The Sole S77 Treadmill Review – A Top Quality Machine
The Sole S77 treadmill has been beefed up where it counts and still comes in on sale for less than $2000. It is nearly identical to the F85 folding model, sharing its many great features and making it one of the most popular models the company sells.
Sole S77 - The Machine
Although the sticker price of around $3599 is hefty, you can usually find it on sale for around $1899 or so, including shipping. This is the latest incarnation of the S77 model, which has always been quite popular.
Improvements in the new model include a 4.0 CHP motor (the older version was 3.5 HP), a new enhanced display, Bluetooth tracking technology and an improved warranty that reflects the company's confidence in their products.
Some of the best features on the Sole S77 treadmill are:
- 4.0 CHP motor
- Speed: 0.5 to 12 mph
- Incline: 0-15%
- Running surface: 22" x 60"
- 2.75" rollers
- 2 ply, 4 layer belt
- 10 workout programs
- Pulse grips and compatible with chest strap (included)
- MP3 compatible sound system
- Two cooling fans
- 10.1" TFT LCD console display
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Overall dimensions: 58"H x 36"W x 82"L
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame, motor, deck; 5 years on electronics, 2 years on labor
The Buzz
The Sole S77 treadmill is popular with users who have the space for a top quality home machine. With the generous dimensions and 22" running deck, this is a solid leader that seems to keep all but the most hardcore users happy. The rare complaint is that for this price, users would like to have more programs for variation.
You do have everything you need for both fitness and weight loss, however, on the new enhanced 10.1" TFT LCD screen, with speed, distance, incline, time, pulse, pace and calories burned.
Users do like that Sole seems to have listened to customers and upgraded the previous 3.5 hp motor to a beefy 4.0 hp motor, which is a nice plus. It provides more power yet remains as quiet and smooth as previous versions.
As we mentioned, the S77 is similar to the folding F85 model, although that one is a little larger and heavier. So if you need something that folds check that one out as well.
Another nice addition to the new Sole S77 is Bluetooth capability, which allows you to sync your workout results with popular fitness apps, something that definitely helps keep you motivated and on target towards your desired results.
How Does the S77 Compare to the Other Sole Treadmills?
Most of the Sole treadmills are foldable, so the non-folding S77 is quite unique. The only other model that doesn't fold is the top-end TT8, which is considered a light commercial machine.
As we mentioned, the S77 is very much like the F85, and both are at the higher end of Sole's lineup. Let's take a brief look at all of the offerings so you can see how they compare to each other.
The base F63 model is the most compact, with a 20" x 60" deck, 3.0 CHP motor and a 6.5" LCD display.
The step-up F65 expands on all three of those specs, with a 22" x 60" deck, 3.25 CHP and a 7.5" LCD display.
The F80, the most popular model, jumps up to a 3.5 CHP motor and 9.0" LCD display.
The top of the line folding model, the F85, gives you the strongest 4.0 CHP motor as well as the largest 10.1" TFT LCD display.
The S77, as you've read about above, has the same exact specs as the F85, but it's about 40 lbs. lighter and an inch shorter, so it's a bit easier to incorporate into your home gym.
The top non-folding TT8 is a more club quality version of the Sole S77, the only model with decline capability on top of the 15% incline that all of the rest of the Sole treadmills provide.
So the S77 is going to be one of the more advanced models, perfect for walking, jogging and running, and able to stand up to a good deal of use.
You don't need the TT8 unless there will be three or more users and extremely heavy use, or if you are interested in decline training. Otherwise you'll be perfectly happy with the Sole S77.
Sole S77 Review - Bottom Line
One of the nicest features on the Sole S77 is the heart training mode, which automatically changes the incline in order to keep you within your chosen heart rate target zone.
The included chest strap is extremely accurate and is simple to use if you don't like the hand grip pulse monitor. This model also includes Peak & Valley graphing on the LCD screen and a ¼ mile track mode.
While this model doesn't fold up like the F series, it can be a great investment if you get it at the sale price. We also love the Sole S77 treadmill's outstanding warranty, which rivals or surpasses the best in the business.
If you want a high quality folding treadmill under $2000, this one is as good as it gets. Also take a look at the top of the line TT8 model, which is even more commercial grade with both incline and decline, among other enhancements.
Regardless of the model you choose, you can't go wrong with a Sole treadmill...the quality, design and durability are top-notch.
