Bowflex Treadmill Equipment Review
8.71/10
Quick Overview
- Difficulty
Moderate
- Cost
Average
- Trial Period
N/A
Bowflex has been in the fitness equipment
business under the Nautilus corporation for over 35 years. Bowflex has maintained a focus on manufacturing both strength training and cardiovascular equipment that is primarily targeted for home use.
Within the cardiovascular arena, Bowflex
currently manufactures and markets TreadClimber and treadmill machines. Bowflex uses consumer and professional athletic research data to design their treadmills and TreadClimbers. Their intent is to manufacture effective and efficient cardiovascular equipment designed to produce results.
While Bowflex is primarily known for their strength training equipment, they have been slowly adding cardiovascular equipment to their portfolio. To this end, Bowflex has been revising their treadmill technology and developing their patented TreadClimbers. The Bowflex TreadClimber combines the
ease of a treadmill with the movements and intensity of a stair climber and an elliptical machine.
Currently, Bowflex offers an extremely limited number of treadmill models. User options and features are limited as well. While the price point for a Bowflex treadmill is reasonable, the warranty is below average when compared to their competition.
In terms of the company's TreadClimber, Bowflex offers a larger selection of models from which to choose. However, the price point is slightly higher and the warranty is still below average when compared to their competitors. Bowflex treadmills and TreadClimbers are intended for light to moderate use.
For these reasons, individuals that are looking for a high quality treadmill that is designed for moderate to heavy use and offers several user options and features should explore the competition before purchasing a Bowflex treadmill.
Bowflex treadmills offer a reasonable level of technological features that are designed to enhance the efficiency and enjoyment of exercising. Below are several of the innovative features that are included in the design and manufacturing of the Bowflex treadmill:
- Soft Drop folding technology makes storage a manageable effort
- Hand grip pulse monitor and wireless heart telemetry monitors
- Strike Zone suspension in the deck to minimize impact on joints
- 3.0 HP continuous-duty motors for smooth and heavy duty performance
Bowflex treadmill user features and options
are fairly limited. This is especially true when comparing the Bowflex treadmill to treadmills manufactured at the same price point by their competition. Below is a list of several of the user features and options offered with the Bowflex treadmill:
- Built-in console fan
- Transport wheels for ease in transportation and storage
- Six to fifteen pre-set and custom programs that
include running, heart strength, fat burning,
speed, interval, jogger and cardiovascular
- 0% to 12% incline capability
- 0.5 to 11 mph speed capability
- Quick touch controls to change the incline interval and speed levels
- Grip and telemetric heart rate monitor
Bowflex treadmills are designed with a reasonable level of durability and functionality. The sleek and
streamlined design of the Bowflex treadmill uses standard construction materials and is intended for
home use.
Bowflex treadmills have received criticism for their internal plastic
parts used in the deck and belt drive
systems. In addition, several complaints have been
made regarding the console's display quality.
Customer support for the Bowflex treadmill is offered through email and phone. The customer service department is available Monday
through Friday, 6:00am to 5:00pm PST. In addition,
the Bowflex website offers technical video
assistance for assembly and printable owners manuals.
The Bowflex treadmill includes a 15-year warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty on the motor. Bowflex warranties parts for 2 years, electronics for 1 year, and labor for 1 year.
Bowflex offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee for
the first 6 weeks following the delivery date. Customers need only call the Bowflex Customer Care department
and request a return authorization. The 6-week return policy applies only to products purchased directly
from Nautilus, Inc. and includes Bowflex, Schwinn Fitness, Nautilus and Universal products. Refunds do not include shipping and return freight charges.
Replacements for out-of-warranty parts can be ordered online through the Bowflex website. For service and parts that are under
warranty, customers can contact the Bowflex Customer Care department by phone to schedule a repair or service call. Interested in renting a van in Helsinki, then you to look this site for order.
The Bowflex treadmill costs approximately $ 1,299.00. Bowflex TreadClimbers typically range from $ 1,298.00 to $ 3,299.00. Sale
prices are offered from time to time on both Bowflex treadmills and TreadClimbers. In addition, Bowflex offers special financing on both their treadmill and TreadClimber lines of cardiovascular equipment.
Summary
Bowflex treadmills and TreadClimbers are
designed and manufactured under the direction of the Nautilus corporation, which has over 35 years of experience
within the fitness equipment industry. Bowflex treadmills offer a clean and sleek look, and are intended for light to moderate use.
While Bowflex treadmills are reasonably priced, the number of user options and features are limited, as is the warranty period. In regards to these qualities, Bowflex is falling behind the competition.
This being said, individuals that are looking for a solid treadmill that includes several user options and features that are designed to improve workout efficiency and effectiveness may want to look elsewhere. In addition, individuals that intend to use their treadmill with a high level of frequency will not find comfort in the below average warranty offered on Bowflex treadmills. All in all, it is recommended that individuals seeking a moderately capable machine consider several of the other treadmill manufacturers within this price range.