| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sole F85 Check Discounted Price | L:83" W:37" H:58" | 400 lbs | 4 CHP, 0-12 MPH | 10 | Motor: lifetime Frame: lifetime Deck: lifetime Electronics: 5 years Labor: 2 years |
If you’re on the lookout for a heavy-duty, gym-quality treadmill, one of the models that should be on your list is the SOLE Fitness F85. This particular model is one of the sturdiest running machines that you can find at the moment, combining a wide array of fitness and comfort oriented features, in order to provide the perfect running setting.
It’s a treadmill that covers the whole spectrum of workouts, from slow walking and up to high running speeds. It’s definitely a treadmill designed for weight loss, superior cardio exercising and professional training. It’s far from being a flimsy machine, supporting even the heaviest users.
There’s a lot to be said about this treadmill model. But before getting into detail, it’s important to know that there are actually two F85 models, one from 2011, with a less advanced console, and an improved model from 2013, with several extra features. The model reviewed here is the the 2013 one, which is the most advanced.
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: 400 lbs (181.5 kg)
- Motor: 4 HP, DC type
- Incline: Automatic, 0%-15%
- Deck cushioning: Yes
- Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH.
- Training programs: 10
- Pulse sensors: Yes
- Multifunctional console: Yes
- Amenities: Chest strap, sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle/accessory holders
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Deck lifetime / Electronics 5 years / Labor 2 years
Frame
First of all, the SOLE F85 features a very solid frame, with accurately welded joints (not bolted) for maximum durability. The paint of the frame consists of several layers of epoxy powder coating, which renders it highly resistant to corrosion. It’s an all-steel frame, really heavy, aspect that comes to enhance its overall stability. On top of that, all bases of the frame are equipped with levelers, to ensure a perfectly stable running setting.
The front base is also equipped with transport wheels, to facilitate the machine’s relocation.
Deck and running surface
As opposed to the Sole TT8, this SOLE treadmill model is designed for home use, since it features a foldable deck. The deck is foldable in upright position, via a locking telescopic tube mounted underneath, which secures it in place when folded. This treadmill actually offers one of the best folding mechanisms on the market. Although the folding is done manually, by lifting and securing the deck in place, the unfolding is automatic. This system is actually very handy since the deck of the machine is rather heavy, as it prevents being dropped when unfolding.
The deck of the machine features superior suspension and cushioning system, designed to absorb an amount of impact up to 40%. This renders your runs much easier on the joints, and reduces the cadence thumping sound considerably. It’s equipped with top quality 2.75″ rollers, with sealed bearing design, and copper ground wiring, for minimizing any static effects. The type of rollers are actually pretty large, providing a better contact with the belt, and increasing the smoothness of your runs.
The SOLE F85 treadmill is equipped with a 4-layered belt, featuring two rubber layers, a PVC layer in between them, and a nylon backing that rolls on the deck and rollers. The PVC prevents the belt from stretching, the rubber layers add its overall durability, and the nylon facilitated the static-free, smoothly-gliding surface. The belt offers a 22″ x 60″ (56 x 152 cm) running surface, which makes this treadmill adequate for users of all sizes. Even if you’re 6’6″ (198 cm) tall, or even taller, you can be sure that this particular running machine will provide enough running surface for you.
Like most advanced treadmills, this models does offer an automatic incline mechanism. There are 15 levels of incline, from 0% to 15%, adjustments evidently being made in increments of 1%. The total 15% incline, gives the deck a slope of cca 11°. At 0° incline, the deck has an elevation of 8″ (20 cm) from the ground. The incline adds a couple more inches to the overall user height. In other words, the ceiling height of the room where you will be working out on this machine should be about 20″ (51 cm) higher than you.
Motor
This SOLE treadmill is equipped with an industrial quality motor, with large steel, zinc coated flywheels, for minimal vibration, power draw and motor extended life. This is one of the main reasons Sole offers lifetime warranty for the motor, as it’s a heavy-duty, super-quality motor. It’s a 4 HP motor, quite a peak duty for a treadmill motor. But the peak duty isn’t the only impressive aspect regarding this motor. It also offers continuous duty power, and can steadily operate without overheating for a long period of time. In other words, if you’re training for marathon, you can be sure you won’t encounter and issues with the motor if running at high speeds for several hours. The motor also features excellent responsiveness to the console commands, promptly accepting any command from the console. The passing from a speed level to another is made gradually, to allow you to accommodate and avoid accidents.
Since it’s a 4 HP motor, it offers quite some traction power, supporting users up to 400 lbs (181.5 kg), without slowing down. The deck of the machine is also designed to support users of this caliber. This being said, it’s pretty obvious that one of the aims of this machine is to help you lose weight.
The treadmill requires access to a 110-volt, 15-amp grounded, standard U.S. outlet, with only the treadmill plugged into the circuit, to minimize the risk of burns, fires or electric shock.
Even though this is a heavy-duty running machine, featuring an industrial level motor, you shouldn’t be worried about its power consumption much, and evidently the addition to the electricity bill. Used a full power for a whole hour, it’s consumption should be somewhere around 3 KW. If you will be using it 5 days a week, at full power, there should be a maximum of $20 – $25, depending on your area, and provider.
Console and accessories
The SOLE F85 features quite a multifunctional console. Apart from the fitness oriented functions, it offers quite a selection of amenities. For starters, the upper part of the console is endowed with two cooling fans, great to have during long runs. It features a tablet tray, so you can attach your tablet to the console and watch your favorite streams or browse the web when running. It includes a sound system featuring two speakers and an MP3 player input, so you can eliminate the inconvenience of using earplugs or headphones during your runs, if you want to listen to your music. There’s also a headphones input.
Like most treadmills, the console includes a quick-stop key, meant to be tied to your clothing, to stop the machine immediately in case you fall. Accidents of this sort can happen even to pro runners.
The console features a 9″ LCD display, blue backlit to offer an optimal reading even if you exercise in a darker room. It displays, distance traveled, speed, pace, calories burned, heart rate, selected program, and incline level. There is also a 1/4 mile track function that indicates how many laps you have completed, great for professional runners. Needless to say, the treadmill’s computer offers programmable goal functions, for different selected workouts. For example, you can select the speed, time and calorie goals for your workout. It’s also smart, as if you modify the speed during your selected workout for example, it will adjust the other values to adapt to the new speed. The speed can go from 0.5 MPH, up to 12 MPH.
There are 10 preloaded workout programs, including 6 standard (cardio, interval, fatburn, hill, strength, manual), 2 heart rate and 2 custom. Programs will automatically adjust the incline and speed, depending on the routine selected. Each program has its direct key on the dashboard. There are also keys for gradual or quick speed and incline adjustment.
The console is finished with two small handlebars equipped with pulse sensors, feature great to have if you want to undergo focused cardio training, or simply must keep within a specific heart rate interval during workouts.
The F85 treadmill from Sole Fitness includes several other amenities. The heart rate chest strap is one of them. This strap works directly and wirelessly with the console, monitoring your heart activity so you don’t have to hold the handlebar sensors all the time. The lateral handlebars of the machine are also equipped with speed and incline buttons, for an easier and more comfortable adjustment. And finally, there’s an ample beverage and accessory holder, with several compartments for your phone, watch, water bottle or other stuff you may need to keep at hand during workout.
Assembly and Maintenance
The assembly of this treadmill is far from being a complicated process. However, some of the parts are rather heavy, therefore you might one another person to help you. Especially if you want this machine in a room upstairs, it’s a good idea to carry it there piece by piece, or at least while it’s still in its box.
The deck and motor come already assembled and connected together, so basically all you have to do is add the lateral posts, the console, connect the sensors and control cables, and finally attach the beverage holder. The box includes a detailed and comprehensive user’s manual which will guide you step by step through the process. The tools for the assembly are also included.
When it comes to maintenance, there are several aspects to take care of. First of all, keep the belt and deck clean, and vacuum the dust that might accumulate under the treadmill, especially under its motor. The belt and deck also require periodical lubrication. The box includes a Sole Fitness tube of lubricant, and it’s specified that only Sole approved lubricants should be used for this machine.
After workouts, always wipe any water or sweat droplets from the motor’s case, and from the console, or the controls.
Since periodic lubrication is required, and due to the fact that the machine is heavy, it’s best to place it on a mat. This will prevent any lubricant to reach your carpet or flooring, and the mat will also prevent any damage to your flooring or carpet.
Pluses
- Extremely sturdy and stable machine. With proper care, it can last a lifetime.
- Lifetime warranty for motor, and frame, and extensive warranty for parts and labor.
- It’s foldable, designed to adjust better to your home space when not in use. Also, it features an automatic unfolding mechanism.
- Easy assembly process, and low maintenance.
- Cushioned deck, for reduced impact on the joints when running.
- Industrial duty, 4 HP motor, with an excellent peak duty and continuous duty, offering speeds up to 12 MPH, the average speed for professional marathon runners.
- Motor is quiet, doesn’t interfere with your TV sound or your music. Also, since its deck is cushioned, it also alleviates the thumping sound during runs.
- Automatic incline mechanism, which many other treadmills don’t have, providing a gradual incline up to 15%.
- Highly advanced console, with gradual and quick speed and incline adjusting keys, 10
program direct keys. - Backlit LCD display, 9″ diagonal, which basically indicates just about everything an exercising machine’s progress tracking computer should indicate.
- Handlebars with heart rate sensors, and lateral handlebars with speed and incline adjusting buttons.
- Telemetry enabled console, and included chest strap, for hands-free heart rate tracking.
- Tablet holder, double fan, sound system.
Drawbacks
- The machine is quite heavy. Therefore, moving it especially after assembly, may require two people. On the other hand, its weight adds a lot to its overall stability.
- Bulkiness. This treadmill isn’t exactly low profile, and requires quite a bit of space to store and use. So, before purchasing this machine, you may want to check and double-check if you have the space for it.
Final Conclusion
The SOLE F85 is a high-quality treadmill, offering the perfect home workout setting for weight loss, cardio, full-body, and even long-run, professional training. It’s a heavy-duty treadmill which also supports heavy users, aspect that many other running machines cannot cover. It has a sleek, professional design, with all the amenities you need for a comfortable workout, which can also serve as a powerful motivation factor. It’s not exactly the most affordable treadmill. But with proper care and use, it will become a lifetime investment into your health.