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Horizon T101 treadmill vs VersaClimber SM

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Mar 15, 2021 4:00:00 PM

Horizon T101 treadmill vs VersaClimber SM

This is a comparison between the Horizon T101 and VersaClimber SM 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 VersaClimber SM

The VersaClimber SM comes in at $4995 - $5300. 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 VersaClimber SM sport

 
The Versa Climber Sport model is the high-end product of the Versa range. This machine simulates climbing a mountain and is known for its relentless workouts. This thing will make you sweat. It can be used as a Climber or a stepper. It is hand welded and made from high-quality steel. The specs are: 
 
  • Weight 150 Lb
  • Height 7’ 10’’
  • Climb angle 75 degrees 
  • Footprint 43’’ x 46’’
 
The Versa Climber is made in the USA and has been around for decades. It is a good alternative for gyms which cannot provide outside space for running or want to offer their athletes something more challenging. Le Bron James is said to use this machine for his routines. 
 

Pros of the VersaClimber SM

 
These are the pros of the Versa Climber for your use:
 
  • Small footprint 
  • Intense workout 
  • An unusual piece of equipment 
 
Compared to most treadmills the Versa Climber has a very small footprint. That means you can fit more people into a smaller space. For a home gym, you might also be able to put it in a corner of your house and just work away. That is usually more of a challenge with heavy treadmills. 
 
The Versa Climber possibly offers the most intense workout you can do for your cardiovascular system in the smallest space possible. This is pure intensity formed into metal. 
 
If you are running a gym and want to attract more customers this is also an unusual piece of equipment. It might attract clients who are willing to pay more for their members to get more than just regular treadmills. 
 

Cons of the VersaClimber

 
The cons of the Versa Climber are 
 
  • Price 
  • No relation to most sports 
  • Maintenance 
 
With the price tag of $5000, you are investing a considerable amount of money per machine. For two of these, you can get ten concept 2 rowers, skiergs or rogue Echo bikes. With this, you can run an entire CrossFit or strength class. It all depends on what kind of gym you want to be. 
 
The movement pattern of the Versa Climber has not a lot of carryover to most sports. If you are training athletes all around you will still need to get some type of treadmill despite having the Versa Climber. Whether the Versa Climber is worth the investment if you still need to get other equipment is up to you. 
 
The Versa Climber works with chains. These can break and need to be maintained. Based on the rattling and way this machine is used it is More likely to break down than a treadmill or bike. 
 

Alternatives to the VersaClimber SM

 
Alternatives to the Versa Climber SM are 
 
 
The Versa Climber H is a variation on the SM for home use. It only weighs half of the SM so it won’t take as much if a beating than the SM, which is ok for home use as it will not be used as much. Switching from the SM to the H will save you $3000. Be aware that the guarantee is voided if you place the H in a professional gym setting. 
 
The Rogue Echo bike packs a punch on your cardiovascular system for a fraction of the cost. The workout is not as intense as with the Versa Climber as you are seated. But it comes at a considerably lower price and the bike can be moved around more easily. 
 
The concept 2 skierg is an alternative which can be used in tight spaces. it is also an alternative for people with hip or leg injuries to do endurance work indoors. It simulates skiing like you would do it in biathlon. The price tag is considerable than the one of the Versa Climber SM model.
 

Summary for the VersaClimber SM

 
The Versa Climber SM model is the one to go for when you want to bring the Versa Climber experience to your gym. Especially when people will use it around the clock. The warranty will help in case of breakage. Compared to other workouts in the endurance sphere, the climber is superior for burned calories per minute. You will be hard pressed to find anything more challenging. For sprinters and athletes who work on the pitch, it might be better to veer towards running and sprinting as this has more overlay with their actual sport.

Overview and review of the Horizon T101 treadmill

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.

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.
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