The wife and I are thinking about purchasing a Sole F80 treadmill. I am looking for input from those who might have experience with them. We are just looking to stay healthy, not interested in running the Boston marathon anytime soon.

Thanks in advance

F85 owner here. It's a quality unit which I love and use 2-3 times/wk. I don't run anymore due to bad knees, but the 15 degree incline is great for walking.

It is a very heavy unit though, so think through how you will get it to it's final location and assembled. They drop-shipped ours and we had to use furniture dollies to thread the base through the hallway turns.

I recommend them. I've had an F83 for almost 10 years. I'm not a high mileage user (20 miles a week at most) but I do use it every week. About a year ago the surface of the deck cracked and I had that and the belt replaced. Sole sent me the deck for free under warranty but I paid for a new belt. Technically, the belt didn't need replacement but I wanted to replace both at the same time.

Other than that, the only regular maintenance is to lubricate it every so often as described in the manual. The lube looks like a standard liquid silicone but rather than try to find a substitute I buy it directly from Sole.

Their phone support is good too.

Good point about delivery. I paid extra to have it moved to a room in the 2nd floor of my house. There is no way my wife and I would have been able to do it. After that it was just a matter of attaching the arms and the display which was easy (that part I did myself).

My wife likes her F80 we just got. Very quiet and easy to use. Smooth belt and deck. Added bells and whistles didn't matter to her.

From my perspective, it's one heavy bastard that came in a massive box. It takes up a fair amount of room when down.

Ours is going 8 years strong with no issues.
I would not look elsewhere.

quote:

Originally posted by Tailhook 84:
F85 owner here. It's a quality unit which I love and use 2-3 times/wk. I don't run anymore due to bad knees, but the 15 degree incline is great for walking.

It is a very heavy unit though, so think through how you will get it to it's final location and assembled. They drop-shipped ours and we had to use furniture dollies to thread the base through the hallway turns.

Man, you sound almost like me.
F85. Final location in living room, in front of the big screen. 15 incline (max) at 3 mph for 1 hour is better than running 5 mph for 1 hour on flat surface. I wish they had made the inclination higher.

To me, the only negative about the thing is the fan is really weak. You almost feel like there's nothing coming out.

Ours worked great for us for 10+ years. Finally had to replace it and went with a NordicTrack, we both liked the Sole better.

we have had one for about 8 years and it is exceptional. I weigh 350 so it can take a bigger guy but I just need to log more miles on it. Wife does more time on it than I but less than the laundry does.

quote:

Originally posted by Tailhook 84:
F85 owner here. It's a quality unit which I love and use 2-3 times/wk. I don't run anymore due to bad knees, but the 15 degree incline is great for walking.

It is a very heavy unit though, so think through how you will get it to it's final location and assembled. They drop-shipped ours and we had to use furniture dollies to thread the base through the hallway turns.

Former district manager at Sears here. Sole was the one treadmill that never got returned or requests for service calls.

Yes, they are FREEKING heavy...but I've been using my F85 for years now and it never disappoints.

just don't put it in the bedroom, it will end up holding clothes.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
15 incline (max) at 3 mph for 1 hour is better than running 5 mph for 1 hour on flat surface. I wish they had made the inclination higher.

To me, the only negative about the thing is the fan is really weak. You almost feel like there's nothing coming out.

Agree with the 15 degree limitation, but have been thinking about putting a 2x4 (or 4x6 ??) board under the front legs to make it higher. The only reason I haven't done this is because I don't have a block and tackle rig to lift it up.

And the fan? Apparently it was designed only for looks and noise, not to actually put a breeze in your face. That's my only (very minor) gripe about the entire unit. I use the ceiling fan to keep the sweaty air moving around the room.

Thank you for all the input. I appreciate it.