Sole F63 vs Smooth 5.45: Which Is The Best Treadmill For Less Than $1000?



Posted: Friday, June 12, 2009

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Finding a treadmill that delivers a solid performance at under $1,000 isn't the easiest thing to do but the Sole F63 and the Smooth 5.45 treadmills fit into this category nicely. Let's compare the Sole F63 vs the Smooth 5.45 and find out which of the two exercise equipment deserves the top spot as the budget treadmill for walkers and light joggers.

Specifications

The main features found in both treadmills are essentially the same when you compare them with each other. The motor power of the two treadmills is 2.5 HP, the surface provided for running measures 20 by 55 inches, and their speeds can go from 0.5 to 10 miles per hour.

When talking about stability, the Sole F63 takes the lead. It weighs in at 245 pounds while the Smooth 5.45 treadmill comes in as the lightweight at only 210 pounds. This 35 pound difference allows the Sole F63 to hold a user weighing 325. The Smooth 5.45 can only accommodate a maximum user weight of 250 pounds.

Console Display and Programs

The two machines are equipped with LCD displays to help keep track of the user's important information including speed, time, and the distance traveled among others. Both equipments come with 6 built-in programs but only the Sole F63 has 2 user defined programs. The two also have hand pulse grips but Sole comes inclusive of a wireless chest strap for easier monitoring of your heart rate.

On the other hand, only Smooth 5.45 uses a heart rate control program that automatically adjusts your workout based on your heart rate as monitored with the use of the hand pulse grips.

The Extras

The added facilities in Sole F63 are the built-in speakers and the fans for cooling that make the workout session more pleasant, although some users have commented that the quality of these accessories requires improvement. Another really feature that the Sole F63 has is the placing of the incline and speed controls on the armrest which lets you easily control both the speed and the incline without stopping your workout session.

Price and Warranty

The MSRP for Sole F63 and the Smooth 5.45 are $1,899 and $1,497 respectively. When you buy them online and direct from the companies however, they are both priced at just less than $1,000. And not only that, these machines come with the industry's best warranties although Smooth has the slight edge here giving lifetime warranties for the frame, deck and motor. The Sole 5.45 only has lifetime warranty for the frame and motor, while the deck is only guaranteed for 3 years.

Sole F63 vs Smooth 5.45 - Which is the best budget fitness equipment?

No question about it, these two give you the best value treadmill for the under $1,000 class. It's hard putting one over the other but I'd have to say, the Smooth 5.45 takes the honors. Sure, the Sole F63 also has some really nice touches to it, but these features aren't quite enough to top the Smooth 5.45 with its heart rate control program and better warranty.

See a feature-for-feature comparison of the Sole F63 vs Smooth 5.45 by using our modern and dynamic treadmill matchup tool. You'll find it easy to compare treadmills quickly and see the differences in them by evaluating over 26 features!
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