| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline range | Motor | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sole TT9 Check Discounted Price | L:84" W:36" H:58" | 450 lbs | -6% - 15% | 4 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH | 14 programs, Bluetooth |
The TT9 model is one of the newest treadmills released by Sole Fitness in 2019. Although it offers the same running surface and has a similar motor as the previous Sole TT8 model, it has a greater weight capacity and offers several extra features including online connectivity and compatibility with several online fitness apps. It’s definitely a heavy-duty machine built for light-commercial environments.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 84L x 36W x 58H inches (213L x 91W x 147H cm)
- Assembled weight: 397 lbs (180 kg)
- Supported weight: 450 lbs (204 kg)
- Running surface: 60L x 22W inches (152L x 56W cm)
- Deck cushioning: Cushion Flex Whisper Deck
- Motor: 4.0 CHP
- Incline range: -6% – 15%
- Speed range: 0.5-12 MPH
- Console: 14 programs, Bluetooth connectivity
- Amenities: Sound system, cooling fans, accessory trays
- Warranty:
-Residential: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Deck lifetime / Electronics 6 years / Labor 3 years
-Light Commercial: Frame lifetime / Motor 5 years / Deck 5 years / Electronics 3 years / Labor 1 year
Frame and deck
The Sole TT9 features an extremely durable construction offering a high user weight capacity. Its base frame 
and deck can support users up to 450 lbs (204 kg) which is quite impressive even for a commercial-grade machine. Needless to say, its frame is made of thick steel tubing, but also has several ABS parts which provide protection for the motor, side rails and other parts. The machine’s steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint; the color used is black, this being the only color available for the TT9 (at least for the moment).
The Sole TT9 treadmill is considerably large. With the frame fully set up, it takes approx. 84″L x 36″W (213 x 91 cm) of floor space. Plus, you should allow at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck for safe usage. This being said, the machine may not exactly be the best choice for a small room or apartment. Also, it’s important to mention that this Sole treadmill does not have a folding mechanism like the ProForm PRO 9000, for example.
The fully assembled machine is quite heavy. It weighs approx. 397 lbs (180 kg). Therefore, its transport and assembly require at least a few people. But on the other hand, all this weight plays a crucial role in its overall stability and sturdiness. You can be sure that the unit won’t rock, wobble or move even if you engage in a more demanding workout.
The unit’s front base features a set of wheels which not only play an important role in the machine’s incline, they can also serve as transport wheels. Also, the rear base has two adjustable levelers with large rubber pads which give you the possibility to perfectly level the unit on any type of floor. It is recommended, though, to place it and use it on a rubber mat as its weight may eventually take its toll on your floor.
The Sole TT9 treadmill offers a running surface of 60″L x 22″W (152 x 56 cm). This being said, it can accommodate comfortably users up to 6’5″ (196 cm), promoting a full range of motion and a healthy stride. It uses a multi-ply belt featuring two rubber layers over a middle PVC layer with a nylon backing that rolls over the deck and rollers. The rubber layers provide durability and high adherence for the runner, the PVC layer prevents the belt from stretching, while the nylon layer delivers a static-free running surface.
The rollers used in the construction of the TT9 running surface are 3″ in diameter (up from the 2.75″ of the TT8). They have a crowned design to provide a better grip and a prolonged lifespan for the belt. They integrate sealed ball bearings to provide a smooth motion and are equipped with copper ground wires to reduce static.
Last but not least, the deck integrates the Cushion Flex Whisper shock absorption technology. It integrates multiple concealed cushion elements which reduce the impact on your joints by up to 40%. Thus, a run on this treadmill is considerably more forgiving on your joints and back than a run on asphalt or concrete.
Incline, decline, and step-up height
The Sole TT9 is equipped with an incline system and a decline system, each one having its own motor. Evidently, since they are motorized, adjustments can only be made from the console.
The incline system enables the front metallic base of the machine to lift the front part of the deck. It offers an incline range between 0% and 15%. The decline system features a similar lift but placed at the rear of the deck. When in use, it can lift the back part of the deck by up to 6%. Therefore, by alternating incline and decline workouts, you can put a lot of diversity into your workouts.
The front control pad is equipped with gradual incline and decline keys. The console, however, does not have keys for quick incline adjustment. But on the other hand, some of the onboard programs do use incline and decline, so they will automatically adjust the ramp of the deck.
When the unit’s deck is completely horizontal, it stands at approx. 10.5″ (27 cm) above floor level. With the incline set at maximum, the front of the deck rises by approx. 6 extra inches (15 cm). Therefore, in order to avoid any ceiling issues, it’s recommended to use the treadmill in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″-22″ (51-56 cm) higher than your own height.
Motor
The Sole TT9 treadmill integrates a commercial-grade 4 CHP motor. It’s definitely a motor that can provide high-performance during the longest running sessions. Also, even if you are close to the 450 lbs (204 kg) maximum weight capacity, and even if you use the highest speed settings, the motor shouldn’t overheat or lose performance. It is also equipped with a 10 lbs (4.5 kg) flywheel which perfectly stabilizes the rotation and motion of the belt.
The unit’s motor provides a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. Evidently, speed can only be adjusted from the machine’s console. Just as for the incline, the console keypad only offers buttons for gradual speed adjustment. Other adjustments can be made from the console’s touchscreen.
The arrow keys for the gradual speed adjustment are bi-functional. If pressed once, they will adjust speed by 0.1 MPH; if you press and hold a key down, the tread belt’s speed will adjust in increments of 0.5 MPH. The fact that you can adjust speed in increments of 0.1 is quite a plus, as you can easily find the most comfortable pace for your workout.
The machine’s motor is fairly quiet. But just as for any other treadmill, your running cadence will generate some noise. Differently put, in an apartment building, your neighbors will definitely hear you running.
Console
This Sole treadmill is equipped with a multi-function console. To begin with, it has a 10″ diagonal LCD display
with LED backlight. It has a touchscreen interface and responds to the same commands as a tablet or smartphone. Its interface is highly intuitive and very easy to use. Each application and program can easily be accessed directly on the screen. Therefore, the console of the machine has very few other buttons, these being only the ones for speed and incline gradual adjustment, and for the Start/Stop functions.
The console display indicates the most important workout metrics, including time, distance, calories burned, heart rate, pace, and more. It also has an integrated message board which provides tips and guidance through the details of any workout. This makes the usage of the machine very easy and helps you use it at its full potential.
The speed and distance values can be displayed in both metric and imperial units. Also, for heart rate, you can either use the sensors integrated into the front grips of the machine or use a wireless HR chest strap (this accessory is not included, though).
The console has 10 preset programs built-in its memory. These cover standard workouts which meet the most common training needs of any athlete. The next 2 programs are custom. They give you the possibility to create and customize your own workout with your own desired incline, decline, speed, and duration settings. The console also makes available 2 heart rate programs which adjust the speed of the belt depending on the setup HR interval and your own heart rate. Of course, there’s also the Manual mode which gives you the possibility to run by adjusting the incline, decline, and speed as you like throughout your workout session.
The Sole TT9 also has Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to sync the machine’s console with your smartphone or tablet in order to track your workout data on the Sole app for free. It can also communicate with various other apps such as Fitbit, Record, Apple Health or Mapmyrun.
In terms of amenities, we can mention the sound system, the cooling fan, and the multiple accessory trays. The sound system consists of two speakers, one on each side of the console. It is compatible with most smartphones, tablets, or MP3 players. The audio jack is on the front keypad on the right.
The cooling fans are two in number. They’re placed above the console display. They’re large enough to produce enough air current to keep you cool during the most intense workouts. And finally, the ABS dashboard of the console features multiple compartments where you can store your hydration bottle, TV remote control, smartphone, or other accessories.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s deck with all its motors and other parts comes already assembled. All you need to do is attach the two side upright bars, the console and connect the wires. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The manual provides very clear instructions for the task, and all the tools are included. But it is important to mention that this may require at least two people because most of the parts (especially the deck) are quite heavy.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the running belt clean and periodically vacuum under the deck to prevent accumulation of dust. Just as most other Sole treadmills, the TT9 has a low-friction deck which is pre-waxed, so it shouldn’t need any lubrication for a long time. But nonetheless, if lubrication may be required, the manual provides all the instructions for it. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically check the machine for any loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Extremely sturdy, light-commercial construction;
- Superior weight capacity – can support users up to 450 lbs;
- Cushion Flex shock absorption system which reduces up to 40% of the running impact on your joints and back;
- Large running surface – 60″ x 22″ for a wide range of users;
- Multi-ply belt for high-adherence and a static-free running experience;
- 3″ crowned rollers with sealed ball bearings for high traction, smooth belt movements, and a prolonged belt lifespan;
- Industrial grade 4.0 CHP motor;
- 10 lbs flywheel on the motor for superior motion stability;
- Speed range up to 12 MPH;
- Speed adjustment increments of 0.1 MPH for a smooth transition between levels;
- Automatic incline system with a range between 0% and 15%;
- Automatic decline system with a range between -6% and 0%;
- 10″ LCD console with a touchscreen interface;
- 10 preset workout programs;
- 2 custom workout programs;
- 2 HR workout programs;
- Bluetooth connectivity;
- Compatible with the Sole Fitness app or other apps such as Fitbit, Record, Apple Health or Mapmyrun;
- Telemetric console – can read your pulse through an HR chest strap;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the front grips;
- Sound system included;
- Workout fans included;
- Multiple accessory trays;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- An HR chest strap is not included;
- No USB port.
Summary
The Sole TT9 is a light-commercial treadmill equipped with a 4.0 CHP motor, a motorized incline/decline system, a large LCD touchscreen console with 14 workout programs and Bluetooth connectivity. Its deck has integrated Cushion Flex shock absorption and can support users up to 450 lbs. It’s an excellent running machine for users of all levels, for light to intense cardio workouts, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s not one of the most affordable treadmills but definitely offers great value for the price.