Horizon RCT 7.6 Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

If you've read my other Horizon treadmill reviews, you know I am not crazy about their machines. But, I must say the Horizon RCT 7.6 did leave a nice impression.

What I liked most about the RCT 7.6 was the console. This is one of the most slick designs I've seen on a treadmill. The choices for speed and control are an array of circular buttons. You get six readouts at once, in addition to a progression chart. The built-in fan is actually large enough that you can feel it.

The other feature that stood out was the ORTHOflex GEL cushioning system. There is actually a large slab of gel under the deck that adds to the cushioning. When I ran on the treadmill, it absorbed my impact without over-compensating. The treadmill was very easy to fold, and it was quiet, of course it was also relatively new. The walking surface was a nice 55" length.

What I didn't like about the Horizon RCT 7.6 was the 2.5 hp continuous duty motor. At $1,300 it should have a minimum 2.5 hp. This motor is probably adequate for walking, but may strain with jogging.

Also, as with all Horizon treadmill, the warranty is rather weak Although you get a 12 year warranty on the motor, the parts and labor were only 1 year. You can get a Smooth 5.65 for $1,000 (includes shipping) and you get lifetime motor, 3 years parts and 1 year labor. For a couple hundred more than the RCT 7.6, you can get 2 years labor, 5 years parts and lifetime motor/roller/electronics/belt on the Sole F80.

Also, when buying a treadmill, don't forget a treadmill mat.

Our Review

I loved the console and deck cushioning, but $1,300 I would consider some other brands. This is a very competitive price range. There are a number of treadmills that have comparable or superior features.

You can find the Horizon RCT 7.6 treadmill for sale at Sears. Call first to make sure they have one on the floor.

The Horizon RCT 7.6 Specs:

• 2.25 hp continuous duty horse power motor - adequate for walking.
• .5-12 mph, 0-12% incline - good range
• 300 lbs. user capacity - hmmm!
• 20" X 55" two-ply belt - good length
• ORTHOflex™ GEL cushioning system - absorbs well
• SOFTdrop™ Lift System - easy to fold
• PERFECTview™ adjustable display
  
• White LCD screen with LCD dot-matrix display
  
• In-Reach Control Pad™
  
• Speed, Incline and Program dials - nice feature
  
• 8 programs - typical
  
• Handgrip heart rate monitor
  
• Cooling fan - better than most
  
• Warranty
  
• Lifetime frame
  
• 12 year motor
• 1 year parts & labor - they could do better

Also see the Horizon T101 Treadmill Review and the Horizon T102 Treadmill Review