Well I spent a day wandering around to the different fitness stores and larger chain stores trying out different machines. I quickly took the folding models out of the running. They just aren't stable enough for someone my size to be running on. I also found out that it takes at least $2000 to get into the ball park of quality machines, even for home use. Now that's for running. If someone just wants to walk, anything would be fine, I suppose. I looked at Life Cycle, Vision Fitness, Precor, Landice, True and a bunch of other chain store brands. Dollar for dollar, I found the True models to be quite a bargain. They were more stable than the Precor models, had just as many features, same warranty, but they just felt more robust. I have not heard of True, but was told they've been around a long time. They don't feel too stiff or too soft, but just about right. The PS900 had an adjustable suspension, but I couldn't tell any difference, so I opted to save a grand and go with the next model down the food chain. I also got one with the Ortho belt, as I preferred the way it felt. Ended up blowing $2800 on the PS300 model. None were in stock, so I get to wait three weeks before I pick it up.

http://www.truefitness.com/products/residential-home-fitness-equipment/treadmills/17/ps300-treadmill

I used to spend just about that amount each year on ciggies. Michael, you spent $$ to help insure that you will live longer so you can have more healthy years to spend more $$ on stuff that doesn't do you any good.

Hope you enjoy using it. FYI, I've found that they make great valets when ironing shirts.

But how many lineal feet of clothes will hang on it?

j/k, Mike. I always appreciate the thorough research you do on such things, and your absolute commitment to quality. I also like that you actually make a decision.

So, will you listen to tunes or watch TV or something while using this contraption?

I say again, I have a TRUE and it has seen a lot of action - not just as a clothes hanger either. You have to wax the deck under the the tread every so often and that is about it.

Michael, I know what you mean about having to pay for something stable for larger users.

You have to wax the deck on ALL treadmills, some just not as often as others and be sure to find out if your manufacturer recommends a silicone based wax or parafin.

True makes great machine, I am sure you will be very happy with your purchase.

I hate buying things twice Tom, that's why I spend a little more and buy as high of quality I can within my means. I have a rec room in the house where I have a TV. I can't stand running in place without something to watch. It's usually the news in the morning to see just how much money I'm going to loose in the market that day.

Oh, I didn't notice your earlier reply Argon, sorry. I've been reading some of the reviews (after the fact) and True has a mixed following. Some feel they are overpriced and use cheap parts and to expect to shell out money on maintenance. Then they go on to say they have the best belt and decks in the business. The only precor model that was even close to the one I bought was 1500 more. I'm not sure what these reviewers are talking about. I reckon I'm fixin to find out.

I don't know about cheap parts but since you said that, it jarred my memory. One of the wheels mysteriously broke while my daughter and/or boyfriend were using it. I found out like 6 months later when I noticed it was supported on the one side by plywood scraps. Since I don't move it, I never replaced it. Probably will one day....

I'm in the market for a new treadmill as well. Anyone know much about Smooth treadmills? I've been considering them for a long time, and they seem to get good reviews. I think you can only order them direct.

Smooth is ID only like Axiom and like Axiom are a pretty good bang for the buck. I can't seem to remember nor find on the Net the info I came across a number of years ago when I was looking at treadmills but Smooth is the ID version of one of the main players in the market.

I had second thoughts about buying something so large and heavy from an ID company, pretty hard to ship back on your own if you really don't like it.

Reviving thread, sales imminent!

Our good ol' Canadian Tire stores are having some pretty decent sales on treadmills coming up this week. I am thinking of getting one as my wife has mentioned it several times and I use them when traveling in hotels and can't run outside. It's also her birthday soon. However I know NOTHING about treadmills and am curious if anyone is familiar with the following brand names (that are my sale targets):

- Livestrong (LS10 elliptical or LS13 treadmill)
- Tempo(model 632T)
- Horizon (model CT5.3)

Would you recommend or suggest to stay away from any of these brands/models? All thoughts/comments are welcome. I would like to avoid buyers remorse due to poor build quality/design.

Thanks!

Dan