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Reebok T3.2 Performance Treadmill Review

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Reebok T3.2 Performance TreadmillPrice: £649
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall Rating: 3
Build Quality: 2.5
Ease of use: 4
Console Features: 3
Comfort: 3
Value for Money:2.5

 

 

Reebok’s T3.2 folding treadmill is the entry level model in their performance series range.  As a well known global brand, Reebok have been producing fitness equipment for the home market for many years.

One of the key selling features for this particular model is the ease with which it is assembled.  It arrives in the box over 90% pre assembled with just a few basic bolts required to put the upright columns on and attach the console means you could be up and quite literally running within 20 minutes.

A 2.0 horse power motor (HP) provides enough grunt to take 130kg (20 stone) users to 10mph and there is a maximum motorised incline level of 12% to really push user’s fitness levels.

The treadmill is fairly compact at 169cm long by 86cm wide although this is in part down to the slightly small running belt which comes in at 45cm wide by 130cm long.  This does restrict functionality however as running on a treadmill at reasonable speeds really requires a belt size of 50cm wide by 140cm long due to most people’s tendency to drift slightly and extend their stride, the faster they go.

Essentially, if you are under 6ft tall and plan to spend your time mainly walking or light jogging then this treadmill will be fine. Serious runners may want to consider alternative machines.  The cushioning system is quite unique as Reebok have incorporated swing arm suspension technology in addition to the standard elastomer cushioning found on most treadmills.  This results in the entire deck moving to absorb impact, with the maximum levels of cushioning occurring at the front of the deck where the heel strikes and a minimum amount at the rear providing a solid base to push off from.

This system does provide a comfortable surface but I did find it to be a bit noisy.  The console has a blue backlit LCD screen which displays program profiles and workout feedback and there are 8 preset programmes for variety.  These revolve around target based activities using speed, time, distance and calories to provide goals with various levels of intensity available within the speed and weight loss programmes.

They have included a basic heart rate control option although the required Polar compatible chest strap is not included as standard.  Folding is straightforward and a pop up trolley wheel means that moving this treadmill around is a lot easier to do than other models.  The build quality seemed ok although some of the extensive plastic trim did have a tendency to creak when jogging.  The warranty covers parts and labour for 2 years and the motor for 10 years.

PROS

  • Easy to assemble and transport
  • Effective impact reduction system
  • Compact

CONS

  • Build quality has a slightly cheap feel to it
  • A small running belt limits functionality

In summary then, the T3.2 has some good points, it’s compact, easy to build and has a good cushioning system.  There are however, better spec treadmills available at this price with larger decks and you do feel that you may be paying a little over the odds because of the Reebok brand.

Price: £649
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Tunturi T40 Treadmill Review

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Tunturi-T40-TreadmillPrice: £1,299
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall Rating: 4
Build Quality: 4
Ease of use: 3
Console Features: 5
Comfort: 4
Value for Money: 4

Tunturi Fitness are well known in the industry for producing quality, high performance fitness equipment and the T40 is no exception. Certainly, they are priced towards the upper end of the market however the price would seem to match the features that this treadmill has to offer.  A speed range of 0.8km/h to 20km/h will definitely cater for all levels fitness as will the 12% incline on offer.

The 3.0hp continuous duty motor ensures that runs are smooth regardless of the speed the treadmill is running and the power of a Tunturi motor ensures that the treadmill never feels as if it is straining and it also reduces the level of noise quite considerably.

The running deck is quite large, in fact it is oversized in length at 150cm long by 51cm wide so there are no problems for even the tallest and most awkward runners.  Despite the extra length in the deck, the T40 folds upright easily and the set of 4 transportation wheels makes manoeuvring the treadmill incredibly easy for anyone to do.

The T-Flex cushioning system also features an orthopedic belt which ensures that impact levels are kept to a minimum.  As a Scandanavian company, Tunturi have always made the aesthetic design of their product ranges an important feature resulting in an uncomplicated, but stylish look. Previous models were criticised on occasion for outdated console displays but the T40 certainly doesn’t suffer in that department.

Tunturi-T40-Treadmill-ConsoleA large straight forward LED display clearly shows you a profile of the program whilst the window displays surrounding offer up the basic feedback information covering time, speed, distance, calories and heart rate.  It is here that the sophistication of the console really starts to shine through.

The T40 contains the patented proactive program PSC (Positional Speed Control).  This intelligent program controls the speed and adjusts the pace when necessary.  Walking faster automatically means a higher speed and vice versa.

Proactive, hands free, very comfortable and safe, PSC offers 100% effective training because it reacts proactively to the user.  It does this via the supplied wireless heart rate strap. The T-Pulse heart rate control programs are able to adjust both speed and incline to vary the intensity of the workouts which is in itself unusual and not something found on the majority of treadmills. T-Scale enables users to choose and adjust the level of intensity during a program without interruption at the touch of a button resulting in infinite profile variations.

There are no compromises with the all round build quality of the T40 either, with a 15 year frame and motor warranty and 3 years parts and labour also provided as standard.  Tunturi also include a delivery and installation service with all their machines using their own teams of qualified technicians.

PROS

  • Really well made with a great warranty.
  • Innovative proactive user programs.
  • Comfortable, cushioned running deck.

CONS

  • Maximum user weight is only 21 stone which is a little light for a machine in the price point compared to alternative products and there are no entertainment features.

Summary

In summary then, the T40 may lack some of the bells and whistles of other treadmills in its class but it certainly delivers on build quality and intelligent, interactive features.

Best Price: £1,299
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Life Fitness T5-5 Treadmill Review

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Life-Fitness-T5-5-TreadmillPrice: £2,795
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall Rating: 4
Build Quality: 5
Ease of use: 5
Console Features: 3
Comfort: 5
Value for Money: 4

 

Ok, so in the UK most people will need a folding treadmill due to space restrictions. Manufacturers recognise this and subsequently there are many more folding machines available than there are non folding. In fact it is really only the prestige brands that cater for this smaller niche market which means consequently you are unlikely to find a non folding treadmill unless you have a pretty substantial budget.

The T5-5 treadmill then, is a pretty serious piece of fitness equipment, packed full of the specification and features you would expect to find on a model costing over £3,000. With an oversized running belt (56cm x 152cm) you can run in complete comfort via the flex deck cushioning system no matter how tall you are.

It has a maximum user weight capacity of 180kg which tells you that this is an incredibly stable machine. The 3.0HP Magna drive motor will propel users to 20kph and a 15% motorised incline gives you the same level of options available on many full blown commercial treadmills.

The display has an extremely easy to use navigation system where the keys are touch sensitive and back lit.  The individual information windows present all the feedback detail in a coherent very user friendly manner.

Life-Fitness-T5-5-Treadmill-ConsoleThere are 15 pre programmed workouts including classic, daily and sports training with 4 user profiles to store personal fitness data and to preset your workouts specifically to your own profile. For those technically minded you can even custom design your own programmes.

Heart rate control programmes using the trade marked Heart Sync (the most accurate heart rate monitoring system on the market) are also available complete with the included wireless chest strap as standard.

Life Fitness also provide all their products with a 3 year onsite, parts and labour warranty so you can feel confident in the level of build quality.

PROS

  • Oversized large running deck
  • Very solid, stable machine
  • Complete running surface, workouts are smooth, impact free and effective
  • Masses of variable programming options for all fitness levels.

CONS

  • This treadmill is a very large heavy product and therefore difficult to move around. You really need a purpose built room to accommodate it.
  • No folding capability.
  • No entertainment features.

In summary then, the T5-5 is an expensive treadmill but it really delivers on all fronts and if you have the money this is definitely the treadmill to go for.  The lack of entertainment features like an ipod dock may put some off but frankly this performs so well as a treadmill I don’t think it is an issue. Whatever your fitness level, there aren’t many better machines out there.

Best Price: £2,795
Buy From: Fitness Superstore