Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This review is written less than a week since arrival (10/6/22). I will update later if needed. I considered treadmills between $1k & $2.5k (it was a health investment after all – and “you get what you pay for”, right?), but every time I’d decided on one, there were enough negative reviews to keep me from buying. I eventually decided to start looking at lower priced models (if it’s going to break, I’d prefer not to have so much money invested). The Xterra TR150 seemed to be the best choice for my needs, so I bought it before I could change my mind once again (you know what I’m talking about). FYI, I’m 68yo female, 5’ 3.5”, 120lbs, relatively fit but not strong. • At around 100 lbs, weight is sufficient to imply that it’s solid, but manageable (vs 200-300 lbs I previously considered). I’d never have been able to manage one much larger. • The smaller footprint allowed me to keep it on the main level of the house. If I’d gotten a more substantial treadmill, it would have had to have a spot in my unfinished basement. On the main level, I’m confident it will be utilized more. Like the weight, the size makes it easier to manage. • If I’d gone with a higher priced, fancier, bigger, heavier treadmill, I’d have had to pay to get it into the house and probable pay someone to assemble it. • The lack of bells and whistles means less to go wrong. • The simplicity of design should make maintenance and troubleshooting easy. • Xterra has plenty of support for the customer via the webpage. I’ve not had to utilize calling anyone, so cannot speak to that. • It was ridiculously easy to assemble. The hardest part was getting it out of the box due to weight. • PROGRAM: I could find no documentation/videos that describe in detail what speeds each program level involve, and like some other reviewers, I was a little hesitant to use. Try starting with Program 1 to get familiar with using it and understanding what the graphs (are trying to) convey. Program 1 starts off VERY low (1.2, I think) and its maximum speed is 3.1 (intervals of .5, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 & 3.1). That will give you an idea of what to expect. You get 3 beeps to indicate the rate is changing, the new rate will display and then start to change. If that rate is too high, you can select the “speed” button to decrease – or just “stop”. You can change speed at any time during the program by selecting the up or down “speed” button. • MANUAL INCLINE: The trade off in manual vs. auto incline is worth it to me (and, yes, the manual incline levels are very minimal). You are paying MUCH less and it is less wear and tear on the treadmill motor and associated mechanisms. Yeah – it’d be fun to have all those programs that simulate walking/running outdoors, but not worth it to me. • There is a great series of unaffiliated videos on YT that were invaluable to my decision (todd’s garage). You’ll find assembly, lubing, maintenance, track adjustment, etc.. • A review or two mentioned electrical shock. I’m speculating that perhaps it was static from walking on the track. I had a couple of static shocks when reaching for the heart monitor with a certain pair of shoes (have wood floors – no carpet) – didn’t experience it with two other pairs of shoes. (UPDATE** static shock can be an issue with ALL treadmills (and electronics in general) - search online for various solutions/preventative measures) • The emergency stop key design on the TR150 is perfect. I’ve read other treadmill's reviews that criticize design of theirs (won’t stay in, too hard to get in, etc.). • Folding treadmill: I was worried about not having a lowering assist to soften the landing when lowering. However, once you lift it up, you know what weight you’re dealing with – so just make sure you’re ready to support it while lowering. Just think of it as an addition to your workout. :-) It’s easy to get the pin in and out to prop it up or let it down. There was review somewhere that mentioned the pin failed and the treadmill fell – I really don’t think that is possible if the pin is properly seated. I’m pretty satisfied with the TR150’s design. • The ledge for holding devices will not hold my chromebook (width is not an issue since it’s open on the sides – it’s the depth). It will hold my kindle fire. The ledge depth is 1/2 inch. I kind of figured this when ordering, so no big surprise. Obviously, utilizing the ledge means your device is covering up the display. Not a deal breaker by any means, but adding a support arm/bracket to hold device above/beyond the display would be a great improvement IMO. • UPS actually brought it inside the house for me (he went above and beyond – maybe in part because the box was a battered mess). The battered box perhaps speaks to the build quality of the treadmill. I really expected to have something broken or electronics not working. No problem whatsoever. As with ANYTHING you buy, sometimes it’s just luck of the draw. However, there are plenty of folks reviewing that are happy with the TR150. I am very happy with my decision to buy the Xterra TR150. No buyer’s remorse here (other than seeing a price drop on prime day :-))! **Update 11/27/22: Still just as happy. **Prompted to lube once. I think lubing is done in the area where your feet are hitting (reason for specified lube pattern), so think in terms of that when you are lubing. **Bought ar-pro rubber pads (4”x4”) for wood floor - glad I didn’t get a mat. **I never use the “programs” after trying them out. I hit “start” and then use speed buttons. So glad didn’t spend more for one with fancy programs. **I use it daily (walking only - 3 to 4 mph), from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on how active I am otherwise. **I parked the treadmill facing a corner and added a cheap 24” wall mounted R**u TV. Treadmill display visible, and makes getting in the walking very pleasurable. **HR monitor iffy – I think most HR monitors can be unreliable, so not disappointed with that tech on this treadmill.