Effective Treadmill Comparison

Websites are a great source for treadmill comparison. However with the volume of information available to us on the Internet, searching for useful and easy to understand information is getting harder. Although there are a few good treadmill consumer reports out there, it's essential that you understand how to make your own comparison if you want a truly independent and accurate point of view.

In order to make a good comparison, you must know a bit about what makes a quality treadmill. Understanding this will allow you to make the best choice among the many brands out in the market. The basic things to make treadmill comparisons include: the motor (essentially this is just what a treadmill is. The heavier the motor, the longer it will last. Any treadmill comparison should start with the kind of motor a treadmill has), horsepower (look for the continuous duty rating when making your treadmill comparison. Usually a rating of 2.0 hp is needed), motor electronics, motor torque, frame, handrails, speed and speed controls, belt, deck (running surface), impact resilience, shock absorption, incline adjustment, control panel, rollers, warranty and the price.

Any comparison starts with ratings given by consumers. Runner's World Magazine tested treadmills in 1999 on ten brands they considered to be the best. The brands they recommended have become successful in the market. The criteria they used have now become a benchmark when other companies or websites give out their treadmill comparison. The comparisons were judged according to:

1. Cushioning - How well the treadmill's belt takes shock and absorption. This does not necessarily mean you want a treadmill that is soft.
    
2. Stability - A treadmill with good stability has a solid feel and doesn't vibrate or shake excessively when you exercise on it.
    
3. Actual Pace - This is the pace accuracy based on the actual distance covered in eight minutes compared to the display reading. When comparing models, check to see how easy the controls are to read and how accurate its readings are.
    
4. Noise - How loud the machine is. The lower the better as it will allow you to have other activities like listening to music, watching the tv or reading a book. Also it will not distract other people in the house while you exercise. Compare the decibel ratings to help choose the quieter machine.

Other treadmill comparisons provides a chart to better aid the consumer. Most machines are differentiated by the price category: economy class, mid-price class and premium class.

Monster ratings also offer another criteria for their treadmill comparison. These include: stability, cushioning, quietness, smoothness, manufacturer's warranty, special features and prompt service. An overall score summarizes the result for the treadmill comparison. The higher the score, the more it is recommended by the firm.

Treadmill comparisons basically have one objective and that is to provide buyers with information on various brands of treadmill available. Hopefully, you find a model that will best suit your needs. Just take these criteria into consideration when you go shopping and you can avoid falling into getting the short end of the bargain.

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