IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Sole F63 Treadmill is Currently Unavailable.
Instead, if you want to stay with the same company, we suggest you try Sole F80 treadmill or if you want a similar (actually better) treadmill but from a different company – and for a little lower price too – check our Horizon T101-04 review!
About Sole F63
A middle class, middle priced Sole F63 Folding Treadmill just came into our spotlight. For those who feel the need to run no-matter-what, but are on a limited budget, this running machine might turn out to be the solution to their problem. It brings commercial quality workout equipment right into your home. Is it good? Short answer: Yes. Is it flawless? Short answer: No. Verdict? Let’s see what is it that we get for the money.
Sole Fitness F63 Folding Treadmill Overview
The Sole F80 is a pretty decent treadmill that just like the F63 that runs off a continuous duty HP motor. This means you can get to speeds from 0.5 mph up to 12 miles per hour. Like most good treadmills it also has an adjustable incline, so you can walk or jog on an incline of up to 15% (standard with most machines) to get a better, more strenuous workout than you would on flat ground. It’s got a ton of great features and is built specifically with durability and easy of use in mind so you won’t have to worry about a large learning curve or having trouble storing or moving it. There is a “ultimate” fight of which is regarded as the best treadmill under 1000, and when compared with other models and brands in the same price range this Sole does pretty well.
Is Running on a Treadmill Really That Awesome?
If you are totally hard core and you run outdoors regardless of weather conditions, snow, wind, rain or frogs and fish and what else comes from the sky, then by the Love of All Mighty, you shouldn’t even consider going for a treadmill. Because that’s how you roll and you wouldn’t want it any other way.
But for many, having a treadmill is the first step towards being able to walk or jog every day, without worrying about the weather, traffic or the time of night they’re out. And yes it is awesome. Especially if you have something like Proform 505 CST treadmill. Running. On that machine. Seriously.
Finding the good balance between treadmills that are
- properly sized,
- easy to store (maybe fold),
- easy to use (control and run on it),
- quiet enough,
- with good programs, and
- those that are still affordable is the primary concern.
Most treadmills you can purchase from home aren’t as easy to store and don’t include easy controls for changing the speed or incline. This one allows you to do both, and even has ways to track necessary information as you work out.
The treadmill helps you get a better workout by allowing you to change the speed and incline. For a gently workout, you can start off with a slow speed and 0% incline. As you build up your strength and want to get a more strenuous workout, you can easily adjust the incline and speed to make the workout harder to accomplish. This allows you to work your body harder and get the exact workout you’re looking for.
One user reported, she is happy to have a treadmill at home, because there is no more need to go to the gym if she wants to run and work out.
Happy UserShe said she uses the treadmill 6 days a week, runs up to speed of 10 mph and never had a problem with the 3 HP motor.
Another Happy User
Sole F63 Features
- 3.0 continuous duty HP motor – surprisingly quiet but high power motor that ranges speed between 0.5 to 12 mph. Maximum incline 15%
- High quality robust steel frame – makes sure its fixed and feels “glued to your floor”
- Fold-up running deck – space saver which comes handy if you don’t have a separate gym room dedicated to your equipment
- Built In Programs – 6 built in workout programs along with cardio and fat burning specific programs (all in all 10 programs), more than an average person needs.
- User friendly big console – an integrated 6.5″ blue LCD shows everything you need in order to monitor your workout: time, speed, distance, calories, pace, pulse and incline.
- Durable quality – it supports up to 325 pounds
- Safety – it has cushioned deck which makes your running smooth (almost 40% less impact than when running on asphalt), large stop watch and a user friendly “slow start”
- Connectors – works with a wireless heart rate monitor (included), which is a nice thing to have
- Build in speakers – connect your iPod or MP3 player and listen to your favorite music, podcasts or audio books while you’re working out.
Dimensions
- Total: 33″ wide by 58″ height by 83″ long (W x H x D)
- Deck: 33″ wide by 80″ long
- Track (running surface) dimensions: 20″ wide by 60″ long
- Rollers: 2.5″
- Weight: 235 lbs.
- Shipping weight: 279 pounds
Warranty
Sole gives a really good warranty on their equipment: lifetime for the frame and motor, 3 years for electronic parts and the deck, 1 year for labor.
Special tip: you can buy an extra warranty which will give you a good peace of mind.
Stuff We Liked
The sole treadmills are known for being easy to use as well as for their great price. In this price for quality ratio we want to say it is among the best.
They’re also known for their quality and durability. The occasional need for repairs is covered by a very generous warranty period for the complete equipment.
As an extra bonus, in many instances you won’t even have to pay for delivery and the treadmill will be delivered to you (Free shipping).
Many customers also have found they enjoy the silence (the treadmills motor is very quiet!) while working out with this machine. They also enjoy being able to get a gym quality workout without having to go to the gym or wait for a machine at the gym to become available.
What Could Be Improved
Size was the first we have encountered. Some people are not happy with the robust, space consuming design. To us, it’s just the way it is. You have to make a compromise between a lightweight treadmill built with low quality material and this one.
If you read through the treadmills reviews, some customers have found that they would prefer it if the console and arms were raised a little for taller users.
This lady said that the display was hard to read because of the strange contrast and there was a big gap between touch designs.
Not So Happy User
Others have received the treadmill damaged due to problems with the shipping company they went through.
One sole f63 treadmill review stated that they would prefer if the volume for the speakers that allow you to play your own music was louder.
Note: we will stress again that this is NOT a heavy duty treadmill, it is designed for light to medium hard runners. If you are one of those, consider Sole F80 or F85 as an alternative.
Final Thoughts
Some mixed reviews makes us think this is exactly what it is supposed to be. Good, but not perfect. Fit for beginners to mid-range fans but not for pros. Right there in the middle. Forget the cheap and easy to break parts that last for 2 days and disappoint you, but do not expect top notch unbreakable “the Rolls Royce of treadmills” manufacturing. Overall, if you’re looking for running treadmills or even just a treadmill to walk on, this is noted as one of the best in its price range.
You’ll be able to get a workout that’s just as good as you would at the gym, but without having to go to the gym or wait for a machine to become available. You won’t have to worry about the weather outside or the traffic where you walk as you’ll be able to safely walk or jog in the comfort of your own home. Many users have enjoyed this treadmill, and it’s worth looking into if you want to be able to walk and jog at home, any time you feel like working out.
Not totally convinced? Why don’t you check our writing on the 7 Best Treadmills Under $1,000 For Home Use?
