Thursday, November 7, 2024
Horizon T101 Treadmill Review
Best Feature:
Great value in terms of quality, price, size and performance
Worst Feature:
Some frustration with difficult initial assembly and upkeep
Best Uses:
Fully automated treadmill for walking or jogging
Pricing:
$721 (Lifetime warranty frame/motor; 1-yr parts/labor)
Overview
The Horizon T101 is an affordable treadmill that will make it easy to get in your cardiovascular workout at home. There are 9 program options to help you maximize your time on the machine, an LED display to track your progress, a hand grip heart rate monitor, and a built-in fan to keep you cool during the process. The 2.5 CHP motor can reach speeds of up to 10mph and the automatic incline can go up to 10%, while the strong, steel frame maintains stability. So, turn on your favorite TV show, read a magazine or plug in your MP3 player to the Sonic SurroundTM speakers because now you can get in shape at home without breaking the bank.
You can find the T101 online at www.horizonfitnessoutlet.com for $600, in sporting goods stores, and in some department stores.
Product Report Card Grade
We give the Horizon T101 Treadmill an A- because it is an inexpensive folding treadmill with a great warranty, and it has some of the same bells and whistles as higher priced models. With a powerful 2.5 CHP motor, it can reach speeds of up to 10mph and inclines of up to 10%. You can customize your workout on the console or choose from one of the nine preset workout programs, and you can track your progress in terms of speed, time, distance and calories on the LED display screen. The treadmill also has a hand-grip heart rate monitor for additional convenience and features a built-in fan and speaker system to keep you cool and motivated throughout your workout. While customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive for this treadmill, we had to deduct a few points because some users were annoyed that the treadmill was difficult to assemble and maintain. Additionally, even though it is marketed as a “folding” treadmill, it really isn’t compact enough for very small spaces.
Date Reviewed
January 2012
January 2012
January 2012
Pros
Inexpensive with excellent warranty and many of the bells & whistles seen on higher priced models; adequate belt size; quiet and powerful motor; heavy steel frame won't shake; speed and incline ranges provide lots of combinations to vary the intensity of your workout; fan keeps you cool; easy to use
Inexpensive with a good warranty; no assembly required; better incline than other compact, budget treadmills; folding design great for people with limited space; easy to use; purchase includes 4 months of free access to LifeSpan Fitness Club, which is a great way to kick start fitness routine
Extremely affordable; lightweight and portable; folds for easier storage; simple set up; energy efficient
Cons
Machine is large and doesn't fold up all the way, so not great for small spaces; many users expressed frustration with the set-up and especially with the belt, which needs to be lubricated initially and then again every 150 miles; some users were annoyed that the power switch is at the base of the machine instead of on the console; treadmill will trip GFCI breakers; console does not show you miles per minute
Good for walking and light jogging but not great for intense workouts given the motor size, belt size and lack of cushioning; slight burning smell noted by some users after 30 minutes of use; some users didn't feel the speakers were very good; doesn't have a built-in fan, reading shelf or cup holder
Short warranty; manual treadmills can take some getting used to; some customers have reported issues with the rear bearings coming off and the belt slipping to one side; some customers felt it was noisier than other manual treadmills; doesn't have a very stable frame for heavier individuals; belt is shorter and narrower than other budget treatments; manual incline with only 2 options
Type
Budget Treadmill
Budget Treadmill
Budget Treadmill
Warranty
Lifetime limited warranty on the frame & motor; 1-year limited warranty on parts & labor (extended warranties are also available)
Lifetime limited warranty on the frame; 5-year limited warranty on the motor; 1- year limited warranty on parts & labor
3-year limited warranty on the frame; 90-day limited warranty on parts
Manual or Motorized
Motorized (2.25 CHP)
Motorized (1.5 CHP)
Manual
Folding?
Yes, it uses the FeatherLIGHT™ lift system for easy folding and unfolding.
Yes, it folds down to 11" in height and can be stored vertically or horizontally.
Yes, it folds up to 18" x 26" x 47.5" (L x W x H).
Dimensions (L x W x H)
71" x 33" x 55"
60" x 31" x 52"
47" x 26" x 44"
Weight (lbs)
200 (est.)
135 (est.)
56 (est.)
Belt Size (L x W)
55" x 20" (sufficient for those of average height or less)
48" x 17" (small compared to other budget treadmills)
42" x 17" (small compared to other budget treadmills)
Max Weight Capacity (lbs)
Speed
0 - 10 mph
0 - 6 mph (also has Quick Start Speed control)
N/A - self powered
Incline
Automatic incline from 0 - 10% (.5% increments)
Automatic incline from 0 - 10% (1% increments). Also has Quick Start Incline control.
Manual incline at 8° and 10°
Belt Cushioning
2-ply belt is 1.4 mm thick and features PerfectFLEX™ cushioning technology.
Not specified
Not specified
Progress Tracking
The console tracks your progess using 3 orange LED windows, LED brickyard, and target/workout LED indicators.
The console has a blue LCD display screen that shows your progress in terms of time, calories, distance, heart rate, speed and incline level.
The console has a battery-operated monitor that tracks your distance, time, speed, and calories burned.
Workout Programs
It features 9 program options that are based on a target (time, distance or calories) combined with a workout (manual, interval or weight loss).
It has 3 speed programs and 3 incline programs.
N/A
Heart Rate Monitor
Yes, it has a hand grip heart rate monitor.
Yes, it has a hand grip heart rate monitor.
N/A
Built-In Audio
Yes, it has Sonic Surround™ speakers that allow you to listen to your favorite music with or without headphones.
Yes, it has speakers and a plug for headphones.
N/A
Built-In Fans
Yes, it has the COOLfit™ fitness fan (not adjustable).
N/A
N/A
Reading Shelf
Yes, it has a reading shelf.
N/A
N/A
Cup Holder
Yes, it has 2 cup holders.
N/A
N/A
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lots of space on belt
- Motor is powerful, quiet and backed by lifetime guarantee
- Heavy steel frame won't shake
- Speed and incline ranges provide lots of combinations to vary the intensity of your workout
- Fan keeps you cool
- Easy to use
- Long warranty
Cons
- Machine is large and doesn't fold up all the way, so not great for small spaces
- Many users expressed frustration with the set up and especially with the belt, which needs to be lubricated initially and then again every 150 miles
- Some users were annoyed that the power switch is at the base of the machine instead of on the console
- Will trip GFCI breakers
- Console does not show you miles per minute
Key Features
Frame
The dimensions are 71" x 33" x 55" (L x W x H). The frame weighs 169lbs and is made from high quality steel for durability and stability
Belt
20" x 55" two-ply belt with a thickness of 1.4mm (sufficient for those of average height or less)
Weight Capacity
up to 300lbs
Cushioning
PerfectFLEXTM variable cushioning system provides support as well as shock absorption
Folding Capabilities
Yes, uses FeatherLIGHTTM lift system for easy folding and unfolding
Incline Range
automatic incline from 0 to 10%
Programs
9 program options based on a target (time, distance or calories) and a workout (manual, interval or weight loss)
Heart Rate Monitor
Yes (hand grip)
Console
Three orange LED windows, LED brickyard, and target/workout LED indicators
Audio Capabilities
Yes, it has Sonic SurroundTM speakers with MP3 input, so you can listen to your favorite music out loud or through the headphone output
Fan
Yes, COOLfitTM fitness fan (not adjustable)
Warranty
Lifetime for the frame and motor; 1 year for parts and labor (extended warranties available)
Reputation
Among manufacturers of budget treadmills, Horizon Fitness is one of the most popular brands and the T101 has a great reputation. Treadmill Doctor gave it the 2012 "Best Buy" award, and it received the highest consumer rating (for the price) by Consumer Reports. There are numerous online reviews from customers who were very happy with the T101 for light workouts on a regular basis even though it doesn't have as many bells and whistles as the higher price models. Assembly sounds like it is a huge pain, so you might want to plan on bringing a friend to help you.
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