A Review Of Sportcraft Treadmill

Sportcraft treadmill is definitely low-end model. Even if you want an entry-level model this company's product might not be the way to go. You should first do a very careful review of Sportcraft treadmills; they have had a troubled history.

A certain Mr. Walter Holdstein founded Sportcraft Ltd in 1926. The company started out producing mainly indoor and outdoor games such as table tennis and tetherball. It still produces these games today. Over the last 30 years the demand for home exercise equipment has expanded rapidly but it wasn't until 2001 that Sportcraft got into the act and shipped its first motorized treadmills.

When supplying treadmills, the company line of Sportcraft has been to supply models that are cheap, cheap, cheap and to mass sell them through retailers like K-mart and Wal-mart.

To this end, all Sportcraft treadmills are made overseas in places like China and Taiwan. Despite all of its units being rather appealing when you first cast your eye over them, the materials used in construction are cheap and the build quality has always been in question.

Trying to mass produce low-end models very cheaply isn't easy. This is something that Sportcraft has found out to its cost with its range of cheap treadmills.

In 2005, there was a recall for the Sportcraft Tredex 6.0, the Tx440 and the Tx550. The units would accelerate without warning causing users to fall and sustain injuries. The company received at least 110 reports of unexpected acceleration. As if the recalls of 2005 weren't bad enough, there was a further recall in 2006.

Selling cheap treadmills that malfunction and cause injury doesn't bode well for the company's future in niche of the fitness industry.

Is there anything good to say about Sportcraft Treadmills?

It isn't all bad. They are very cheap but do offer potential customers many features. You get incline, a strong motor power for its class and a high maximum speed. The Sportcraft TX 7.0 treadmill comes with a 2.75 HP motor, 19" x 55" deck, 10% incline. The design of the company's units look sleek and users also get things like a step counter and 6 preset workout programs with the Sportcraft 7 treadmill.

But don't be beguiled by these features. The recalls of 2005 and 2006 should always be in the back of one's mind.

Is everything okay now?

Unfortunately Sportcraft treadmills are known to have the worst electronics design in the industry. This is what Treadmill Doctor had to say: 'As we stated two years ago, their electronics design was the worst we had ever seen on a treadmill...'

As if to underline the poor build quality of its product, the poor warranty consists of 10 years for the frame, 1 year for the motor, 1 year for all parts, and 90 days for labor service. Any manufacturer who wants to give consumers confidence in its equipment will offer a warranty of at least 3 years on parts and lifetime on frame.

So what rating would I give Sportcraft Treadmills? After reading the above review I think you already know that I don't rate them at all. I'll leave you with this comment from Treadmill Doctor: 'We expect them to continue mass-marketing game tables and the like but we believe they should stay away from making treadmills.'

A Review of the Sportcraft TX5.0 RC Treadmill

I love walking, especially out doors, but there are times in winter when it's just too darn cold. So, recently I bought the Sportcraft TX 5.0 RC Treadmill. Here's my review and why I'm glad I bought it.

It's great that I can now enjoy a good walk workout in the comfort of my own home and the features of the Sportcraft TX5 treadmill are really good. I talk about the best ones below.

Out of all the features of the Sportcraft treadmill, the best one is that it can easily go from its horizontal walking position to a vertical position so I can easily store it: I live in a small town house so space is an issue for me. Mind you, the Sportcraft machine does look quite stylish so leaving it set up and on display won't embarrass a style-conscious person.

The display panel that comes with the Sportcraft TX5 is fantastic as it gives me lots of information. Not only does it show the miles and steps I've walked; it also shows the calories, heart rate, time and speed. There's a quick mode button that lets me change the speed as well; It's real easy, you just use the "+" or "-" signs to slowly increase or decrease speed in increments of one tenth of a mile.

Although it is a cheap machine, I've found I can also use it for running, though I have to admit I don't run on it all that much. When I do run, I find the remote control to be very useful as it allows me to easily change speed without touching the display panel.

I'm a bit of a safety nut and one reason I'd put off buying a treadmill was because I was afraid I'd fall off - I had visions of my legs and arms being mangled. But, the Sportcraft TX5.0 RC has banished those fears. It comes with a safety cord that attaches to you and a sensor on the panel so if you should fall or slip, and the cord is not connected to the sensor, it stops automatically.

What I liked, and my husband loved, was the low price of the machine at just under $250. My husband found setting up the Sportcraft treadmill a breeze. The manual that came with it was easy to follow.

If you are looking for a treadmill, I would highly recommend the Sportcraft TX5.0 RC Treadmill. My husband doesn't use it though as he's an ardent runner; it isn't really suitable if you take running seriously. But, for walkers like my self I think it works just great.

My review of the Sportcraft treadmill is a little short; I've just mentioned the things I liked most about it. The display console of the machine is just about right, the remote control makes operating the treadmill easy and I really like the safety cord. To date, I've had hassle free walking on this machine and am getting the workout I need.

Follow the links for the Sportcraft Treadmill plus treadmill reviews on major brands like the HealthRider Treadmill.

Treadmills Reviews Of The Best On The Market

Reviews of the best treadmills you can buy in the low-, mid- and high-end range.

Low-End, Cheap Treadmills

If you're on a budget or want a machine for occasional or light use you should definitely have a look at buying a cheap machine. Even if you're a serious runner who likes running outside, a cheap and affordable model is fine for those times when you wish to run indoors.

The problem with cheap home treadmills is that some are good and deliver on their promise of being a worthwhile piece of exercise equipment, but some cheap models are downright bad.

One can think of the Sportcraft treadmill. This is a low cost machine that is mass sold through retailers like Wal-Mart and Target. It was first launched in 2001 and has 3 product recalls in that short space of time. This is what Treadmill Doctor has to say about this company's machines: 'We expect them to continue mass-marketing game tables and the like but we believe they should stay away from making treadmills.' The Sportcraft treadmill is bad.

However, the Weslo Treadmill is a good cheap model. You can buy the Weslo Cadence G-25 for as little as $200. It is a perfectly acceptable machine for walkers and joggers. It comes with a motor speed of 0 - 6 mph. The treadbelt is 43" with 3 incline positions; 5, 7 and 9%. It comes with a Step-by-Step Feedback Console that has a pretty decent display that helps you keep track of speed, time, distance, calories and fat calories burned.

Some trade reviews of Weslo treadmills give them a poor rating but they usually don't compare like with like. More typically they compare the Weslo with some mid-price machines costing about four to five times as much, which is a nonsensical thing to do.

The Weslo Cadence G-25 treadmill is perfect for those who walk or jog. And, at $200 it is more than reasonably priced.

Mid-Price Treadmills

This is the most competitive sector in the market as most runners are adequately served by using one of this price range. The price does vary quite significantly though; you can pay anything between $1,000 and $2,500. These machines have an array of features to entice the customer. You can buy one that has an amazing control panel, or you can buy one with a very basic control panel but has a very good motor and treadbelt.

If you're someone who needs motivation then you should take a look at HealthRider treadmills. Some models like the T600i come with 4 Window LED Biologic console complete with iFIT.com technology. iFit is an interactive system that works by sending digital cues from the iFIT.com web site, compact discs, and videos to vary resistance, speed, and incline functions according to workouts developed by iFIT.com personal trainers. It's great software for those who find the idea of running on a machine as about as exciting as watching paint dry. The T600i treadmill from HealthRider is about their best model.

If you're looking for pure quality in terms of design and manufacture take a look at a PaceMaster treadmill. Founded in the 60s by the renowned Bill Staub, PaceMaster treadmills have a reputation as being the best. The PaceMaster Gold Elite comes with a 3 hp continuous duty McMillan motor and a maximum speed of 12 mph. So well put together is this machine, it can handle a pay load of 400 lbs. The incline goes from 0 to 15% with 0.5% inclinations.

So confident is the company about the Gold Elite that is comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, with 12 years on the motor and a 5 year parts and 1 year labor warranty. It's unheard of for anyone else to have a warranty on the motor for this length of time.

High-End Treadmills

The one that stands head and shoulders above others is the Landice treadmill. But what makes it so special? For starters it comes with an American made 3 hp continuous duty drive motor that constantly delivers 3 hp with fear of overheating. The fly wheel is the best in the industry and helps to prolong the life of the belt. The treadbelt used on a Landice treadmill is 4-ply; the vast majority of other brands use only 2-ply. 4-ply means the machine can stand up to intensive use from even the most demanding athletes. Landice also give a lifetime warranty with the treadmill, though be warned, there are so many loopholes you need a lawyer present when it's installed. Landice machine are the best but they're expensive and start at just over $3,000.

Follow the links for the Weslo Treadmill and the Landice Treadmill plus treadmill ratings on major brands.