Keys 8800 Treadmill Review

  Treadmill Articles

Special Alert: Keys Fitness is no longer in business. They had cash flow issues and could not survive the current credit crisis. I heard that Star Trac is buying the Ironman name. Not sure if the current equipment on the market is manufacturered threw them or is leftovers from the liquidation.

The Keys 8800 treadmill has been around for some time, which is an indication of the quality of this machine. I previously worked for a company that private labeled Keys treadmill, and the 8800 was one of the models we sold.

Keys treadmills are generally nothing fancy, and their usually are short on features. Where they excel is reliability and performance. This holds true with the Keys 8800 treadmill. The models we sold had minimal service issues. The major components tended to hold up well under normal usage.

Keys 8800 Treadmill Features:

• The 8800 comes with a 3.0 continuous duty hp motor. I found this motor to be adequate for both walking and jogging and is reasonably quiet.
• The walking surface is a comfortable 20" x 56". This is an inch or two longer than most treadmills at this price range.
• The price includes heart rate control, for those that prefer to have their heart rate determine the level of their exertion.
• The Keys 8800 is equipped with 2.5" rollers. This is a larger than normal size roller. Larger rollers are beneficial, and extent the life of the motor, bearings, belt, in addition to the rollers. A larger roller requires less revolutions.
• The treadmill weighs a hefty 250 lbs., and that extra weight contributes to the stability of the machine. But it is an SOB to move.
• One feature I particularly like is additional control switches for speed and incline located on the handlebars. It makes it less awkward to make adjustments.

You'll find Keys treadmills sold at Play It Again Sports stores and other fitness equipment stores. I recently checked out local Play It Again Sports store and they only had one model available, the Healthrider. You may want to check out the www.KeysFitness.com web site and inquire as to the availablity of the 8800.

There is an institutional version of this machine. For what you get, it isn't worth the extra cost. They have an orthopedic belt version. They charge a considerable amount for the belt.

Our Review

In the sub $2,000 price range the Keys 8800 is a reliable machine and a reasonable value. They use quality components in their construction. If I have any criticism, it is the design is rather dated. This is particularly true with the look of the console.

Customer Review

I dealt with electrical prolems for 2 years. It has never ran for a long period of time without a service call (min $135) 4 visits over two years (it would have been more if not for my hectic schedule)and multiple long calls to tech support and part replacement. Grade F - Pete

Customer Review

There was only one review that dates back to 2001, which tells you how long this model has been around. The customer states:

"I have had it a few months now and I find it as good as the best i have sampled and better than most. i love its unique features where speed/incline changes can be made from switches in the handles at your sides thus i can sprint and slow down without breaking stride."

He did mention he had problems with a control panel and noise from a bearing.

At this price range we also suggest you check out the Sole F80 and the Smooth 6.45.