The Sole F63 Treadmill is Sole’s low-end entry into the 4 digit price tier. There are reviews that tout it as “under $1000,” but at $999 plus tax, we feel safe saying that this is a $1000 treadmill.
That being said, it combines the cost-savings mentality of more budget-level treadmills with an intelligently selected array of features that put it high on our lists of recommendations in this price range.
So, here is our Sole F63 Treadmill Review for your consideration.
Contents
Technical Specifications
- Length: 82″ (208 cm)
- Width: 35″ (89 cm)
- Height: 57″ (144.8 cm)
- Weight: 254 lbs (154.2 kg)
- Running Surface: 20″ x 60″ (50.8 cm x 152.4 cm)
This puts the F63 Treadmill at over six feet in length, three feet wide, and a hair under five feet tall. The running surface is just under two feet wide and right on five feet long.
The large dimensions are still very close to standard for in-home treadmills, and as usual, the Sole F63 folds up to reduce the amount of space taken up.
You will still need plenty of room to spread it out, and it still takes up a substantial area when folded, but it does have its more compact side.
The Good:
The F63 Treadmill comes at a step up in price from other budget offerings, but it comes with a very nice set of features that make it worth the investment in many ways.
Very Well Made
Sole has a reputation for selecting high quality parts within a given price range. The basic machining and components in the Sole F36 bear this trend out – this is a beautifully made machine, both mechanically and aesthetically.
Some low-cost treadmills just LOOK cheap, but the Sole F36 would be at home in any popular neighborhood gym.
The part that stood out in particular was the advanced cushioning system for the running surface. With large rollers and generous shock absorption, this machine is both quiet and comfortable to run on.
Nothing will completely remove the impact portion of jogging or running exercises, but this machine comes as near as any we’ve seen in this price range to doing so.
Strong Motor
Leading up to the $1000 price point, few motors exceed 2 or 2.5 CHP.
The F36 Treadmill offers a generous 3.0 CHP, with a top speed of 12 mph.
This allows for sprint, jogging, or power-walk training as the user desires. Further, the motor is relatively quiet even at higher levels of operation.
Powered Incline
0 to 15% is a very generous range of incline, allowing for a surprisingly steep, intense workout for running uphill.
Coupled with the on-board exercise programs, the computer-guided incline adjusts wonderfully and really put us through our paces.
Wireless Compatibility
The wireless features on the Sole F36 are excellent, without reservation. It’s heart-strap compatible, FitBit compatible, and bluetooth compatible.
If you like bonus functionality, this machine offers it in spades. The wide array of supported platforms and programs even let us forgive not including the heart strap in the base package.
Pleasant Extras
Budget treadmills tend to skimp on peripherals, which is a shame because they can benefit a workout significantly.
Sole seems to understand this, and they used their generous console real estate to put in cooling fans and water bottle holders, which can make long and intense workouts much more comfortable.
The Less Good:
Where is our Negative Incline?
The basic technology to incorporate a negative incline, that is one that simulates running downhill, isn’t terribly complicated.
The lack of it limits the Sole F36’s exercise options, and while it isn’t a huge strike it is worth noting.
Where are the additional programs?
The on-board exercise programs and profile options are absurdly limited on this treadmill. There are only two profile options that can be saved, and only ten pre-set workout routines. Workouts don’t take a huge amount of digital space, so where are they?
This is offset by the extensive wireless functionality, allowing users to incorporate routines from programs such as iFit, but it’s still strange that Sole couldn’t include more in the digital space they had.
Simple Display
LCD displays are inexpensive and are an important part of where budget treadmills save money, but the display on the SOLE seems oddly small and simple for a $1000 machine.
Final Verdict: Promising Product for the Features
It has flexibility, high build quality, and compatibility with all the neat wireless options fitness buffs are growing to like.
This isn’t to say it’s entirely without issues. The on-board digital options are limited, the lack of negative incline is frustrating, and the display could use a bit of a redesign.
However, these are minor quirks that don’t detract from the excellent performance of a well-engineered machine. The Sole F36 Treadmill is a definite recommended choice in our books.
