Optimum Fitness Fitness News and equipment reviews
- Full Review of the Sole F65 Treadmill:
- Motor
- Running Deck
- Console
- Easy Fold
- Incline and Speed
- Warranty
- Alternatives to the Sole F65:
- What are other reviews saying about the Sole F65 Treadmill?
- Any negatives?
- Other Sole Treadmills
- Video
- Our verdict and Summary of the Sole F65
- Sole Fitness F65 Folding Treadmill Review Summary:
The Sole Fitness F65 Treadmill is the next step up from the popular F63 treadmill. The major difference is the upgraded motor, from 3.0 CHP to 3.25 CHP on the F65.
In common with all Sole Treadmills the belt length is a standard 20″ x 60″. The great feature of this model is that it can be easily folded for storage, making it one of our favorite compact treadmills. The Sole F65 has a reccommneded price of $1999, we have found it with a discount of 12%:
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Full Review of the Sole F65 Treadmill:
Motor
With 3.25 CHP on tap, the Sole F65 has an upgraded motor over its smaller brother the F63. With its extra bump in power the additional HP will give a smoother run, and can be used for longer each day or by heavier users. As 3.0 CHP is the minimum that we would recommend for a machine running at 12 MPH, 3.25 will give power in hand!
Running Deck
While the 20″ x 60″ running area on the F63 was great for the price point as we move up to the $1300 bracket this is becoming standard. With this size area runners of over 6′ will be able to move with ease. There is not a feeling of being forced to limit stride length.
As with the F63 the deck is supported on a series of springs, which cushion the deck as you run Sole call their technology Cushion Flex and users seem to find this comfortable and quiet to run on.
Sole have also fitted large rollers, 2.5″, to ensure that the belt is not folded to tight. Smaller rollers can put too much pressure on the belt and again reduce its lifespan.
Console
The console is huge, designed to support the weight of the side arms it is one of the largest displays I have seen. All the buttons are there, with the main controls (speed, incline, start stop) easily accessible. There are quick selection buttons for the speed and incline which I like as you don’t have to keep pressing the up/down buttons to reach your target.
A pleasing blue screen displays the main workout information including: heart rate, speed, pace, calories burned. The heart rate is monitored via grips, which are not so convenient when running, but if you have a chest strap you can link that up.
Easy Fold
The F65’s folding mechanism allows you to easily raise and lock the treadmill base and wheel the unit around. The base lets down effortlessly to about waist-height where a hydraulic mechanism kicks in to slowly and safely lower it to the ground. One user says that it feels sturdy and well-balanced when you’re wheeling it, which is important because it’s heavy.
Incline and Speed
For the adventurous the incline can go upto 15%, and the speed increases to 12MPH in 0.5 MPH increments. Coupled with the programs you can enjoy workouts such as rolling hills, gentle paths, interval training. In addition there are 2 custom programs where you can build your own plans, and 2 heart rate programs that will keep your pulse in a preset training zone.
Warranty
The warranty is middle tier for the category: lifetime on frame, motor, three years on deck and all other components and 1 year on labor .
Alternatives to the Sole F65:
| Product name | Rating | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Sole Fitness F63 Folding Treadmill | $1,399.98 | ||
 | Sole Fitness S77 Non-Folding Treadmill | $3,299.99 | ||
 | Sole Fitness F65 Folding Treadmill | $1,759.00 | ||
 | Sole Fitness F85 Folding Treadmill | $4,299.99 | ||
 | Schwinn 830 Treadmill | $1,168.57 |
What are other reviews saying about the Sole F65 Treadmill?
This is a new version of this treadmill launched for 2013, and has received a rating of 4 out of 5, so far from just one review. The older version received the same score over 20+ reviews.
“Well Made With Good Performance That’s Worth the Price”
“Excellent daily use machine!,”
The main feature that users like is the powerful motor, which is more powerful than others at the same price. They also like the large treadmill deck which gives plenty of space to run without feeling hemmed in.
Any negatives?
If you have come from the review of the F63 then you may be feeling a sense of Deja Vu! Both machines look similar. However under the surface is where the differences become apparent.
For the price this is an excellent choice, close to Commercial Gym quality, its only some of the extras like the fan and speakers are not up to much. If you are looking for a solid all round machine this is hard to beat.[/tab]
Other Sole Treadmills
Video
Our verdict and Summary of the Sole F65
If you are at all wanting to run (rather than a fast jog) then this is a great choice. We like the powerful motor and solid build quality. This is a great machine for runners of up to 325 lbs, wanting a higher sustained top speed. For me it ticks all the boxes, plus it looks great.
For a treadmill that will give years of service, and keep pushing you every workout the Sole F65 is a great choice!
Sole Fitness F65 Folding Treadmill Review Summary:
The primary difference between them is that the lower-priced ones are smaller, ranging from 290 total pounds to 165 pounds. The treadmill sports a powerful motor, with various lifetime and annual warranties from the manufacturer . Somewhat surprisingly for such a powerhouse, it is also a folding treadmill.