The Horizon T101 is an entry-level model treadmill which is mainly suited for walking, jogging and running at a moderate pace.
PROS
- Two years of warranty on electronics & parts (lifetime warranty on frame and motor)
- User weight capacity up to 300 pounds. It's on my personal list of best treadmills with 300 lb, 350 and 400 lb weight capacity. This one got a weight capacity of 300 lb.
- Speakers with surround sound
CONS
- Heart rate monitoring by holding onto the metallic sensors
- Relatively low overall product weight
KEY FEATURES
- Speakers with MP3 compatibility provides you with music while you’re working out. An audio adapter cable is included to connect your device to the console.
- FeatherLight folding system assists you while you're folding or unfolding the machine. No heavy lifting is required.
- The COOL fit fan helps to keep you cool during your workout. Could be a handy extra for rooms where it isn’t possible to open a window.
REVIEW OF THE PRODUCT
Build Quality: 3.5/5
The build quality of the T101 can be considered as good. The T101 has a solid frame which keeps the treadmill balanced while you are working out. Furthermore, the treadmill is made of more connected steel components, which result in an overall relatively good build quality.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the overall weight of the machine is still ‘only’ 165 pounds. The overall weight is usually an indicator of the materials that are used. The heavier the materials, the heavier the overall weight. Which usually results in a more comfortable running experience, especially for serious runners.
Comfort: 3.5/5
The Variable Response Cushioning provides you with extra comfort during your workout. This is especially helpful if you train at a higher intensity to minimize the impact on your joints.
In addition to the cushioning system of the treadmill I recommend to use a mat for under your treadmill, which provides an extra cushioning layer.
The belt is separated into 3 different zones; the impact zone in the front, the transition zone in the middle and the push-off zone in the back.
The impact zone is the most flexible part of the belt. This is where your feet will land. That’s why there you’ll want the belt to be the softest.
When you’re working out at a higher intensity, the transition zone won’t be touched that often. This part is mainly meant for walking.
Lastly, the push-off zone is the most inflexible part of the belt. This part is firmer than the rest to help you push your feet off the belt.
Ease of Use: 4.5/5
The T101 has got a user-friendly console. There aren’t a lot of ‘bells and whistles’ which is directly reflected by the number of buttons on the console. That’s what makes it pretty easy to navigate.
On the left side of the console, you can choose the desired incline percentage, which goes up to a maximum incline to 10 percent. Whilst, on the right side of the console you can choose your speed up to 10 MPH. Just like these settings, the rest pretty much speaks for itself.
Furthermore, the 5" green back-lit LCD display gives you basic information about your current training. For instance, about the profile of the one of 30 workout programs that you may have selected.
It shows the incline during incline based programs and speed during speed based programs. In other words, it does what it has to do; it simply keeps you updated about your workout.
Ease of Assembly: 4/5
You’ll have to follow 4 steps in order to assemble the treadmill. There are 4 different hardware bags that need to be opened. Hardware bag 1 has to be opened at step 1, hardware bag 2 at step 2 and so forth.
Usually, all of the contents aren’t separated in different hardware bags. This will probably make the assembly a bit easier for you.
However, if you're stuck during your installation then there’s an option to contact customer tech support. You can find the contact information on the back of the manual.
"HOW DOES IT COMPARE?"
AFG Sport 5.5AT
The AFG Sport 5.5AT is a treadmill model with similar features as the T101. This model has a lot of similarities, but also some differences.
The biggest difference is the number of workout programs that the 5.5AT offers, which is at 9 programs considerably less than the 30 programs of the T101.
Additionally, you could favor the one over the other based on popularity. The 5.5AT seems to be a less popular model. Which might make it a less interesting option. As for the rest, there aren’t any noteworthy differences.
Horizon Fitness Adventure 3
If you are looking for a treadmill which is suitable to frequently run on the Horizon Fitness Adventure 3 is a better choice. It supports a running speed of 12 miles per hour, an incline range of up to 12 percent and has a more powerful 2.5 CHP motor. These are features which are more suitable for a frequent runner.
XTERRA Fitness TR600
Another option for a frequent runner is the XTERRA Fitness TR600. Overall this treadmill has got better features than the Horizon Fitness Adventure 3.
The maximum running speed up to 12 miles per hour and incline up to 12 percent are the same, but it has got a better 2.75 CHP motor and a larger running area of 20- by 60-inch.
The larger running area makes this treadmill especially interesting for larger runners because they’ll need a larger area to run.