| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sole TT8 Check Discounted Price | L:83" W:35" H:57" | 400 lbs | 4 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH | 10 | Residential: Motor: lifetime Frame: lifetime Deck: lifetime Electronics: 5 years Labor: 2 years Commercial: Motor: lifetime Frame: lifetime Deck: lifetime Electronics: 3 years Labor: 1 year |
The Sole TT8 treadmill has all the qualities of a light commercial treadmill. It’s actually a machine pretty similar to the Sole F85. These two have the same user weight capacity, the same motor and pretty much the same console. However, since the TT8 is labeled as a “light commercial” model, it comes with a commercial warranty along with the residential one. It also doesn’t feature a folding deck, and the rollers within the deck’s construction are slightly bigger.
Just as the Sole F85, the TT8 is a 2013 model, but so far still stands as one of the best-rated treadmills, both for home use and light commercial use.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 83L x 35W x 57H inches (210.8L x 89W x 144.7H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 22W inches (152.4L x 55.8W cm)
- Product weight: 265 lbs (120.2 kg)
- Supported weight: 400 lbs (181.4 kg)
- Motor: 4.0 CHP, DC type
- Incline: Automatic, 0%-15%
- Deck cushioning: Yes
- Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH.
- Training programs: 10
- Pulse sensors: Yes
- Amenities: Chest strap, sound system, cooling fans, tablet holder, accessory shelf
- Residential Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Deck lifetime / Electronics 5 years / Labor 2 years
- Commercial Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Deck lifetime / Electronics 3 years / Labor 1 year
Deck and tread belt
In general, a considerably heavy deck in a treadmill indicates the fact that the machine is sturdy and stable, in most cases incorporating heavy-duty components. The Sole TT8 pretty much has one of these decks, made to withstand 400 lbs (181.4 kg) of user weight with no problem. It uses 
3″ rollers, another indicator that this deck was built for commercial use, as most treadmills in this category use rollers starting at 2.75″. Rollers feature a sealed bearing design, which enables them to last much longer. And one of the best aspects regarding the rollers of this treadmill is the fact that each one of them features copper ground wiring, in order to reduce the static effect.
Just as for any high-grade treadmill, the deck of the TT8 integrates a cushioning system. It’s actually the patented Cushion Flex suspension system, which absorbs up to 40% of the shock on the leg joints when running. This results in a workout with a considerably lower impact than running on concrete, asphalt and even a running track. Along with that, this cushioning system also absorbs some of the cadence thumping sound, rendering a workout on this treadmill less noisy.
Another important component of the unit’s deck, is evidently the tread belt. The TT8 features a 4-layered, heavy-duty belt, integrating 2 rubber layers, a middle PVC layer, and a nylon backing. The PVC layer prevents the belt from stretching, the rubber layers provide its durability, while the nylon backing adds smoothness and reduces static.
The belt offers the standard surface for running, 60″L x 22″W (152.4 x 56 cm), which means it can easily accommodate runners up to 6’6″ (198 cm). Taller users should also be able to use this treadmill, but for the top speed settings, it may feel a bit short.
Last but not least, the deck of this running machine does not fold as for the similar model, Sole F85. This is actually an indicator that the
Frame
There isn’t much to be said about this treadmill’s frame. It’s simply an extremely solid frame, made from welded (not bolted) steel bars, which adds a lot of sturdiness. All metal segments are powder coated with epoxy paint, scratch and corrosion resistant. The rear of the frame features leveling feet with rubber caps. The front section rests on a pair of wheels which help with the incline, and also act as transport wheels for the assembled machine.
It has a rather large footprint, taking cca 83″L x 35″W (210.8 x 89 cm) of floor space, to which you should add at least 1′ (30.5 cm) on each side, and at least 3′ (91.5 cm) at the rear, for the proper safety of use.
One last aspect to mention here regards the accessory shelf connected to the upright tubes, pretty handy feature if you want to keep multiple accessories at hand, as you workout.
Motor and incline
The Sole TT8 treadmill is equipped with a 4 CHP, DC type, continuous duty motor. It offers speeds between 0.5 – 12 MPH, the optimal speed range that a professional runner would need. It’s actually strong enough to support a 400 lbs user for a prolonged workout at the highest speed settings, without overheating or choking. Speed can be adjusted gradually from the +/- keys, in increments of 1 MPH, or from the direct keys. If using on the the built-in workout programs, the machine will adjust speed (and incline) automatically, depending on the current segment of the selected program.
The motor features an all-steel, zinc coated flywheel, in order to minimize the vibration of the tread belt, to run cooler and with a lower amp draw. Speaking of power draw, you shouldn’t worry much about electricity bills going up. Even if you will be using this treadmill for at least one hour, for 5 days a week, it shouldn’t add more than $15-$20 to your monthly electricity cost.
The treadmill requires access to a 120-volt, 15-amp grounded, standard U.S. outlet, preferably with only the treadmill plugged into the circuit, to minimize the risk of burns, fires or electric shock. The power cable connects with the treadmill at the front, below the motor hood. It also has a power switch.
This treadmill also features a motorized incline system. Similar to the speed settings, you can adjust incline freely as you run, or, by using one of the preloaded workout programs, it will automatically adjust incline. The maximum incline level is cca 15%, in other words, about 11°. It’s not an extreme incline, but still, running at 10 MPH with the incline set at 15% will give you quite a consistent workout, for example.
Console
Although it doesn’t offer a wide array or workout programs, the console supplied with the Sole TT8 treadmill still has pretty much all the functions required by any runner. To begin with, it can track distance, time, calories, heart rate, and of course, it indicates the current speed and incline 
of the treadmill.
It has 10 preloaded workout programs, including, 1 Manual, 5 Preset, 1 Custom, 1 Fitness Test and 2 Heart Rate programs. The Manual program allows you to use the treadmill freely, adjusting incline and speed as you like during your running session. The Fitness Test program is meant to establish your current fitness level, great function to have for continuous improvement. The Custom program allows you to enter your Age, set a time goal for your workout, and customize and save a complete course via segments and columns. The Heart Rate programs focus on cardio and weight loss, helping you determine what’s the best HR interval for a given workout, in order to obtain maximum results. And finally, the 5 Preset programs include Hill, Far Burn, Interval, Strength and Cardio workouts, ready-made for you to train with.
There is also a 1/4 Mile Track function, great to have if you want to train as a professional track runner.
Along with the 9″ LCD, blue backlit display, the treadmill’s dashboard also integrates several amenities. The top part features two cooling fans, while the display is flanked by two acoustic chambered speakers. This sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets. Under each one of the speakers, there’s a small accessory compartment which you can use to keep a water bottle, your phone etc. Also, there is a tablet holder.
The console is pretty easy to use. There are keys for gradually adjusting speed and incline, in increments of 1 MPH, and 1%. However, there are also keys for direct adjustment, such as 1,3,6,9,12,14,15 for incline, and 2,3,4,5,6,9,12 for speed. Each program has its own key. Stop and Start keys are present as well, in case you need to interrupt your workout. Also, ike most treadmills this model comes with a magnetic safety key.
Last but not least, the front handlebars attached to the treadmill’s dashboard have integrated pulse sensors. However, the console is chest strap compatible, therefore you can use an HR chest strap transmitter for pulse reading, without holding the transversal handlebars.
Assembly and Maintenance
The assembly of the TT8 Sole treadmill is far from being complicated, but it might be problematic, as the whole machine is heavy. Due to this fact, it’s a good idea to assemble precisely in the place where it’s supposed to be used. Also, placing it on a mat can prevent any damage to your carpets or flooring.
Assembly shouldn’t take more than one hour, one hour and a half. It doesn’t require much. The deck is already fully assembled. All you need to do is attach the upright tubes, the accessory shelf in-between them, and then the console, connecting all the wires. A hard copy of the owner’s manual, supplied with the box, will guide you step-by-step through the assembly process. Tools are also supplied.
Maintenance requires the cleaning of the belt regularly with a damp cloth. As the treadmill uses a low-friction deck, also featuring a wax coating that should withstand up to 20,000 miles of use, it shouldn’t require lubrication. Vacuuming under the deck is also necessary as dust or pet hair accumulating underneath may block air inlets.
The Pros
- Extremely sturdy and stable treadmill;
- Professional, elegant design;
- Cushioned deck, reducing up to 40% of the impact on the joints when running. This also significantly reduces the thumping sound of the runner’s cadence;
- Industrial duty, 4 CHP motor, with an excellent peak duty and continuous duty, offering speeds up to 12 MPH, the average speed for professional marathon runners.
- Quiet motor; doesn’t interfere with your TV sound or your music;
- Automatic incline mechanism, up to 15% incline;
- Multifunctional console, with 10 built-in workout programs;
- Large, 9-inch LCD display, LED-backlit
- Transversal handlebars integrate pulse sensors;
- Lateral handlebars integrate speed and incline adjusting buttons;
- Telemetry enabled console, and included chest strap, for hands-free heart rate tracking;
- Tablet holder, double fan, sound system, accessory shelf;
- Easy assembly process, and low maintenance;
- Excellent warranty package.
The Cons
- No USB charging port;
- No online connectivity;
- Limited number of preset programs compared to other models;
- Tablet partially covers the console display when placed onto the tablet holder.
Summary
Considering its specs, quality of internal components, and construction, it’s safe to say that the Sole Fitness TT8 treadmill comes with an excellent price/quality ratio. It is indeed a light commercial treadmill, and currently, this model is available for less than $2,500 which is quite a fair price for what it can offer. Its solid deck and continuous duty, 4.0 CHP motor are parts built to last a lifetime, that’s why they also come with a lifetime warranty.
Overall, this machine is great for users of all levels, offering the optimal training setting for a superior cardio training, muscle toning, stamina building and of course, weight loss. If you don’t want to pay extra hundreds for online connectivity features, and get a treadmill that focuses on deck durability and performance, this Sole model is definitely one to put on your list.