Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Motor	Workouts	Warranty
Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Check Discounted Price	L:65" W:29" H:54"	250 lbs	2.5 CHP, 0.1-10 MPH	6	Motor: 90 days Parts: 90 days Labor: 90 days

Even though the Weslo R 5.2 treadmill has been around for a while, to this day, this particular fitness machine still is one of the highest rated that you can find. That’s because it’s a well-constructed machine, that comes for an affordable price. It’s not a treadmill with all the belts and whistles, but it does offer a pretty solid running surface, enough speed levels to supply a decent workout, and several workout programs to keep you motivated.

The Weslo Cadence R 5.2 treadmill is quite similar to the G 5.9 model, the only major difference between the two models is the motor. The R 5.2 features a more powerful motor than the 5.9.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 65L x 29W x 54H inches (165L x 73.6W x 137H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 50L x 16W inches (127L x 40.6W cm)
• Product weight: 120 lbs (54.4 kg)
• Max. supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
• Motor: 2.5 CHP Impulse Max Motor
• Incline: Manual, 2 levels, 0%, 10%
• Deck cushioning: Yes
• Speed levels: 10 (1-10 MPH).
• Console: 6 workouts, heart rate sensor
• Warranty: Motor, Parts and Labor 90 days

Deck and frame

One of the most important elements in the construction of a treadmill is the tread belt. And when it comes to the Weslo R 5.2, this particular model offers a rather small belt for running. In fact, since the belt of this machine is only 50″L x 16″W (127 x 40.6 cm), this is actually an indicator that it’s a machine for walking or jogging. Nonetheless, the deck is solid enough to support running, and the motor supplies the speed for it, but on a rather small surface such as this, users over 6’1″ – 6’2″ (185 – 188 cm) may feel a bit crammed when running. But for walking or light jogging, the belt should supply enough surface for users of all heights.

The deck itself is durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg). The side rails of the machine are made of durable plastic material, also tested for much higher weight capacity than this. It uses crowned, high-precision rollers with industrial grade ball bearings, rollers that supply an excellent grip to the belt. The deck incorporates a comfort cell cushioning, absorbing some of the impact of your cadence when you walk or jog. This actually makes a workout on this treadmill up to 20% softer for your joints than a walk or jog on concrete or asphalt.

The machine’s frame is made of steel, all steel parts being coated with corrosion resistant paint. Evidently, since the tread belt isn’t extremely wide, the assembled treadmill also has a rather small footprint, in comparison to other models, such as the Sole F80 or the ProForm 2000. It’s 65″ (165 cm) long, and 29″ (73.6 cm) wide. Also, in case you’re wondering, the distance between the grips of the machine is approx. 27″ (68.5 cm), offering enough arm movement space, while the distance between the running belt and the grips is 35″ (89 cm).

The front base of the frame rests on two rubberized feet, for a good grip onto the floor. The rear of the deck rests on two folding feet. The rear ends of the front, metallic base feature caster wheels, to facilitate the transportation of the assembled machine.

The Weslo Cadence R 5.2 features a folding design. The deck folds up, and locks onto the upright masts of the machine. When folded, the footprint of the machine is reduced to 24″L x 29″W (61 x 73.6 cm), while its height reaches approx. 59″ (150 cm). However, since the deck doesn’t fold in complete vertical position, with its overhang the overall folded length of the machine, is approx. 34″ (86.3 cm).

Incline

The Weslo Cadence R 5.2 treadmill features a simple, manual incline system. The incline is given by the folding feet at the rear of the deck. By folding the deck’s rear feet, the deck will rest on the floor, providing a ramp of approx. 10%. So, basically the machine features only two manual incline settings, of 0% and 10%. Of course, the treadmills incline system cannot be compared with the motorized ramp of the more expensive models such as the ProForm Boston Marathon 4.0. However, keep in mind that running at 7-8 MPH, with 10% incline offers quite a challenge, especially if you don’t have a superior level of fitness.

Another aspect that we have to mention here is the machine’s step-up height. The running surface stands at about 7″ (18 cm) above floor level. Therefore, to make sure the room where it will be placed for use has the right ceiling height for you, add at least 8-9″ (20-23 cm) to your own height.

Motor

As we’ve mentioned above, this Weslo model features a slightly more powerful motor than the Weslo Cadence G 5.9 treadmill. It’s equipped with a 2.5 CHP Impulse Max Motor, which provides speeds up to 10 MPH. The speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1, which gives you the possibility to select the exact pace that fits most comfortable to you, for a given workout.

The motor is powerful enough to keep the belt in motion without any problem, and without overheating or choking, even if the user is close to the maximum weight limit of 250 lbs (113.3 kg). It’s not a whisper-quiet motor, however the motor noise along with the user’s cadence noise are quite negligible.

Needless to say, since it’s a motorized treadmill, it requires to be connected to a nominal 120-volt power circuit. It comes with a standard 3-prong plug (not with an adapter), and approx. 76″ (193 cm) of cable. There is also a power switch on the motor case (above the front base), near the connection point of the cable to the machine.

Although it’s not required, it’s recommended that the treadmill is plugged into a surge suppressor and not directly into an electrical outlet, to eliminate any damage that a potential surge may cause to the internal components of the machine.

Last but not least, in case you’re wondering, this treadmill won’t add a lot to your electricity bill. A few dollars plus per month, tops.

Console

The console unit supplied with the treadmill focuses on offering the strictly necessary fitness functions. To begin with, its display indicates speed, time (in MPH), distance (in Miles), calories burned and pulse. There is also a “track” function, which represents distance in laps of 1/4 miles (400 m). Pulse is read via the heart shaped sensor on the console. In order to read your pulse, you simply keep your thumb onto the sensor. The grips of the machine do not have pulse sensors, and the console cannot read your heart rate via a chest strap transmitter.

The console of the Weslo R 5.2 also offers 6 preset workouts, 3 for weight loss and 3 for intensity training. By using one of the preset programs, the machine will adjust speed automatically, as you run.

As we’ve mentioned above, speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1, via the – / + keys on the console. However, there also are keys for quick speed adjustments from 1 to 10 MPH. Each category of programs has its own key. There are also Start and Pause buttons on the dashboard.

Of course, just as almost any other treadmill, this model has the magnetic safety key, which automatically stops the treadmill when removed.

Finally, the sides of the dashboard incorporate two bottle holders, while the area above the LCD display features a “lip” which can serve as a book or magazine holder.

Assembly and Maintenance

Assembly shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes, and it’s a pretty straightforward task. The deck, running belt, and motor come already assembled and connected to the front part of the frame. Assembly basically requires you to turn the deck on the side in order to fix the console masts, then add the handrails and finally the console, connecting the wires. Two hex keys are included with the package, but you’ll also need a Phillips screwdriver and a pair of needlenose pliers. Owner’s manual is also included.

The internal parts of the machine do not require any maintenance. However, depending on how often and how long you use it, the belt may require lubrication. A lubricant sample is included. Also, maintenance requires to clean the belt periodically, and keep it free from dirt, sand, pebbles, fibers or any other objects that may be caught underneath.

The Pros

• Sturdy construction for an entry level treadmill, it can actually support running;
• Small footprint for a treadmill;
• Folding deck;
• Two levels of incline, which diversify the workout possibilities;
• Cushioned deck;
• 2.5 CHP motor, offering speeds up to 10 MPH;
• Speed increments of 0.1 MPH, giving you the possibility to find the perfect pace for your workout;
• Smooth and quiet operation;
• 6 preset workouts;
• Pulse sensor;
• Accessory / bottle holders;
• Easy to put together;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• Limited running surface, not exactly a machine for runners over 6’1″ – 6’2″;
• Keeping one finger on the console sensor for pulse reading may feel awkward for some users;
• Not a very consistent warranty plan, but there’s the option of purchasing an extra warranty.

Final Verdict

The Weslo Cadence R 5.2 treadmill is an excellent machine for cardio, interval and weight loss training. It’s not a treadmill for professional, long distance running, but has a pretty sturdy construction and a decent motor. Thus, you can still run for 7-8 miles per day on it with no problem. It offers a basic set of features and training programs, but on the other hand it costs less than $400. It’s actually a machine with a great price / quality ratio, and even if it has been around for a while, this Weslo treadmill model still benefits from a 4.5-5 star ratings on most websites.