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Horizon Elite T5 treadmill vs concept 2 model E

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Mar 9, 2021 5:00:00 PM

Horizon Elite T5 treadmill vs concept 2 model E

This is a comparison between the Horizon Elite T5 and concept 2 model E including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get. Follow the links for more details.

You can get the most up to date content and ask direct questions on my Instagram Account.

Overview and review of the concept 2 model E

The Concept 2 Model E comes in at $1100. In this article you will learn more about the product itself, its Pros and cons and alternatives you might want to consider. This article has originally been published in the overview "Which conditioning equipment to buy from Rogue".

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Overview of the Concept 2 model E

 
The concept 2 model E tower is one of the top of range rower options from concept 2. The main difference to other rowers is the seat height and protection of the chain. Think of this as a beefed up version of towers that you can easier get on and off. 
 
Concept 2 also delivers the PM5 Monitor with the Model E rower. This computer gets very good feedback a across the board in the industry. It enables you to link multiple rowers together to have a race. Whatever you get, make sure that it has a function to store your times and race against yourself. That is very satisfying and useful. The concept 2 model e rower comes with the following specifications: 
 
  • 54” monorail length
  • 20” seat height 
  • 5-year warranty frame parts
  • 2-year warranty all part
 
The concept 2 Model E is a great option to beef up your existing rower assortment or to directly start with a model that has been perfected over time.
 

Pros of the concept 2 model E

 
The pros of the model E rower are: 
 
  • Static arm 
  • Higher seat 
  • PM5 monitor
  • Bulkier frame 
 
The PM5 monitor is fixed on a status arm compared to other rower models. This makes it easier to keep it in place and the material is less likely to fail. Even though the adjustable arms seems nice they actually cause more trouble than extra value. Over time you have to tighten the screws and take care so that monitor will not be all over the place during a challenge challenging workout. A static arm is much preferred in my opinion as long as it fixed at a height that makes sense to do the readings.
 
A higher seat has several advantages. If you have very big athletes or someone who can not get on the lower seat option from other rowers, than this is the solution. It is also great if you want to switch between workouts quickly in circuit training. 
 
The PM5 monitor is also an advantage of other models. This monitor is becoming standard across the concept 2 range but just check before purchase whether it is really on or you need to select another option. I hear a lot of good about this monitor. 
 
The bulkier frame will make it possible for the model E to take more of beating if your intention is to use it in a gym setup. 
 

Cons of the concept 2 model E

 
The cons of the concept 2 model e are 
 
  • Price 
  • Specificity 
  • Space requirements 
 
The price of the model E is quite a bit higher than for most other rower options. If you only want to row you might be able to save the worth of a barbell or a couple of plates by going for a different option.
 
Rowing is not very specific to most sports except CrossFit and rowing itself. If you are building a team that competes in some kind of major league you will still need treadmills besides the rowers. In addition, the higher seat is also less specific to actual rowing. The Olympic rowing boats are tiny and you sit very closely to the ground. 
 
The last disadvantage of a rower is the space requirement. Compared to a bike, especially for a home gym, the length of the unit can turn into a real headache. 
 

Alternatives to the Concept 2 model E

 
Alternatives to the concept 2 model E rower are
 
 
The concept 2 model d rower would be the logical choice if you want to save some money. It is basically the same machine, just with slower seat and less fancy. If you want to row and be budget conscious this might be the option for you.
 
The Rogue echo bike is a solid alternative for the home gym to kick your butt. It costs considerably less than the model E and delivers a challenging, maybe even better impact on your cardiovascular system.
 
The air assault runner is the budget option for self-propelled running. It is still a lot triple the price of the model E. If you are running an establishment to produce the best you probably need a rower and one of these self-propelled machines. 
 

Summary for the Concept 2 model E

 
The model E is a sound upgrade on the model E aimed at rehab or big boys. It is also one of the best things money can buy from concept 2. Is it worth the extra money compared to the model D? Probably not if you care more about the budget than having the best things in life.
 
 

Overview and review of the Horizon Elite T5 treadmill

This is an overview of the Horizon Elite T5 treadmill including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get. Follow the links for more details.

You can get the most up to date content and ask direct questions on my Instagram Account.

 
 

Overview of the Horizon Elite T5 $1.199

 
The Horizon Elite T5 is the smallest of the Horizon Elite lineup of treadmills which come with an extra sturdy frame. Compared to its two bigger brothers, the T7 and T9, it has considerably less warranty and a smaller belt to run on. In exchange, it hugs the $1000 price tag tightly while the other two models cost $1.599 and $1.999. The list of specifications for the T5 can be seen below:
 
Frame Type: Feather-Light Folding
Running area: 20"x55"
Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning                      
Drive Motor: 2.75 Horsepower
Belt: 1.4mm, Silicone
Deck Thickness: .75
Roller Size: front 2.4" rear 1.8"
Speed range: 0.5 - 12 mph
Incline Range: 0% – 15%
Extras: Built-in Speakers, Energy Saver Mode, Fan, In-reach Resistance Controls, Passport Ready, Tablet Rack, Water Bottle Holder
Weight: 227 lbs
Assembled dimensions: 73" x 35" x 61"
Folded dimensions: 43.3" x 35" x 65"
Max User Weight: 350
Electrical Requirements: 110 - 120V
Home Warranty Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty Motor: Lifetime
Home Warranty Parts: 3 years
Home Warranty Labor: 1 years
 
The Horizon Elite T5 is a good option when you want a sturdy frame but do not particularly care about the warranty, extra digital features, or the motor. All these compromises bring the price down to a little over $1.000 for a treadmill that can take up to 21.000 miles without a problem.
 

Pros of the Horizon EliteT5

 
The pros of the Horizon Elite T5 are:
 
  • Price
  • Frame
  • Folding mechanism
 
For this price, you are getting a formidable running machine for your home that is convenient to use and to collapse depending on your needs. Most runners at home will not put the treadmill through the same abuse as in a commercial setting and unless you are an elite runner yourself the motor will most likely be more than enough for you. The folding mechanism is easy and you do not have to worry that the treadmill comes crashing down on your kids or they can catch a finger in the mechanics easily.
 

Cons of the Horizon Elite T5

 
The cons of the Horizon Elite T5 are:
 
  • Smaller warranty package compared to other Elite models
  • Limited Entertainment options
  • Smaller belt
  • Smaller motor
 
The Horizon Elite T5 saves you money which comes at a cost for convenience and entertainment. The warranty package has been stripped compared to the Elite models which make it a less attractive buy in a commercial setting or in a home gym where multiple elite runners will throw everything they have at this treadmill. The biggest downside for a machine for $1.000 is the limited multimedia functions. No Bluetooth hurts in these modern days. A smaller belt and motor round off the cutback on features to deliver the low price tag of the Elite T5.
 

Alternatives to the Horizon Elite T5

 
Alternatives to the Horizon Elite T5 are
 
 
The Horizon Elite T9 is the flagship treadmill out of the Horizon lineup. Compared to the T5 it has a bigger belt, a touch screen, and a more powerful motor. This is the option for commercial gyms that want to cater to all types of runners and walkers or for the home gym athlete that does not want to compromise and pay no more than $2.000 for their treadmill. There are other options above $2.000 in the market that basically come with a massive television attached, but not everyone needs that.
 
The Horizon Elite T7 is a good compromise between the T9 and the T5. It has a smaller footprint than the T9 and better warranty options than the T5 while still having the same belt size as the T9. If you are a serious runner who already has a Television in their gym or a commercial buyer who wants to buy in bulk where televisions are already installed in the facilities then this is a good buy. If you want the latest and greatest in entertainment technology you have to give the T7 a pass as it has no Bluetooth.
 
The Nordictrack 1750 is a strong competitor to any treadmill in the below $2000 budget arena. It outperforms the Elite series on the length of the warranty, the strength of the motor, and entertainment functions. You should have a look at this treadmill which is right in the middle of the Nordictrack portfolio. Nordictrack has recently done a facelift of their product line providing models with integrated television and working hard on their Ifit software to catch up to Peloton who are sweeping the market. The only downside to Nordictrack is that there is more negative customer feedback readily available online. This could be done to higher sales numbers or worse product quality compared to Horizon fitness.
 
The Assault air runner is a cheaper model in the area of self-propelled treadmills. These treadmills run on bearings instead of an electric motor. This means you can determine the pace yourself and it makes them superior to traditional treadmills for Interval training and start-stop sprints. The only downside is that these haven't been standardized in production like most of the treadmills you see, so they are usually north of $3.000 in price.
 
The Rogue Echo Bike and the TITAN fan bike are two different air bikes that I highly recommend as an alternative to a treadmill for your home gym. Air bikes are easier to move around, lend themselves better to HIIT training, and take up much less space in your home gym or garage gym. I prefer to run outside and as long as your circumstances allow for it, I would recommend that. On top of that, they are also more affordable at around $700 sticker price.
 

Conclusion for the Horizon Elite T5

 
The Horizon Elite T5 is a good budget option for the serious runner who does not want to waste money on technology and maximize the lifetime of the treadmill. Commercial buyers might want to opt for the T7 instead of they already have entertainment as the warranty is better. If Bluetooth is a must you can go for the T9, but then you are also just at the brink of $2.000 for your treadmill. The Nordictrack 1750 is always worth a look as an alternative.