Optimum Fitness Fitness News and equipment reviews
Click here to see the latest price >>>
At the top of the home treadmill range from Sole sits the S77 Treadmill. At this price we are looking for a machine to have it all. Great looks, and a comfortable run and feel as good as a gym machine.
This model has been upgraded recently, and is now one of the finest machines on the market. Packing a 4.0CHP motor, a 22″ x 60″ running surface and huge warranty means it has features that are only found on only the highest spec machines.
With only two treadmills in the Sole ‘non’ folding range, this is the one to go for.
Lets look at those features in more depth:
What makes the Sole S77 Tick?
The Powerful Motor
Packing a huge 4.0 CHP this is the smoothest most powerful motor on the market. There are no other treadmills that come with more power than the Sole S77.
All this power means that this treadmill can propel users up to 400lbs to speeds of up to 12mph up the 15% incline. Because it has extra power in reserve it won’t feel laboured even if you want to run for an hour or more.
For heavier users they will like the additional torque that this motor can push out. Even a slow pace of 0.5 MPH can quickly accelerate up with that power.
Reliable Parts
Since the relaunch in 2013, Sole have set out to address some of the reliability issues of the older model. Gone are the weak arm supports, and the roller slippage. This machine is now top draw quality and reliability. So sure are Sole that this is going to work that they offer a lifetime warranty on the frame.
Spacious Track
The track on the S77 is a huge 22″ x 60″ this is perfect for stretching out your legs. Even on the fastest setting you won’t need to worry about your feet hitting the front or, worse, coming off the back. The generous width means that even if you do have a little wobble while running your feet will still be mid track and you can run through.
To cushion your feet Sole have developed a pretty good suspension system. Its actually better than their folding models. The ‘Cushion Flex System’ is more rigid and softer than the system used in the F-Range of folding treadmills from Sole.
Display
If you are familiar with Sole Treadmills then this display will be instantly recognisable. Sole have a uniform design across all their machines. The differences are subtle, yet welcome. We really like the larger LCD screen, giving more workout details than ever before.
Two rows of quick program buttons flank the display allowing you to at a press change to your desired speed, or incline. This is really handy if you want to quickly change your run profile.
If you have an iPad then there is a handy tray that will hold everything. But this does cover the display. If you are creative then you can use the cover to wrap over the top of the console and let the iPad hang over the top of everything.
Integrated into the console are decent fans, speakers and cup holders. There are more cup holders and storage underneath the console that is great for keys etc.
All the controls are easily accessible and intuitive to use. Its clear Sole have really thought about the user experience when putting this together.
Programs
Built in to the console are some great workout routines, 6 in total are preprogrammed. My favourite is the heart rate one, this will keep your heart at the optimum level by changing the incline of the track. As your pulse rises too high the track lowers, and if it falls to low then the track moves back up. This is the best way to train your heart! If you have a chest strap then you can connect with this, (you cannot use the handles for the heart program). I prefer the chest strap that they include as when running the handles are not easy to keep hold of.
Other programs include Interval, Hill, and a manual option. For safety there is an auto stop feature. The programs each have a skippable warm up, and run from 10 minutes to 99 minutes.
As the workout starts, the machine gives you a three beat countdown before moving, enough time for you to get ready for the track to start turning. It gives plenty of time to prepare and then get upto speed.
We like the digital display showing the workout progress, based on a a running track. It shows you your progress round the track, along with how many laps you have.
If there are a couple of users then you can save their profiles so you don’t need to reter them each time.
One small niggle, at this level we would hope that Sole include a few more programs. There is also iFit workouts appearing around this price point.
Some FAQs
In my research a couple of questions kept coming up about this machine, let me point them out:
Overall Height: At maximum incline the treadmill deck is 1″ off the ground. You will need to ensure that your room is high enough to accommodate this and the tallest user.
Warranty: Sole provide an excellent warranty with this machine, as a result there is no real need to by extended warranties, as they will not be effective until the Sole warranty expires.
Transport: There are wheels fitted, and with care it is possible to move the treadmill about. However this is not a folding treadmill and care should be taken when selecting its home.
Warranty
- Frame, motor, and deck: Lifetime
- Motor: 30 years
- Electronics: Five years
- Labor: Two years
Pros and cons of the Sole S77
Pros
- This is a great choice for larger users
- Powerful motor
- Large Treadmill Deck
- Smooth, comfortable and well built
Cons
- No TV
- Might be more than some users need
- Limited Programs
Where to buy the Sole S77:
We have done a little bit of the leg work for you. The for the best price and free shipping then we would recommend Sole Direct. The prices across the market come in about the same (Around $1699), and Sole offers free shipping and include sales tax for most places.
Visit: Sole Direct Here >>>
Given its size and complexity, if you are unfamiliar with DIY then you should consider the build packages both companies offer. This costs about $200, and is well worth it for peace of mind. In the video section you can see this machine being built!
Video and Comparison Table
Our Verdict on the Sole S77 Treadmill:
This is without doubt a fine treadmill, solid well built, it will give years of service for even the largest users. Sole have made this to be reliable and as strong as any gym equipment.
It would be nice to see a few more programs, however that is compensated by the Sole S77’s excellent build quality. This is a machine that will last years, and is capable enough to stretch the performance of even the best athletes.