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Our Bowflex Series 3 treadmill review examines a pretty solid looking performer at a reasonable price – how does it stack up?
The Series 3 is the entry level treadmill in the Bowflex range, which also includes the Series 5 and Series 7.
It’s essentially the same treadmill, with a smaller motor and fewer features than its more expensive siblings.
The Series 3 is a popular treadmill, consistently ranked in the top 10 – often top 3 – most popular treadmill buys at Amazon and is one of the market leaders in it’s price bracket.
The Series 3 retails for $1,249 and is hardly a budget treadmill, so what makes it such a popular buy?
Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill Review – Features
However, I’m not convinced it’s the best you can get for the thick end of $1,300!The Series 3 is a well put together treadmill. It’s solid, stable, good-looking and based on appearance alone it’s not hard to see why it sells well.
For a start, whilst the build quality is undeniably good with a sturdy frame – it weighs a hefty 298lbs – and durable components, it’s only got a 1.75 HP continuous duty motor.
That’s fine for walking but if I’m shelling out this much cash I’d expect a motor well in excess of 2.0 HP.
The running surface is also disappointing, measuring just 54″ x 20″. Again, I’d expect nearer to 60″ for the price.
The belt itself is only single ply, which is a sign of corners being cut as double-ply is not unusual on treadmills over $1,000.
I do like the ‘Strike Zone’ deck though, which offers a good cushioning system with plenty of support and enough stability to avoid a ‘spongy’ feel.
There’s a firm lift off and a comfortable landing, which bodes well for those – like me – with a history of impact-related injuries.
The treadmill is capable of speeds up to 10 mph, but our Bowflex Series 3 treadmill review found the motor to be straining and a little noisy when nearing the maximum speed.
The deck inclines to 12%, which will add some extra intensity to your workout if required.
The treadmill folds up in one easy operation and is compact enough when folded so it can be stored away easily when not in use.
As far as the electronic features are concerned, the Series 3 comes with six workouts pre-programmed – cardio, fat burn and the other usual suspects.
There’s a decent LED console display, which is easy enough to read as well as a grip heart rate monitor.
The warranties are a big plus, with 15 years on the frame, 10 years on the motor, two years on the parts and a year on the labour.
Whilst the treadmill retails at $1,249, our Bowflex Series 3 treadmill review found it currently for sale at $999 with free shipping at Amazon.
Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill Review – The Bottom Line…
I guess the conclusion of our Bowflex Series 3 treadmill review would that it’s good in parts!
The motor is my main bugbear as it prevents the Series 3 being more than an average offering.
A larger motor and a two ply belt would make it a far more serious contender.
If you want a Bowflex, the Series 5 is a better bet and can be had at substantial discounts online leaving it only a few hundred dollars more than the Series 3.
But if you do have a few hundred dollars more to invest, check out something like the Sole F63, which is usually on sale online and is the treadmill that this should have been.
If you really do want a Bowflex Series 3, then I suggest you visit Amazon to check the current price.
