<p>In the market for a treadmill. The Sole F80 is a highly-rated machine; at our local Sears, it is $1,400. The Sole F63 is $999. For either one of them, delivery and set-up is $125. Three-year extended warranty is $170; five-year is $219. The ext. warranty includes an annual maintenance visit at no charge plus any electrical or mechanical problems. </p>
<p>The F80 is a much better-rated model, so we’re trying to decide if the $500 difference between the F63 and the F80 is worth it. F80 has a wider deck (22 x 60 inches vs. 20 x 60) and a bigger motor (3.5 CHP vs. 3.0 CHP) and has more bells and whistles (preprogrammed buttons, etc.) </p>
<p>There will be three adults using the machine, so probably the F80 with the bigger motor is a better buy in the long run.</p>
<p>If anybody has experience with these two treadmills and/or ordering from Sears, please chime in!</p>
<p>I don’t have experience with either of these models. I did want to throw out one data point that I think is very very important. As someone who is 5’8" with long long legs I find that the tread/platform length is of ultimate importance. Nothing like having to shorten your stride in order to not fall off the thing.</p>
<p>Go for the wider belt. The weight of the machine is important, too (I bet the more powerful motor and the wider belt make the machine sturdier). If the runner weighs more than 1/2 of the weight of the machine, there will be a lot of shaking/rattling.</p>
<p>I have a Precor treadmill with minimal bells and whistles, and I find that it is perfectly adequate for my running needs. I rarely use even the few pre-programmed circuit buttons; most often, I chose timed run and vary the incline and speed manually as I run.
YMMV.</p>
<p>One piece of advice: do not put your treadmill directly onto carpeted floor - dust and carpet fibers will clog the motor.</p>
<p>I recently bought a treadmill through Amazon after doing a lot of investigation. I would say that the wider belt probably doesn’t make much difference, but the more powerful motor does, especially if anyone is going to run on it. </p>
<p>treadmilldoctor rates the Sole F80 as the best buy in its class. With three adults using it, I’d go for the stronger, sturdier machine. (Check out the treadmilldoctor website if you haven’t already.)</p>
<p>Outside running has its merits- H and S do it. However- snow, ice, 90+ degree weather… Having a treadmill is a great idea. Consider the “cushiness” of the surface- we went with a harder, better model back when and wasn’t as nice for H. Go strong and sturdy. Try out the machines in the store. Get the mat for under the machine. Most important- USE IT.</p>
<p>For indoor cardio, why not a Concept 2 rower? Less expensive, less bulky, easier to move around, while offering the opportunity to do full body cardio exercise at home that is not as readily available to most people (who do not live on the water and have a rowboat).</p>