Horizon T91 Treadmill Review

  Treadmill Articles

The Horizon Fitness T91 treadmill qualifies as a budget treadmill and is equipped with a moderate size motor and a moderate length treadbelt, but it also sells at a moderate price.  Generally, with a treadmill of this caliber I would suggest you upgrade to a more substantial model.  But I realize there are a  number of people with limited budgets that want to get back into shape in their comfort of their homes.

And for that segment of the market the Horizon T91 is a consideration.  However, you need to understand what exactly you are getting for your money.

Horizon Fitness T91 Treadmill Features...

2.0 Continuous Duty HP Motor - At 2.0 HP you are getting a motor designed for moderate output.  It will strain at higher speeds and under the pressure of heavy individuals.  Consequently, this treadmill should be primarily considered for walkers.  People do purchase it and jog on it, but I wouldn't.  Overall, it is not equipped with the type of deck to withstand the impact that comes from jogging or running. Also, Horizon rates the T91 user limit at 275 lbs.  I would suggest around 220 lbs.  Think of this analogy -you wouldn't buy a KIA compact car to tow a heavy motor boat. 

20" x 50" Walking Surface — This is not a very long walking surface.  For taller individuals you may feel like you are about to walk off the end.  That is another reason why this treadmill is best suited for walkers, since they take shorter strides.

176 Lbs. Unit Weight — This is above average for a treadmill at this price and can weigh considerably less. The advantage of the extra weight is that the T91 will be reasonably stable for a budget machine.

Built-in Fan — The fan will not blow you away, but it will provide some comfort and be direct at your core.

Nine Workout Programs — About standard for the price.  The nine programs will give you variation, which alter the speed and the incline.

Warranty — You get lifetime on the motor and one year parts and labor.  You may want to consider upgrading to at least an additional year.

Our Review - Horizon Fitness T91 Treadmill

It use to be I would not recommend any treadmill under $1,000. However, over the years treadmills have improved and you are constantly getting more for less.  Probably some of that has to do with the fact that most come from China.

Regardless, a treadmill in this price range is not designed or engineered to handle excessive abuse that comes from running or overweight individuals.  There will be people who will buy the Horizon T91 and use it for running and/or will be hefty and get years of use out of it, but their chances of having service issues increase in comparison to higher end machines.   

Get the right treadmill that fits your fitness goals and profile.  It may be that the Horizon T91 is that treadmill.  If you are concerned it doesn't other considerations are the NordicTrack A2750 Pro, the Smooth 5.65 and LiveStrong LS9.9T.

Note: Although my review was kind of critical, overall, the Horizon T91 treadmill got favorable reviews from customers on Amazon.com. Most people were satisfied with their purchase.