TRUE Performance PS300 Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Motor	Incline	Console
Performance PS300 Check Discounted Price	L:79" W:31.5" H:55.9"	350 lbs	3.0 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	Automatic, 0-15%	9 preset programs, 4 user profiles, HRC, Bluetooth, USB

Although TRUE doesn’t offer a commercial warranty for their Performance PS300 treadmill, this fitness machine definitely has a commercial-grade construction. It’s also referred to as Performance 300. It’s a heavy-duty trainer, with a frame built like a tank. In terms of specs, we can compare it with the Body-Solid T100; however, as opposed to this machine, the TRUE PS300 has a Bluetooth feature and is compatible with various online fitness applications.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 79L x 31.5W x 55.9H inches (200L x 80W x 142H cm)
• Belt dimensions: 60L x 21W inches (152.4L x 53.34W cm)
• Assembled weight: 308 lbs (140 kg)
• Weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Deck cushioning: True Soft System
• Motor: 3.0 CHP
• Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
• Console: 9 preset workouts, HRC target, 4 user profiles, USB port, Bluetooth
• Accessories: Accessory trays, tablet holder, Polar HR strap, water bottle
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor 30 years / Parts 7 years / Labor 1 year

Frame and deck

Just as any other commercial-grade treadmill, the TRUE Performance PS300 features a heavy-duty steel frame. The only plastic parts in its construction are the covers of the side rails, the frame of the console and the cover of the motor. With the frame fully assembled, the unit weighs over 300 lbs. This being said, stability will never be an issue for it. Plus, its rear base is equipped with two large adjustable stabilizers with rubber pads, so you can perfectly level it on any type of flooring.

This TRUE Fitness treadmill doesn’t have a folding design, such as the Nautilus T616, for example. However, its front base features a set of wheels, so relocating the unit shouldn’t be too difficult once the unit is fully assembled.

The treadmill’s footprint is approx. 79″L x 31.5″W (200 x 80 cm). This being said, it’s not exactly the best choice for a small room or apartment. Plus, TRUE recommends to leave at least 20″ (51 cm) of clearance on each side and at the front, and at least 79″ (200 cm) of clearance at the rear for safe operation.

The machine’s deck excels in sturdiness. It can support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg). It also integrates the TRUE Soft System and a high-adherence, orthopedic belt for impact reduction during running, and for a secure overall running experience.

The belt offers a running surface of 60″L x 21″W (152.4 x 53.34 cm). This being said, the machine can accommodate runners up to 6’5″ (196 cm) comfortably, promoting a healthy, natural stride even when running at maximum speed.

This treadmill uses a set of 3″ rollers, quite a bit larger in diameter than for other similar machines. They feature a crowned design in order to prolong the lifespan of the belt and deliver a better traction. Also, they integrate industrial-grade ball bearings, generating a smooth rotating motion.

Incline and step-up height

The TRUE Performance PS300 treadmill is equipped with an automatic incline system which consists of a motor and a lift situated at the front of the deck. The incline can only be adjusted from the console. When an incline level is selected from the console, the lift will raise the front of the deck accordingly. The deck doesn’t offer decline, though. It can only rise at the front, providing incline.

The PS300 treadmill offers a maximum incline of 15%, which is approx. 8.5°. The incline can be adjusted in 0.5% increments. However, the console also offers quick adjustment keys for the 3%, 5%, 7%, 9%, and 12% settings. Also, some of the programs in the console’s database involve incline; therefore, if you choose them for your workouts, incline (along with speed) will adjust automatically.

This TRUE fitness treadmill has a lower step-up height than other machines. The surface of the belt is situated at approx. 6.25″ (16 cm) above floor level. However, by setting the incline to maximum, the height of its front part will gain several inches. Thus, it’s best to place and use this machine in a room with a ceiling at least 10″ higher than your own height.

Motor

The TRUE Performance 300 treadmill uses a 3.0 CHP, industrial-grade motor. It’s a continuous duty motor, made to perform well, without overheating or slowing down during prolonged workout sessions. It also performs excellently even if the user is close to the maximum allowed weight, and engages in workouts at maximum speed. The motor also uses a small flywheel, which also adds to the overall stability of the rolling motion.

Needless to say, speed is adjusted exclusively from the console. Just as for incline, you’ll find gradual and quick adjustment keys for speed. Speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH. This gives you the possibility to find the perfectly suited pace for you, for each workout.

The machine comes with a standard U.S. 3-prong plug, not an adapter, and has 8′ (2.4 m) of cable. It requires a 120V 15A power circuit. It’s recommended that the machine is connected to a power circuit solely, without other devices connected to the same circuit, to avoid surges. Also, it’s not a bad idea to use a surge suppressor, to prevent any damage to the motors or console, in case a surge happens.

Console unit

The PS300 treadmill features multi-function console equipped with a large 8.5″ LCD display which has blue LED backlight. The display shows the current speed and incline, and tracks time, distance, heart rate, pace, and calories burned. At the end of the workout, it will provide you with a summary consisting of elapsed time, distance, calories, average heart rate, max heart rate, and average speed. You can export your workout data on a USB flash drive in order to upload it online to the Wahoo Fitness App and keep track of your progress.

The console unit also has a Bluetooth feature, being compatible with Polar HR chest straps for wireless pulse monitoring. An HR chest strap accessory is also included. However, if you don’t want to use it, you can still track your pulse via the EKG grips integrated into the front handles.

There are 4 user profiles on the console, so you can save various program settings to quickly choose between them. Or, in case multiple persons use the machine, each person can have their own workout settings. For each profile, you can input your weight so that the unit can calculate the amount of calories burned more accurately.

In terms of programs, the PS300 treadmill offers 1 Quick Start, 1 Manual, and 9 preset programs. The preset programs are Hill Intervals, Rolling Hills, Cardio Challenge, Walk and Run Intervals, Speed Intervals, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (13.1 mi/21.1 K), and Cruise Control. There’s also the HRC Cruise Control program which has its special window section on the unit’s display. This program allows you to lock in on your targeted heart rate. Once your target is entered, one touch HRC Cruise Control will adjust your workout automatically to maintain your target heart rate for the duration of your workout.

There’s a downside with regards to the console workouts. The preset programs cap at 6 MPH speed, so, if you’re a professional runner, this speed setting most definitely won’t suffice. Therefore you will always have to improvise and use the manual speed/incline adjustment settings.

In terms of extras, the console offers a tablet holder (or reading rack), two large bottle holders, and an accessory holder in the middle. A TRUE water bottle is also included with the machine.

Assembly and Maintenance

First of all, this treadmill is very heavy, so it is recommended to be carried and assembled by two people. The deck with the rollers, belt, and motors comes already assembled. So, the assembly only requires you to add the console masts and the console, a task which shouldn’t take longer than 20-30 minutes. The manual provides step-by-step instructions for it and several basic tools are also included.

For maintenance, periodic belt lubrication is necessary. A bottle of lubricant is included. It’s also recommended to periodically vacuum under the deck and keep the running belt clean, to prevent the motor’s vents to become clogged with dust or other objects.

The Pros

• Commercial-grade construction – the unit can hold users up to 350 lbs (159 kg);
• True Soft deck cushioning system;
• Large, 3″ rollers for superior traction and a long belt lifespan;
• Motorized incline, 0% – 15%;
• 3.0 CHP motor, speeds up to 12 MPH;
• The unit’s speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
• Quick keys for speed and incline selection;
• Motor equipped with a large flywheel, for extra-smooth performance;
• 9 preset workout programs, covering most training requirements;
• HRC Cruise program which automatically adjusts the speed to help you remain in your selected HR interval;
• 4 user profiles;
• USB port for workout data transfer;
• Workout summary function; 
• Bluetooth function and Polar HR chest strap capability;
• Polar chest strap included;
• Bottle trays, accessory tray, tablet holder, and TRUE water bottle;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No sound system;
• No cooling fan;
• The maximum speed for the preset workout programs is only 6 MPH, but you can still adjust the speed manually, up to 12 MPH.

Summary

The TRUE Fitness Performance PS300 is a commercial grade treadmill equipped with a 3 CHP motor (0.5-12 MPH speed), and motorized incline (0%-15%). It offers a large 60″ x 21″ running surface and an orthopedic deck with the TRUE Soft cushioning system. It’s a heavy-duty machine which can withstand users up to 350 lbs. It’s perfect for interval training, intense cardio training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s not exactly an affordable machine, but considering that it offers commercial quality and comes with a consistent warranty, it definitely stands up to the price.