True Treadmill Review

  Treadmill Articles

True treadmills rule. They are one of the very best treadmills available. The design and the quality of their components rank it at the top with Precor and SportsArt. The one drawback is they are very pricey, to the point where they are starting to price themselves out of the residential market. Their marketing focus is all about quality, at the expense of value.

For example, they sell a treadmill with an 18" wide belt and only four programs for over $2,000. Ouch! When you consider what you can get at that price range from Sole, Smooth or Landice, you have to wonder what their thinking at the True headquarters. Hey guys drop that model, I can't think of any treadmills sold for over $1,000 that have an 18" wide belt.

With True it is all about quality and that has built up their business for the last 25 years. True virtually spends nothing on marketing. They have been able to grow their business all these years through ratings and reviews. True continually ranks at the top of any significant treadmill review.

They are also one of the few treadmill companies that still builds their models here in the U.S. Although lately they are building their entry level models overseas.

It will be interesting to see how True survives a market that is constantly getting more competitive. Particularly as more companies shift their manufacturing overseas and are able to sell at a premium value.

Note: True treadmills are only sold through fitness equipment specialty stores.

Our Review - True Treadmills

It isn't a question whether a True treadmill is a good machine, the real question is it a good value compared to other treadmills. There is no question they are one of the very best running machines. Just check out some of the reviews listed below.

Our recommendation is if money is no object than buy a True Treadmill. In fact, if money is no object buy me one too.

Consumer Magazine Review

Surprisingly the True Z4 HRC came in fifth in the rankings, but all the other models were more expensive (Landice L7, Nordic Track S3000, SportsArt 3110, Precor M 9.33i.). The True Z4 received an excellent rating for quality and exercise range.

It received a Quick Picks, they state, :True Z4 voted best for avid runners; well designed and sturdy."

Other True Treadmill Reviews

Runner's World - FEBRUARY 2006

True Z5.4 HRC: "Our testers consistently found the Z5.4 to be quiet, soft, stable and smooth underfoot. They also liked the bright display and found the programs easy to navigate. Plus you can adjust the belt's cushioning to one of 12 preset levels with a convenient side lever. (Another nice feature of the belt: it's wider - 22 inches vs. the standard 20). The handrails extend only slightly away from the console, so most runners won't hit them with their arm swing."

Kiplinger's Personal Finance - JANUARY 2005

"Going for quality is crucial. Her first choice is the True 540 HRC because it has a roomy running surface and attached heart rate monitor. The company's machines also have a solid reputation. You can adjust the platform's hardness and modify its preset workouts for speed and elevations."

Customer Review - True 550 HRC

I have had a True for over two years.  It has broken down twice now.  We put about 800 miles per year, so it is definitely light use.  For that price, this thing should not be breaking down at our usage level.

See the True Z5.4 Treadmill review