Category: <span>Reviews</span>

New from The Fitness Academy, here’s a detailed Sole F63 treadmill review for the Eric Fitness Facility.

Update 10/11: Sorry for the bad picture quality, we are working on higher quality pictures…

The Sole F63 treadmill has been described as a consumer level fitness machine which is built to meet commercial standards for home-based gyms. It has a quiet motor, wide display screen and controls on the handrails. But is it as good as they tell us? This Sole F63 treadmill review delves deeper into the specific features, pros and cons of this fitness machine.

Contact me with your personal input on this piece of fitness equipment

Sole F63 Treadmill Specs – Mini Review

  • Incline – 0-15%
  • Display Screen Size – 6.5”
  • Max Weight – 325 lbs
  • Speed – 0.5 to 12 MPH
  • Track Surface – 20inch x 60 inch
  • Horsepower – 3.0 CHP
  • Length – 82 Inches

High quality inputs; Sole Fitness, the manufacturer has a reputation of building among the best treadmill parts in the industry. While each product may come with its fair share of surprises, to this end, we can confirm that Sole F63 treadmill has good quality parts just like its siblings. Besides that, the manufacturer seems to have gone above and beyond the call of duty to add a few extras here and there – this are ideal for beginners who may find the task of keeping fit taxing. Some features worth talking about include: durable motors, large track rollers and cushioning.

Still, the F63 isn’t a luxurious piece, it is a basic machine – and the manufacturer has ensured that every element that counts is in its place. There are several Consumer Sites that has reported different stories about the quality of Sole Fitness products, since this kind of information is time sensitive, for different viewpoints, please google some recent Sole F63 treadmill reviews.

Overview of Some of Its Features

*Sole F63 Comes With Effective Motors

This treadmill has a 3.0 CHP motor which is ideal for jogging, walking and a bit of running. This motor is normally cooled by heavy duty flywheels. Normally, motors that are properly cooled tend to last longer as compared to non-cooled ones built to use the same amount of horsepower. Interestingly, despite the added features on it, it still operates quietly.

*It has a somewhat good design

F63 is space friendly. It can be folded to save space despite requiring a unique horseshoe design to keep it sturdy. By making it compatible, Sole seems to have successfully heeded to the number 1 complaint about folding treadmills – wobbling. This machine can comfortably handle up to 350 pounds without wobbling.

*Ability to track length and incline

If you are looking for a treadmill that can decently track your performance, then Sole F63 may be worth pondering upon. Given that it is a foldable treadmill, it is quite encouraging to see that it can incline by 15% (given it is 60inches long and 20 inches wide). As you will find out, an incline of 15% is just enough to burn calories in a more effective way than walking or jogging at 0 degrees incline. In as much as this treadmill may not be the top-rated choice in the industry, the fact that it has a well thought-out design speaks volumes of its ability to help one reach the peak of their fitness career.

*Cushioning

As far as the question of impact is concerned, Sole seems to have done their homework. F63 uses CushionFlex technology which has been proven to reduce joint impact by over 40%. Compared to asphalt, this form of cushioning is much more effective.

*6 Calorie Treadmill Workout Options

Monotony is one of the top reasons people stop exercising altogether and the person who designed F63 seems to have kept that fact in mind. This treadmill allows one to choose from 6 different varieties of calorie workouts – these are in addition to other on-board exercise varieties and the manual mode. While any exercise is sure to facilitate weight loss, having workouts that are uniquely tuned to your requirements can make that process even much easier.

*Helpful Message Board

Treadmills can be quite complicated at times. Sometimes, you even have to reach for the user manual just to catch up with a few instructions here and there. Well, the F63 seems to have thought of an easier way to make following and keeping rules a bit easier. They have fixed the message board feature on the LCD display so that if you want to catch up on a few instructions here and there you can do it by scrolling on the screen. This is a helpful feature especially if you are new to treadmills and don’t want to keep interrupting your workout session just to read through a hard-copy manual piece.

*Easy To Use Console

In addition to having a 6.5 inch vibrant blue LCD display F63 has Incline controls located conveniently on the arm rest. Through the display you can read the time, incline, speed, distance traveled, pulse, calories and pace information. Because of its design, one can easily monitor their workout progress without having to stop to refer.

More Sole F63 Features

  • Quick controls to incline and change the speed at the touch of a button
  • Features an accessory tray and a cooling fan
  • Transport wheels for easy transport
  • Heart rate grips to ensure your heart rate is perfect
  • Thick belt that is either two or four-ply for added durability

Some of its Flaws & The Bigger Brother Sole F65 Treadmill

Well, despite the F63 the good rap this treadmill has received from some customers, it has some flaws, and you should consider going for the slightly more expensive Sole F65 treadmill (more about that further down). First, it lacks a shock absorbing system and this may be a problem especially if you expect to run on the treadmill frequently. In addition, it does not provide interval workouts and neither does it have a preset distance exercises.

Another significant flaw with the treadmill is that it lacks user IDs and tracking software. Without this basic feature, it might prove hard to keep a record of your personal bests.

But as you know, there is no machine that is 100% perfect. Even the high-end ones whose cost is beyond the roof still have significant flaws. Considering that, it is pretty clear that F63 is still worth investing in – especially if the missing features are unimportant. These omissions however need not be a big concern unless one is extremely specific about their availability for one reason or another.

If you feel that this treadmill is not adequate for your needs, I encourage you to check out it’s bigger brother; the Sole F65 treadmill, I found these pictures and this review with more in-depth information.

The 2017 F63 Treadmill – The Verdict

As we have seen in this Sole F63 treadmill review, this machine is built to compete with the best in the market. It has features that make working out enjoyable. F63 is ideal for anyone working out at a professional level or at the comfort of their own home.

Its special features; including a built in speaker, large screen display and cooling fan speak for themselves. This treadmill can indeed be helpful if you are looking to achieve your fitness targets without expert advice (more so because it works as your own personal trainer).

However, there are a couple of omissions to be mindful about though majority of those may not be of extreme importance.

On a scale of 10 we’d give it 8. It is therefore worth trying out.

Fitness Reviews Treadmills

The Fitness Academy take a look at the new Sole F80 treadmill in the Eric Fitness Facility.

Update 1/9: I’m working on a new site layout and at the same time I’m also going back and improving my most popular posts on this blog. My F80 review from August 2015 continuous to be one of my top 3 most popular posts all time. That’s why I will publish a much more in-depth review and report of this best selling treadmill. Please send me your thoughts on what should go into this new and improved assessment of the Sole Fitness F80.

Update 10/6: I’m happy to announce that this post has now been updated to reflect the new F80 model released by Sole Fitness in mid-2016 (unfortunately the pictures as still of the old 2013 model).

The folding treadmill frame design for the Sole F80 came up as a result of hotel demand for treadmills that are mobile like the room service carts but also strong and stable. It’s the little sister to our slightly older running machine, the Sole F85 treadmill. Therefore, whether you intend to purchase it to use in your home or in a hotel room, you will have an opportunity to enjoy both worlds. With the equipment, you will run up to 6 preset programs, 2 personalized workouts schedules and 2 heart rate programs. The equipment has other additional features which include large stop switch, low profile running hood and starts at a speed as low as 0.5 MPH. some additional features include speed and incline controls on arm rests and cooling fans.

sole f80 side view

Its console features a vibrant user friendly display. It displays a wider range of information at all times which include the time, the distance you have traveled, the incline, speed, calories you have burned, pace and the pulse rate. It also consists of a ¼ mile track feature and valley and peak graph for various programs. The console also comes with some speakers that allow you to connect your mp3 player or ipod to easily listen to your favorite music while still working out. N.B. The Sole F80 is NOT a treadmill desk.

sole f80 treadmill belt

The Sole F80 Treadmill Product Description

SOLE engineering team focuses on basic design and the product’s durability for all their product, including the Sole F80 Treadmill. The product features pinion system and gear rack with safety lock deck design which locks the deck in place when the treadmill is in upright position. The product also comes with easy assist folding deck design a unique feature that allows you to release the deck. After releasing the deck, you don’t have to do anything else. The deck unfolds itself easily while you watch.

sole f80 treadmill console 1

The treadmill also features convenient controls. Because most users desire to have freedom of increasing speed and inclining faster, the display has quick speed and incline buttons along the Sole F80 treadmill LCD sides which makes it convenient, easier to control and you can also easily maintain your workout (for more Sole F80 pictures click here).

It has a cushion flex whisper deck which is a differentiated design to any form of treadmill currently in the market. The deck provides users with comfortable and quiet workout and also reduces the impact up to 40%. This reversible deck is similar to that used in the commercial grade models. It is wax lubricated meaning that there is no overwork on the motor while in use.

The treadmill has a precision welded frame which ensures its durability.

The frame is able to handle multiple users of different heights and weights. The manufacturer includes the LCD console display with an aim to make your workouts easier and also more effective. It is a vibrant blue screen with clean readouts which offers you helpful data including the speed, the heart rate, pace, the calories you have burned and some other important information.

sole f80 treadmill console 3

The model also features a message board or an alphanumeric text center that continuously send scrolling information to the user aiming to guide them through every workouts detail. To set up the user profile workout, you only need to push the user profile button and the message board will guide you through the other steps.

The treadmill also features high torque motors that have flywheels. The flywheel causes the treadmill to run cooler with minimal amp draw and also extends the life of the motor. The Sole F80 treadmill flywheel also offers you a starting speed of 0.5MPH. In addition, the treadmill is also heavier therefore offering you a fluid motion.

The Academy Lists the Product Features

  • It has a Powerful and quiet 3.5 continuous horsepower motor
  • This equipment has a Low profile running hood which prevent your feet from hitting the belt’s front edge
  • The treadmill is known for its precision welded frame specifically made for a long lasting machine
  • It has a double woven 2 ply belt which feature a 1” cushion flex whisper deck which provides the user with comfortable and quiet workouts while minimizing the impact to 40% as compared to exercising on asphalt.
  • The f80 treadmill has 10 core preset workouts- 6 standard, 2 heart rate and 2 user defined
  • The sole f80 also has a valley/peak graph and ¼ mile track feature to allow different workouts
  • It has a larger 7.5 inches LCD monitor which allows easier review of the workout information including speed, time, incline, distance you have traveled, the calories burned, the pace and the pulse rate.
  • This treadmill has faster adjustment controls situated on the arm rests to allow better control of the workout intensity
  • In addition, it has an integrated message board which guides your through the workouts
  • It has hand pulse grips and wireless chest strap that monitor your heart rate during the entire workout schedule
  • The f80 treadmill has a large start and stop switches, and emergency safety switch. It also offers a lower profile running hood.
  • It has a Built in speaker system featuring a 2 way cable mp3 or ipod player connection
  • Its folding deck design and the transport wheels facilitate easier movement and simple deck release for storage to keep it out of the way when not in use.
  • It has a patented safety lock design that allows you to securely lock deck in place.
  • he manufacturers warranty includes lifetime deck, motor and the frame, 5 years wear items and electronics and 2 years labor.
  • It’s Model: F80-2013
  • The Maximum user capacity: 375 pounds
  • The Display: 7.5 LCD with blue backlit
  • The Motor: 3.5 CHP
  • Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH
  • Rollers: 2.75 rollers which feature copper ground wires and sealed bearing to reduce static

sole f80 treadmill console 2

The Sole F80 Treadmill Pros and Cons

  • Strong and quiet 3.5 CHP motor
  • A spacious running surface
  • It is music friendly
  • It has a custom flex shock absorption whisper deck
  • It has a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor and deck
  • Easy assist folding system that facilitate easier storage
  • This treadmill is a great alternative to track running

sole f80 treadmill control

Cons That We Have Notice

  • It is foldable although it is not very portable due to its weight-265 pounds
  • It has a low number of preset workouts programs

sole f80 treadmill display

Eric Fitness Facility Sole Treadmills Verdict

Sole treadmills and the Sole F80 is among the most bought treadmills in the market today, and this mostly when you consider its price, features and quality.

sole fitness treadmills

For $1.499, you will get a standard treadmill offering spacious running space, a durable frame and which feature custom shock absorption on its deck. Acquiring this equipment will ensure you get reasonable value for your money. It has the latest features that you need for your training and its also durable. There are many places where you can buy new, and used, Sole treadmills to a reasonable price, here is a write-up of different alternatives where you can buy your own Sole F80.

Reviews Treadmills