When it comes to equipping your home with cardio equipment, the treadmill continues to rank as the most popular option. There’s a reason for that; treadmills work. The problem is to select a treadmill that is going to provide you with the features that you need without costing an arm and a leg. Which is why I’m glad you’ve landed on this page.
We are about to go in-depth on the Sole F80 treadmill. Many people claim that this is the best mid-range home use treadmill on the market right now. Well, we’re here to put that claim to test. So, let’s go!
About Sole Fitness
Sole Fitness is one of the leading brands in the cardio equipment space. For the past five years, Sole has been the fastest growing brand in the US and Canada over the past five years. Along with their range of commercial and home use treadmills, they manufacture ellipticals, cross-trainers and exercise bikes.
Sole F80 Treadmill
Key Specs:
- Motor: 3.5 HP
- Speed Range: 0.5-12 mph
- Incline: 15 levels
- Foldable: Yes
- Max weight: 375 lbs.
PROS:
CONS:
Foldable
The Sole F80 treadmill is a foldable machine. That makes it versatile in terms of its ability to work with confined spaces. The folding / unfolding process takes place with the push of a button.
Running Track
There are a lot of treadmills out there that provide with a whole lot of niceties but then deliver a terrible running bed. That is not the case with the Sole F80 treadmill. In fact, it gives you a 22 x 60-inch running area. That is wider and deeper than you get on most treadmills, especially ones in this price range. This running platform allows even the tallest and widest of people to walk, jog and run with complete freedom of movement.
Durable Build
The Sole F80 treadmill is an impressively well-built home fitness machine. In fact, it’s so good that it would be suitable for a light commercial setting such as a personal fitness studio. That’s why Sole can provide you with an impressive lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and deck!
The maximum weight limit of 375 pounds on this machine is further testimony to its rugged build.
Reversible Deck
The latest version of the Sole F80 provides you with a reversible deck. This, in effect, doubles the life span of the running deck.
Cushion Flex
Sole’s deck cushioning system is known as Cushion Flex. It is designed to reduce joint impact significantly. The impact on the runner’s ankles and knees is also reduced by 40 percent in comparison to competitor deck surfaces.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The Sole F80 is Bluetooth compatible to open up your workout experience to the possibilities of the world wide web. That means that you will be able to choose from thousands of online workout programs.
The Bluetooth audio speakers allow you to listen to music from your smart device through the speakers on the console.
Large Display
You get a 9-inch LCD display screen to allow you to get a great view of the preset workouts and your workout diagnostics. You also get a tablet holder to keep your device secure. You can also run your data tracking in the background as you’re watching your favorite Netflix movie.
Built-in Safety
The Sole F80 comes with a safety key. If you get in trouble, simply pull it out and the running belt will come to a stop.
Up to 15 Percent Incline
The Sole F80 provides you with a power incline, up to 15 percent. The power incline operates smoothly to provide you with a user-friendly way to increase the intensity of your training.
Warranty
The Sole F80 comes with an excellent warranty. Sole offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor and running deck. On top of that you get five years on parts and electronics, and one year on labor. That is a very good warranty package.
Heart Rate Monitoring
As well as the usual integrated heart rate monitors that take your pulse through your hands, the Sole F80 provides you with the ability to use a chest strap heart rate monitor. However a chest strap is not part of your purchase package, so you will have to spend around $70 to get your own.
What’s Not So Good
- Limited Programs
The Sole F80 comes with ten built-in exercise programs. For a treadmill in its price range that is a relatively low number. However, those programs to give you a good spread of workout types and user goals.
- Short Side Rails
The side handle rails on the Sole F80 are a little too short for comfortable use for people who are over 5’11”. That may cause them to lean unnaturally forward if they are relying on the side rails as they are running.
What Others Are Saying
There are a number of customer reviews for the Sole F80 online. About three-quarters of them are either good or very good. The main things that people have appreciated are the rugged, sturdy design, quiet operation and smooth power incline adjustment. Many people were also fans of the auto foldability feature of the F80.
Final Thoughts
Sole is an established and reputable name in the fitness industry. As we’ve seen, the Sole F80 is an excellent treadmill that is backed by an outstanding warranty. The Sole F80 is a great mid-range choice, better than the F63 which is their entry-level model and cheaper than their top of the line F85. We have absolutely no reservations about recommending this treadmill!