts and labor

Real World Price: $599 - $799

Justin’s Comments:

The numbers on this baby are impressive, especially considering the rock bottom price point. Like all the other Horizon models, the warranty is outstanding - if you trust this company to be around that long. What is in question is the quality of the product and the reputation of the company. Look at the T82 for a more powerful motor and longer belt if you plan to run a lot.