Anyone who has built a home gym knows how difficult it is to cram all of your essential equipment into one room, especially if that equipment includes a treadmill. A foldable treadmill like the Sole F63 can be a game-changer since you can fold it up to make some floor space to bust out the dumbbells or kettlebells for a gnarly strength training session.
The F63 is a budget-friendly treadmill with a foldable deck, a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, and built-in pulse sensors that make tracking your heart rate as easy as 1-2-3. It also boasts a max incline of 15 percent, a top speed of 12 miles per hour, and a max weight capacity of 325 pounds. The 6.5-inch LCD display provides basic stat tracking (pace, incline, etc.), a designated tablet holder allows you to stream TV shows or workout classes while running, and Bluetooth speakers let you listen to your preferred audio. And for $1,200, we think it could be a great addition to your home gym.
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Main Takeaways
- The Sole F63 features a foldable design that allows room for off-treadmill workouts in tighter spaces.
- Bluetooth Speakers mean you can jam out to your favorite playlist without earbuds.
- The 3.0 HP motor provides a max incline of 15 percent and a top speed of 12 miles per hour.
Sole F63 Treadmill Highlights
- Price: $1,200
- Max Incline and Decline: 15 percent incline, no decline settings
- Max Speed: 12 mph
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
- Roller Size: Not listed
- Dimensions: 66” H x 82” L x 35” W
Don’t let the $1,200 price tag (a modest cost for a treadmill) fool you — the F63 is a high-quality treadmill. While the roller size is not disclosed, the 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and it has a sturdy steel frame. The LCD display may not be as intricate as what you’ll find on higher-end treadmills, but it provides the means to track metrics such as heart rate, calories, pace, and incline setting. The tablet holder is ideal for those who want to pass the time by streaming their favorite show, and Bluetooth speakers mean you don’t have to blast your ears with a pair of earbuds to hear the audio.
The only significant “red flag” with this treadmill is that the roller size isn’t mentioned anywhere. While walkers and light joggers might not be affected by this too much, high-mileage runners will want to target a treadmill with at least 2.25-inch rollers. Anything smaller than that will cause more wear and tear on the treadmill, as smaller rollers have to work harder to turn the belt.
That said, sprinters will find the top speed of 12 miles per hour enough to satisfy their needs, and the 15 percent max incline means you can do hill work to strengthen your posterior chain. The F63 features six standard programs (Fatburn, Hill, Cardio, HIIT, Manual, Strength), two custom programs, and two heart rate programs. The running area is also pretty spacious, measuring 22” x 60”. If you’re looking for a sturdy, durable machine with everything you need for a basic run or walk, the Sole F63 might be the treadmill for you.
Pros
- The $1,200 price tag is below the general treadmill market price.
- The F63 offers a max incline of 15 percent and a top speed of 12 miles per hour, allowing for workout versatility.
- The integrated tablet holder is perfect for those who want to stream from their favorite apps while working out.
Cons
- Since the roller size is not mentioned on the Sole Fitness website, dedicated runners might be better off targeting a treadmill that discloses this information. 2.25 inches and above is what you should look for.
- Folks who want their cardio equipment to be tech-savvy may not enjoy that this is a no-frills treadmill.
- While the F63 features a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck designed to reduce the impact on your joints, the one-ply belt here doesn’t offer as much cushioning as a two-ply belt can.
Training With the Sole F63 Treadmill
There’s a lot to like about this budget-friendly treadmill. While the display is pretty small, the integrated tablet holder is perfect for those who like to stream content during their cardio workouts. The max incline of 15 percent and top speed of 12 miles per hour provides the opportunity for variety in your cardio efforts.
This is more than what most treadmills at this price point offer, and even more expensive models like the ProForm Carbon T7 don’t offer this range. The cushioning does a solid job of reducing the impact on your joints, and there are 10 programmed workouts on the console you can utilize.
Display
The 6.5-inch LCD may not be the biggest display on the market, but it tracks your calories burned, speed, time, and heart rate. Those stats can also sync to the Sole Fitness mobile app, so you can track them after your sweat session ends. We also think the integrated tablet holder is a match made in heaven for those who can’t get enough of their devices; plus, it’s compatible with all tablets and smartphones.
Max Speed and Incline Range
The F63 reaches a max incline of 15 percent with 0.5 percent increments. This is great for those who want to mimic some steep terrain they’d find outdoors or ramp up the intensity of walking workouts. You can use the quick select buttons above the pulse sensors to change this setting or the manual buttons on the handrails. You also have a top speed of 12 miles per hour at your disposal to work in some sprints.
Cushioning and Running Area
According to Sole, the F63’s Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces the impact on your joints by about 40 percent compared to running on pavement. This is a great feature for anyone with previous knee injuries who wants to incorporate running into their workouts without absorbing excess impact.
The running area is also pretty solid, measuring 20” x 60”. However, you can find plenty of other treads, like the Sole F80, that are a couple of inches wider if you feel cramped.
Included Workouts
Including the two custom options, the Sole F63 has 10 preset workout programs like Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT to coincide with your fitness goals. So whether you want to incorporate a HIIT workout, do a heart rate program, or burn some calories, you’re covered.
What to Consider Before Buying the Sole F63 Treadmill
Despite it being cheaper than some other options out there, you still need to make sure it works with your budget. You also need to pay attention to its size, whether or not the motor is strong enough for you, and if you can get past the non-disclosed roller size.
Price
The Sole F63 Treadmill is priced at around $1,200 on the Sole Fitness website. Due to its overall quality, we think this is a solid deal. So, if you aren’t interested in a treadmill with features like a touchscreen monitor, this may be the treadmill for you. Let’s be honest, though, $1,200 is still a good chunk of change, so Sole allows you to finance this purchase for about $55 a month if that’s your preferred payment method.
Dimensions and Foldability
The Sole F63 folds up easily thanks to the hydraulic lift system that basically does the folding for you. And, unlike some foldable treadmills, we found that this one doesn’t wobble while in use. Folding reduces the footprint pretty drastically from the unfolded size of 66” x 82” x 35”.
Motor and Roller Size
The fact that the size of the rollers on the F63 is not mentioned on the Sole Fitness website may be a bit of a turn-off to some. This is because the rollers are responsible for turning the belt, and the smaller they are, the harder they have to work. So, if you’re a hardcore runner, it’s best to target a treadmill that has rollers that are around 2.5 inches.
On the other hand, the 3.0 HP motor is plenty strong for a treadmill in this price range and can support athletes up to 325 pounds. Granted, there are treadmills with stronger motors, but a 3.0 motor is solid for runners.
Sole F63 Treadmill Vs. The Competition
We always suggest comparing any equipment you view as a home gym essential against similar products on the market, so why not do the same with a treadmill?
Sole F63 | Sole F80 | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | Horizon T101 | |
Price | $1,200 | $1,900 | $2,500 | $1,000 |
Max Incline | 15 percent | 15 percent | 12 percent | 10 percent |
Max Speed | 12 mph | 12 mph | 12 mph | 10mph |
Folding Deck? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Roller Size | N/A | 2.36 inches | 1.9 inches | 1.8 inches |
There are plenty of similarities with these treadmills, but there are a few differences that might make one better for you than another. Let’s talk money first. The Horizon T101 is the cheapest on this chart, $200 less than the F63, but with fewer incline and speed options. So, the F63 might actually be the best deal here (depending on your priorities).
If you’re big on virtual training, then you might want to take a hard look at the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. It offers a touchscreen display for you to browse through the iFit classes, and it rotates 360 degrees so you can stream off-treadmill workouts without streaming from your phone or tablet. And it offers automatic adjustments during those classes. However, the rollers are a bit undersized for a treadmill of this price point. Enthusiastic runners may want to opt for the Sole F80 is the one for you here, as it has the biggest rollers and features a pretty solid price tag.
Depending on your needs and preferences, any one of these treadmills can be a great option. Just do your research, and we think you’ll be happy with whichever one you purchase.
Places to Buy
You can buy the Sole F63 through the Sole Fitness website or Amazon.
Warranties
With your purchase, Sole includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, three years of coverage on the parts, deck and electronics, and one year of coverage on labor.
Company Information
Sole Fitness produces easy-to-use and durable fitness equipment for both commercial and home use and is known for its line of treadmills. All of their treadmills feature a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase, you’re eligible for a full refund. If you need to contact their support team, you can reach them at 877-441-8433.
In Conclusion
The Sole F63 Treadmill is a budget-friendly option that’s built to last. It features a 3.0 HP motor, a max incline of 15 percent, a top speed of 12 miles per hour, and a 325-pound weight limit. The foldable makes it accessible in tight spaces, there are 10 different programs available, and the pulse grips make it easy to track your heart rate variability.
The 6.5-inch LCD display isn’t as “techy” as some more expensive treadmills out there, but it still provides the means for basic stat tracking. The tablet holder is great for those who want to stream their favorite shows or follow along with a workout class, and the Bluetooth speakers eliminate the need for headphones to listen to the audio. If you’re looking for a quality treadmill that folds to save space without breaking the bank, we think the Sole F63 is a solid option worth considering.
FAQs
How much does the Sole F63 Treadmill cost?
This treadmill will run you around $1,200. This is a solid deal in our eyes, considering it features a 3.0 HP motor and a solid range of incline and speed settings to work with.
Can the Sole F63 Treadmill fold?
Yes, it can. Just lift on the back of the tread, and the hydraulics will do the rest of the work for you. This is a game-changer for those working with a small room, but be sure to measure your space to be sure it fits.
Can I stream workouts from the Sole F63 Treadmill?
While you can’t stream a workout class directly from the 6.5-inch LCD display, you can always utilize the tablet holder to follow along with your favorite workout classes or shows. The Bluetooth speakers can also be helpful while streaming if you don’t want to rely on your headphones.