Precor 9.35 Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

The Precor 9.35 treadmill is their top of the line residential model, and it incorporates many of the design features and components of their light institutional treadmills.  The machines that are found in facilities like fire stations, hotels and apartment complexes.  Consequently, with the Precor 9.35 you are getting a treadmill designed to take abuse.  Equally important to the durability factor, the 9.35 incorporates biomechanical and ergonomic features that give it one of the most rewarding running experiences.  These features include...

Note: You can purchase the Precor 9.35 Treadmill direct at www.Precor.com. There is also a dealer locator available.

Ground Effects Impact Control — The deck is designed so that when you plant your feet you get the proper shock absorption, and when you push-off towards the back of the deck you get a solid launch. Now most treadmills offer a similar benefit, however, the Precor 9.35 is designed in a way that it offers similar shock absorption for individuals of different weight. They incorporate triangular-shaped shock absorbers at the front of the deck that bows based on your weight. According to the company, "This unique feature progressively absorbs impact based on your height and weight." It also adjusts based on whether you are training for a marathon or are using the treadmill for walking. 

The problem with the shock absorption on most treadmills is that they are geared for a certain weight range.  Lighter individuals will not get adequate absorption, while heavier individuals will get too much absorption.

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. This feature is exclusively found on the Precor 9.3 series and their commercial models.

Additional Features...

Upgraded Console — The console and display is similar to ones found on their commercial models.  It includes a number of windows to get feedback on various stats simultaneously, in addition there is a ticker tape window that provides instructions.  Features include...

• In conjunction with the heart rate control, you can input your weight and the Precor 9.35 will calculate your heart range for different fitness goals like fat burning and cardio training.
• Personal Best Record Tracking — The Precor 9.35 will record your personal best record for 1 and 2 miles, and 5k and 10K distances. 
• Pacer Alert — Alerts you  if you are keeping up with your personal best.  You can also define how fast you want to run a mile.  For example, you say you want to run a seven minute mile, it will alert you if you are maintaining the proper pace to achieve that goal.

3.0 Continuous Duty HP Motor — This motor will run effortlessly even at higher speed.  Although it does not come with a lifetime motor like many other treadmill brands, it is one of the better motors found on  a residential treadmill.

22" x 56" Treadbelt — Typically treadmills come with a 20" belt width. The extra 2" feels less confining.

2.5” Precision-machined, steel crowned rollers keep belt centered and running smoothly to reduce noise and wear.

2% Decline to 15% Incline — With the ability to decline the deck you can simulate running up and down hills.

23 Exercise Programs — You get a variety of exercise challenges, allowing you to regularly change up your routine and break up the monotony.

4 User IDs — You can store the profiles of four separate users, in addition to storing your personal best stats.

335 lb. Unit Weight — This is commercial grade heavy.  No matter how fast you are running you will maintain a solid and stable feel.

Warranty — Lifetime frame and welds, 10-years parts and wear items, 1-year labor. Obviously they are confident their parts are not going to wear out.

Our Review - Precor 9.35

The Precor 9.35 is one of the most expensive treadmills for residential use, but it also one of the best treadmills available for the home.  What makes it such an extraordinary machine is the fact it is commercial grade for the home, with unique ergonomic features that enhance the experience of running.  

When I went out to the corporate headquarters I asked the company, "who spends this kind of money for a treadmill?"  The answer was serious users.  Not necessarily fanatical runners, but users who are serious about exercising and want the very best machine to reach their fitness goals.