Sole Fitness F63 Treadmill Review

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Good Quality and Value for the Price

The Sole F63 treadmill is their entry model. It sells for $500 less than their top-rated Sole F80.

For the money you get some decent features and you are getting a Sole treadmills. In general, their treadmills are durable, they tend to be low maintenance, and their customer service is responsive.

However, with the Sole F63 you have to realize you are getting what I consider an upper tier budget treadmill. There are some limitations to this particular model in comparison to their other models.

Note: As of 2/7/10 the Sole F63 was selling for $999 with Free Shipping. Go to SoleTreadmills.com for the latest price.

Further Note: The Sole F63 is also available at Amazon.com with free shipping. You can check out a number of customer testimonials.

The Sole F63 Treadmill Features...

2.5 Continuous Duty HP Motor — This motor is sufficient for both walking and jogging. It comes with a lifetime motor, which suggests it seldom ever burns out.

20" x 55" Running Surface — Although I have not measured the surface, it should be noted that Sole states the surface is 55", not the treadbelt. Most manufacturers will give the treadbelt length, which means the running surface is often 2"- 3" shorter due to the fact part of the belt is hidden under the front shroud.

245 Lbs. Weight — This is an above average weight for a treadmill at this price. This hefty weight will contribute to a stable and solid feel.

2.5" Rollers — For the price these are decent size rollers. Larger rollers reduce the wear and tear on the belt and the bearings. With larger rollers you have less rotation and more contact between the belt and the roller. That means the belt has to revolve less. It also means less work for the bearings. Bearings are one of the components that burn out on a treadmill. Overall the large rollers should extend the treadmill life.

Noise Level — The F63 is not one of the quietest treadmills on the market, but what do you expect for $1,000. If you live in a second floor apartment you may have issues with your downstairs neighbors.

Speed and Incline Controls on Siderails — Some people may find this a minor feature, but I really like the ability to control the speed and incline without having to awkwardly lean over the console.

Shock Absorption - Sole uses a different deck on the F63 than on their other models. The shock absorption is not quite as good, but is still a significant improve over running outdoors.

Console and Display - The console has a single window LCD display that provides multiple feedback. You get six installed workout programs and two user defined programs. There are also fans, speakers and a MP3/iPod plug-in.

Warranty — As mentioned you get lifetime coverage on the motor, you also get 3-years on the parts and a 1-year labor warranty. At this price range this tends to be above average. All other Sole treadmills come with 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.

Get more details at SoleTreadmills.com.

Our Review - Sole F63 Treadmill

At $1,000 the Sole F63 is a worthy competitor, however there is some serious competition at this price range. Regardless, with the F63 you are getting the Sole reputation for quality and value.

At first glance, the savings of $500 in comparison to their F80 treadmill may be attractive, but you are compromising on the deck, motor, rollers, warranty and display. Also, you do not get heart rate control. Determine your level of activity and decide if a budget treadmill can accommodate it.

I would recommend the Sole F63 for walking and light jogging, but if you plan to run or jog regularly we suggest the Sole F80 or Smooth 6.45.

Customer Reviews

There were a couple of customer reviews on Amazon.com, each rating the Sole F63 four stars. One buyer was satisifed with the overall performance, but felt the motor was not exactly "Whisper Quiet." The other was very satisfied, stating...

I've had my treadmill for about a month, and so far I have absolutely no buyer's remorse at all! I don't know how it would be as a running treadmill, since I only use it for walking and use the incline to make the workout more intense. I paid the extra $ to have the delivery people set it up. They got here when they said they would and set it up perfectly -- no complaints there! I'm having a lot of fun with my new toy and getting fitter besides. Even the MP3 player speakers work better than I expected. BTW, although I'm a female under five feet tall I have no trouble lifting up the treadmill to fold it as long as I use proper lifting technique.

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Thanks for your great reviews.  My wife and I took them strongly into consideration when buying our treadmill.  In the end we were debating between the Spirit XT175 (on sale for $999.99) and the Sole F63 (on sale for $999.99).   He (Salesman) actually recommended the F63 for light running and jogging over the Spirit XT175, because of the longer deck on the F63.  After using the F63, we are very pleased with our purchase, I am convinced it is the one of the best for under $1,000...  Thanks again for your GREAT reviews!!

Sole F63 Treadmill Specs:

Motor: 2.5 HP Continuous Duty, adequate for walking and light jogging
Speed: 1 to 10 mph
Incline: 15% maximum, rack and pinion gear design
Weight: 245 lbs., giving it a sturdy feel
Deck Size: 33 X 75 - Phenolic Deck
User Weight: 285 lbs.
Running Surface: 20 X 55
Belt: 2 Ply
Rollers: 2 1/2 inches
Folding: Yes
Heart Rate Control: No
Hand Pulse Grips: Yes
Display Color: LCD Blue
Message Window: Yes, single LCD
Standard Programs: Six
User Defined Programs: Two
Heart Rate Programs: None
Cooling Fans: Yes

Warranty:

Motor, Frame, Deck — Lifetime
Parts, Electronics — 3 years
Labor — 1 year

To learn more go to SoleTreadmills.com.

*This Sole F63 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.