Originally, Bowflex made gym and strength building equipment but a few years back the company decided to make treadmills. Bowflex aimed its treadmills at the mid- to high-end of the market; this is the most competitive market for treadmills. So, have Bowflex treadmills carved out a niche and do customer ratings of Bowflex treadmills like them or hate them?

 

Prices of Bowflex treadmills start at around $1,100 and go up to $1,500 (MSRP). Bowflex makes 3 treadmill models: the 3 series, 5 series and 7 series treadmill.

All Bowflex treadmills comes with SoftDrop technology that makes easy folding and storage - although weighing in at 300 lbs, you'll need help it moving it around. Like all mid-range treadmill manufacturers, Bowflex claim to have used new technology to provide better suspension for the runner. With Bowflex treadmills it's called Strike Zone™ deck suspension. Most consumer reviews agree that the deck suspension does its job adequately enough. Finally, all models come with a built-in grip heart rate monitoring system.

The Bowflex Series 3 treadmill is the cheapest. It comes with a 1.75 HP Continuous motor and has a user weight capacity of 275 lbs/125 kg. The treadbelt is 20" x 54"/51 x 137 cm and has an inclination of 0 -12%. You can also choose between 6 programs including Manual, Cardio, Running, Fat Burn, Speed Interval Jogger, and Hill intervals.

The Bowflex Series 3 treadmill is a nice looking machine, with sleek lines but it's not for the serious runner. The motor is too small and the 1-ply treadbelt isn't going to last all that long when used constantly.

The next in line is the Bowflex Series 5 treadmill. It comes with a larger motor size at 2.5 hp. You also get a larger running track at 20" x 60", though it's still 1-ply. You get more programs as well; 12 including 1 Heart Rate Control, and 2 user-defined. To help keep you cool using these programs the treadmill comes with a 3-speed fan. The maximum speed of the Bowflex Series 5 treadmill is 10 mph.

The 2.5 hp motor is adequate but you can get other mid-price treadmills with 3 hp. Also, the belt is still only 1-ply, to seriously be considered as a durable treadmill, the belt should be at least 2-ply.

The top of the range model is the Bowflex Series 7 treadmill. Finally, we have a treadmill for the serious runner. This Bowflex treadmill comes with 3.0 HP Continuous Duty motor. The speed range is .5 - 11 mph/.8 - 17.7 kph. The treadbelt is the same size as the Series 5 but it's 2-ply. You get 15 workout programs; here's the list: Manual, Cardio, Running, Fat Burn, Speed Interval Jogger, Hill Intervals, 5 K Run with 12 Intervals, Heart Strength-Recovery Test, Calorie Goal, Distance Goal, Fat Burn HRC (Heart Rate Calculation), Cardio HRC, BMI Test, Custom Program 1, Custom Program 2.

Bowflex claim to make some of the best treadmills for the price. My opinion is that when you consider the Series 3 and Series 5 there are other, better treadmills on the market. However, the Bowflex Series 7 treadmill really is a good piece of exercise equipment. The 60" treadbelt is generous and ideal for those wanting to improve stride length and the motor is powerful enough to last the course.

Do I have any real criticisms about the Bowflex treadmill? Well, the warranty given with all Bowflex treadmills is pretty mediocre; it would be nice to see the company stand by its product more. Anyhow, the warranty of the Bowflex Series 7 treadmill is 10 years on the motor with 2 years parts and 1 year labor coverage.

All in all, my personal review of Bowflex treadmills gives them a decent rating with the Series 7 treadmill getting a very good overall score.