Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill

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Sole F80
f80-sole-fitness-01-feat
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L:83"
W:37"
H:58"
375 lbs3.5 CHP,
0-12 MPH
10Motor: lifetime
Frame: lifetime
Deck: lifetime
Electronics: 5 years
Labor: 2 years

There are only three major differences between the Sole F80 treadmill and the Sole F85 model. First of all, the F85 comes with a more powerful motor, of 4.0 CHP, while the F80 only features a 3.5 CHP motor. Second of all, the F85 has a wider display of 9″, while the F80 only has a 7.5″ display. These two differences lead to the third one, which is the price. The F85 model costs a few hundred dollars more than the Sole Fitness F80 model. Other than these, the two treadmills are pretty much the same. They feature the same frame and deck construction, dimensions and components, offer the same amount of training programs, and nonetheless, they’re solid treadmills, made for running not just jogging or walking.

Features and Specifications

  • Assembled dimensions: 83L x 37W x 58H inches (211L x 94W x 147H cm)
  • Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 22W inches (152L x 56W cm)
  • Product weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
  • Supported weight: 375 lbs (170 kg)
  • Motor: 3.5 CHP, DC type
  • Incline: Automatic, 0%-15%
  • Deck cushioning: Yes
  • Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH.
  • Console: 10 training programs
  • Amenities: HR hest strap, sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle/accessory holrders
  • Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Deck lifetime / Electronics 5 years / Labor 2 years

Motor

The Sole Fitness F80 folding treadmill features a 3.5 CHP industrial quality motor, equipped with a large-diameter, zinc-coated, balanced flywheel. This flywheel reduces vibration, offering a more stable running surface. It’s quite a powerful motor for a home-use treadmill, being able to support users up to 375 lbs (170 kg), at full running speed, for prolonged workouts, without overheating or choking.

The motor starts at 0.5 MPH speed, and offers the possibility to adjust speed in 0.1 MPH increments. This is quite a plus, as you will be able to find the exact speed that feels the most comfortable to your pace and workout. Transition between speed settings is done smoothly, taking several seconds, and giving you plenty of time to prepare and accommodate.

Evidently, since it’s a motorized treadmill, speed is controlled entirely from the console unit. You can adjust speed as you run, via the Manual mode, or, in case you’re using on of the preset workouts, the machine will adjust its speed automatically. There are also speed adjustment keys incorporated in the right grip of the treadmill.

One last aspect to be mentioned here regards power requirements. Since it’s a motorized treadmill, it will require to be connected to a minimum of 110V circuit, 15 Amp. It comes with a U.S. standard 3 prong plug not a an adapter, and 6′ (1,80 m) of cable. The cable connects to the motor casing at the front. The treadmill also features an On/Off power switch.

Incline

This treadmill also features a motorized incline. Just as the speed, incline is adjusted from the console, or via the keys incorporated in the left grip. You can adjust incline as you run, or, if you use one of the preset programs that involves incline, the machine will adjust incline automatically.

The maximum slope provided is 15%. It’s not as much as in commercial treadmills, which can offer up to a 40% incline or more. However, this particular feature considerably increases the workout possibilities on this machine. Also, keep in mind that running at full speed, with the incline set at maximum provides quite a challenge. Even a professional runner won’t be able to keep up for long with these settings.

The incline adjusts in increments of 1%. At 0% incline, the running surface it placed at approx. 8″ (20 cm) above the floor levels. At 15% incline, the front part of the deck will stand at about 12″ (30.5 cm) higher from the floor. Therefore, in order to determine if the room where the machine will be placed for use, has the right ceiling height, add at least 12″ (30.5 cm) to your own height.

Frame

As its name suggests, the Sole Fitness F80 folding treadmill featured a folding design. The deck can be folded up, featuring an “easy assist” mechanism, which prevents it from droppingsole f80 - folded deck when unfolded. It also features a lever which locks it in place when folded up.

When in folded position, the machine’s dimensions are 48″L x 37″W x 72″H (122 x 94.5 x 183 cm), while when unfolded, it’s 83″L x 37″W x 58″H (211 x 94.5 x 147 cm). The front base rests on caster wheels which facilitate the moving of the assembled machine. However, even with these wheels, it’s rather difficult to move it because it weighs cca 265 lbs (120 kg). Unfolding and assembling it also requires two people.

Needless to say, the frame is made of steel, coated with anti-corrosive paint. It has a horse-shoe design, which considerably enhances the machine’s stability. Most joints in the frame are welded not bolted, aspect reflected in the machine’s overall sturdiness. There are only a few acrylic parts in the frame constructions, such as the joint covers of the console masts for example, which basically only have a cosmetic role.

Deck and running surface

The deck of the Sole F80 features a solid construction, incorporating elements of the highest quality. To begin with, it uses 2.75″ high-grade, crowned rollers, with sealed ball bearings for maximum durability and motion smoothness. These are basically similar to the ones used for the commercial grade treadmills. They’re also grounded to minimize the static effect. Of course, since they’re large rollers, they offer more contact surface with the belt, which not only adds to the smoothness of the run, it also prolongs the belt and rollers’ life.sole fitness f80 deck

The deck integrates the Sole Cushion Flex suspension system, which absorbs up to 40% of the shock on your joints when running. However, it’s still a pretty firm deck, it won’t oveflex or wobble when running, even if the user is close to the maximum supported weight. The machine’s deck is also wax lubricated, which reduces the strain on the motor during use.

The treadmill uses a commercial grade belt, with several layers of different materials. It features two rubber layers over a PVC layer, and a nylon backing. The PVC supplies the stretch-resistance, the rubber layers provide the belt’s durability, while the nylon reduces the static effect.

The belt’s dimensions are 60″L x 22″W (152 x 56 cm). It offers quite a roomy running surface, being able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) or even taller depending on their inseam length, without causing the “cramming” feeling generated by treadmills with smaller decks.

Console and accessories

As we’ve mentioned above, the Sole F80 treadmill features a smaller display than the Sole F85. However, the integrated 7.5″ display, is wide enough to supply excellent readability, being also backlit with a LED blue light. The display indicates distance, speed, pace, pulse, calories, selected program, and incline level.

The console offers 10 workout programs and settings, including 1 manual mode, 5 preset programs, 2 custom user programs, and 2 HR programs. Evidently, the Manual mode is the sole f80 dashboard and console“free run” mode, which allows you to change speed and incline as you wish during your workout. The preset programs include: Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength and Interval. The Custom User profiles actually allow you to create your own programs, save them for re-use. And when creating a Custom Program, you will be required to input your age, weight and desired time for your workout. The HR programs evidently focus on helping you keep a specific heart rate interval. And finally, this treadmill gives you the possibility to train via a 1/4 mile track function, great to have if you want to train on a professional level.

The console will track your pulse via the sensor incorporated in the front, small grips of the machine. However, it’s a telemetry enabled unit, and can read the pulse via a chest strap transmitter, which is supplied with the box. It also works with the Polar class transmitters.

The console unit features keys for the gradual adjustment of speed and incline, but there also are keys for quick incline and speed adjustment. Each preset workout program has its own key. Pause and Start keys are also included, but the machine can only be paused for 5 minutes. After that it will shut down automatically and current values will be reset.

When it comes to amenities and accessories, the Sole F80 includes quite a few. To begin with, it features a sound system consisting of two speakers placed on the sides of the monitor. This sound system is compatible with most smartphones, tablets and MP3 devices, which can be connected to the console via a normal cable with a 3.5 jack. The sound rendered is not the best, but it’s still better than the sound supplied by your phone or tablet integrated speaker(s).

The top part of the console integrates a set of fans, while the area under the display features a media tray which can host a book, magazine or tablet.

Last but not least, the console’s dashboard has two built-in accessory compartments. However, there is also an accessory tray that you can connect to the console masts, under the console, to keep your water bottle, towel etc.

Assembly and Maintenance

The Sole F80 is not difficult to assemble, but this task does require two people, as the machine is heavy. The deck comes fully assembled, with the motor and lift motor in their place. Tools and owners manual are also supplied. Thus, for assembly you basically need to connect the console masts to the deck, connect the wires and finally mount the console and the tablet tray. The whole process shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes.

Just as for any treadmill, when it comes to maintenance the running surface must be kept clean, so you’ll have to vacuum it periodically, and wipe it with a clean damp cloth. It’s also recommended to lubricate the belt after every 50 hours of use. A tube of lubricant is supplied with the machine.

The Pros

  • Sturdy, heavy frame assembly;
  • Elegant design;
  • Folding deck;
  • Solid deck construction, similar to commercial treadmills;
  • Deck cushioning elements;
  • Rollers and belt designed to minimize the static effect;
  • Industrial quality, 3.5 CHP motor;
  • Offers speeds up to 12 MPH, the required speed for professional training;
  • Quiet drive;
  • Speed adjustments in 0.1 increments, offering the possibility to select the perfect pace for your inseam and workout;
  • Motorized incline, with a slope up to 15%;
  • Speed and incline adjustment keys incorporated in lateral grips;
  • Front grips with pulse sensors;
  • Telemetry enabled console, and HR chest strap transmitter included;
  • 10 workout programs, including: 1 manual, 5 preset, 2 user profiles and 2 heart rate;
  • Various amenities, including cooling fans, sound system, media tray, accessory tray;
  • Easy to assemble;
  • Little maintenance required;
  • Excellent warranty plan.

The Cons

  • No online connectivity;
  • Tablet or book may partially cover the console display, if placed in the media tray.
  • Heavy machine, difficult to move and handle when fully assembled. However, this is also a plus as it matters a lot to the treadmill’s overall firmness and stability.

Final Verdictsole f80 folding treadmill

The Sole F80 is one of the best treadmills that you can get, under the mark of $1,500. Even though this model has been around for a while, so far it benefits only from 4.5-5 star reviews from most users. It’s a heavy-duty treadmill, with a solid deck construction, similar to the commercial models. Its deck is also foldable, which makes it perfect for home use. It uses an industrial quality motor, which performs flawlessly at high speeds, even if the user is close to the maximum weight capacity.

When it comes to its fitness oriented capabilities, it’s a perfect machine for cardio training, weight loss, stamina and strength building, also offering the training setting required by long distance runners.

Last but not least, this machine offers great value for the price. It’s not the most affordable model, but its overall construction and range of features definitely stand up to the price.

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4 thoughts on “Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill”

  1. I have a f 80 with maybe 200 hours. the machine is 7 years old and the motor control board is cooked. I haven’t been able to get this repaired for what ever reason. three techs seem to run when I tell them the problem. one said the board is $700.00?? quote( they want you to buy a new one )the machine is in great shape outside of that. hate to throw stuff in the landfill. what can be done?

    1. If the control unit is broken beyond repair, and the warranty ran off, the only solution is to purchase a new control unit. Sucks that it’s expensive, I know, but there is no other way. Maybe check other sites for used treadmill parts, in hope that someone sells a used but functional F80 console for a cheaper price?

  2. With a 7 foot 1 inch drop ceiling where we want to use it will this treadmill be able to use some of the incline? Or will we need to make adjustments to the cieling?

    The tallest user will be 6 foot.

    1. The Sole F80 has a deck step-up height of 8″ (20.3 cm). The incline adds several inches of elevation; the ceiling should be at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than the height of the tallest user. So, in this case, a 7-foot ceiling may be too low.

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