Image Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

The Image Treadmills have received some "Best Buy" ratings for budget treadmills. They are not heavy-duty commercial models, but they are decent values for people with limited budgets. (Also see "Best Bargain Treadmills." )

Your first impression when you see an Image treadmill like the Advanced 1400 is that it's big and beefy and it comes with some impressive electronics. Don't let the exterior look fool you. This is a budget treadmill with a budget warranty. It is not built for serious users, but is primarily designed for walking.

Note: Image treadmills are built by Icon Fitness, which also builds NordicTrack and ProForm. Both these brands have a better selection and often better deals.

The IFit interactive electronics is a unique feature, but with a treadmill you need to be concerned more about the quality of the construction and less about the "bells and whistles." What is under the hood and how will it last on the long run, or walk. The decks on the higher priced Image treadmills are reasonable. They claim to have a good size motors, but there are no standards on treadmill motors and manufacturers tend to over inflate the actual size.

Furthermore, you should always be concerned about a treadmill that comes with a 90 day warranty. That is not to say there are not a number of Image treadmills that last for years.

If your budget is less then $800 the Image may be your best bet, but we recommend that you increase your spending and go for a treadmill like the NordicTrack A2530, Smooth 5.65 or the Sole F63.

Image Treadmill Ratings

Consumer Search Image 10.0 Review

The Image 10.0, along with other less expensive models, has only a 90-day warranty-the shortest in the industry. Even so, experts say the Image is fine if your home fitness plans include light walking. This treadmill has a wider belt than others (18-inches) and a stronger motor (2hp) than other budget models. Even so, more regular walkers and runners will need a more durable machine.

About.com

About.com rates the Image 10.6Q and the 10.4Q as one of the top ten budget treadmills. (Replaced by the Image 17.5 S Treadmill)

Our Comments

The biggest problem with the Image treadmills is that people have over expectations on what they are getting. They think they can spend under $700 and get a machine that can handle joggers and extremely overweight individuals. These machines are primarily designed for walkers and people under 250 lbs.

Customer Reviews

I just received my treadmill a week ago (Image Advanced 1400). Its so easy to set up and the manual is straight forward. Its very sturdy and set well on the floor. Im 5ft4" so the running space is perfect for me. If your looking for a nice strong treadmill, this is the way to go.

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My husband and I have had our Image 8.25 for a year.  Our use was moderate and the machine is already broken.  We are both in good shape, neither over weigh, but the metal frame is broken.  I am very disappointed.

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Image 8.25 Treadmill: Bought mine at Walmart about a year ago.  The main structure is several  metal bars welded together by the manufacturer.  The welding broke while a was using the machine and I nearly killed myself.  DON'T BUY THIS MACHINE!  It is poorly made and has a warranty of only 90 days.