Reader Inquiry:
First of all, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your wonderful website. I am a professional researcher, and can honestly say that I have found your site to be the best for reviews of fitness equipment. I have been researching treadmills for weeks now and would not have been able to successfully narrow my search to the extent that I have without the information you provide.
My question is this: I am trying to decide between the Sole F80 and the Livestrong LSPro1 folding treadmills. Although you have not yet reviewed the LSPro1 on your site, were you able to take a look at it at all when you visited the manufacturer? I tried them both at Dick’s Sporting Goods and was impressed with both of them. They were both extremely quiet, responsive, sturdy, and seemed easy to use. For the same price of $1,499, the Livestrong has more programs and bells & whistles, is more streamlined, and a bit less bulky which I actually like. However, the proven excellent reputation of Sole regarding quality, warranty, and service is causing me to lean towards the Sole. And, because of an old foot injury, I also really like the reviews on their Cushion Flex deck. Livestrong’s best cushioning system seems to be reserved for their top of the line LSPro2 which is not a folding treadmill although the warranty of the LSPro1 is comparable—although not equal—to Sole.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
My Response:
Phil,
I wish I could advise you on this, but I have had very little feedback on the LiveStrong Pro1. When I was at their headquarters the Pro1 and Pro2 were not available. I did see them at a Dick’s Sporting Goods and they seem like decent machines. I know that Johnson Fitness has a reputation for excellence and the other LiveStrong models have proven to be very durable.
I will say that Treadmill Doctor gave it high ratings, which means they actually tested the machine. Also, I went online and the warranty was the same as Sole, and currenty LiveStrong has a 1-year warranty extension on their treadmills.
With that said, I would say either is a good choice. I will mention that the Sole is geared for runners and has a stiffer shock absorption than some other brands. The Sole F80 has been out for about 5-6 years and has an excellent service record. Once again, I would assume the LiveStrong LSPro1 will live up to the brand repuration
Not a definitive answer, but I hope it helps. And thanks for the compliment.
