Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill Review

weslo cadance r5.2 review

With a price point under $400 there is fierce competition to be the best treadmill.  Choosing which model to go for can be a daunting task!  In this post we review the Weslo Cadence R5.2 Treadmill.  It is the second model in the Weslo Cadence range with a few extra features extra over its less expensive stable mate.

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What makes the Weslo Cadence R5.2 Tick?

For such a reasonably priced treadmill we were surprised how sturdy this treadmill is when  assembled. It size is reasonable, in fact its one of our favorite Small Treadmills, fitted with a 50″ long belt which is perfect for jogging at medium speeds.

To make things a little more comfortable Weslo have fitted what they call comfort Cell Cushioning beneath the treadmill belt.  This has a couple of functions, first it does a great job of absorbing the impact of your running, it also helps keep the sound down.  This is great if you are planning on working out while watching TV or in a room with family members nearby.

Display

Weslo R5.2 consoleTo help keep your workout data there is a clear and easy to read console.  Its well laid out and feels nice to use, buttons give nicely under your touch, and the blue display is back lit so you can still see if running in a dim room or basement.

Operating this treadmill could not be more simple, there is only a handful of buttons, and they are well marked and intuitive to use.  The only slight issue is that the display is not height adjustable, so when you raise the incline on the treadmill base you effectively lower the control panel.  This only really becomes a problem if you are quite tall and when you try and use the built in heart rate monitor grips.

We love the little graphical display of the workout which fills in as you run.  The display also keeps track of your workout time, distance, speed, heart rate and calories burned.  The heart rate is monitored via contact sensors built into the handle bars.  You may find these a little tricky to use when running fast!

Running Track

Well I say running, this treadmill is really designed for low to mid speed work.  The top speed is limited to 10mph, which in practice is fine for most people.

Although its quite a compact unit, the main belt is only 50″ long, we like its solid feel.  The belt its self has some cushioning built in, great if your trainers lack their own natural spring!  We liked the traction on the belt and never felt in secure.

With the built in cushioning it was a comfortable run, with no knee pain or stresses to contend with after.  The display really helped keep the workout on track and gave a good cool down and warm up.

One slight disadvantage is the built in and non adjustable incline.  After a while you do get used to it, and the slight rise does add to the workout.  If you are just starting out it may make your first few workouts just a little bit harder.

Comparison of the Weslo G5.9 and the G5.2

There is a second model in the Weslo Cadance Treadmill Range, the G5.2 Treadmill

Model: Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill Weslo cadence G 5.9
User Rating  Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill4_Stars  weslo cadence r5-2 review4_Stars
RSP  $287.00
Max Speed 10 mph 10 mph
Surface Area 800 sq in 800 sq in
Features
Heart Rate No  Yes
Goal Orented Workouts  Yes Yes
Speed incline Controls Yes Yes
Shock Absorbing Deck Yes Yes
Heat Rate Monitoring No Yes
Folding  Yes Yes
Readout  LCD LCD
Programs 6 6
Power 2HP 2HP
Weight 250lbs 275lbs

Assembly

To make delivery manageable this treadmill will need some home assembly.  This is not very difficult, the treadmill is not very heavy compared to some models we have come across.  We recon an hour should see most people up and running with this model.  Don’t worry about tools, everything you need comes included in the box.

Summary of the Main Features of the Weslo 5.2 Treadmill:

  • A compact design aids storage
  • Inclines manually to two levels
  • The light weight 2.25 motor delivers a 10mph top speed
  • Easy to read blue backlit display
  • 16″ x 50″ spacious belt
  • 6 built in workout programs
  • User weight limit: 250lbs
  • Warranty: 90 days

What have other users said about the Weslo Treadmill?

For its price it has received a host of great reviews.  On average it rates about 4.2 out of 5 from hundreds of views.

Aside from assembly, which most people found very easy nearly everyone found this to be a great entry level and every day treadmill:

“If you want to walk in place while you watch TV, this is EXACTLY what this delivers”

“After checking out others in a reasonable price range, I took it. Glad I did.”

Click here to see more user reviews on Amazon>>>

Where Can I Buy It?

You could go to a local sporting goods retailer and try to find it, and deal with hauling it home and carrying it in the house, or you can do yourself a favor and just order it from Amazon. Sure, it is available at other online retailers, but Amazon is respected around the world for its secure shopping experience and incomparable customer service. Plus, list price on this treadmill is $499, but Amazon offers it for only $299, and throws in free shipping.

Our Advice: Buy! – If you are looking for a budget compact treadmill

Recognising that this is a budget treadmill, at under $500 its represents good value for money.  If you consider this a walking, rather than running machine then you will get a great treadmill that feels solid and composed.  It will become out of sorts if you try running at top speed, its simply not designed for that.

For a small budget treadmill the Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill Reviewed here is our choice.

Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill Review Summary:

Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill
If you’re looking for a dependable treadmill for low-impact walking and don’t want to invest more than $300, you’ll love the Weslo Cadence R 5.2. It’s super easy to assemble, included a safety key, and has a thoughtful space-saving design that enables you to hide it away when you are done using it. Perhaps what current owners appreciate most about it is that it’s truly comfortable on the feet and the knees because of its comfort cell cushion deck. It has a 2-poistion inlcine, six built-in weight loss apps, and a huge LCD monitor for ease in reading how far you’ve walked and how many calories you’ve burned (in addition to other data).