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.
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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
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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 bet as it combines a cushy warranty package with a sturdy frame.
Alternatives to the Horizon 303
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.