Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did a fair amount of looking before I bought this model and I am very happy with it.I became interested in Bowflex treadmills after Consumer Reports rated the Bowflex 7 series as one if its best folding models.Shopping on Amazon, I realized that Bowflex made 3 folding treadmills--the 3, the 5, and the 7 series.Online, these look very similar, with the 5 and 7 series having longer tracks and a bigger motors.Strangely, the best source of information on these was not the Bowflex website itself (it has *no* information on the 3 ,5 and 7 series treadmills--just those crazy tread climbers), but rather the specs from Amazon.

Consumer Reports indicated that the best way to buy a treadmill was to actually see how the machine felt. I agree. I managed to find a store that had a 7 series in stock.I was impressed.The 7 series was rock stable and has a very nice folding mechanism--it locks in the up position and drops down slowly when released (a great feature if you worry about your kids getting crushed by the track accidentally).Unfortunately, I could not find a dealer that carried the 3 series to try in person, but it seemed like it would be optimal and very cost effective.

I also tried several Nordic Track treadmills in person. These seemed to have very unappealing walking decks (sproingy!, in a bad way) and even on high hp power machines, the motor seemed to power the track very unevenly.

I decided to take a chance that the 3 series would be as sturdy as the 7 series I tried---I am very happy.Amazon shipped the thing super-saver in a relatively short period of time--very appealing! It was very straightforward to assemble once I got the thing in place--parts are labeled and the assembly pictures are really self explanatory.It is also a quiet machine and the deck is *very* sturdy even for a big guy like me (200+ lbs).One quibble--the grip heartrate monitor could work better--sometimes it does not give a reading after even 10 sec of holding.Also, be aware the deck will not lock in the up position unless you reset the incline to 0 degrees.The incline automatically resets to 0 every time the machine is powered on.

I use the machine primarily for walking, for this application it is great, the machine handles inclines and relatively fast walking speeds with no problem. I can't comment on how well this machine compares with others for running fast.For jogging it seems just fine.

A note on delivery and installation.This thing is *very* heavy (~275 lbs).The shipping company chosen by Amazon (Eagle) did a great job.I called them prior to delivery to schedule when they would drop it off--thats the good news.

The bad news, they would only bring it to the threshold (just inside the house).I asked if they would bring it upstairs for an extra fee and they said--"no way."Three calls to moving companies and an estimate of ~$250-300 to move it from my entry up a flight of stairs--this is not a two person job--the shipping box is enormous (80" x 35" x 16").I solved this problem by recruiting my father-in-law (also a big guy).We turned the box on its side, opened it, and moved the main piece (track and motor together) by itself. Make sure not to cut the restraining strap, this keeps the frame and the track held in place making moving *much* easier. Even then, the main piece weighs about 200 lbs and was serious work getting around corners.Very glad at that point that I bought the shorter (56") track!

Overall, a great mo-chine--equal to much more expensive models! Glad I managed to avoid a hernia during installation.

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Product Description:
With a fold-up capability for easy storage and durable construction for rugged use, the Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill is an intense cardio workout system for the home gym. It offers a 1.75 horsepower continuous-duty motor; six workout programs for workout variety (including manual, cardio, fat burn, and hills); grip heart rate monitoring; and an LED computer display to track your metrics as you exercise.


The Series 3 offers a 1.75 horsepower continuous-duty motor, six workout programs for workout variety, grip heart rate monitoring; and an LED computer display to track your metrics as you exercise. A generously sized walking and running belt surface area measures 20 by 54 inches and features Bowflex's unique Strike Zone deck cushioning system for ultimate support, stability, and comfort during your lift-off and landing motions. Whether you're looking for a slow walk or a fast run, the Series 3 has a speed range up to 10 miles per hour and an incline grade up to 12%, allowing you to customize your workout pace and program every time. Maximum user capacity weight is 275 pounds.
Specifications:

Speed range: 0.5-10 miles per hour/0.8-16.1 kilometers per hour
Incline range: 0-12%
1.75 horsepower continuous-duty motor
Six workout programs: manual, cardio, running, fat burn, speed interval jogger, and hill intervals
Grip heart rate monitoring
Four-window LED computer display with 10 x 21 dot matrix
Product dimensions: 77 inches long by 35 inches wide by 55.25 inches tall/196 by 89 by 140 centimeters
Folded dimensions: 39 inches long by 35 inches wide by 60 inches tall/99 by 89 by 152 centimeters
Machine weight: 298 pounds/135 kilograms
Maximum user weight: 275 pounds/125 kilograms
Power requirements: 120VAC 15A non-GFI grounded outlet
Strike Zone deck cushioning provides soft landing and firm lift-off
One-ply belt
Rollers measure 2 inches/5 centimeters
Walking/running surface area measures 20 inches wide by 54 inches long/51 by 137 centimeters
Two bottle/cup holders

Manufacturer's Warranty
Frame - 15 years; motor - 10 years; parts - 2 years; electronics and labor - 1 year
What's in the Box?
Bowflex Series 3 treadmill, user's manual, warranty information

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