A Review Of The Bowflex 7 Series

Bowflex treadmills are aimed at the mid-price market. The company makes three models; the 3, 5 and 7 Series. Out of the three, it’s the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill that stands out and is the only one of the 3 I would consider buying. Here’s my review.

Bowflex have gone to greater lengths to make a treadmill for the serious runner. Unlike the other two machines, the Bowflex 7 Series has been given a nice big 3 hp continuous duty motor. For serious use a mid-price machine should have a 3 hp motor. Also, it’s got a 2-ply. I wouldn’t buy a treadmill unless it had a minimum of 2 layers in the treadbelt, which is why I would never buy either the 3 or 5 Series, both of which only have 1-ply belt.

The longevity of a treadmill very much depends on how much it’s used, the size and quality of the motor, the quality of the treadbelt and the rollers. This brings us to the rollers. The 7 Series comes with commercial grade 2.5″ rollers. Bowflex didn’t skimp on this – or the motor or treadbelt – so I can rest assured that the 7 Series would give me years of service.

Another great incentive to buy the 7 Series is the telemetric heart rate control that will adjust the machine speed automatically to your heart rate. Whilst I don’t like a treadmill to have too many ‘features’ (I feel most are just gimmicks), I really appreciate the telemetric heart rate control that comes with this machines.

I know this is a small point; but I like the two place cup holders on the console. During a long run I need really need to drink water and it’s great having the water right on hand on the; so many other brands leave out this small detail, why, I don’t know.

Here’s a quick summary of the other features you get.

The treadbelt is a good size at 20″ x 60″.
There’s a 3-speed fan to keep you cool
Quick incline keys and quick speed keys.
You get 15 programs, including 2 HRC, 2 user-defined and a BMI test.

I’ve read some consumer reviews that state the Bowflex treadmill is noisy. I can’t say I’ve noticed this. But, I haven’t used that many other brands. However, perhaps the noisiness of the machine will increase as it gets more use: I’ll have to keep an ‘ear out’ for this.

I liked trying out the Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill and found it was suitable for my exercise regime. I’m not an athlete, but I would describe myself as a semi-serious runner and the 7 Series would be just fine for my requirements. It feels solid, feels like it’ll stay the distant, has a nice simple control panel and its price, at $1,500, is just about right for me.

If I do have any concerns or doubts it has to do with the warranty you get with the Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill. It comes with a 10-year motor, 2-year parts and 1-year labor warranty. You can get better warranties. For example the PaceMaster treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, a 12 year motor, 5 year parts and 1 year labor warranty.

Many customer reviews of the 7 Series give it a good rating and, apart from one or two minor points, I’d have to agree.