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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. True
Treadmill ReviewsOur
ReviewIt 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
Report ReviewSurprisingly
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 ReviewsRunner'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.
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