Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill (2012 Model)
The Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill
Key Specs for Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill
- RRP: $599.99
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Top Speed: 10 mph
- Incline: 10%
- Foldable? Yes
- Number of Programs: 9
Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill: The Pros
Assembly: With many high spec treadmills in this price range, self-assembly can prove problematic. With the Horizon T101-3, this is not a problem. While made easier by approaching it as a two man job, assembly is surprisingly manageable with one person. The instructions are clear and concise, and if you are efficient can be completed within an hour. There are 4 simple steps to be followed, and these are laid out with clear directions and comprehensible diagrams which are practically foolproof.
Most of the Horizon T101-3’s direct competitors require two hour plus assemblies, with many needing professional assistance to complete correctly, but with the T101-3 you can feel confident in your DIY abilities, regardless of experience.
Motor: One of the biggest selling points of the Horizon Fitness T101-3 treadmill is the powerful 2.25 HP motor. While other similarly priced treadmills offer 2.25 HP motors as well, very few can offer performance and reliability quite like the Horizon T101-3. As you would hope, the motor is completely comfortable all the way through the extremes of its range. 10 mph is no problem for the T101-3, nor is it a problem when extended to the full incline of 10 degrees.
This level of performance is not unique to the T101-3; what is unique is the whisper quiet performance that you get even at these extremes. The only thing you are likely to hear when exercising is the sound of your own breath, or your favorite MP3 songs through the sonic surround speakers. Using Horizon’s PerfectFLEX deck cushioning, the running belt not only reduces the impact on your feet and joints, but it also absorbs the sound of your feet bouncing off the belt.
If you have any remaining doubt about the ability of the T101-3’s motor, Horizon’s lifetime motor guarantee should give you some peace of mind.
Ease of Use: The Horizon Fitness T101-3 is a large piece of machinery, and as such it is not light. However, it comes with Horizon’s FeatherLIGHT lift – a pair of hydraulic lifts that assist you when you need to fold up the treadmill and store it away.
When in use, the T101-3 is just as simple to operate. The 9 program choices are simple to navigate, and even first time users will be able to choose their perfect workout with wasting any time. The display console is easy to read, and the MP3 settings are intuitive. Simply attach your MP3 player, choose your playlist and away you go. The Horizon Fitness T101-3 aims to provide advanced technology with simple operation, and it succeeds.
Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill: The Cons
Fan: The fan on the Horizon Fitness T101-3 treadmill is nothing to get too excited about. Most treadmills in this price range don’t include any sort of fan, so while it is a welcome addition, it simple isn’t powerful enough. You may feel a gentle breeze at lower walking speeds, but once you start increasing your pace you may as well not have a fan at all. Horizon may believe that any fan is better than no fan, but they may have been better off putting their resources into providing an extra few training programs, or a slightly more powerful sound system.
Program Variety: The Horizon T101-3 does provide 9 different training programs which are more than enough for most people looking to incorporate a treadmill into their exercise training, but for those looking to customize their own training programs the T101-3 is found lacking.
However, this should not cause too much concern for most buyers as the only people who will really find this inconvenient are athletes training at the highest level. For the majority of exercise cycles, the pre-programmed training programs will be more than sufficient.
Is the Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for a reliable, well-built treadmill from an established sports equipment manufacturer with a strong history in the market, you will not find many superior treadmills in this price range. While a lack of customizable training programs and a lackluster fan may not be to some people’s liking, these are at most minor inconveniences. This is a treadmill that can withstand an awful lot of punishment, and performs with minimal fuss and negligible noise. At this price, the Horizon Fitness T101-04
