Many manufacturers claim that they make the best treadmill so choosing one that really is amongst the best treadmills on the market isn't easy. The following tips should help you find and buy the best treadmill.
The most important areas to look at when buying a treadmill are; quality of motor, the running deck, the treadbelt, the frame and the warranty. The best treadmills will have the best of all these.
The most, and I mean the most, important thing to look at is the motor. The best treadmills all come with excellent motors that have the strength to handle speed and weight and are durable. Some manufacturers will give you sleek lines and control panels that are designed to impress, but to save money they will install an inferior motor. Others will tell that their motors are big and boast about the hp rating. But be careful and learn to understand what kind of motor you'll actually be getting. Engines are measured in horsepower and there are two ratings; peak duty rating and continuous duty rating. Many treadmill manufacturers boast of the hp of their motor, but what they usually state is the peak duty but it's the continuous rating, stamped directly on the motor that really determines its quality and durability. The best treadmills will always have the highest continuous rating; so find out what it is before you buy.
A hint as to whether you are actually getting a good motor: the manufacturers of the best treadmills give long warranties on their motors - much longer than inferior brands.
After the motor you should pay special attention to the running deck. It should be at least 3/4" thick - the best treadmills will have upwards of 1" - and should have good padding. Without good padding the runner will place pressure on hip, knees and ankles and prolonged use will result in painful joints. Find out what the running deck is made of and what features are in place to prevent damage to the runner's legs.
Look at the treadbelt too. The belt takes quite a bit of punishment. Cheap treadmills come with a 1-ply belt but the best treadmills will come with either 2-ply or 4-ply - the Landice treadmill comes with a 4-ply belt. Typically, the better a treadmill the longer the running deck and belt. Read more here best treadmill under 1000
The final 'must have' of the best treadmills is the warranty on offer. Manufacturers of low quality treadmills give warranties that are pretty worthless. Makers of the best treadmills give generous warranties. For instance, when you buy a PaceMaster treadmill you get a lifetime warranty on the frame, a 12 year motor, 5 year parts and 1 year labor warranty - pretty impressive.
Everything else is superfluous when it comes to determining whether or not a treadmill is among the best on the market. Some manufacturers give you lots of features like flashy consoles that help motivate the user. Others will put a lot of effort into the overall 'look' of the treadmill.
