Precor 9.31 Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

Precor builds some of the most durable and reliable treadmills in industry. They are available for both residential and commercial use, and commercial treadmills must be able to withstand a beating.  The Precor 9.31 treadmill is one of their most popular models, and in fact, it recently received a "Best Buy" rating from a very prestigious consumer magazine, whose name I cannot mention.

If there is any drawback to Precor treadmills it is their price.  But you get what you pay for.  If you were to spec out the Precor 9.31 to other models, you could find budget treadmills that have more impressive specs for around $1,000.  But the difference between Precor and those brands is like the difference between a Lexus and a Kia.  You are paying for exceptional quality and engineering.

Note: You can purchase the Precor 9.31 Treadmill direct at www.Precor.com. There is also a dealer locator available.

The Precor Treadmill Difference...

Precor commits significant resources to building equipment that provides a superior workout.  Their ellipticals are designed to provide one of the most natural strides in the industry.  The focus of their treadmills are to provide you with a running experience that minimizes the impact to your joints while minimizing fatigue.

There are two features on the 9.3 series treadmills, including the Precor 9.31, that help to accomplish that goal...

Ground Effects Impact Control — The 9.31 is designed to absorb the impact as you plant your foot towards the front of the deck, while providing a solid push off towards the rear.  Now most treadmills offer a similar benefit, however, the Precor 9.31 is designed in a way that it offers similar shock absorption for individuals of different weight. They use triangular-shaped shock absorbers at the front of the deck that bow based on your weight.  According to the company, "This unique feature progressively absorbs impact based on your height and weight."  It also adjusts the impact based on whether you are training for a marathon or are using the treadmill for walking. 

Integrated Footplant Technology (IFT) — This feature was explained to me by the Chief Innovation Officer, and it is a perfect example of why Precor treadmills are exceptional. Your footstep has a unique pattern of accelerating and decelerating. Through the IFT the treadmill registers your speed, "checking the motor speed up to 710 times per second".  Based on your speed the treadmill adjusts the speed of the belt to match your natural movement. This results in a reduction of discomfort to your joints. You won't find this type of technology on other treadmills.

Our Review - Precor 9.31 Treadmill

First, I want to mention that the Precor 9.31 is manufactured in the U.S.A. — hard to believe anything is still built here.  I went for a tour of the manufacturing facilities and was impressed with the focus on quality control.  For example, they test each roller for precision in shape and size to the thousandth of an inch before they are installed. That compares to the majority of treadmill companies that buy containers of treadmills from the far east. 

Their adherence to quality control results in treadmills that are extremely low maintenance. In fact, they have one of the lowest rates of service issues on new deliveries in the industry.

The Precor 9.31 is a commercial grade treadmill for the home.  It is built to light institutional standards, which means it could hold up in exercise facilities like fire stations, apartment complex and hotels.  Overall, you are getting one of the most durable treadmills on the market, which is also designed to provide you with an exceptionally rewarding cardio workout.