| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Motor | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SOLE F63 Check Discounted Price | L:82" W:35" H:57" | 325 lbs | Motorized, 0%-15% | 3.0 HP, 0.5-12 MPH | 10 programs |
The SOLE F63 is one of the newest treadmills released by SOLE Fitness in 2019. It’s a machine made for home use but does offer excellent sturdiness and an impressive range of features. It’s quite similar to the Fuel Fitness T4 machine that we’ve previously reviewed here but has a different console layout.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 82L x 35W x 57H inches (208L x 89W x 145H cm)
- Running surface: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 50.8W cm)
- Assembled weight: 254 lbs (115 kg)
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs (147 kg)
- Motor: 3.0 HP
- Speed range: 0.5 – 12 MPH
- Incline: Automatic, 0% – 15%
- Console: 10 programs, Bluetooth
- Extras: Chest strap, sound system, cooling fans, bottle holders, tablet holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Deck 3 years / Electronics 3 years / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year
Frame and deck
To begin with, the SOLE Fitness F63 treadmill features a heavy-duty steel frame, coated with a rust-resistant
and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model. It’s quite a heavy machine; with all the parts assembled, it weighs more than 250 lbs. This means the transport of the boxed unit requires at least two people. But on the other hand, all this weight provides superior stability. Also, in terms of stability, the unit is equipped with adjustable, rubberized levelers which allow you to perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor.
Of course, this SOLE treadmill integrates several ABS parts as well. For example, the dashboard of the console, the cover of the motor, and the side rail covers are all made of durable ABS material.
The fully assembled treadmill is fairly large. Its footprint is approx. 82″L x 35″W (208 x 89 cm). Plus, you will have to leave at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck, and at least two feet of clearance on each side of the deck, for safe usage.
On the other hand, this treadmill has a folding design. The deck can fold up and lock on the two upright bars. The folding mechanism integrates a hydraulic cylinder, so when you unfold the deck, it will lower slowly to prevent damage. With the deck folded up, the unit’s length is reduced by more than half. Also, its front base integrates transport wheels which facilitate the relocation of the treadmill when it is folded.
The SOLE F63 is equipped with a durable deck, rated for a user weight capacity of 325 lbs (147 kg). It integrates the Cushion Flex system which is designed to reduce up to 40% of the running impact on your joints. This being said, a run or walk on this machine results in considerably less workout-related pain and soreness, giving you the possibility to exercise longer.
The running platform uses a 2-ply, non-slip rubber belt. It has a two-rubber layer structure over a middle PVC layer with a nylon backing that rolls over the deck and rollers. The rubber adds durability, the PVC stops the belt from over-stretching and the nylon provides a smooth static free surface to glide over the deck and rollers. The unit’s belt provides an active surface of 60″L x 20″W (152.4L x 50.8W cm). This is more than enough for users up to 6’5″ (196 cm).
The integrated rollers are 2.5″ in diameter; they have a crowned structure with sealed bearings and copper grounding to reduce static. They deliver excellent traction and contact surface against the belt, preventing slippage and increasing the lifespan of the belt.
Incline and step-up height
The SOLE Fitness F63 treadmill is equipped with a motorized incline system. This means you can adjust the
incline during your exercising routine from the controls on the console. Also, the console has several programs that adjust the incline of the deck automatically.
The unit’s incline system consists of a metallic lift and a different motor from the drive motor. As you adjust the incline, the motor controls the lift which slowly elevates the front of the deck.
The step-up height of the deck is approx. 8″ (20 cm) when the incline is set at 0%. Conversely, with the incline set to the highest level, the front of the deck gains a few inches in height. Therefore, in order to avoid any ceiling height issues, make sure that the ceiling height in the room where you’ll be using the machine is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
This SOLE treadmill offers an incline range between 0% and 15%. The incline adjustment increments are 1%. There are controls for gradual incline control integrated into the left handgrip of the machine, as well as on the left side of the console, under the display. However, the console also has quick incline selection keys for the 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 15 incline settings.
Drive motor
The SOLE F63 treadmill features a 3.0 HP drive motor designed to provide top performance for prolonged workouts even at the maximum speed. It delivers a smooth and steady motion for the belt even if the user is close to the 325 lbs (147 kg) weight capacity. It also integrates a small flywheel for improved stability and to minimize belt vibration. This flywheel also enables the motor to run cooler with less amp draw which considerably increases its lifespan.
This treadmill makes available a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH which is quite a plus, as you can easily find the best pace for your workout. There are gradual speed adjustment controls integrated into the right handgrip of the machine, and on the right side of the console under the display. Just as for the incline, the console provides gradual speed adjustment controls for the 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 12 speed settings.
Just as any other motorized treadmill, the SOLE F63 needs to be connected to an external power source (120V). A cable with a US plug is included with the machine. The connector for it is at the front part of the deck, as well as the On/Off switch.
The unit’s motor is pretty silent and the deck’s cushioning system does absorb some of the noise generated by your cadence. However, if you will be running at a high speed, your cadence will definitely be heard.
Console
The SOLE F63 is equipped with a pretty advanced console. To begin with, it has a 6.5″ diagonal LCD
display with LED backlight and large readouts. The display is split into several sections and shows all the workout metrics at once, so you don’t have to use a scan function to alternate them. It indicates the selected speed and incline, time, pace, distance, calories burned, and pulse.
The speed and distance readings can be set either to metric (km/h and kilometers) or English (mph and miles) units. For the distance reading, there is a 1/4 mile (400 m) track display which counts all the laps that you have completed. Also, for the pulse reading function, you can either use the sensors integrated into the front handgrips of the unit, or a BLE 4.0 wireless HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is not included, though.
The console has 10 built-in workout programs. The first one is the Manual mode. This program gives you the possibility to just walk or run while adjusting the speed and incline as you like during your ride. The next (P1 – P5) programs are preset. Each one has its own specific setup. P1 is Hill Climb, P2 is Fat Burn, P3 is Cardio, P4 is for Strength training, and P5 has a HIIT (interval) layout.
The next two applications are User Programs (User 1 & User 2). Each one of them gives its own user the possibility to create their own program, save it, and re-use it for as long as they like. And finally, the last two programs are heart rate based. One has a default level of 60% of your projected Heart Rate maximum, while the other one has an 80% value. During any of the HR programs, the machine will auto-adjust the speed, in order to keep you at the selected projected heart rate level.
The console also offers several extra amenities. One of them is the sound system which consists of two speakers placed at the top of the unit. This sound system is compatible with most smartphones and MP3 players, and you can play your music through them for a better output. You can also sync it with your device via Bluetooth.
Another extra feature is the fan set-up placed between the two speakers. The two integrated fans provide plenty of cooling during more intense or longer rides. There is a tablet holder at the top of the unit, and two accessory / bottle holders on each side of the dashboard. And finally, there is a USB port which allows you to recharge your smartphone or tablet during your workouts.
Assembly and Maintenance
The deck of the machine with both drive and incline motors, and all the other parts comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the two front masts, the accessory tray in between them, and connect the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. All the necessary tools for the assembly are included. Also, the manual provides very clear step-by-step assembly instructions.
For maintenance, the deck requires periodic lubrication. The console actually has a function that will notify you to lubricate the deck after every 90 hours of use. The belt should be kept clean to prevent any debris or textile fibers to be caught into the rollers or motor. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame and deck – can support users up to 325 lbs;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Soft-drop mechanism for unfolding the deck;
- Transport wheels on the machine’s bases;
- Adjustable stabilizers included;
- Cushion Flex shock absorption system built-in the deck;
- Motorized incline, 0% – 15%;
- 3.0 HP motor, offering speed levels up to 12 MPH;
- Speed increments of 0.1 for gradual adjustment;
- Quick keys for speed and incline;
- Pulse reading function (via handgrip sensors or wireless chest strap);
- 10 workout programs;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- 1/4 miles track display for the distance traveled, with laps count;
- Both metric and imperial units for the speed and distance;
- Cooling fans included;
- Sound system included;
- Accessory trays included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bluetooth function;
- USB port included;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The calorie reading is not too accurate.
Summary
The SOLE Fitness F63 is an electric treadmill featuring a 3.0 HP motor, an automatic incline system with 15 levels, and a console with 10 workout programs. Even though it’s a machine designed for home use, it offers an impressive 325 lbs weight capacity, similar to light-commercial models. It also has a folding design and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s a great treadmill for users of all levels, for light to intense cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, interval training, and weight loss.