Precor Treadmills Reviewed
As far as the consumer marketplace is concerned Precor treadmills arguably lead the industry. It's a status that is reflected in the price but if you want the very best home treadmill experience then you need look no further...
Precor have been producing treadmills for over twenty years and not just for the consumer marketplace. They can be found in fitness facilities around the world and are a favorite amongst many well known health clubs.
Costing upwards of $3000 it's no surprise that Precor's home treadmill range usually attracts the more serious (and affluent) runner. Their reputation for quality, hugely powerful motors, over sized running decks and club quality electronic consoles goes some way to justifying the hefty price tag. But more importantly they are highly regarded by independent experts...
The industry renowned treadmill evaluation complied by Runners World Magazine placed Precor in their top ten treadmills. Scoring well for stability, cushioning, quietness and pace accuracy they outperformed many other well recognized brands. It's also worth noting that they have received favorable comments from the experts at Treadmill Doctor and rank highly in the well recognized Monster Ratings.
If you really want to gauge the quality of any treadmill simply look at the warranty. If the manufacturer has a lot of confidence in the durability of their products they will back wearable parts with at least five years protection. Precor have recently revised their warranty for 2003...
All of these sold for home use are covered by a ten year manufacturer warranty on parts, lifetime cover on the frame and welds and one year for labor. As far as any type of exercise equipment goes this is hard to beat.
With that in mind let's take a closer look at some specific Precor models and find out why they are so highly regarded...
Precor Treadmills to Consider
Precor M9.31 Treadmill
The most basic Precor treadmill but still costs $3000. A large motor supports a fast top speed of 11mph and you can expect the quality of the motor to sustain high speeds day in day out. Amazingly this treadmill doesn't come with heart rate monitoring but if you're paying this much a $50 Polar monitor is a drop in the ocean!
Motor Size: 2.75 continuous duty
Running Surface: 57in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 11mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: No
Folding: No
Precor M9.33 Treadmill
Although the motor size, running surface and top speed is the same as the lower priced M9.31 this Precor treadmill boasts thirteen preset workout programs, heart rate monitoring and two user profiles can also be stored. A high quality treadmill to rank with the best.
Motor Size: 2.75 continuous duty
Running Surface: 57in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 11mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No
Precor M9.35 Treadmill
At about $350 more than the M9.33 Precor's M9.35 treadmill has a larger motor and five more preset workout programs. Four user profiles can be stored should your whole family be fitness fanatics. At this price the extra is probably worth it.
Motor Size: 3.0 continuous duty
Running Surface: 57in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 11mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No
Precor M9.57 Treadmill
Precor's top of the line home treadmill boasts a whopping 4.0HP commercial grade motor that produces a top speed of 12mph. The huge running deck is more than ample for even the longest stride length. Seventeen workout programs and an intricate workout console makes this a treadmill you'd expect to find in the gym. With a suggested retail price at $8000 you'll need deep pockets!
Motor Size: 4.0 continuous duty
Running Surface: 60in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 12mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No
Precor treadmills ooze quality but they don't come cheap. A more affordable alternative are Smooth treadmills. Smooth are one of the few brands that can compete with Precor's industry-leading warranties and reputation for excellence. Ranging from $1000 to $2000 they are less than half the price than Precor treadmills and rate highly in independent reviews... Compare Precor treadmills to Smooth's range with our full review.
