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Our Bowflex treadmill review takes a look at a very popular and big selling brand – but do high sales equal quality and value?
Bowflex is owned by Nautilus, one of the largest exercise equipment manufacturers, which also owns other popular brands like Schwinn and Trimline.
Better known for their home gyms, Bowflex more recently added a range of mid-price treadmills to their stable that have rapidly become leading sellers in an already crowded market.
The competition is tough, so what is it about Bowflex treadmills that has enabled them to carve out a niche for themselves?
Bowflex Treadmill Review – Introduction to the Range
Bowflex currently have three models in their range: Checkout These Models.
Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill
Bowflex Series 5 Treadmill
Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill
As you’d expect, the Series 3 is the entry level , model and the cheapest, retailing at $1,249. The Series 5 comes in at $1,799 and the Series 7 at $1,999.
However, you’ll usually be able to get discounts on these prices when you shop online and our Bowflex treadmill review has found them as low as $999, $1,299 and $1,499 respectively at Amazon.
So how does the Bowflex treadmill range stack up against the opposition?
Bowflex Treadmill Review – Features…
They appear to be well made, they’re aesthetically pleasing – sleek, well-designed, robust and not a million miles away from what you’d expect to find at your local gym.The first thing you notice about these Bowflex treadmills is how good they look.
They all fold up, which is a handy feature for the home user with limited space and when folded, will fit in a corner or under the stairs.
The decks look well-proportioned, they’re solid to stand on and the display consoles are well laid out and have enough bright lights to keep a moth with insomnia happy!
If you’re purely picking a treadmill on looks alone – and some people do! – then all three Bowflex models should prove very attractive.
But this is no beauty contest and as you’ll be shelling out over $1,000, you want to be sure that you’re getting a quality performer providing maximum value for money.
And this is where the doubts creep in. On the face of it, Bowflex treadmills look competitive.
For instance, the warranties are great – 15 years on the frame, 10 years on the motor, two years on the parts and a year on the labour.
User reviews also look promising, with many apparently satisfied customers having bought one of the three models.
But it’s when you compare each model like for like with the competition that they’re found wanting.
For instance, compare them with similarly priced treadmills from a manufacturer like Sole.
You’ll find that the motors aren’t as powerful, the running surface is shorter and narrower, the rollers smaller, the belt thinner and the warranties less generous.
You simply get less for your money with a Bowflex than you get with some other top manufacturers.
Now that’s not to say that these are poor treadmills because they’re not. It’s just that you can get a better machine for a similar price.
Which begs the question for me as to why you’d buy a Bowflex Series 3 instead of say a Sole F63 or a Series 5 instead of the outstanding Sole F80?
Bowflex Treadmill Review – The Bottom Line…
Our Bowflex treadmill review would conclude that these are pretty good treadmills, both well built and well designed for the money.
If you really want a Bowflex, then in our opinion and those of satisfied customers posting on a number of websites it’s not a bad choice.
However, do read our reviews below and compare the model you’re considering with the best of the competition before deciding to purchase – it always pays to make an informed choice!
Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill Review
Bowflex Series 5 Treadmill Review
Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill Review.
