Keys Treadmills Reviewed

Keys treadmills boast some impressive features not least typically excellent warranties. As the new kid on the block they have built an impressive product range in a short space of time.

If you thought the choice of treadmills on the market was a little overwhelming to begin with, wait till you see the product line from Keys...

They produce seven different series of treadmills, each consisting of anything up to six treadmills! Each series stands alone as a brand and has its own target market. Here are the seven:

Alliance Fitness Series
These are high quality Keys treadmills aimed at high end speciality dealers. The warranties are excellent with 10 years on the motor and lifetime cover on the frame. The motor sizes in this series range from 2.5hp to 3.0hp. Compare to the likes of Precor, Landice and True.

Milestone Series
Milestone Keys treadmills seem to feature in more reviews and comparisons than other brands. The motor size is typically 2.0hp - 2.5hp and the warranty is excellent with 10 years for the motor on all models. Compare to the likes of Smooth and Reebok.

Pro Series
Unlike the name would suggest these seem to be the lowest priced Keys treadmills. The motor sizes are small under 2.0hp and the warranty is short with 1-2 years cover on parts. Compare to other entry level treadmills from Proform, Welso and Image.

Conventional (non folding) Series
These Keys treadmills span the market in terms of price and power. Not sure about the name but the 10 year warranty on all motors suggests Keys build treadmills to last.

Encore Series
It’s difficult to see a clear difference between this series and the two below. Motor sizes range from 2.0hp to 2.5hp and the warranty is excellent at 10 years.

Discovery Series
One of the smaller Keys treadmills series and on balance the machines are slightly less powerful than the Encore series. Boasts the same 10 year warranty on all motors.

Health Trainer Series
Broader range with motor sizes ranging from 1.5hp to 3.25hp. All still feature that 10 year motor warranty.

Keys actually make treadmills for another well know brand –Smooth Fitness. Not surprisingly Smooth treadmills also accompanied with a 10 year motor warranty. In the mid price range these two brands are hard to beat.

If you intend to buy a treadmill online Smooth wins hands down. They are the largest seller and manufacturer of fitness equipment online and it shows. Moreover, they offer free shipping on all they’re treadmills giving them a slight edge over Keys.

Keys Treadmills to Consider

Keys Milestone 1200GT Treadmill
This is virtually identical to the highly regarded Smooth 5.0P treadmill. If you are looking for a treadmill around the $1000 mark this is a strong contender. Smooth gets the edge because of the free shipping and tax though.

Motor Size: 1.75 continuous duty
Running Surface: 55in x 19in
Maximum Speed: 10mph
Maximum Incline: 10%
Heart Rate: No
Folding: Yes

Keys Milestone 6200HR Treadmill
Consumer Guide’s best budget buy in 2001. Good size motor and tread belt plus a nice selection of workout programs for $1400. The 6200HR has just been updated with a heart rate interactive system that monitors pulse and adjust incline automatically to maintain your target heart rate.

Motor Size: 2.5 continuous duty
Running Surface: 58in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 10mph
Maximum Incline: 12%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

Keys 8800 HR Treadmill
Named best overall treadmill by Good House Keeping in 2000, the 880 HR boasts a large belt and large motor for its $1800 price tag. Has the same interactive heart rate program as the 6200HR. Also has more workout programs.

Motor Size: 3.0 continuous duty
Running Surface: 56in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 12mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

To sum up, Keys produce a broad range of treadmills to cater for different needs and budgets. One common denominator amongst most Keys treadmills is their outstanding warranties. Few brands in the mid price range can compete.

Before you buy a Keys treadmill consider Smooth. Smooth treadmills are manufactured by Keys and demonstrate the same high quality construction, extensive warranties and generous specifications. Smooth Fitness are geared primarily to Internet commerce which allows them to sell factory direct. Plus their machines come with free shipping...

Compare Keys treadmills to Smooth’s range with our full review

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