Bowflex Treadmills
Bowflex Treadmills is a subsidiary of Nautilus Fitness who have been in the exercise equipment business since 1986. Nautilus also owns Schwinn, Stairmaster and Trimline and they're the second largest producer of exercise equipment in the world.
Although Bowflex is more well-known for its range of gym and body strengthening equipment, its range of treadmills has earned it a good reputation with consumers and has firmly placed the company as a main player in the manufacture of treadmills.
The Bowflex treadmill is for the mid-priced treadmill market. This is an already crowded market and it remains to be seen if Bowflex can dominate it. The treadmills from Bowflex do have certain strengths that will help the company to achieve a prominent position but they do also have some weaknesses.
There are 3 models of Bowflex treadmills: the 3, 5 and 7 series. Bowflex treadmills range from around $1,000 to $1,400 in price.The robustness and feature list increases with each model. The combination of features, quality components and design make them one of the better value treadmills in their price range.
The Bowflex treadmill can be folded for storage.
Customer reviews of the Bowflex have given it a rating of "Best Buy" from Consumer Reports.
Features of the Bowflex 3 Series treadmill
• motor size of 1.75 HP Continuous Duty
• 2.0"/5 cm steel rollers
• 275 lbs/125 kg user weight capacity
• a drink cup holder
• walking surface of 20" x 54"/51 x 137 cm - Weight 298 lbs/135
kg.
• 12% grade elevation
• speed range of 0.5 - 10 mph/.8 - 16.1 kph
Features of the Bowflex 5 Series treadmill
• motor size of 2.5 HP Continuous Duty
• 2.5"/6.4 cm steel rollers
• 300 lbs/125 kg user weight capacity
• 3-speed fan
• walking surface of 20" x 60"/51 x 152 cm - Weight 249 lbs/113
kg.
• 12% grade elevation
• speed range of 0.5 - 10 mph/.8 - 16.1 kph
Features of the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill
• motor size of 3.0 HP Continuous Duty
• 2.5"/6.4 cm steel rollers
• 300 lbs/125 kg user weight capacity
• 3-speed fan
• walking surface of 20" x 60"/51 x 152 cm - Weight 249 lbs/113
kg.
• 12% grade elevation
• speed range of 0.5 - 11 mph/.8 - 17.7 kph
The overall opinion of the Bowflex treadmill is favorable. There are some doubts about the 3 Series. It comes with a 1-ply belt and the .75 hp continuous duty motor is only suitable for walking. For the same price you can buy other brands that have a better configuration.
However, both the 5 and 7 Series treadmills from Bowflex are priced about right for the mid-range market and both machines perform well and offer about the right sort of features to make them attractive for a buyer. The 60" running surface is a great feature and makes the Bowflex treadmill ideal for those who are tall or who are trying to lengthen their stride for sprinting. The Strike Zone™ deck suspension provides adequate cushioning.
Some consumer reports have stated that the Bowflex was noisy but, when tested, I found it to be a quiet machine.
Another final criticism of the Bowflex treadmill is the warranty on offer. It is average at best. For example, the Series 7 has a 10-year motor, 2-year parts and 1-year labor coverage - other makes of treadmills offer slightly better warranties.
The Bowflex treadmill is a good machine and is perfectly adequate for all but the serious athlete. It does occupy a competitive niche, but the features of the Bowflex treadmill, its build quality, its sleek lines together with its price make it a serious contender.