New Balance 1600 Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

The New Balance 1600 treadmill misses the mark when you compare it to their other three treadmills. If you checked out our New Balance treadmill review, you'll see that we have a high opinion of the 1200 and the 1400. They compete well with comparable ellipticals in the $1,000 price range. But I am not sure what New Balance is thinking in charging an additional $600 over the 1400, and adding just a few minor upgrades.

As of 6/29/06 the New Balance 1400 sold for $1,100, with shipping, on the New Balance web site. The New Balance 1600 was going for $1,700. Having been in the treadmill industry, I know how companies will offer similar models with few upgrades and try to squeeze extra profits. We want to make sure you get the best value.

So what do you get for an extra $600?

• The running surface is 1" longer. An inch is hardly perceptible.
  
  
• The deck is 1" thick in comparison to ¾". Not sure anyone is going to notice the extra ¼" unless you weigh over 250 lbs.
  
  
• You get 7 extra programs and one additional interactive program. If you are like me, you use one or two programs, or control your workout manually.
  
  
• The New Balance 1600 goes up to 11 mph, in comparison to 10 mph. If you are running at those speeds you want to consider an upgraded machine.
  
  
• In addition to the main LCD display, you also get 3 small LED window displays. That does allow you to monitor feedback info, like pace and calories per hour simultaneously.
  
  
• You get a 2 year parts warranty, rather than 1 year. You also get lifetime coverage on the motor, rather than 15 years. But who really owns a treadmill past 15 years?
  
  
• At the very least you would think they would provide a more powerful motor, but both are 2.5 hp.

The New Balance 1600 Treadmill Review

In our recent tests of the New Balance we were impressed with both the shock absorption and the how quiet the treadmill ran. The 1200 and 1400 are good machines at competitive prices, although we would like to see the warranties extended beyond 1 year parts.

With the New Balance 1600 priced at $1,700 we suggest you either go for the 1400, or consider other treadmills in the $1,500+ price range that offer more value.

For example, for $1,500 the Sole F80 treadmill has the same size motor, 5 year parts and 2 year labor warranty, and wireless heart rate control. It also has an excellent reputation.

In conclusion, if you are considering a treadmill for walking than save your money and buy the New Balance 1200 or 1400, or a comparable model. If you are looking for a treadmill for jogging go with Smooth, Sole or Pacemaster and get a better value.

*This New Balance 1600 Treadmill Review is based on not only testing the equipment, but also comments, testimonials, reviews and ratings of customers and third parties. We attempt to be as accurate as possible. Warranties, components and prices can change without notice.