A treadmill is the perfect workout partner to help you reach your unique fitness goals, whether you’re training for a major race or want to improve your endurance.
Finding a treadmill that can keep up with a determined runner, though, might be difficult. Consider Sole F80 versus Horizon 7.4AT. With both having requirements for so many aspects that are similar, how perplexing can this possibly be? This may sound familiar to you. Check out this article to find out Horizon 7.4 AT vs Sole F80 treadmill which fits your goal better.
You need a reliable machine, not one that might malfunction in the middle of a key training session. Below is a list of the best treadmills available that are designed specifically for runners, as well as our expert advice on picking the ideal treadmill for running. Two of the most well-liked models on the market are the Horizon 7.4AT Treadmill and the Sole Fitness F80.
Here is a comparison of their attributes and how they differ from one another.
Contents
1. Features of Sole F80 vs Horizon 7.4AT
Sturdy Build: The sole F80 is built to last with steel side beams and steel cross beams under the deck. Even the support rails are all steel. The sturdy running platform sits snugly on the floor, so when running at full speed on an incline, there is very little movement. You can tell that significant engineering went into the construction of this treadmill. Even the handrails on the F80 are epoxy-covered steel, which is unusual — most treadmills have plastic molded handrails.
The 7.4 AT is built on a solid frame that houses a 3.5 CHP motor. We recommend a minimum of 3.5 horsepower when looking for a treadmill to use for running. Motors below 3.5 HP are suited for walking but don’t support high-speed/long distances as well. The 7.4 AT provides enough power for your running sessions.
2. Height Weight Capacity
While the Sole F80 only weighs 278 pounds, it can support 375 pounds. This makes it ideal for large runners looking for stability and quality. The impressive frame-to-user weight ratio makes it durable but still easy to move. Two wheels situated under the side legs and two under the deck roll easily, so you can slide this along carpet or in and out of the closet.
The cushioning feature of the Horizon reduces foot strike impact by 30% compared to road running, which is a huge benefit! Joint impact and overuse injuries are common in runners as the downward force from each step can be more than double a runner’s weight. The cushioned feel on the 7.4 AT is impressive and noticeable. Gentle flexibility in the deck mitigates foot impact while a stable surface provides a solid toe-off for each step.
3. Extensive Warranty
Sole stands behind their products with an impressive lifetime warranty coverage for the frame, deck, and motor. Many companies used to offer a lifetime warranty — but few still do. Other companies spend extensive R&D upgrading their treadmills’ tech features, which have become an industry focal point. Sole has kept their focus grounded on a simple, quality-built machine.
Unlike other treadmills, which only support their own apps, the Horizon 7.4 AT will sync via Bluetooth with other compatible apps. Using your own tablet or phone, you can load your favorite subscription app, such as Peloton or Zwift, and it will sync with the Horizon 7.4 AT to display metrics on your tablet.
4. Speed Options
The 12 mph max speed is an industry-standard at this price point, but the sole F80 is impressively stable even at high speeds. A wide speed range also allows for more training variables, including Tabata intervals, fartlek sets, and sprint drills. Slower speeds feel steady and smooth for light walkers or power walkers.
On the horizon, 12 mph is an impressive speed and probably faster than most of us need. However, a wide speed range matters when conquering hills, doing sprints, or running fast HIIT sessions. Both the QuickDial controls and manual speed adjustments are smooth, so there’s no jerkiness when increasing or decreasing speed.
5. Incline Range
A+15% incline is a steep grade that will engage your glutes and hamstrings during training. With a solid 3.5 motor, speed adjustments are even and the Sole F80 has no problem maintaining and holding the deck steady at a steep incline. The combination of multiple speed options and a respectable incline range provides valuable variability in any training regimen. I am impressed with the stability of Sole’s F80—due to the sturdy construction, there is never any rocking or lateral movement on the deck.
The Horizon’s 15% incline provides plenty of grades to engage glutes and hamstrings as you hammer out steep hill training. The incline range also provides multiple training variables at different inclines, so you don’t get bored training on a flat road.
Which one makes the most comfortable possible?
Sole Fitness F80
Cushion Flex Whisper Deck: A market-leading warranty is included with the Sole Fitness F80 treadmill. Studies have shown that using the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck instead of running on asphalt can minimize the impact by as much as 40%. The treadmill deck not only outperforms treadmills from other commercial brands, which can cost thousands more, but it also has a lifetime warranty.
Folding Design: The Sole Fitness F80 prides itself on having the best folding treadmill design available. The Easy Assist Folding Deck Design of the F80 enables you to release the deck, take a step back, and watch as the deck unfolds on its own. The Easy Assist folding deck design from Sole is special and makes constructing your treadmill simple.
Large Light Commercial Display Screen: The Sole display makes exercise easier to reach and more effective. The Sole offers users essential data like heart rate, speed, pace, calories burned, and many other useful bits of information on a bright white backlit screen with large, crisp readouts.
Horizon 7.4AT
Zone Variable Response Cushioning: This 22″ x 60″ deck gives you all the space and comfort you need to run at your own pace, whether you’re a sprinter or a leisurely jogger. The 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning on every Horizon treadmill deck can be altered to provide you with the ideal level of flex and support as you move.
A wide range of training applications The Horizon 7.4 AT has several applications pre-installed. One of the workout regimens is called Sprint 8, which consists of a 20-minute HIIT session that is broken up between 30-second all-outs and 90-second active recovery. Ten programs isn’t a lot, though, compared to other treadmills on the market, so if you’re searching for a treadmill that offers more variety than just HIIT or fat-burning workouts, you might want to look elsewhere.
Quick-dial controls and keys: The Horizon 7.4AT now has the same roll-dial controls as the more expensive 7.8 AT in terms of quick-dial controls and keys. With a fast movement of your thumb, you can more easily adjust the speed or slope with these rolling dial controls. Compared to touch buttons, these dials feel more responsive and natural to me (although the console has those as well).
Round II winner between Sole F80 and Horizon 7.45AT: The 7.4 AT from Horizon has many features. Although there are many functions available, I particularly like the dial controls for speed and slope since they allow me to make quick decisions from a large range of options. The use of this paradigm with streaming fitness applications is being extensively promoted by Horizon. As a result, although it is technologically advanced, it lacks in the area of fitness.
Conclusion
These two treadmills provide a lot to admire. And I can see why a lot of folks end up comparing the Horizon 7.4 to the Sole F80. The Horizon 7.4 provides both form and function, as well as delivery. The Sole F80, on the other hand, has more of a conventional commercial-style tread. That feels durable. Both provide the greatest warranties available. The Sole Fitness F80 and both have fantastic features, including decks that are the same size and running surfaces.
The Horizon 7.4AT, on the other hand, stands out in terms of technological additions and cozy elements that enhance the whole fitness experience. Both offer the training environments required for long-distance runners and are perfect for aerobic exercise, weight loss, stamina, and strength improvement. Not least, always make sure you are getting exceptional value for your money. The overall build quality and feature set more than makeup for the fact that it is not the most affordable model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one ought you to buy?
The general impression, brand reputation, and reviews are what ultimately matter. Over the years, Sole has developed a reputation for making durable, high-quality treadmills. And they invented one of the top warranties for home fitness. They have won numerous honors and have models that are top-of-class. Due to all of these factors, you would pick the sole F80 out of these two.
Who manufactures Horizon treadmills?
The parent firm of Horizon Fitness, Johnson Health Tech, is based in Taiwan. Since Horizon Fitness was founded in 1998, the company has produced Horizon equipment for well over 20 years.
Does the Horizon 7.4 treadmill fold up?
Plan to walk, jog or run as the 7.4AT will support all methods of training. You need a cushioned deck that folds up when not in use. Like the QuickDial controls that instantly change speed and incline.
References:
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-treadmill/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sole-f80-treadmill-review
