Our Sole F85 treadmill review examines the top of the range folding treadmill from Sole, the machine frequently rated as one of the best fold-ups on the market – is it?
suitable for the serious runner, this is the treadmill found in Hilton Hotel “in-room fitness” rooms and in other leading hotels.
It’s certainly proven as a durable performer in that market, so should be a solid choice for the home user.
It’s no surprise then that the F85 is Sole’s biggest seller and one of the most popular treadmills in this price bracket.
Sole treadmills justifiably receive excellent reviews from satisfied customers and this machine comes with a glowing reputation – is it warranted?
Sole F85 Treadmill Review – Features…
It’s longer and wider than the other models in the range with a deck measuring 78″ long by 30″ wide. The running surface is a very generous 58″ by 20″, giving the length required by runners with long legs and a big stride to really stretch out.The F85 comes equipped with a powerful, quiet, 3.5 HP continuous duty motor, which delivers the outstanding performance required by serious runners – make no mistake, this a serious piece of kit!
It has a running speed of 0.5 to 12 mph, which is more than adequate for joggers and should be adequate for most serious runners.
Certainly more than enough for me when I carried out our Sole F85 treadmill review!
In common with the rest of the range the F85 inclines to a 15 degree max. If hill training is your bag, then the F85 will deliver the challenging terrain experience you’re looking for.
Of course, you get the excellent, smooth, comfortable and forgiving Cushion Flex Whisper Deck with the F85, just the tonic for sore ankles, knee and hip joints.
The F85’s big 2 3/4″ rollers add to the comfort factor as larger rollers equal a smoother ride. They’ll also help to maximise belt life, reduce future maintenance costs and keep noise to a minimum.
Some people are wary of folding treadmills due to a perceived lack of stabilty when compared to non-folding models.
This is sometimes an issue with lesser brands, but is not a factor we’ve come across in quality brands like Sole.
In fact, stability has been little short of excellent in our Sole F85 treadmill review and our reviews of the other models in the range.
The F85 weighs in at hefty 280lbs so that’s hardly surprising!
If you feel the treadmill’s weight will prove a problem when folding the treadmill, think again.
The Easy Assist folding feature means that folding the machine is a cinch. When you’re ready for your next workout simply press a button, stand back and the machine unfolds itself.
Struggling to fold the machine upright and get it ready to use is certainly not an issue that I experienced with the F85.
The F85 has the excellent Tri-colour LED display with message board found on the F83, which means you get a continuous display of information in three colours.
It’s very easy to read due to the red, green and gold colour display and with a quick glance at the console gives you essential information like speed, incline, time, distance covered, calories burned, pulse and pace.
Manual programming is straightforward and with six pre-set programs, two customizable workout programs and two heart rate programs you’re spoilt for choice.
As with the entire range, the F85 has incline and speed controls on the arm rests so there’s no risk of losing your balance whilst reaching for the console display during a workout.
The F85 has the safety features found on the other models in the range such as the low profile hood and emergency stop button.
Heart rate monitoring and heart rate control is via hand held pulse grips and a wireless chest strap.
Sole’s class-leading warranty applies to the F85, which attests to the quality of this product – lifetime warranties on the motor, deck and frame, a five year warranty on the electronics, belt and rollers and a two year labour warranty.
Sole F85 Treadmill Review – The Bottom Line…
I really rate this treadmill and at the sale price it’s an absolute steal.
Having carried out stacks of treadmill reviews, I doubt you’ll find the quality, durability and performance of this machine in treadmills costing less than $4,000.
It’s extremely hard to find anything negative to say about this machine. Our Sole F85 treadmill review would certainly agree with assessments hailing this model as just about the best folding treadmill you can buy.
It’s not Sole’s bestselling treadmill for nothing. With it’s tried and tested commercial track record it gets our vote as the consummate choice for home use .