Justin’s Treadmill Review

Ironman Envision Folding TV Treadmill

Summary:

Building on the IRONMAN fitness performance heritage, the Envision’s aggressive lines and modern looks project a dynamic spirit and a compelling sense of style. On the treadmill, it’s pure passion. A heart-pounding speed range up to 12 mph is powered by a quiet and powerful 3.0 HP continuous duty motor and controlled by an intuitive electronic package with an 8.5” flat LCD TV screen.

Exceptional performance is experienced through your choice of 20 different programs, TargetZone deck cushioning technology and a large 20” x 60” running surface that folds-up for easy storage.

Our obsessive attention to the smallest of details is evident in the MP3 compatible TrueWave stereo sound system, integrated body fat monitoring system, remote handlebar mounted controls and 2 speed cooling fan. The IRONMAN Envision. Exceed expectations.

Specs:

Ironman Edge Treadmill

Summary:

"The IRONMAN Edge treadmill offers the perfect combination of innovation, performance, and design."

Specs:

• Quiet and powerful 2.5 HP continuous duty commercial grade motor
• 15 programs include 13 pre-set and 2 heart rate programs
• 4 Independent Readouts Showing (Incline, Pulse, Time, Distance, Calories, Speed, Pace, Body Fat)
• Integrated body fat monitoring system monitors your progress
• Remote handlebar mounted speed and incline controls
• EKG pulse grips
• Large 20" x 56" running surface gives you maximum running room even for taller users
• 2-ply heavy-duty treadmill belt
• Two-speed console mounted fan keeps you cool and motivated
• Designated foot platforms for additional safety while getting on and off the treadmill
• Performance designed rollers and machined pulleys
• Tethered safety magnet clip stops the unit in case of fall and provides a safeguard against unsupervised child use
• Fold-up design with a 2-stage shock easily lowers the deck slowly from the fold-up position for added safety
• Speed range: 0.6 - 10 mph, Incline range: 0 -12%, 110v plug-in required
• Weight limit: 300 lbs, Carton weight: 243.6 lbs
• Assembled dimensions - LWH: 71.7” x 34.8” x 63.8”, Assembled dimensions (folded) – LWH: 46.1” x 34.8” x 63.8”
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, 10 years motor, 2 years parts, 1 year labor

Price:

This was offered at Costco and Costco.com for $999 shipped. Costco doesn’t seem to be selling it any longer, instead selling the newer Ironman Envision.

Justin’s Witty Comments:

Like other Ironman products, this is a cool looking treadmill. It’s big and heavy (the product is near 300 lbs) and really feels like it could take a beating. It has a powerful motor and all the doodads you would expect, and an impressive warranty to boot (although good luck getting warranty service from them). I liked the large, deep cupholders and thin slots perfect for an iPod.

All but the most serious of marathon runners couldn’t go wrong with this bad boy. Also consider the Bowflex 3, a similar treadmill from a more reputable company.

Ironman Treadmill’s - Brand Info

Ironman fitness equipment is manufactured by Keys Fitness, a large exercise equipment company which bought the right to use the Ironman name in 2003. They make the Ironman and HealthTrainer lines of equipment, as well as the "Keys" line.

In general, Ironman treadmills are heavy and sturdy. They have a cool and modern looking appearance. The newest models feature a body-fat sensor, something not found on other major brands. The fold-up models all fold-up to a straight 90 degree angle, instead of the 45 found on many other brands.

The company has a reputation for poor warranty and customer service - a review of major online customer reviews reveals many horror stories of customers trying to get service. If you can overlook this their line of equipment can be a good buy if found at a discounted price.

Ironman Fitness 120t Treadmill

Product Description:

The top-selling Ironman 150t Fold-up EKG Treadmill is a durable workhorse that features one-touch speed and incline bars, a two-speed cooling fan and includes 3 preset and 6 custom programs. Complete with EKG grip pulse and a high-powered engine (2.0 HP), this treadmill will go the distance at up to 10 mph. Incline up to 10% gives you a varied workout and helps you train for hills or the flats.

An additional feature that adds value to the 150t is its capability to support athletes up to 300 pounds (that’s about 50 pounds more than the average treadmill can support). The console displays time, distance, calories burned, heart rate and 1/4 time. Includes a magazine rack and water bottle holder for additional convenience.

Specs:

• EKG grip pulse monitors your heart rate & 5-window LED with matrix helps track your workout progress
• Shock assist fold-up design with a 20” x 56” running surface can accommodate short to long strides and can easily fold up for storage
• 2.0 HP continuous duty motor is powered for runners and walkers alike
• Manufacturer warranty: frame - lifetime; motor - 10 years; parts - 1 year; labor - 1 year
• Includes programs to suit your workout style: 3 presets and 6 customizable

Price:

MSRP $899

Justin’s Comments:

Good for an average user. If you are a serious runner or multiple people will be using the treadmill, lock at higher end models that have a higher power motor and higher weight capacity.

Ironman Fitness 220t Treadmill

Product Description:

The best-selling Ironman 220t Treadmill is a durable workhorse that features a two-speed cooling fan, one-touch speed and incline controls, and 4 preset, 8 custom and 2 user-specific programs. Complete with EKG grip pulse and a high-powered engine (2.25 HP), this treadmill will go the distance at up to 10 mph. Incline up to 10 percent gives you a varied workout and helps you train for hills or the flats.
The 220t is capable of supporting athletes up to 325 pounds (that’s about 75 pounds more than the average treadmill can support). The treadmill belt walking and running surface is a spacious 56 inches long by 20 inches wide to allow room for a longer stride. The console displays time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. Remote speed and incline controls are mounted on the handles, and a magazine rack and a water bottle holder are also included for additional convenience.

Specs:

• EKG grip pulse
• Shock assist fold-up
• Two-speed cooling fan
• 10 mph maximum speed
• 325-pound weight capacity
• One-touch speed and incline
• 56 X 20 inches running surface
• 2.25 hp continuous-duty motor
• Reading rack and water bottle holder
• Wheels for easy transport and storage
• Programs include 4 preset, 8 custom, 2 user-specific and 1 heart rate
• Five-window LED console displays time, distance, calories, and heart rate

Price:

MSRP $999, LOW $899 - HIGH $999

Justin’s Comments:

Sitting in-between the 120t and 320t Ironman models, the 220t is an all-around good treadmill for all but the most hardcore of athletes. It has all the standard features and then some (body-fat reader?). A healthy motor and solid weight-support (325 lb limit) make this a solid buy - just don’t count on being able to get support from Ironman (Keys Fitness), a company notorious for bad customer service.

Ironman Sends "Refurbished" Treadmill Broken and Dirty

Reader Justin28004 sent in the following e-mail:

I recently purchased a "refurbished" Ironman Inspire treadmill from Amazon. I knew it was questionable from the beginning as it was delivered filthy, it even had mud and leaves stuck inside many cervices of the treadmill. I tried to use it and it was so loud you couldn’t hear the nearby TV - and it wasn’t just the normal thump thump, it was rattles and loud squeaks - it sounded like the thing was falling apart. Being somewhat mechanically inclined and familiar with treadmills I opened it all up and inspected it - to my astonishment, almost all of the bolts were loose - some so loose they were near falling out. An inspection of the belt and board revealed a bone-dry board area - an area that has to be lubricated, and should come that way per industry standards and even the manual. Further the pulse reader wouldn’t work - it simply always behaved as if your hands were on the sensors and registered random numbers constantly.

I called Keys Fitness (parent company of Ironman) for support. I talked to a rep who obviously thought it was all user error and/or problems that didn’t exist that I was simply making up. When I explained the pulse reader problem, he acted like I told him that aliens had landed on the roof. He had never heard of such a thing. He actually told me I need to video tape myself running on the treadmill with the problem and send it in. When I asked if he thought I was lying he backed down on this request, but it still shocked me. In the end he said someone would come to my house, but was not able to tell me who, when, or how the process worked period. Apparently that was "another department". I waited two weeks without a phone call or email, and then decided it was time to see about returning this piece of junk.

—

I emailed Amazon -

Hello, I have been a long-time and frequent customer of Amazon.com because you provide good service and sell quality products. So, when I received this treadmill in what I can only describe as a completely unacceptable condition, I felt compelled to let you know about it.

The treadmill arrived out of the box filthy. It was dusty with mud and leaves stuck inside the frame (belt section) of the treadmill. The treadmill has scratches all over. The first time I used the treadmill it made horrible noises so loud that it was impossible to watch TV and run. It rattled and scraped and squeaked like it was falling apart. I then inspected the treadmill and found nearly every bolt and screw loose - like, almost falling out loose. Further an inspection of the treadmill base (section under the belt) I found it to be bone dry. This is a section that requires lubrication, and per the manual and industry standards should come lubricated from the factory.

The worst part is the pulse/body fat measuring handles are completely broken. If you use them, they either don’t work period or register a number that is obviously not accurate at all. Further, the treadmill constantly behaves as if a person’s hands are on the sensors and even shows a pulse measurement when your hands are not even there.

To me, "refurbished" means the item was repaired and returned to factory "new" conditions. This treadmill was quite obviously not even looked at or tested, they didn’t even bother to clean it or wipe it down. Worse yet it was not SAFE to use with loose bolts and connections and a lack of lubrication.
This treadmill would be acceptable if I bought it for $200 at a garage sale. For $600 and advertised as "refurbished" (USED and BROKEN would be more applicable) is near fraud. A look at the other comments on the item find I am not alone, yet seem to perhaps have gotten the worst of the used treadmills Ironman is selling.

An item this large would not be practical to return, or I would. I have contacted Ironman (Keys Fitness) and they are dispatching someone to fix it, yet its been a week and I haven’t heard anything since. For the first time in many years I am severely disappointed in Amazon.com, and look forward to hearing of any resolutions to this issue you have.

—

They responded quickly and apologized, even thanked me for contacting Keys Fitness before them. They gave me the choice of returning it for a refund, or taking 10% off and continue to try and battle it out with Keys Fitness. Without hesitation I arranged a return and picked out a different  treadmill (not Ironman, not refurbished either). The exchange was done without a hitch.

So in conclusion I’d like to give a kudos to Amazon and a Boo to Keys Fitness.

—

Thanks for the e-mail Justin28004, this just reinforces what I’ve always said about Ironman. The treadmills look cool and the specs look good on paper, but their poor quality, quality control, and customer service should be enough to make you run for the hills. In this era of poor customer service some latitude can be afforded, but calling the customer a liar is unacceptable.

-Justin

Ironman 320 (320t) Treadmill

Product Description:

The top-selling Ironman 320 Triad Heart Rate Interactive Programmable Treadmill is a durable workhorse that features one-touch speed and incline bars, a two-speed cooling fan, four pre-set, eight custom, two user-specific, and one heart rate program. Complete with a Polar chest strap heart rate transmitter, EKG grip pulse, and a high-powered engine (2.5 horsepower), this treadmill will go the distance at up to 10 miles per hour. An incline range up to 10% gives you a varied workout and helps you train for hills or the flats.

An additional feature that adds value to the 320 Triad is its capability to support athletes up to 350 pounds (that’s about 100 pounds more than the average treadmill can support). The treadmill belt measures 56 by 20 inches to allow room for a longer stride while the console displays time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. This treadmill also includes a magazine rack and water bottle holder for additional convenience.

Specs:

Ironman Legacy Treadmill

Product Description:

The Ironman Legacy is the most feature-rich treadmill in its class. In addition to its technologically advanced design and wide variety of workout options, the Legacy is also outfitted with a 7-inch flatscreen LCD TV, which enables you to watch your favorite show while working out. You can also utilize the built-in stereo speakers or plug in your own headphones for personal listening. Workout features include a body fat monitoring system to keep track of your progress, signature OneTouch speed and incline buttons, convenient remote handlebar controls and an oversized 20 x 60-inch running surface.

Specs:

• Quiet and powerful 3.0HP continuous duty commercial grade motor is covered by lifetime warranty
• 7-inch Flat LCD TV screen for viewing TV shows/movies with channel and volume controls
• Coaxial input for cable and satellite reception, and RCA jacks for other devices like a DVD player
• Built-in stereo speakers; 2.5mm headphone jack
• 4-window cool blue backlit LCD display is easy to read and keeps you updated on all the necessary information (time, speed, incline, calories, pulse, pace and distance)
• 20 programs include 13 pre-set, 2 customized, 5 heart rate programs
• 3-Flex deck cushioning technology provides maximum impact absorption with the use of impact isolators minimizing the stress on your joints and providing a more comfortable workout
• Integrated body fat monitoring system monitors your progress
• Remote handlebar mounted speed and incline controls are conveniently located to provide a comfortable and secure workout
• EKG pulse grips are conveniently mounted on the handlebars to keep your workout save and effective
• 2-ply heavy-duty treadmill belt; 20 x 60-inch running surface
• One-touch speed and incline buttons allows access to pre-set speed and incline levels with the touch of a button
• Two speed fan console mounted fan keeps you cool and motivated
• Designated foot platforms for additional safety on and off the treadmill
• Accessory holders are integrated into the console to easily hold your water bottle, portable music player, remote control, phone and more
• Speed range: 0.6 to 10 MPH
• Incline range: 0 to 10%
• PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) motor controller provides a quieter, smoother and more efficient drive system
• Performance designed rollers and machined pulleys have better durability with less vibration
• Tethered safety magnet clip stops the unit in case of fall and provides a safeguard against unsupervised child use
• Built-in reading rack keeps reading material at the perfect viewing angle
• Large polyurethane commercial wheels for easy transport when folded
• Fold-up design with a 2-stage shock easily lowers the deck slowly from the fold-up position for added safety
• 110v plug-in required
• Weight limit: 350 pounds
• Dimensions: 78 x 32.5 x 61.8 inches (L x W x H)
• Folded dimensions: 31.5 x 32.5 x 67.75 inches (L x W x H)

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Frame - lifetime, motor - 2 years, parts - 1 year, TV and speakers - 1 year

Real World Price:

$1300-$1500

Justin’s Comments:

Obviously this treadmill is noteworthy because it has a built-in 7 inch television. How much are you paying for that tiny TV? About $300 in my estimation. Now, this looks cool at first glance, but consider the logistics of it. Do you have a cable hook-up near your treadmill location? Are you really going to run a cable-line for your treadmill’s 7 inch TV? Even if you bother, reports from users of prior Ironman models with TV’s report a poor picture quality. Here is what I suggest: Buy a cheaper treadmill without a TV, and then buy a $150 small television set and put it nearby your treadmill. Or buy an Ipod and put your favorite TV shows and movies on it and watch them on the Ipod as you run (about a 4-inch screen, but much more versatile).

Now, as for the treadmill itself: This is a fairly high-end spec’d treadmill. It has a powerful 3 HP motor and supports up to a whooping 350 pound fatass runner. The belt is big and long. Like most Ironman treadmills, this baby is cool looking.

There is a lot to like about this treadmill, but for the money I’d opt for the Boxflex 7 instead.

Ironman Inspire Treadmill

Description:

Long known for its rugged, intelligently designed, and highly durable exercise equipment, Ironman produces yet another winner with its Inspire treadmill. As with all Ironman equipment, the Inspire treadmill is a complete workout system, with a powerful 3-horsepower, continuous-duty motor and 10 workout programs that provide a ton of variety for your exercise routines. The programs include such options as fat burn, cardio, heart-rate interactive, manual, warm-up, and six custom programs to personalize the workout to your needs. In addition, the treadmill’s grip and wireless heart rate monitoring work together with the five-window blue backlit LCD display to track your heart rate and metrics as you exercise.

Combining visually stimulating aesthetics with proven performance, the cutting-edge ergonomic and biomechanical design of the Inspire employs solid 11-gauge steel framework–backed by a lifetime frame warranty–to provide years of gym-quality performance. In addition to folding up for easy storage, the treadmill also offers a built-in two-speed fan and four storage areas for water bottles, MP3 players, and cell phones. And thanks to the one-touch speed and incline buttons and remote handlebar controls, the Inspire is a breeze to use.

Featuring one of the largest walking and running belt surfaces on the market at 20 by 60 inches, and utilizing Ironman’s 3-Flex deck-cushioning technology, you can be sure of plenty of support, stability, and comfort during your lift-off and landing motions. The two-stage shock design, meanwhile, lowers the deck slowly to provide added safety. Finally, the Inspire includes front transport wheels for easy storage. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a model athlete looking to keep in shape, the Inspire is the best treadmill for all your needs. Other details include a speed range of 0.6 to 10 miles per hour, an incline range of 0 to 10 percent, and a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. The Inspire measures 32.5 by 62 by 78 inches (W x H x D), weighs 269 pounds, and carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame, 12 years on the motor, two years on parts, and one year on labor.

Specs:

• Rugged, powerful treadmill with 3-horsepower, continuous-duty motor
• 10 workout programs, including fat burn, cardio, heart rate, and manual
• Ultra-solid 11-gauge steel framework; 20-by-60-inch running belt surface
• 5-window blue backlit LCD display; 4 storage areas for water or MP3 players
• Measures 32.5 x 62 x 78 inches (W x H x D); 350-pound capacity; lifetime frame warranty

Pricing:

Available used and refurbished for around $500. No longer manufactured.

Justin’s Comments:

Ironman makes cool looking treadmills, I’ll give them that. I like this treadmill for the most part - it’s heavy and sturdy with a powerful motor and all the standard features you could want. It has four large cup-holders and a nice looking blue display.

Out of the box it was very noisy and squeaky, but over time the noise lessened considerably.

The warranty is impressive, but in my experience Ironman has poor customer service and actually obtaining said warranty service can be an exercise in frustration. During one service call I had to make the representative didn’t believe my pulse sensor didn’t work and asked me to videotape myself running on the treadmill and send it in. He stopped short of outright saying I was a liar, but basically said it without saying it.

If you can get this cheap somewhere it could be a good deal - I would run for the hills though if offered it at MSRP.