The Sole Fitness F80 is one of the most popular folding treadmills being sold in the market right now. A lot of people recommend this machine if you’re looking for a mid-range priced folding treadmill.
So in this dedicated review, we’ll find out if this running machine is worth the hype it’s getting and if it’s really as good as everyone says.
Overview
A folding treadmill is one of the best folding equipment you can invest in right now. Especially when public gyms are working in a limited capacity. With a folding treadmill, we can still get those runs and cardio in our regular workout routines without having to step outside in the comfort of our home.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a versatile folding treadmill that is solid, won’t falter, and are equipped with high quality features, then your search is finally over.
Let me introduce to you the Sole Fitness F80.
If you’re unaware of who Sole Fitness is, they’re a company specializing in manufacturing fitness equipment that is high quality and long-lasting. They are a receiver of multiple awards for their top-tier and commercial grade products and are easily one of the go-to brands of numerous people in the states.
The F80 is actually Sole Fitness‘s flagship model in their lineup of folding treadmills. If you think about it, other folding treadmills in this price range under popular brands usually only offer their entry-level units. So you’re getting so much more for this value with the F80.
With a mid-range price tag, this running machine is built like a beast that is meant to last you for a long, long time. The F80 is made up of high-quality commercial grade parts to provide you with the most comfortable workout session ever.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 85.43 x 37.01 x 17.32 inches (LxWxH)
- Running Area: 22 x 60 inches.
- Product Weight: 265 lbs. or 120 kg.
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Material: Steel.
- Color: Black.
- Maximum User Weight Capacity: 375 lbs. or 170 kg.
- Maximum Horsepower: Up to 3.5 horsepower.
- Top Speed Rating: 12 miles per hour.
- Incline: 0-to-15% rack-and-pinion gear design incline.
- Screen: 7.5-inch LCD screen.
- Preset Workouts / Fitness Programs: Six standard programs, two custom programs, and two heart programs.
- Warranty: lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on parts, 2 years on labor.
- Extra Features: Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, Sole Fitness app, two-ply belt, pulse grip, and chest strap heart rate monitoring.
Check out Sole Fitness’ preview of the F80 below.
What We Love About The Sole Fitness F80
Let’s dive in to what makes the F80 so hyped about.
Cushion Flex Whisper Deck
The F80 folding treadmill has impressive shock absorption that allows you to go for more intense and grueling runs so you can get the best results out of your cardio routines without the risk of stressing or straining your joints.
This is all thanks to the F80’s unique feature called the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck.
The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck helps in minimizing the stress and impact by up to 40% in comparison when you’re running on asphalt. With this kind of feature, you worry a lot less about the impact your joints are getting with each run. In turn, you can focus more on your stats and getting optimum results in every workout session.
Overall, the F80’s top quality cushioning system is designed in a way to take the stress off your joints so that you can run without it being painful.
The 3.5 Horsepower
The F80 is equipped with a 3.5 horsepower motor. This means the F80 can withstand even the most intense and demanding workouts for running without a fuss.
So if you really want to improve and work on your cardio at home, the F80 has your back. What’s more, this folding treadmill can also easily support any grueling workout from long-distance runs to interval and hill training. You’re certain to not feel any faltering or shaking as you shred through those calories.
Incline Range and Top Speed Limit
The F80 has an incline range from 0 up to 15%. That in itself is pretty great as you’re getting 15 levels of incline. So if you really want to challenge yourself during your workouts or do more interval and hill training, you have a lot of options to choose from with this folding treadmill.
Aside from the impressive incline, you can go as fast as 12 miles per hour with the F80 as well. This makes it perfect if you like long-distance runs and intense cardio workouts.
Large Running Surface Area
The F80 has a pretty roomy deck that measures 22 x 60. So if you’re on the heavier side or just generally prefer a larger running surface area, then the F80 is perfect for you. You won’t feel too cramped up as you exercise.
Reversible Deck
One of the best features of the F80 is its reversible deck. This will help prolong your F80’s longevity and durability. You won’t have to worry about replacing your unit after a few years. Just simply flip the deck once the other side you’ve been using has worn out.
Terrific Maximum User Weight Capacity
With a 375-lb. max user weight capacity, this is perfectly suited for individuals who lean more onto the heavier side. This running machine will easily support you without feeling any trembles or shakes in the machine while you use it.
Apart from that, athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts who like long-distance runs will also love this sturdy treadmill. In general, because the F80 has a user weight capacity of up to 375 lbs. or 170 kg, it can easily accommodate a wider range of runners and fitness enthusiasts of any size.
Ergonomic Folding Design
If you’re stressed about having to manually fold your treadmills before storing them, well no need to worry! The F80 can be folded with a single push of a button. No need to stress about putting further strain on yourself after an intense workout. Just let the F80 do its work then you can easily store this in whichever part of your house.
Amazing Warranty
Sole Fitness offers its users a lifetime warranty on the F80’s frame, motor, and deck, 5 years on parts, and 2 years on labor. Personally, I just think that’s pretty amazing coverage on a running machine of this level.
Our Least Favorite Things
After covering the things we liked about the F80, let’s move on to a few things we were a little disappointed in.
Limited Preset Workout Programs
When compared to other competing folding treadmills in its range, the F80 tends to fall behind in terms of the built-in preset workout programs on this machine.
With NordicTrack, you get the option of joining their iFit subscription plus 20 free preset programs built into their unit. Then the BowFlex T10 offers the JRNY Experience which is another subscription-based app.
On the other hand, the F80 only has 10 preset workout programs and no subscription-based workout library apps for people who might be interested.
The Price
I’ve mentioned before that the F80 has great value for its price. After all, you’re getting a flagship model for a mid-range price from a premium manufacturer as opposed to other high end brands who only offer their entry-level folding treadmills within this price range.
But for some of you, spending over a thousand dollars for a folding treadmill for your home is a bit much. Which I understand completely. Especially when you can find cheaper and more budget-friendly alternatives out there in the market by comprising some bells and whistles.
In A Nutshell
Here’s a narrowed down list of the good and the bad with the F80.
Pros
- The best folding treadmill you can find within its price range.
- Terrific maximum user weight capacity.
- Compact and easy-to-use design.
- Great warranty coverage.
- Suitable for individuals who like intense and longer runs.
- Built-in cooling fans to keep you fresh during workout sessions.
- You can opt to install the Sole Fitness App for free on your smartphone or tablet to keep track of your progress.
- Quiet operation when in use.
- Comfortable to use due to its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck feature.
- You get a lot of fun extra features.
Cons
- The mid-range price can still be pricier for some people.
- Very limited range of workout programs to choose from compared to other competing folding treadmills in its range.
- Not the most compact folding treadmill.
Final Verdict
Overall, I really like the Sole F80. I think it’s a solid folding treadmill that doesn’t go overboard or too complicated with its features. It’s easy to use for everyone while being compact and durable at the same time.
With a mid-range price, you are really getting your money’s worth and more. The only real drawback I see is the limited number of preset workout programs built in the F80. Even so, you can just opt to slot in your smartphone or tablet in its device holder to choose your own workout programs to follow.
So it’s pretty hard to go wrong with choosing this running machine.
If you want a sturdy and versatile folding treadmill that covers almost everything you’ll need from pain-free, long-distance runs to accommodating runners of every size, I highly recommend getting the F80.
Already own or still thinking of buying the Sole Fitness F80? Let me know about your thoughts on this folding treadmill in the comments section below!
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