Best Buy Picks
StarTrac, a longtime commercial brand of treadmill, is becoming more popular among home users. However, the TR901 is the company’s only current model that is specifically designed for the home instead of an athletic club or hotel fitness room. StarTrac commercial models offer advantages over home treadmills, but these aren’t crucial for most residential users.
What We Like
- Entertainment: StarTrac’s E Series is especially focused on entertainment. Users enjoy integrated iPod connectivity and the ability to conveniently charge various media devices with the treadmill’s USB port.
- Maintenance-free: Unlike the tracks of some other treadmill brands, pre-lubricated StarTrac treadbelts do not require waxing.
- Motors: StarTrac motors supersede those of any home treadmill. With up to 5.0 horsepower, they can support marathon runners and people weighing up to 500 pounds.
- Speed: StarTrac treadmills can reach top speeds of 15 mph. Most home treadmills have upper limits of 10 or 12 mph.
- Stability: StarTrac treadmills weigh about twice as much as many other models, and they’re sturdy enough to support up to 500 pounds.
- Tracks: With roomy 60”x20” running areas, StarTrac treadmills suit athletes of all sizes.
- Workout programs: The StarTrac TR901, the line’s only residential model, is loaded with more than 250 training programs.
What We Don’t Like
- Price: New StarTrac treadmills range in price from about $2500 to more than $8000. The company also sells certified pre-owned machines that cost less, but the price tags still seem high.
- Warranties: Since StarTracs can be expensive investments, we expect more robust warranty packages. For instance, the E-TR is sold with just a five-year warranty on its motor. Other parts get ten years of free replacement if the treadmill is used at home. The E-TR’s headphone jack, iPod connector, and USB port get just 90 days of coverage for parts.
Our Verdict
StarTrac treadmills are top-class machines for serious trainers, but most people don’t need all of their exceptional features. For instance, most walkers will rarely exceed 5 mph, so there’s little need for a machine that can reach 12 mph. Customers could save thousands of dollars by choosing a top-of-the-line home treadmill from another brand instead of StarTrac’s commercial-quality offerings.
