Horizon fitness Elite T9 treadmill vs T303
This is a comparison of the Horizon Elite T9 treadmill and T303 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 Horizon T303
This is an overview of the Horizon T303 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 T303 $999
The Horizon T303 is the top end of the home user-friendly treadmills of horizon fitness. This is the treadmill with the most bells and whistles that are geared towards someone using it in the home. If you can stretch your budget to $1000 but not further under any circumstances then this is a great option. The full specifications are:
Frame Type: FeatherLight Folding
Running area: 20" x 60"
Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
Drive Motor: 3.0 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 – 12%
Extras: Accessory Tray, Audio In/Out Jack, Bluetooth Speakers, Custom Interval Keys, Energy Saver Mode, Fan, Multi-position Tablet Holders
Weight: 194 lbs.
Assembled dimensions: 75" x 34" x 58"
Folded dimensions: 47" x 34" x 65"
Max User weight: 325 lbs.
Electrical requirements: 60Hz - 120V
Home Warranty - Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Motor: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Parts: 3 year
Home Warranty - Labor: 1 year
This is a good treadmill for home use in limited spaces. Compared to other Horizon models the frame and belt are less sturdy. In return, the treadmill is easier to transport and takes up less space.
Pros of the Horizon T303
The pros is the T303 are:
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Strong motor
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12% incline
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Almost studio-grade
For the money, you pay you almost get a studio-grade treadmill including a strong motor. The 12% incline also provides extra resistance if you want to challenge yourself even more. This is a great treadmill for the stay-at-home mom or occasional runner that just wants to get their miles in without being cold or in the traffic.
Cons of the Horizon T303
The cons of the Horizon T303 are:
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Flimsy frame
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Console
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Warranty
The frame is rather flimsy which leads to more impact being transferred from the belt to the frame compared to the bigger Horizon fitness models. This means that you will have more rattling and inclines might feel a little unstable. If you are more than 100kg and intend to go ballistic at your treadmill I recommend going with the 7.0AT instaed for the same budget. This treadmill will not fall apart, it is well made, but if you really drive in the countryside you get a range rover and not a Qashqai.
The console leaves a lot to be desired for entertainment options. You can put your phone or Ipad on the treadmill, but that technically means a higher cost for the overall build. Especially if you do not want to mix work and downtime or if you do not want to run the risk of having your high-value electronics anywhere near the gym.
The last point is the warranty. While this warranty is more than enough for private use it might be ideal for commercial use, especially combined with the lighter build of the T303 compared to other treadmills in the Horizon fitness lineup. If you are a commercial buyer looking for good value for money I personally think the /.4AT is your best betas it combines a cushy warranty package with a sturdy frame.
Alternatives to the Horizon 303
Alternatives to the Horizon T303 are:
The Horizon 7.0 AT is the trimmed-down version of the Horizon studio line. This is a good treadmill if you weigh more than 100kg, but do not want to pay more than $1000 for a frame that will hold you. The downside is that this treadmill will take up considerably more space as it is built on a sturdier frame than the T series.
If you do not want to go very fast and you are willing to compromise on the warranty options the T202 can be a good option for your home gym to move further away from the $1000 mark. At $799 it is a great treadmill to get your miles in for 5ks and generally staying fit. For anyone who really wants to dig deep into HIIT training and going at high paces for hours, this might not be the right treadmill.
The Horizon T101 is the most budget option from Horizon fitness's treadmills. It has the smallest motor and belt of all the products on offer. While it is an option I personally think you are better off looking into walking and foldable treadmills that can go under your bed if you go that low in the Horizon product line. What is the point of having a treadmill with a console that can not be fully folded up, when you are not planning on abusing the heck out of it anyway.
The Rogue Echo Bike is my personal recommendation for any home gym owner. I personally like to do my runs outside and this bike dies everything I need for HIIT training. It is easy to move around & sturdy so that my 100kg clunky body can sit comfortably while giving it all I have. The price is also decent. Rogue really build a great product that is competitively priced to make serious home gym owners happy. A budget option of the Rogue Echo bike is the Titan fan bike.
If you want to save floor space and still get your cardio in, i personally think that the concept 2 ski erg is one of the best options you can get. It will take up very little space in your home while you are still dealing with a serious cardio machine. Of course, you can not run on it, but why are you getting your treadmill in the first place? Most likely to lose weight and stay fit. The ski erg delivers on that.
Conclusion for the Horizon T303
The Horizon T303 is a great treadmill for the home user that weighs less than 100kg and does not want to put their treadmill under too much stress. Nicely paced jogs and runs will be best on this treadmill with the comfort of easy incline and speed adjustments. If you weigh more than 100kg or plan on running 10Ks and half marathon s for time on this machine, then you might want to opt for something sturdier. I also would not recommend prolonged use of the incline function to simulate speedy hiking runs.
Overview and review of the Horizon fitness Elite T9 treadmill
This is an overview of the Horizon Elite T9 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 Fitness Elite T9 $1999
The Horizon Fitness Elite T9 is the flagship treadmill from Horizon. Its main distinguishing features are the most powerful engine at 3.25 CHP, the side rails, and the touchscreen which the other models from the Horizon elite line do not have. While it is lightweight build and comes in at 275lbs, it is still the heaviest of the elite series. This makes it more stable and resistant for serious runners, but might be overkill for walkers. The full list of specifications runs as follows:
Frame Type: Feather-Light Folding
Running area: 22"x60"
Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
Drive Motor: 3.25 Horsepower
Belt: 1.4mm, Silicone
Deck Thickness: .75
Roller Size: 2.4"
Speed range: 0.5 - 12 mph
Incline Range: 0% – 15%
Extras: Aluminum Side Rails, Built-in Speakers, Energy Saver Mode, Passport Ready, Tablet Rack, Water Bottle Holder
Weight: 275 lbs
Assembled dimensions: 78.75" x 39.38" x 63"
Folded dimensions: 47.25" x 39.38" x 71"
Max User Weight: 350
Electrical Requirements: 110 - 120V
Home Warranty Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty Motor: Lifetime
Home Warranty Parts: 5 years
Home Warranty Labor: 2 years
This machine appeals to a wide range of walkers and runners and is best chosen in a commercial setting or when you are a serious runner who has to travel far to get to a good area for running long distances. If you want to walk only it is overkill. The same goes for anyone who does not need a lot of technology or rails on their treadmill. Here you might get a better motor for less money with other treadmills if you strip back on some other features.
Pros of the Horizon Fitness Elite T9
The pros of the Horizon Fitness Elite T9 are:
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Folding mechanism
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Belt tested up to 21.000 miles
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Touch Screen
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Sidebars
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Automatic incline / decline
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Polar heart rate monitor included
The folding mechanism of the Horizon fitness T9 elite is smooth and also protects you from falling onto you. The frame is reinforced compared to other Horizon models which make it a good pick for serious runners or heavier athletes.
The belt has been tested up to 21.000 miles without a need of change. For someone who runs 100 miles a week, this means that you can for 210 weeks or 4 years without changing the belt. The motor also needs no cooling as it runs with magnets.
The touch screen is another bonus over the other models from Horizon which have classic button navigation. The included sidebars make it family-friendly or more appealing when placed in a gym.
The automatic incline goes with the running programs that Horizon has included in the package. You can also purchase some extra courses in scenic locations which will make use of the INcline options too.
The whole package is rounded up by including a polar heart rate monitor which you can strap to your chest and connect to the machine for heart rate training. Walkers can also use the bars which come with heart rate monitors inbuilt.
Cons of the Horizon Fitness Elite T9
Cons for the Horizon fitness elite T9 are:
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High Price
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Outdated technology
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Not fit for HIgh-intensity interval training
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Can not be stored under the bed
$2000 for a treadmill is a big bankroll. If you are savvy with craigslist and Facebook groups you might get an entire gym with several machines and a treadmill for this budget. Of course, this takes time and connections and not everyone is a hustler like the cowboys in the good, the bad, and the ugly or patient as Nelson Mandela. But if you are into used goods and sourcing them, spending $2000 is a lot to shell out for one piece of equipment in a private setting. For a commercial setting, it depends on how many you are going to buy and who will use them. If you have a very varied clientele and only need a few treadmills to make your community happy, this is the buy and do not think about it again option. If you have to buy in bulk and cater to a narrower fitness community you might want to consider more focused / cheaper options.
The technology on this treadmill seems a little outdated and needs a facelift. If you look at the newest peloton and Nordictrack models the entertainment options far surpass the ones on offer on the horizon flagship. In fairness, there is also a $1000 gap between the Elite T9 and the X32i, but if you are already considering $2000 for what is basically a convenience upgrade within the Horizon portfolio, then you might as well go all the way.
High-intensity interval training, or ins short HIIT, has been quite a rage in the fitness industry as of late. What most treadmills have in common is that they are not particularly well suited for this type of training as the motor and belt do not accelerate and decelerate naturally. The models which come closest to a proper stop-start sprint experience are the Assault air runner and the True Form runner. Personally, I am a huge fan of Airbikes as these are great for HIIT and do not take up a lot of floor space. They are also a lot cheaper than treadmills. The model I own is the Rogue Echo Bike and its direct copycat competitor is the TITAN fan bike.
This treadmill is a beast that is great when you are serious about running and willing to give up the necessary space in your home for your hobby. If you are just an occasional runner or walker you can not store this treadmill under the bed, sofa, or in a cupboard after use. Therefore it is not recommended for use in apartments with limited space unless you also want to use it as a bed.
Alternatives to the Horizon Fitness Elite T9
Alternatives to the Horizon fitness elite T9 are:
The elite T7 has a 3.00 CHP horsepower motor and no railings. It also has no touch screen. This might be the better option for home athletes who are serious but do not want to fast for very long periods of time. If you are willing to compromise on the motor power and railings you can save yourself $500 on the sticker price within the Horizon portfolio by going with the Elite T7 instead of the T9. Definitely, the better option if there are no walkers to be expected to use the treadmill or someone who goes full throttle for an hour and weighs 200 pounds or more.
The elite T5 has a slightly smaller belt than the T9 and a 2.75 CHP motor. If you also feel that you need to save a little space because the treadmill will just about fit into your home space, then this is the one to make. You will also make some considerable compromises with the T5 on the warranty so it might not be the best option in a commercial setup. On the positive side, the T5 brings you far away from the $2000 mark and very close to the $1000 mark at $1199 retail price.
If you are willing to spend $2000 on a treadmill the Nordictrack 1750 might be a desirable option for you. This treadmill not only has incline but also a 3% decline inbuilt. The IFit software subscription for your runs is a little more up to date than what Horizon has on offer and you will get a more powerful motor at 3.75 horsepower. The warranties are also longer than with Horizon, too. The only downside is that negative feedback about the Nordictrack brand is more readily available than for Horizon. Whether this is due to a higher sales volume and therefore a higher likelihood for complaints or down to product quality and design is a matter of opinion.
Conclusion for the Horizon Fitness Elite T9
The Horizon Fitness Elite T9 is the best that Horizon has to offer. If you want a great, durable treadmill for commercial use or the very serious home athlete that presses 100 miles a week or more, this is the one to get. It might not be at the forefront of the current market developments anymore, but you are getting a lot of belt, frame, and miles for a relatively small price. All other flagship treadmills in the market usually come in at $1000 more with a massive screen included. Not everyone wants that.
