Star Trac Treadmills Reviewed

Recognised in commercial gyms across the world, you’d expect Star Trac treadmills to reside at the pinnacle of the consumer marketplace too. And if price is commensurate of quality then Star Trac must be one of the best because they’re certainly one of the most expensive.

Introducing their first commercial treadmill back in 1974, Star Trac has grown into one of the most recognised brands in the fitness industry. According to their sales literature more than 2 million people in over 65 countries use Star Trac exercise equipment every day in fitness facilities and at home.

Star Trac treadmills are undoubtedly well built. They are renowned for their reliability and low maintenance. The problem is they don’t really make treadmills for home use. In fact only one treadmill in the product range of six is aimed at the home user.

Of course if you can afford to buy a commercial grade machine for home exercise it doesn’t pose a problem, but for the vast majority of people it puts Star Trac treadmills out of their reach.

Undoubtedly the most disappointing feature of Star Trac treadmills is the warranty on parts. At three years it’s good but it doesn’t compare to the likes of Landice who offer a lifetime warranty, or even Smooth with their 10 year guarantee, especially when you consider the price difference.

Rather than having a set warranty with each particular treadmill, Star Trac provides cover based on the amount and type of usage. For example, if you buy any Star Trac treadmill for home use you are covered for three years on parts. If you buy the same machine but for heavy commercial use you are covered for only two years.

Two years protection is normal for a commercial environment but offering just one extra year for home use seems a bit cautious. If you buy a Star Trac treadmill for the home you can reasonably expect the motor to last longer than three years.

So with those points in mind let’s examine some specific Star Trac treadmills including the one machine designed for home use...

Star Trac Treadmills to Consider

Star Trac TR901 Treadmill
This is the lowest priced Star Trac treadmill designed specifically for home use. Even so it will set you back over $3000 so what do you get for your money? The 2.0hp motor is perhaps smaller than you’d expect but the quality and longevity will match more powerful motors on cheaper comparisons. With a variation of 250 workout programs and polar heart arte telemetry, this is a practically a commercial grade machine

Motor Size: 2.0 continuous duty
Running Surface: 53in x 19in
Maximum Speed: 10mph
Maximum Incline: 12%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

Star Trac Sport Treadmill
This is Star Trac’s “light” commercial treadmill. Weighing in at $5000 is boasts a huge running surface, powerful motor and the highest quality materials. The fluorescent “Sport Utility Display” is perfect for serious distance athletes as the built in fitness testing facility. Motor Size: 2.5 continuous duty
Running Surface: 62in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 10mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

Star Trac TR 4500 Treadmill
A huge deck, complex array of workout programs and fitness tests and the fact you can store up to 50 user profiles, tells you this machine is designed purely for a commercial setting. Even at well over $6000 this isn’t Star Trac’s most expensive treadmill!

Motor Size: 2.5 continuous duty
Running Surface: 60in x 21in
Maximum Speed: 10mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

Few people are in a position to buy a Star Trac treadmill. If you are then there are few better options available. You might want to consider other brands such as Landice, Precor and Life Fitnesswho also make higher priced treadmills.

If you want something a little more reasonably priced consider a Smooth treadmill. They actually feature the same level of specifications, much longer warranties and are highly regarded in the industry...

Compare Star Trac treadmills to Smooth’s range with our full review

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