Optimum Fitness Fitness News and equipment reviews
In the battle for the mid priced Treadmill there are no more fierce competitors than Lifespan and Sole.
We have reviewed both machines in full, with the Sole F63 Review here and the Lifespan TR1200i Review Here.
Sole F63 Description:
The Sole F63 Treadmill is Soles most popular treadmill, Sole produce some high end machines, and all of them are capable of being used as a competitive running machine. The F63 is the entry level model, yet packs all the power and features you need.
Lifespan TR1200 Description
The Lifespan TR1200i is the entry level running machine from Lifespan, offering a full speed running machine that is designed to appeal to a wide range of users. Foldable for easy storage, and packed with features its a strong contender in the sub $1000 treadmill market. At the moment the Lifespan TR1200 treadmill is available with % off:
Comparison of the Sole F63 and the Lifespan TR1200i
Who is the Fastest?
Lifespan bring to the table their Folding Treadmill TR1200i model. This is equipped with a 2.5 CHP motor, capable of a top speed of 12mph. Sole on the other hand have a slightly more powerful machine at 3.0 CHP, with a top speed of 12mph.
For pure speed then the winner goes to the Sole F63.
Best Hill Climber
Its not all about speed, adding a climb to the run can massively increase the workout intensity. It also makes the treadmill more like real life. Not all runs are flat, and adding a little hill will help strengthen more muscles.
This turns out to be a dead heat, both machines offer a 15% incline, and both offer powered incline.
Workout Programs
If you are in this for the long game, then you will want a good range of workout programs. These will keep you motivated and your running on track. Most treadmill offer a range of programs such has hill climbs, fitness tests, or sprints. By changing these regularly then you will train different aspects of your running.
The Lifespan packs 17 programs here, 50% more than the Sole F63 with just 10.
Build Quality
No issues from either products, the Sole and Lifespan are dead level here. However there is a style difference, the Lifespan looks more subtle and discreet (if a 5′ long treadmill can be discrete)!
Its worth taking a look at the warranty though, as this gives a good idea of how long the manufacturer expects the machines to last. And actually once again there is nothing in it. Both Companies have the same record:
- Frame and motor: Lifetime
- Deck and Other Components: Three years
- Labor: One year
Overall from the number of issues posted online we would have to say that the Lifespan in the more reliable machine. Sole seem to have a few more issues.
Customer Service
Personally I have not had issues with either company, however from reading the experience of others then we can say that there is definitely a winner in this category.
The LifeSpan customer service seems to be slightly better than Sole. For example the delivery service for both Sole and LifeSpan are to the door. However the LifeSpan delivery team have often been willing, for a small tip, to help carry the machine to a room of your choice… even upstairs!
When things go wrong LifeSpan seem quicker to resolve issues, where as Sole seem to almost disappear when things go wrong. You phone Sole with the problem, they send out the part, and you fit it yourself.
This said, problems are rare for both brands. From the 000’s of treadmills sold, there are very few complaints!
Our Pick of Alternative $1000 treadmills:
| Product name | Rating | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill | $999.00 | ||
 | Nautilus T616 Treadmill | $999.00 | ||
 | NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill | $1,099.00 | ||
 | ProForm Power 995i Treadmill | $899.99 | ||
 | SOLE F63 Treadmill | $999.99 |
Full Table of Features
[table id=28 /]How to Choose between the two machines
As with all these things it depends what you are looking for, in terms of quality there is little to choose between them.
In this comparison there are no winners, or losers. Both are excellent machines. For us the choice comes down to style. The Sole F63 looks more futuristic, with a large grand console and easy to use controls.
Sole Fitness F63 Folding Treadmill Review Summary:
For weight loss the Sole F83 is hard to beat. At a price of around $1000 it is more expensive than our best all round treadmill however it can accommodate runners up to 375lbs while the TR1200 maxes out at 300lbs.
The Sole F83 is a high quality folding treadmill Its not uncommon to find Sole equipment in gyms, and you can feel the quality of this product in its fit and finish. The buttons feel good, and the run is well cushioned and comfortable. For less than $1000 this machine is a true winner.
The Lifespan contrasts this with a very slick look, and slightly less in your face layout. It has the advantage of a few more programmes, but in reality how many of these will you actually use.
LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill Review Summary:
Which ever model you pick you will have a great machine giving years of great workouts.
