Precor Review

Saturday, January 16th

2021 Treadmill Reviews

Precor

• Cost: From $1,999 to $8,755

With more than 30 years in the business, Precor manufactures fitness equipment for personal and commercial uses - from home gyms to health clubs and more. Their focus on constant innovation and attention to high-quality engineering can be seen in their treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and strength equipment.

Precor offers 7 models of treadmills for use in home gyms. Starting on the lowest end, the TRM 211 Energy series has short handlebars and six preset workouts, with a maximum speed of 12 mph and an incline of up to 15%. On the other end of Precor's spectrum, the TRM 835 Experience series features longer handlebars for greater stability and support; the Ground Effects Impact Control System, to absorb high-impact movements and to give the user more support; 25 preset workouts; a maximum speed of 16 mph, incline up to 15%, and decline options to -3% that mimic walking or running downhill.

Equipment overview:

• Treadmill Style: Non-folding
• Price Range: $1,999 to $8,755
• Different Models: 7
• Financing Available: No
• Horsepower: 3.0 HP - 4.0 HP
• Belt Width: 20x57, 22x56, 22x60 (varies by model)
• Return Policy: None
• Guarantee: Lifetime Frame and Weldments, 5 years Parts and Wear items, 3 years Console, and 1-Year Labor
• Shipping: $199 flat fee for delivery and installation

The Precor website doesn't make it easy to compare differences between models. You can click "compare" to add any model to a list, and then click on the next "compare" button on the right-hand side of the page. But, the results page doesn't lay out the models in a way that helps you compare side-by-side. For instance, when we compared the TRM 211 with the TRM 835, the sections describing the preset workouts weren't in the same place in the table. You'll have to scroll back and forth on the page to try and determine if the differences between the two are important to your fitness needs.

Compared with other treadmill retailers, Precor has a few drawbacks. First, even on the highest-end models, Precor's consoles provide just the basics of time, heart rate, and exercise tracking - competitor models typically include compatibility with smartphones, even TV screens and other up-to-date technology with more expensive treadmills. Also, Precor does not offer free shipping: treadmills have a flat-rate delivery and installation fee of $199.

However, the biggest potential issue with buying any fitness equipment from Precor is the absence of a return policy: once you buy a Precor machine, it's yours. Even if you get it home and realize it doesn't fit in your home gym like you expected, you're stuck with it. Other stores usually allow for returns - with restocking fees - exactly because they understand that not every shopper will have the chance to try out a Precor treadmill in advance.

Precor does have a good track record for equipment durability and overall workout quality. But, their lack of a return policy, low-tech consoles, and higher price tag on most of their treadmills may mean that you might find better options with another retailer.