| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3G Cardio 80i Check Discounted Price | L:74" W:33" H:49" | 325 lbs | 3.0 CHP, 0.5-11 MPH | 8 | Motor: lifetime Frame: lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 1 year |
3G Cardio offers several well-built treadmills, fitness machines which so far have received a lot of positive feedback. The 3G Cardio 80i makes absolutely no exception. Although this model doesn’t offer a console with all the belts and whistles, it does have a sturdy construction, an incline mechanism, and on top of that, it offers a fold flat design, which makes it ideal for home use.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 74L x 33W x 49H inches (188L x 84W x 124H cm)
- Assembled weight: 225 lbs (102 kg)
- Tread belt dimensions: 58L x 18.5W inches (147L x 47W cm)
- Maximum user weight: 325 lbs (147kg)
- Motor: 3.0 HP
- Incline: Automatic, 0%-15%
- Deck cushioning: Yes
- Speed levels: 0.5-11 MPH.
- Training programs: 8 preset, 2 user profiles, and manual mode
- Pulse sensors: Yes
- Amenities: Sound system, bottle/accessory holders
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 years
Frame
One of the most important qualities that a running treadmill must offer, is a heavy frame and deck, in order to supply maximum stability. The assembled weight of this particular treadmill model is 225 lbs (102 kg), weight which evidently plays a really important role in its stability. 
On top of that, the rear base rests on cushioned stabilizers, which furthermore enhance its stability. The front base rests on a set of wheels, which facilitate the relocation of the assembled machine.
Needless to say, the frame of this treadmill is steel made, coated with anti-corrosive paint. The very few acrylic parts are the side rails, the motor cover, the dashboard of the console, and the console masts covers.
Compared with the 3G Cardio Elite, the 80i model has a smaller footprint. It’s actually about 10″ shorter, taking only 74″L x 33″W (188 x 84 cm) of floor space. On top of that, it offers a folding design. As its name suggests, it can be folded flat to the floor, with the console masts and console folding down, over the deck. However, the deck can also fold up, like the ProForm 505 CST for example, as it features a folding mechanism based on two pneumatic cylinders.
When folded flat to the floor, the treadmill’s height reaches only 9.75″ (24.7 cm). Thus, you can even store it under the bed, if your bed has over 10″ clearance. The fact that it features a folding design, indicates that this treadmill is made for home use. Also, this particular aspect makes it a great choice for small apartments.
Deck and running surface
The 3G Cardio 80i is actually one of the very few treadmills with a fold flat design, that can withstand running. Its deck features a sturdy construction, being able to hold users up to 325
lbs (147 kg).
The deck incorporates a suspension system which renders the run much smoother, reducing up to 30 percent of the impact on your joints. It uses high-grade, precision crowned rollers, with sealed bearings, made for lifetime use.
This treadmill uses a multi-ply tread belt, resistant to stretching. It offers running surface of 58″L x 18.5″W (147 x 47cm), which is actually a bit small for taller runners. The average running treadmill surface starts at 60″L x 20″W (152.4 x 51 cm). However, even a 6’4″ (193 cm) runner shouldn’t feel crammed on this treadmill, during a running session with a high speed setting.
Motor and incline
The 3G Cardio 80i treadmill is equipped with a 3.0 HP heavy-duty motor. This motor is powerful enough to support prolonged workouts at the highest speed settings, without overheating even if the user is close to the maximum specified weight capacity. It can supply speeds up to 11 MPH, and starts a 0.5 MPH. The speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1. This actually great, as transition from a level to another is done smoothly, and you can select the pace that’s most comfortable to you.
This motor is far from being a noisy one. And along with the cushioned deck which absorbs quite an important amount of the cadence sound, this treadmill does supply a farily quiet run.
This treadmill also offers a motorized incline system. The incline ranges between 0% and 15%. This means it can offer a maximum slope of approx. 11°. Incline can be adjusted in increments of 1%. Even though the incline supplied by this treadmill isn’t exactly close to the power incline offered by commercial treadmills, it still diversifies the number of possible workouts by a lot. Also, keep in mind that running at 10 MPH, and using the maximum incline setting of 15% on this machine, will offer quite a challenge. A non-professional runner shouldn’t last more than a couple of minutes with these settings.
Evidently, since this treadmill features a series of on-board programs, by using one of them, speed and incline will adjust automatically.
This fitness machine requires to be connected to a standard 3 prong outlet, on a 110v power circuit, of at least 15 amps, and preferably 20 amps. It comes with a power cord with a normal plug, not an adapter. The power cord connects to the motor case near the front base.
Console
The console supplied with this running machine isn’t a fancy one. It incorporates only two amenities, which are its sound system and a bottle/accessory holder. The integrated sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones and tablets. The sound it can render is actually not bad, way better than the sound provided by the average tablet or phone
speakers. But like in most fitness machines that feature a sound system, volume adjustments can be done from only from your device. The console has no volume adjustment keys.
The console features a display of approx. 6.5″ diagonal, with integrated blue backlight, to offer a better reading even in a darker room. It tracks speed (in MPH), distance (in miles), time, pulse, and calories burned. It also indicates the current speed and incline levels.
There are 8 preset programs on the console, including: Warm-Up, Fat Burn, Heart Exercise, Summit Climb, Long Distance Run, Rolling Hills, Speed Interval, Speed Burst. These will adjust incline and speed automatically, depending on the current segment of each one of them. There are also two user profie settings, which give you the possibility to create and save two distinctive custom workouts. Each custom workouts features 16 sections, and you will have to setup a speed and incline level for each segment. Also, you can assign a time goal for each custom workout. Of course, just like any other treadmill, this one offers a Manual mode, which allows you to freely adjust incline and speed as you want, during your workout.
Each one of the 8 preset programs has its own key on the console, and for the user programs there is only one key. Incline and speed can be adjusted gradually, via the UP/DOWN arrow keys. However, there are also quick keys for incline and speed adjustment: 0,3,6,9,12,15 for incline, and 2,4,6,8,9,10 for speed. The console has a Stop key, great to have in case you want to pause your workout without resetting your data, and resume it later. And just as any other treadmill, it features the safety, magnetic key.
One last aspect to mention here reflects the pulse reading capability of the console. The unit can only read pulse via the sensors integrated in the machine’s handlebars. It’s not telemetry enabled, in other words cannot read pulse via a chest strap transmitter.
Assembly and Maintenance
One of the best parts regarding the 3G Cardio 80i treadmill is that it doesn’t require any assembly. It comes fully assembled and folded. So, basically you only have to unbox it, unfold it, plug it in, and start running.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. Just like any other treadmill, its deck may require lubrication every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you use it. For each lubrication it’s recommended to use approx. 30-40 ml of silicone based lubricant. Also, especially if you have pets, vacuuming under the deck and cleaning the tread belt with a damp cloth is necessary.
The Pros
- Dual folding technology – can be folded flat to the floor (only 9.75″ tall), or up, via the pneumatic cylinders;
- High user capacity for a folding treadmill – 325 lbs;
- Solid frame and deck;
- Deck incorporates suspensions and shock absorbing elements;
- Motorized incline, with up to 15% ramp;
- 3.0 HP, heavy-duty motor, fit for running, not just jogging or walking;
- Offer speeds up to 11 MPH;
- 8 preset programs, and 2 custom user programs;
- Easy to use, comprehensive controls on the console;
- Integrated sound system;
- Pulse sensors on lateral grips;
- Quiet and smooth operation;
- No assembly required;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty plan.
The Cons
- Cannot read pulse via a chest strap transmitter;
- Minimalistic console;
- No media shelf. However, you can place your tablet or phone on the console.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a treadmill with a decent construction, a space-saving design, which can support running, not just jogging or walking, the 3G Cardio 80i sure is one to put on your list. Although this model has been around for more than year, this machine benefits so far only from 4.5-5 star reviews, which means it definitely supplies great value for the price. It’s a treadmill that can supply speeds up to 11 MPH and incline up to 15%, offering a wide training spectrum for cardio, stamina, strength, interval training, and of course, weight loss. And lastly, it’s a durable machine, aspect which is pretty much backed up by its consistent warranty plan.