Horizon Elite T5 treadmill vs T101

This is an overview of the Horizon T101 treadmill including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview and review of the Horizon T101 treadmill

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

Overview of the Horizon T101 $599

The Horizon Fitness T101 is the smallest treadmill you can get from Horizon fitness. It has the smallest belt, the smallest warranty, and the smallest incline of 10%. If you want an overbuilt walking treadmill that you do not need to store away after use, then this is the one for you. Otherwise, go for a different model from Horizon or research deeper into more flexible walking treadmills. The full list of specifications is:

Frame Type: FeatherLight Folding

Running area: 20" x 55"

Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning

Drive Motor: 2.5 Continuous-Duty Horsepower

Belt: 1.4mm, Silicone

Deck Thickness: 0.7" (18mm)

Roller Size: 46mm/42mm Tapered

Speed Range: 0.5 – 12 mph

Incline Range: 0 – 10%

Extras: Audio In/Out Jack, Bluetooth Speakers, Energy Saver Mode, Fan, Tablet Rack, Water Bottle Holder

Weight: 165 lbs.

Assembled dimensions: 70" x 34" x 55"

Folded dimensions: 46" x 34" x 61"

Max User weight: 300 lbs.

Electrical requirements: 60Hz - 120V

Home Warranty - Frame: Lifetime

Home Warranty - Motor: Lifetime

Home Warranty - Parts: 1 year

Home Warranty - Labor: 1 year

I am never a huge fan of getting the cheapest of anything with the least amount of features. The same goes for the Horizon T101. If you are a slow jogger or fast walker, this is perfect. Otherwise, get yourself a proper running treadmill from the Horizon studio line or upgrade to the T202/303 if you weigh less than 100kg.

Pros of the Horizon T101

The pros of the Horizon T101 are:

Incline
Sturdy frame
Speed

If you look at the T101 as a walking treadmill it has a strong motor and incline. The frame is also sturdy for a walking treadmill. If you were looking for a very robust walking treadmill, this is it.

Cons of the Horizon T101

The cons of the Horizon T101 are:

Not ideal for runners
Can not be stored easily
Barebone warranty
Still has a console

When you put everything together about the T101 I would stay away from it if you consider yourself a runner. It is the cheapest Horizon has to offer with the smallest warranty package. If you put 100s of miles on it and weigh more than a feather it will rattle and break. For walkers who want to into the occasional jog, this is a good fit.

If we look at the T101 through the walking treadmill lens it can not be stored easily. There are quite a few options out there that can be folded and hung in the closet or pushed under the bed. You do not have these options with the T101 which makes it less attractive if you only use it for walking.

The barebone warranty is worrisome if you will run on this. This treadmill is a malfunction waiting to happen if you put it under a lot of stress. Not because it is not well built, but because someone was cheap about what they actually are using it for. This paired with the small warranty is not a great choice if you press more than 100 miles per week.

If I am looking at it as a walking treadmill I also have to ask why it has a console at all. You still pay for these parts and on a walking treadmill, an up and down button for speed will more than do. No speakers or other electronics needed as you will use your phone or tablet anyway.

Alternatives to the Horizon T101

Alternatives to the Horizon T101 are:

The rogue echo bike is a great alternative to any treadmill for the serious athlete. You will most likely do your runs outdoors anyway to make it more challenging and closer to the real thing. The echo bike will enable you to do great interval training and is easier to move around. It also comes at roughly the same price point as the T101 give or take $100. A budget version of the Rogue Echo bike is the TITAN fan bike.

The concept 2 ski erg is a great option for a serious machine that is not as noisy as a treadmill and takes up less space. You will not get a leg workout, but a great deal of cardio. If your goal is to lose weight and stay fit and you do not mind that much which way this happens, give the ski erg a serious look.

Conclusion for the Horizon T101

In my personal opinion, there are better options out there for a walking treadmill. If you want a running treadmill the Horizon portfolio really starts at the T202 if not even at the T303 and 7.0AT.

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.