Weslo was founded by Scott Watterson and Gary Stevenson back in 1977, as a way to finance their college tuition. Weslo has come a long way since its humble college-dorm beginnings and is now part of the industry leading Icon Health and Fitness Inc.
Weslo’s budget friendly health and fitness products are found in home gyms all over the world. The company is best known for its climbers, exercise bikes and its treadmills. The latter is the topic of today’s article.
We’ll be taking a look at two of the bestselling treadmills on the market: the Weslo G 5.9 and the G 5.9i.
Weslo G 5.9i vs G 5.9: Which is the Better Treadmill?
If you’re torn between purchasing the Weslo G 5.9 or its G 5.9i counterpart, we’re here to help make this decision a little easier for you. Let’s take a look at these two treadmills and their differences as well as their similarities.
iFIT
The main difference between these treadmills is that the Weslo G 5.9i features Bluetooth capability which connects the machine to the internet and enables users to access iFIT. iFIT provides users with access to over 16 000 on-demand workouts led by highly qualified personal trainers.
The Design
The G 5.9 and the G 5.9i both feature an aesthetically pleasing and SpaceSaver design. Both machines are a mix of black and grey & feature wheels, so you can easily move them around your home. The G 5.9 has a blue tinted LCD display while the G 5.9i has a standard LED screen. Here, a major difference is that the G 5.9i features a tablet holder, iFIT sticker and Bluetooth button while the G 5.9 doesn’t.
The Folding Capacity
One of the most attractive characteristics that both machines possess is foldability when not in use. When folded, the machines only take up 29” of floor space and stand 60” high—so you can easily prop them up against a wall or store them away in a cupboard.
The Running Belt
The G 5.9 and G 5.9i both have large 16” x 50” running belts to accommodate the stride of any runner who’s under 6ft tall. It must be stated that users who are taller than 6ft don’t typically enjoy either machine.
The Motor
In both the G 5.9 and G 5.9i you’ll find a 2.25 HP impulse motor which is suitable for both speed & endurance training. While no treadmill is completely silent when operating, these machines really don’t make much noise except for the whirring of the running motor and a slight click upon every revolution.
The Speed
Weslo’s G 5.9 and G 5.9i’s speed range is 0 - 10 MPH, which is actually impressive seeing as how a lot of top-end expensive treadmills can only reach up to 7 MPH. The 10 MPH speed delivered by the motor is ideal for walkers, joggers and runners alike.
The Cushioning
The running belts on the G 5.9 and the G 5.9i both feature Comfort Cell cushioning to reduce joint stress & make your workout more comfortable. The Comfort Cell cushioning is specifically designed to absorb the impact of each stride. In short, your ankles will love you.
The Incline Levels
Both treadmills have 2-position manual incline functionality. You can expect to find inclines of 4.16°, 2.66° and 1.38° on the G 5.9 & G 5.9i.
The Weight Limit
The G 5.9 and G 5.9i both have a maximum weight limit of up to 275lb. This is a perfectly adequate weight bearing capacity for treadmills in this price range. If you need a treadmill with a higher weight capacity, you’ll need to consider looking at more expensive machines.
The Verdict
While both the Weslo G 5.9 and G 5.9i are high quality products, we can’t help but recommend the G 5.9i. Since this version is newer and has extensive Bluetooth functionality, it feels a little more relevant to todays ‘always-on’ culture. In comparison, the G 5.9 feels somewhat archaic.
Weslo G 5.9i | Weslo G 5.9 |
|---|---|
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iFIT: yes | iFIT: No |
Weight Limit: 275lb | Weight Limit: 275lb |
Motor: 2.25 HP | Motor: 2.25 HP |
Speed: 0 - 10 MPH | Speed: 0 - 10 MPH |
Running Belt: 16” x 50” | Running Belt: 16” x 50” |
FAQ:
Before we share our final thoughts with you, we thought we’d provide the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these machines.
Do I have to purchase iFIT subscription to use the 5.9i treadmill?
No, you don’t have to purchase an iFIT subscription in order to use the G 5.9i treadmill. Included in every purchase is a 30-day free subscription, so try it out and if you don’t like it, don’t use it. To use the G 5.9i without iFIT, press and hold down the Bluetooth button for around 30 seconds when starting up the treadmill.
How easy is it to store?
Both machines are very easy to store. It takes approximately 20 seconds to fold them up correctly and they’re designed to be stored in an upright position. If you want to store them under a bed, you’ll have to disassemble them.
What is the difference between 5.2 and 5.9 models?
The difference between the 5.2 and the 5.9 models is their maximum weight bearing capacity. The 5.9 models have a weight limit of 275lb whereas the 5.2 models have a weight limit of 250lb.
Is there a USB charging port?
No, there isn’t a USB charging port on the G 5.9 nor the G 5.9i. Both machines are wired and are powered through standard grounded wall plug outlets.
Is it a manual or electronic incline?
Both the G 5.9 and G 5.9i feature a 2-position manual incline.
Final Thoughts
The Weslo G 5.9 and G 5.9i will appeal to different people for different reasons. Some people will prefer the G 5.9 for the very same reason others don’t like it—its lack of connectivity.
If you’re looking for a machine that will allow you to workout free from potential digital distractions, the Weslo G 5.9 is your best bet. If you’re looking to incorporate technology to optimize your workout, look no further than the Weslo G 5.9i.
No matter what your model preference is, you can’t go wrong with either Weslo treadmill option. They’re both well-designed, sturdily constructed and will give you plenty of bang for your buck.