If you’re looking for a new treadmill, then you have come to the right place! Today we’ll be breaking down two models from two of the top brands in the fitness industry. Comparing the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 vs Sole F80. One is the newest entry offering from a brand that has built a reputation on high end exercise equipment. While the other is from a brand that has built a reputation for high quality fitness equipment at a consumer friendly price. While also offering the best warranty in the industry. But which one is right for you? To help you decide we’ll cover the key differences, specs, in depth review, photos and more. So let’s get running!
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 vs Sole F80 – Treadmill Review
- The Sole F80 has the larger footprint of the two. At 82” long x 37” wide, compared to the Commercial 1250 at 78.5” long x 35.6” wide.
- They both weigh roughly the same amount. With the NordicTrack being slightly heavier at 281.6 lbs compared to the Sole at 278 lbs.
- The Sole F80’s bigger frame offers a 2 inch wider running tread space. At 60” x 22”, compared to 60” x 20” on the Nordictrack.
- Both treadmills offer a 0 – 12 mph speed range. But the Sole F80 has a 15% incline while the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 only goes up to 12%.
- The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 offers a -3% decline option. While the Dole F80 does not offer a decline running option.
- Under the hood, the F80 features a 3.5 CHP motor. While the Commercial 1250 has a 3.0 CHP motor.
- The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 features a 10” tilt and turn HD screen. While the Sole F80 has a 9” screen that does not tilt or turn.
- Both treadmills fold up to save space. Although the NordicTrack folded size is not listed.
- Sole offers a better warranty, covering lifetime frame, motor, and deck. 5 year electronics and parts. And 2 years of labor. NordicTrack’s warranty covers 10 year frame and motor. 2 Year mechanical parts. And 1 year labor.
Nordictrack Commercial 1250
Link: Click Here
Price: $1,999
Dimensions: 78.5” L x 35.6” W x 64.7” H
Folded Dimensions: Not Listed
Belt: 60” L x 22” W
Weight: 281.6 lb
Capacity: 300 lb
Screen Size: 10″ Tilt & Pivot HD Screen
Running Tread Space: 60” Inches x 20″ Inches
Speed: Up to 12 mph
Incline: Up to 12 Levels
Decline: -3% Decline
Motor Power: 3.0 CHP
Warranty: 10 Year frame and motor. 2 Year mechanical parts. 1 year labor.
Ceiling height minimum: 21″ greater than the user’s height.
Link: Click Here
Link: Click Here
Price: $1,599
Dimensions: 82″ long x 37” Wide x 66” Tall
Folded Dimensions: 86″ H x 37″ W x 17″ D
Belt: 60” X 22” Commercial Tread Belt
Weight: 278 lb
Capacity: 375lb
Screen Size: 9″ LCD Screen
Running Tread Space: 60” Inches
Speed: Up to 12 mph
Incline: Up to 15 levels
Decline: 0 Decline
Motor Power: 3.5HP
Warranty: Lifetime frame, motor, and deck. 5 year electronics and parts. 2 year labor.
Ceiling height minimum: 21″ greater than the user’s height.
Link: Click Here
Performance Review
Two of the more trusted brands in the treadmill industry, both NordicTrack a Sole have a lot of hardcore fans. With NordicTrack typically offering higher end, feature rich options. Including some incredible incline and decline running options. Sole on the other hand has become known for quality treadmills, and what they lack in flash they more than make up with in quality, one of the stringer motors and the best warranty on the market. So there are a lot of good reasons to be looking at the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 vs Sole F80. And below I’ll review each treadmill in more detail to help you decide on which is the best choice for you.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
Seeing the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 for the first time, the overall size was smaller than I expected. The frame is slight, making it great for fitting into smaller rooms, with a large display heading the front of the treadmill. Standing on the unit, the 20 inch wide tread area feels about typical for home treadmills. But may not be great for larger runners and walkers. The 10 inch display on top does feel a bit small leaving a lot of empty space around it. There are also a few keys to get you going with start, stop, speed, and incline just below the display. A feature I’m glad they included.
Getting going, the Commercial 1250 feels smooth and quiet. Pulling effortlessly as you push up the speed. One of the stars of the treadmill is the deck. Which is soft will have a little bit of rebound. Something I love about NordicTrack treadmills. The motor feels strong, but I do believe 3 CHP is why they only put in a 12% max incline. Then there is the decline feature, which even at just a -3% decline, offers a great running feeling. It’s not something you are accustomed to at first, but a great addition to any training program.
Overall between the deck and decline running options, this treadmill feels like a winner. But there are a couple drawbacks. The display feels small in the unit that is designed for a much larger screen. And I wouldn’t say the unit is designed for larger users. The 300 lb max user weight should be a red flag if you are 250 lbs or over.
Sole F80
On first impression the Sole F80 is a large treadmill. I’d say that it’s larger than most home treadmills and is notably larger than the NordicTrack Commercial 1250. The larger size also makes for a roomier treadmill. With a spacious 22 inch wide running tread, which is noticeable as soon as you stand on the platform. Another thing that stands out is the control panel, which features more of a traditional button set up vs touch screen. Something a lot of runners prefer.
For a larger, more powerful treadmill, the Sole F80 makes surprisingly little noise. Even as the .5 CHP motor pulls along at high speeds, the treadmill feels and sounds smooth. And that extra power is great for doing hill sprints. Even moving fast at 15% incline the larger base makes the treadmill feel stable. And the moto has plenty of pull to give. The extra motor strength is an added bonus for any heavier users too.
The biggest drawback on the Sole F80 is the lack of decline running, and a smaller screen that can’t turn or angle. The screen is above average compared to what you will find in most gyms, but it’s not great for any fitness class besides running. And if declining running is an option you want in a treadmill, this model doesn’t have it. Sole does make up for some of its faults by offering one of, if not the best warranty in the treadmill industry.
Below are a few side by side images showing both the treadmills, displays, and videos of each.
Nordictrack Commercial 1250 Display
Sole F80 Treadmill Display
Nordictrack Commercial 1250 Video
Sole F80 Video
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 vs Sole F80 – Closing Thoughts
After diving into each model, it’s easy to understand why so many people end up comparing the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 vs Sole F80. And while somewhat comparable in price, these two units really do offer very different features. The NordicTrack is feature rich, offering decline running and a 10 inch HD screen that swivels and tilts. While the Sole is more of a beefed up typical treadmill that makes up for a lack of extra features, with a lot of power and a great warranty. But which one is right for you?
Which should I buy?
These are two very different treadmills. If you are after the newest and most up to date features, then the NordicTrack 1250 is going to be a great choice, with decline running and one of the softest decks on the market. But for me, the bang for your buck choice is the Sole F80. And while it might not have all of the same options, what it delivers it does very well. And the warranty is beyond compare, so you know it will be running for a long time.
