| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Horizon Elite T7 Check Discounted Price | L:77" W:36" H:60" | 350 lbs | 2.75 CHP, 1-12 MPH | 42, Wi-Fi enabled, ViaFit capable, Passport capable | Motor: lifetime Frame: lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 1 year |
The Elite T7 from Horizon Fitness is a treadmill model released at the beginning of 2015. However, it still is one of the most inclusive treadmills that you can find at the moment, for the price. Even though it features a folding deck, which is actually an indicator that it’s a treadmill for home use, the whole construction of this machine is quite close to the one of a commercial treadmill. On top of that, it offers an impressive amount of workout programs, being also Passport ready and ViaFit ready, with a Wi-Fi connection capability.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 77L x 36W x 60H inches (195.5L x 91.4W x 152.4H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 50.8W cm)
- Product weight: 227 lbs (103 kg)
- Max. weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Deck cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
- Motor: 2.75 CHP Johnson’s motor
- Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
- Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
- Console: 42 workouts, Wi-Fi enabled, ViaFit Connectivity, Passport Ready
- Amenities: HR chest strap, sound system, cooling fan, USB charging port, 2x bottle holder, tablet rack
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
Like in most treadmills, the main frame of the Horizon Fitness Elite T7 is made of steel. There are only a few plastic parts in its construction, such as the upright bar joint covers, motor cover and dashboard, which don’t play a crucial role in its sturdiness. The front base 
rests on two rubberized, adjustable levelers while the rear of this base integrates small wheels, to facilitate the movement of the folded treadmill.
The deck folds up, the folding mechanism involving two hydraulic cylinders, actually being labelled as a “FeatherLight” folding system. In other words, as you unfold it, the hydraulic system will catch and soften its drop, in order to prevent damage or accidents.
The rear of the deck rests on small feet which also integrate wheels. However, these are meant mostly for stability and to emphasize the deck’s flexibility. The transport and movement of the assembled machine is not recommended while its deck is unfolded.
When it comes to its footprint, this fitness machine doesn’t take as much as a home gym system, such as the Body Solid EXM3000LPS for example. But still, it’s not a small machine, featuring a footprint of 77″L x 36″W (195.5 x 91.4 cm). On top of that, it requires at least 3′ (91.4 cm) of clearance at the rear, and at least 1′ (30.4 cm) on the sides for safe operation. With the deck folded up, the machine requires a storage space of 44″L x 36″W x 69″H (112 x 91.4 x 175 cm).
Last but not least, all steel parts in the frame construction are coated with corrosion-resistant paint, black for the sustaining part of the deck, and silver for the upright posts.
Deck construction and incline
The Horizon Elite T7 treadmill features a high-density phenolic laminate deck, rated to support up to 350 lbs (159 kg) of user weight. This is actually the entry level user capacity for commercial treadmills. Evidently it’s quite a sturdy deck, but does integrate three suspension points, in order to absorb a part of your cadence shock. This being said, a run on this treadmill will be gentler on your joints than a run on asphalt or concrete.
This Horizon fitness treadmill uses a heavy-duty, 2-ply Infinity belt, engineered differently than belts on other treadmills, such as the Schwinn 870 or Nautilus T616. It features a unique permanent wax integrated in the belt fibers, which considerably reduces the need for lubrication, and also wear and tear. These belts can actually withstand up to 21,000 miles of usage, without requiring any lubrication.
The tread belt supplies a running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152.4L x 50.8W cm) which is also an entry level standard for commercial treadmills. Differently put, this running surface 
should accommodate users up to 6’5″ (195 cm) comfortably, even for running.
Like various other treadmill models within this price range, the Horizon Elite T7 features a motorized, automatic incline. The incline mechanism is powered by two levers situated on the side of the frame, which lift the front of the deck upward, offering up to 15% of incline. Evidently, since the incline is automatic, it’s entirely controlled from the machine’s console. It can be adjusted in increments of 1%.
One last aspect to mention here is the deck’s step-up height, which is approx. 10″ (25 cm). A few inches will be added to it at maximum incline. Therefore, to determine the required ceiling height for your safe usage of the machine, add at least 20″ (51 cm) to your own height.
Motor
The Elite T7 treadmill integrates a Johnson motor, rated for 2.75 CHP. This motor can supply running speeds up to 12 MPH. It’s also powerful enough to perform without failure, without belt dragging or jarring, for prolonged running sessions, even if the user is close to 
the maximum specified weight capacity. The motor is slightly larger than your average treadmill motor, running at lower RPMs, thus minimizing noise, and preventing overheating. Several users have actually reported that the Elite treadmill series are considerably quieter than several ProForm models.
The drive system’s speed defaults at 0.5 MPH, and above that it can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH. This is actually quite a plus because you can easily find the pace that fits best to your workout. There are keys on the console for gradual speed adjustment (- / +) , but you can also adjust the belt’s speed via the direct 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0 keys. The belt’s speed can only be displayed in MPH (not km / h).
Needless to say, since it’s a motorized treadmill, you have to connect it to a power circuit. A
Console
The console on this Horizon Fitness treadmill offers an impressive array of features and functions. First of all, it integrates a wide, easy-to-read, 8.5″ display, which is also LED backlit. The blue LED backlight makes its readability much easier even if sunlight drops directly over it, or if the machine is placed in a darker room. 
The display offers various readouts, including: time, distance, calories, heart rate, speed and incline. As we’ve mentioned above, speed is only displayed in MPH, while distance can be tracked in miles, or you can use the race track function, which displays the distance in laps of 400 m (1/4 miles), indicating your progress for the current lap, and the number or laps completed.
The console features 42 preloaded programs, divided in 7 categories. These are: Manual, Distance, Calories, Intervals, Performance, Steps and Custom. The Manual category provides the “free running” program, which gives you the possibility to adjust speed and incline as you like during your workout. However, the preset programs of the Steps, Performance, Intervals, Calories and Distance will automatically change speed and incline, offering distinctive workouts specific to each category. The Custom programs category actually includes two user profiles. Each profile gives you the possibility to create a custom program, setting up a custom time limit, speed, and incline for each workout segment.
The console of this treadmill is ViaFit compatible, and you can connect it to your laptop, tablet or smartphone via Wi-Fi. A ViaFit allows you to directly save your workout data online, and can make the connection between various workout apps, or save it into your social media profile, in order to help you keep an eye on your progress and make sure you continuously improve.
Passport connectivity is also included. “Passport” is a Virtual Active technology which can make your workout more enjoyable, providing high-definition footage from various places around the world, with coordinated ambient sounds. But since the console doesn’t have an advanced monitor, in order to use Passport with this treadmill, you will need a Passport player to connect to your TV. This accessory is not included.
The console also includes a sound system, 1-speed cooling fan, tablet holder and two accessory trays. The sound system consists of two speakers, which provide a sound output of considerably superior quality to a phone or MP3 player. It’s compatible with most smart devices and MP3 players. There’s an audio jack output just under the speakers. The fan is not extremely powerful, but still, it can provide a bit of cooling during your workouts. The tablet holder (or reading rack) consists of a small “lip” just above the Pause / Start keys.
The console is telemetry enabled and can communicate with most Polar HR chest strap transmitters, one actually being supplied with the treadmill. However, pulse can also be read and tracked by the console via the stainless steel sensors integrated in the front handlebar.
Last but not least, a USB port is also integrated, allowing you to recharge your phone or media device
Assembly and Maintenance
The deck of this Horizon fitness treadmill comes fully assembled, integrating the motor, lift mechanism, soft-drop folding mechanism and belt. However, some assembly still is required. You will have to connect the upright posts to the steel front base, mount the dashboard with the console and connect the several wires. This shouldn’t take longer than 30-45 minutes though. The supplied user’s manual provides detailed assembly instructions, and the tools required for assembly are also included.
In terms of maintenance, there’s nothing much required. Since the treadmill uses an Infinity belt, its lubrication is not needed for a very long period of time. So, basically all you need to do for maintenance is keep the belt clean by wiping it off with a damp piece of cloth, to remove any dust, dirt, animal hair or textile fibers which may be dragged under, or caught in the motor.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction;
- Solid deck, being able to support users up to 300 lbs, even for running sessions;
- Folding deck design, with soft-drop mechanism;
- Deck cushioning, consisting in 3 suspension points for each side of the deck;
- Infinity tread belt, highly resistant to wear and tear, without requiring lubrication;
- 2.75 CHP motor, for prolonged workouts;
- Speed control in increments of 0.1 MPH, offering the possibility to find the pace that fits perfectly to you;
- Automatic incline, 0% – 15%;
- 42 workout programs;
- USB port for charging your tablet or phone and for software updated;
- Wi-Fi enabled, and ViaFit capable;
- Passport Virtual Active technology capabilities;
- Various amenities, such as sound system, reading rack, cooling fan, bottle/accessory holders;
- Pulse sensors and telemetry enabled console;
- Polar HR chest strap transmitter included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Smooth and considerably quiet operation;
- Very little maintenance required;
- Consistent warranty plan.
The Cons
- Heavy machine, not very easy to transport;
- Cooling fan not extremely powerful.
Summary
The Horizon Fitness Elite T7 is a mid range treadmill, featuring a deck construction and user capacity close to a commercial model. It offers an impressive array of workout features, including 42 workout programs, ViaFit connectivity through Wi-Fi, being also Passport compatible. It’s a treadmill with a steady and quiet motor, rated for 2.75 CHP, also featuring automatic incline. It definitely can support prolonged running workouts without any issues, at speeds up to 12 MPH. Even though it may not offer all the options that a professional athlete needs, this treadmill is simply perfect for anyone who wants to undertake a consistent daily cardio at home, tone muscles, build stamina, or lose weight. Therefore, as a final conclusion here, we can safely say that this particular fitness machine offers an excellent price, quality and value ratio.