Spirit Treadmills Reviewed

Made exclusively in the USA, Spirit treadmills have been on the market since the late 1980’s. Spirit’s treadmills tend to fall into the mid price range although their top of the range machines fall into the premium class.

Highly regarded in the industry, Spirit treadmills have been featured in Runners World 2002 comparison and have received favourable reviews from independent experts Treadmill Doctor.

Their representative Spirit 197 model also performed well in Monster Ratings -- a compilation of hundreds of consumer reports. Specifically, they were ranked highly for stability, cushioning, noise level and prompt service.

On most Spirit treadmills the warranties are good with three to five years cover on the motor and three years the electronics and belt. While they compare favourably to brands such as Proform and Reebok, competitors such as Trimline, Keys and Smooth offer 10 years cover on their motors.

In the premium class, two of Spirit’s most expensive machines come with a blanket lifetime warranty i.e. lifetime cover on everything except labor. Aside from Landice you won’t find this on any other brand regardless of how much you pay.

Spirit Treadmills to Consider

Spirit 240 Treadmill
This is Spirit’s entry level model weighing in at $1500. The running surface and motor size are average and it’s not compatible with a heart rate monitor but you are paying for the reliability of Spirit. You can always pay extra to add Spirit’s pulse grip.

Motor Size: 2.0 continuous duty
Running Surface: 54in x 18in
Maximum Speed: 10mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: No
Folding: No

Spirit 187 Treadmill
This is Spirit’s entry level folding treadmill. Apart from the fact it can folded, the specifications are the same as the 240. Still lacks heart rate monitoring as standard but it is compatible with a chest strap. Still a good quality machine for the money and built to last.

Motor Size: 2.0 continuous duty
Running Surface: 54in x 18in
Maximum Speed: 10mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: No
Folding: Yes

Spirit 277 Treadmill
Featured in Runners World’s 2002 treadmill ratings, the STS ranked highly for stability. Folding treadmills are generally less robust than their fixed counterparts but this is one of the most solid and stable. Big motor and running deck, plus heart rate monitoring is a welcome addition. Retails for about $2500.

Motor Size: 2.5 continuous duty
Running Surface: 58in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 10mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: Yes

Spirit SR 480 Treadmill
Spirit’s massive top of the range machine boasts the most powerful motor on a home treadmill. Add that to a lifetime warranty on parts and you have a treadmill that even a seasoned athlete would have a hard time wearing down. Even at $3000 it’s tremendous value.

Motor Size: 3.4 continuous duty
Running Surface: 58in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 12mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

Along with Smooth and Trimline, Spirit treadmills are amongst the best in the mid price range. You don’t have to pay the earth for a good quality machine that is durable and backed by a solid warranty.

Compare Spirit treadmills with Smooth’s range with our full review

Compare Spirit treadmills with Trimline's range with our full review