The 7.8 AT is Horizon’s premiere treadmill to date and as such, it comes with some interesting upgrades not found on other treadmills.
The most noticeable would be the dial controls for speed and incline- a feature that was added specifically to make the 7.8 AT more compatible with fitness apps and interval style workouts.
Personally, I love these dials and would say this feature alone could very well be reason enough to choose the 7.8 AT over similar competitors, but this treadmill has more to offer as well.
Like a 4.0 CHP motor, a 22″ x 60″ running surface, a ridiculously heavy-duty frame, and the best warranty in its price class.
In other words, if you’re looking for a quality treadmill that doesn’t require a membership fee, the new Horizon 7.8 AT could be a great fit.
But there are a lot of great treadmills in this price range, so you really need to do your homework before making a decision.
Don’t worry though, I got your back.
In this detailed review, I’ll go over everything the 7.8 AT has to offer, as well as where it falls a bit short – and this is all from first-hand experience, as I’ve been a proud owner of this treadmill for years now.
I’ll also include some comparisons to similarly priced machines to see how the 7.8 AT holds up against the competition.
After reading, you’ll know whether or not this is the right treadmill for your home gym.
Horizon’s 7.8 AT doesn’t come with a touchscreen, but it’s loaded with heavy-duty components and backed by the longest warranty in its class, making it one of the top performing treadmills out there. If you prioritize performance over streaming features, this treadmill is a smart choice.
Disclaimer: the good folks at Horizon sent me a 7.8 AT for me to try out for this review. I wasn’t compensated in any other way and my opinions here reflect only my first hand experience with this treadmill.
Horizon’s 7.8 AT Treadmill
Horizon’s a part of the Johnson Fitness and Wellness family.
Johnson is a behemoth in the fitness world and owns a lot of residential and commercial brands you may be familiar with, like Matrix, Vision, and of course Horizon.
Horizon’s their most affordable brand and they specialize in reasonably-priced fitness equipment that’s easy to use.
They offer several options for stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, and treadmills and I believe everything is $2000 or under.
Horizon’s a pretty popular brand and are known for producing quality equipment, but it’s their warranties that really set ’em apart from most brands.
Simply put, they offer the longest guarantees for all their respective price ranges, but more on that later.
The 7.8 AT we’re here to go over now is one of the newer additions to their treadmill lineup, but it’s still been around for several years at the time of updating this review.
The other newer addition is the 7.4 AT, which is very similar to the 7.8 AT, but comes with a weaker motor (but also comes with the convenient dial controls).
Both are upgrades over the popular 7.0 AT, which was a great addition to the Horizon lineup when it first arrived.
Anyway, the 7.8 AT is Horizon’s most powerful and technologically advanced treadmill to date and will cost ya about $2k.
Speaking of price, I wanna give Horizon a shoutout for not jacking the prices up on their treadmills.
Over the years, most brands casually increase the prices for their products (I get it, inflation is real), but Horizon’s prices have been rock-solid through all the ups and downs that’ve occurred over the years.
Very impressive… and I hope that I didn’t just jinx myself by writing that out…
Pros
- 22″ x 60″ running surface
- 4.0 CHP motor
- 3-zone variable response cushioning system
- 375 lb weight capacity
- Folding deck
- Max speed of 12 mph
- Max incline of 15%
- Dial speed/incline controls
- Bluetooth compatible with fitness apps
- Bluetooth speakers
- USB charging port
- 9.3″ color display which is very easy to read
- Large accessory tray
- Bluetooth heart rate monitor compatible
- Awesome warranty
Cons
- Only 10 workout programs
- Rollers could be larger
Running Surface
I like to start my treadmill reviews by looking at the running surface.
More specifically, the dimensions of the running surface. This is an important spec to consider and it can tell you a lot about the treadmill without having to dig too deep.
In case you’re just starting your treadmill research, the running surface refers to the usable belt space during your workouts. It’s measured in inches and is usually written as “width x length”.
When it comes to running surface, bigger is always better because it means you’re going to have more room during your workouts.
Length is important (especially for taller users) to ensure you have enough room to stretch out comfortably when running at higher speeds.
Width is equally important though, because you’ll want to have a little wiggle room from side to side.
You really don’t want to feel like you’re walking or running on a tight rope (and any sway will send you flying off the machine- that’s a sure fired way to ruin your day).
With that said, the 7.8 AT has a running surface of 22″ x 60″ and the gold standard for quality home treadmills is 20″ x 60″.
In this price range, we should expect at least this much room to work with and the 7.8 AT easily checks this mark.
A lot of high end home treadmills are offering the extra wide belts now because more room is always better.
At 22″ wide, this treadmill will feel spacious and you’ll have plenty of room to sway as you workout (like I do).
The 60″ length is also long enough for taller folks to stretch out completely and sprint without having to shorten their stride.
I’m 6’1″ and I can easily sprint at 8-9 mph on the treadmill without even getting close to stepping off the belt (well, I wouldn’t say I can maintain that speed easily, I’m kinda slow).
Not only is the running surface spacious, but it’s designed with Horizon’s 3-zone variable response cushioning system to reduce strain through your joints on impact.
The “variable response” means that the deck offers more or less shock absorption depending on where your foot is.
There’s more cushioning in the front (where your heel usually hits hardest) and less cushioning in the back (where you want a firm surface to push off).
Honestly, I can’t say I notice any real difference in the cushioning from the front to the back during use, but I do find the deck to be comfortable to use.
And theoretically, this should help protect your joints a little more than a deck with firmer shock absorbing system throughout.
I’ve had problems with plantar fasciitis in the past with running and so far, my feet have felt fine when running and walking on the 7.8 AT.
Although the older I get, the more stretching and warming-up I have to do before getting on the treadmill… but that’s a story for another day.
This treadmill comes with a heavy-duty frame that is strong enough to hold users weighing up to 375 lb, which is impressive for any treadmill in this price range.
The frame also folds though, for easy storage.
Like most treadmills these days, there’s a hydraulic pump on the back that makes sure the deck slowly descends, so you don’t have to worry about it coming down and smooshing anybody.
I’ll get to this a little more when we talk assembly, but this treadmill is VERY heavy- keep this in mind if you get one.
You’re gonna want to have several people around to help you move the box once it’s delivered and if you decide to take it apart and move it (as I’ve done 2x now), know that it’s going to be a pain in the ass.
But all that extra weight has an upside too – it makes for a very stable machine during use.
With an assembled weight of 330 lb, you aren’t going to have to worry about it wiggling or rocking on ya while running.
Sole is known for having some of the heaviest-duty machines around, but their similarly-priced F85 “only” weighs in at around 294 lb, so the 7.8 AT is actually much heavier-duty.
Just sayin’.
Overall, the 7.8 AT scores highly with a large running surface, sophisticated cushioning system, and a heavy-duty, folding frame.
In general, I find this treadmill to feel stable and quite comfortable during use.
Motor
Motor strength is another key spec to consider when looking for a new treadmill.
All motors are a little different, so horsepower alone probably shouldn’t be the end all decision making factor.
But when in doubt, stronger is better.
A stronger motor will be able to handle the stresses you throw at it more efficiently than a weaker motor. This means the stronger motor won’t have to work as hard, which should mean that it would last longer.
Stronger motors will be able to accelerate faster as well, a trait that comes in especially handy when doing interval training (for which the 7.8 AT is designed keenly for).
Theoretically, the stronger motor should run quieter too.
Anyway, I will say this treadmill runs very smoothly and quietly- the only noise is me thudding my way through my workouts.
How strong is strong enough? It really depends on what you’re using your treadmill for.
If you planning on running, I suggest at least a 3.0 CHP motor.
If walking is your goal, you can get probably get along fine with less horsepower. [Check out my treadmill guide for more info].
With this in mind, the 7.8 AT comes with a 4.0 CHP motor that can reach a max speed of 12 mph and a max incline of 15%.
With this much muscle under the hood, this treadmill comes well equipped to handle serious runners as well as casual walkers.
I’ve gotta be honest, I’m not sure how the 500 lb thrust incline motor compares to other treadmills because I’ve never seen that stat marketed before.
It sounds impressive though and I would say that the incline on this machine works very smoothly- there aren’t any straining noises or awkward movements as it ascends and descends.
Horizon reports that the combination of these motors makes for a treadmill that can change speed and incline “33% faster” than other competitors.
This is a tough claim to prove or disprove.
And personally, I don’t notice any difference with the speed of incline on this treadmill versus any other treadmill I’ve ever used.
What’s important though, is that users seem to agree that the treadmill is impressively responsive and the dial controls work wonderfully- all of which I agree with from my experience with it.
Roller size is another spec that ties in with the motor and it’s worth considering before making a purchase.
Rollers on a treadmill are the parts that actually make contact with the belt, causing it to propel down the deck.
Larger rollers are preferred, because they tend to provide smoother operation, as well as put less stress on the belt (and rollers).
This treadmill comes with 60mm/46mm tapered rollers- I’m not very good with metric measurements, so this equates to 2.36″ and 1.81″ respectively.
High-end treadmills should come with rollers in the 2″-3″ range.
Based on the comps, the rollers on the 7.8 AT are in the right ballpark, but could be a little larger.
For comparison’s sake, Sole’s F85, which I mentioned above, comes with 2.75″ rollers.
By the way, I’m a big fan of Sole products and they always make my “best of” lists (and are usually near the top).
That said, NordicTrack’s popular Commercial 1750 only comes with 1.9″ rollers… so there’s that.
Again, roller size is just another spec to consider, but we should be looking at the whole picture when deciding on a treadmill.
Having larger rollers makes for a more durable unit, but having smaller rollers isn’t the end of the world.
With regards to the 7.8 AT, I’ve been happy with how smooth the belt action is, so the smaller rollers haven’t affected my experience with it one bit.
So, overall, the 7.8 AT scores highly with its powerful 4.0 CHP motor and the fact that it can reach a 15% incline is great for incline walking.
Features
Horizon’s 7.8 AT comes with the following features:
9.3″ color screen- the display screen is large and in color, making viewing all your data easy and comfortable. There’s even a specific timer that is used during the Sprint 8 program to motivate you during your intervals. The console is really easy to see during workouts and everything is very bright and clean looking. That said, if you’re looking for touchscreens and streaming access, this probably isn’t the best option.
10 workout programs- this treadmill comes equipped with 10 workout programs to choose from, including fat burn, hills, and heart rate targeted options. It also comes with the Sprint 8 program (which I admit I don’t use very often), Johnson’s patented HIIT workout designed to help you burn fat and calories faster than typical workouts.
Bluetooth compatible- this treadmill is bluetooth compatible and is designed with fitness apps in mind. You can sync up with apps like Peloton, Studio, and Fitbit to access their workouts and take advantage of their data tracking. Just keep in mind you’ll have to pay any subscription fees these apps require and you’ll have to have your tablet near by to access the apps.
Bluetooth speakers- you can also use bluetooth connectivity to listen to your favorite music through the built-in bluetooth speakers. They actually sound pretty good, better than I would’ve expected from treadmill speakers. I put a small tv in my gym and I can bluetooth the sound from the tv through the treadmill’s speakers for better sound – pretty cool.
Heart rate monitor compatible- the 7.8 AT is compatible with bluetooth heart rate monitors, allowing you to get accurate readings during workouts.
Dial speed and incline controls- I mentioned these earlier, but you can rapidly increase or decrease both the speed and incline settings by turning the dials on each handlebar. These come in especially handy when making quick changes during interval training. This is by far my favorite feature on the treadmill and it makes it really easy to participate with Peloton workouts. Once you go dial control, I doubt you’ll ever go back to pushing buttons.
Quick touch speed/incline buttons- but if you don’t want to use the dials to make your speed and incline settings, you can use the quick touch buttons instead. If you have a preselected speed or incline setting in mind, simply hit the corresponding button and you’re there. I find myself using the dials more than the preselected buttons, but these are really convenient too.
USB charging port- you can charge your phone or tablet during your workouts with the conveniently located USB charging port.
Multi-position tablet holder- in order to connect with the fitness apps and take advantage of their workouts, it’s important to be able to view your tablet. The built-in holder makes it easy to use these apps without blocking your view of the large display screen.
Fan- there’s a built-in fan to help keep you comfortable during your workouts. It doesn’t push out a ton of air, but I find it’s better than nothing.
Accessory tray- the accessory tray is large and has deep pockets, making it easy to hold pretty much anything you would have to store during your workouts (controllers, devices, maybe a small child).
Assembly
Putting the 7.8 AT together is pretty straightforward task.
I think Horizon does a nice job with their assembly instructions- each step has an image and well-written instructions describing what needs to be done (although the images could be a little bigger).
I love that they not only tell you what hardware is being used for each step, but actually provide a to scale image to ensure you’re using the right screws and bolts along the way.
I really appreciated that the hardware is organized in little bags numbered for each step along the way- definitely made the process a lot easier.
There’s only 5 steps to get this treadmill up and running, but keep in mind that this is a large, heavy treadmill (weighs over 300 lb fully assembled)- it might be a good idea to have a helper nearby just in case.
And by “might be a good idea”, I mean I highly recommend having a second person.
This will come in handy when attaching the heavy steel uprights and connecting the wires to the console before you attach the console to the uprights.
Helpful tip – make sure you snake the cable through the pre-drilled hole in the right upright and not through the bottom opening!
I’ve put this treadmill together several times now and I still seem to always make this mistake – and it’s frustrating having to take the cable out and re-snake it.
Speaking of snaking the cable, I’ve found that picture wire works pretty well – tire it to the cable and use it to pull it through the upright.
Overall though, assembly shouldn’t be an issue here.
I think most folks should be able to assembly themselves without having to pay for expert assistance.
That said, if you don’t have several strong people to help you get this treadmill to its final destination in your home, I highly recommend paying for assembly.
This treadmill weighs 390 lb when delivered with all the packaging and whatnot.
This thing is crazy heavy and it took me and 2 strong delivery guys to get this thing into my front door (as soon as we got it inside one delivery guy made sure we weren’t going upstairs!).
I had to breakdown the box in my hallway and take each piece separately to the room we were setting it up in.
It was tough, but me and my wife were able to get it done.
Once we got the treadmill to its room, the actual assembly process was pretty easy (even though I wasted a lot of time on step one because I had a bolt in the wrong position).
It took me about 2 hrs start to finish, but it could be done a little faster without kids getting in the way and if I hand’t made that initial mistake.
Warranty
The Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill comes with the following warranty:
- Lifetime frame
- Lifetime motor
- 5 year parts and electronics
- 2 year labor
There’s really nothing to critique about this guarantee.
Without exaggeration, this is one of the best warranties I’ve seen on a home treadmill, especially one in this price range.
You can’t beat a lifetime guarantee on the frame and motor.
And it’s also rare to see 5 years on treadmill parts in this price range.
When it comes to labor, pretty much every brand in this price range stops at a single year, so the 2 year guarantee Horizon offers is above and beyond.
For the sake of comparison, Sole offers lifetime frame/motor warranties on their treadmills, but only 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor.
NordicTrack offers 10 years on their frames and 2 years on their parts.
Overall, this treadmill comes with an awesome warranty.
FYI, I’ve been using this treadmill for years now and it’s never skipped a beat (knock on wood), so I’ve never had to contact their customer service – so I can’t speak to how good/bad they are.
Horizon’s 7.8 AT vs The Competition
| Horizon 7.8 AT | Sole F85 | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | Spirit XT385 | |
| Running surface | 22″ x 60″ | 22″ x 60″ | 20″ x 60″ | 22″ x 60″ |
| Motor | 4.0 CHP | 4.0 HP | 3.5 CHP | 3.5 HP |
| Speed/incline | 0 – 12 mph 0 – 15% | 0 – 12 mph – 6 – 15% | 0 – 12 mph -3 – 12% | 0 – 12 mph 0 – 15% |
| Assembled weight | 330 lb | 294 lb | ~300 lb | 283 lb |
| Console | 9.3 LCD | 15.6″ touchscreen | 14″ HD touchscreen | 7.5″ LCD |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame/motor 5 year parts 2 year labor | Lifetime frame/motor 3 year parts 1 year labor | 10 year frame 2 year parts 1 year labor | Lifetime frame/motor 10 year parts 1 year labor |
| Price | ~$2000 | ~$2300 | ~$2000 | ~$2200 |
I love my 7.8 AT and highly recommend it, but in the spirit of being completely objective, I should discuss some of the other treadmills out there in this price range.
And honestly, there are some other great options out there.
The first treadmill I want to mention is Sole’s F85, which I’ve talked about a little throughout this review.
The F85 is a little more expensive (~$2300), but it’s easily one of the best home treadmills on the market.
The F85 comes with a 4.0 HP motor, a 22″ x 60″ running surface, 2.75″ rollers, and a 375 lb weight capacity.
The 7.8 AT is heavier-duty and comes with a longer warranty, but the F85 comes with a 15.6″ touchscreen that comes pre-loaded with entertainment apps (Netflix, Hulu, etc) and free workout streaming through Sole+.
It can also decline down to -6% for added variety during workouts.
A very cool console indeed.
There’s also NordicTrack’s New Commercial 1750, which is usually priced somewhere around $2k, give or take.
The 1750 comes with a 3.5 CHP motor, a 20″ x 60″ running surface, and a deck that can decline down to -3% for downhill training.
The 1750 isn’t nearly as heavy-duty as the 7.8 AT, but again, it comes with a more sophisticated touchscreen console that gives direct access to streaming workouts through iFit.
Horizon’s warranty is much better than NordicTrack’s though.
The last treadmill I want to mention is Spirit’s XT385, which is usually on sale for around $2200 on Fitness Factory.
The XT385 comes with a 22″ x 60″ running surface, a 3.5 HP motor, and the same speed/incline range found on the 7.8 AT.
The 7.8 AT is heavier-duty and comes with cooler console features, but the XT385 does come with a 10 year parts warranty (Spirit offers the longest warranties I’ve eve seen in this price range).
Overall, there are nicer consoles in this price range, but you won’t find a stronger or heavier-duty treadmill than the 7.8 AT.
Horizon’s 7.8 AT vs Horizon’s 7.4 AT
| Horizon’s 7.8 AT | Horizon’s 7.4 AT | |
| Running surface | 22″ x 60″ | 22″ x 60″ |
| Motor | 4.0 CHP | 3.5 CHP |
| Speed/incline | 0 – 12 mph 0 – 15% | 0 – 12 mph 0 – 15% |
| Console | 9.3″ color LCD | 8.25″ LCD |
| Weight limit | 375 lb | 350 lb |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame/motor 5 year parts 2 year labor | Lifetime frame/motor 5 year parts 2 year labor |
| Price | ~$2000 | ~$1600 |
Before we wrap this review up, I want to offer a quick comparison to another great treadmill, Horizon’s own 7.4 AT.
The 7.4 AT is quite similar to the 7.8 AT and it costs about $400 less, making it a great choice for folks who like the 7.8 AT, but are working with a smaller budget.
The 7.4 AT comes with a smaller motor, but at 3.5 CHP, it’s still strong enough to handle the workouts most of us will be throwing at it.
It also comes with a slightly lower weight capacity (350 lb), but again, this is impressive enough for most users.
The console on the 7.4 AT is a little smaller, but it still comes with all the same great features and this treadmill is even backed by the same generous warranty.
The only other real difference is that the 7.4 AT doesn’t come with the included media storage tray below the console.
This is a cool feature and I admit I like having it on the 7.8 AT, but for the savings, it wouldn’t be missed that much.
Overall, the 7.4 AT is a great treadmill in its own right and could be a smart choice for folks who aren’t planning on running as much or for folks looking for a more affordable option.
Final Thoughts
Horizon’s 7.8 AT is an awesome treadmill.
The list of included features is pretty extensive, but it’s the 4.0 CHP motor, spacious running surface, and generous warranty that stand out most to me.
The dial controls for speed and incline are a nice touch and I really enjoy using them to quickly make selections.
Technologically speaking, the 7.8 AT is pretty advanced, although it is lacking in the workout department.
Personally, this doesn’t bother me (I usually keep it on manual mode and do my own thing), but something to keep in mind.
I also haven’t spent much time trying to connect with fitness apps or any of that stuff because again, I tend to keep it simple.
And the 7.8 AT is simple to use.
You don’t have to worry about signing into apps or keeping up with membership fees (or getting locked out if your wi-fi isn’t working).
This treadmill is ready and willing any time you wanna use it.
I’ve been using this treadmill for several years now and I really don’t have any complaints.
I haven’t had any issues with malfunction and the only maintenance I’ve done involved realigning the belt after we moved it to our new house.
I know I’m well overdue for lubricating the belt (and the treadmill reallllly needs a good cleaning), but otherwise, this bad boy has been remarkably low maintenance.
One of the upright covers did crack, but that’s because I kinda dropped the deck on it when taking it apart to move when we replaced out gym flooring…
And as shown up above, there are a bunch of great treadmills in this price range.
It’s true, there are nicer consoles out there, but when it comes to power and heavy-dutiness, no other $2k treadmill out shines the 7.8 AT.
With regards to the comps, I think Sole’s F85 is the only treadmill that gives the 7.8 AT a run for its money – but to be fair, it does cost a few hundred bucks more.
Either way, I’m putting it down on record that I think Horizon’s 7.8 AT is the best treadmill you can get for $2k.
If you’re looking for a powerful treadmill that’s built to last, there’s no finer option.
And I want to formally thank Horizon again for sending me one to try out – I love this treadmill and have been using it ever since!
Thanks for mentioning that you moved all the individual pieces to the room where it was assembled. How heavy was the largest individual piece?
Thanks!
So, the largest individual piece is the deck itself, which is all fully assembled (has the belt, the motor, all that jazz). This is really the only difficult piece to move. Considering the entire treadmill weighs like 330 lb fully assembled, I would guess the deck is at least 200 lb. Once me and my wife took all the other pieces out (the uprights, the console, etc), we actually slid the deck while it was still in the box to the room we were setting it up in and then we where able to carefully lift it out of the box. The other individual pieces aren’t that bad, although the uprights are steel, so they’re pretty heavy too (although nothing compared to the deck). If you’ll be assembling yourself, I do recommend having 2-3 strong individuals around, it’ll definitely help. The good news is, the actual assembly process is pretty easy. And once it’s up and running this thing is rock solid.
I have a Sole F85 scheduled for delivery next week. Unfortunately, I just recently discovered the 7.8 AT a few days ago. Would you say that features aside, the Horizon is as robust as the Sole?
The 2 treadmills are very comparable. I tend to prefer Sole as a brand, but Horizon’s 7.8AT is right up there with the F85. The 7.8AT actually weighs a little more than the F85, but the F85 uses larger rollers and has a slightly higher weight capacity (400 vs 375 lb). Personally, I’d stick with the F85, but I do love my 7.8AT (and using the rollers to adjust speed and incline is awesome). Hope that helps.
Will,
I am torn between the Horizon 7.8, Nordictrack 1750 and Sole F85. I have put off buying for 6 weeks because I can’t choose. I really like the daily on the Horizon, but if I don’t subscribe to apps after free trails, the Nordictrack has 40 or so programs preinstalled vs only 10. What are your thoughts please.
Thank you for your time,
Arlene
Yeah, tough call- if workout program variety is important, then the 1750 could make sense. Personally, I don’t find myself using preprogrammed workouts much on my Horizon 7.8AT- I usually use manual and do my own thing. When it comes to treadmill specs, I would choose both the Horizon and Sole treadmills over the 1750 because both treadmills are a little heavier duty and come with better warranties. I’m a Sole guy, so even though I love my Horizon, if I were buying a treadmill today I’d probably go with a Sole. But it all depends on what you’re looking for. Good luck!
Thanks for the insights on this…
Question on the F85 & 7.8AT. In manual mode is max run time limited to a set time. Say, I decide to run 26.2 miles is that possible with either treadmill (assuming it would take me 5+ hours)? I know at certain gyms they limit you to a max excise/run to 60mins…
Thanks
Hmm, great question. And I have to be honest, I’m not sure on either account. Neither my wife or I have gone past the hour mark on our 7.8AT and it doesn’t say anything about it in the manual. If I had to guess (and I hate guessing), I would say the 7.8AT probably cuts off after an hour or so, but again I’m not sure. You could try contacting customer service, they might have a better answer. And, if we find the energy to attempt a longer run than an hour, I’ll get back to ya.
Will, does the 7.8 have wheels? How easy is it to move around a room once assembled?I saw on another review that some of the sole treadmills have 4 wheels so they are easy to maneuver. Thanks
It has 2 wheels in the front, so you’d have to tilt the machine when it’s folded to roll on the 2 transport wheels. That said, I don’t think it would be that easy to move, considering how heavy it is. Although I have to admit I haven’t tried to move it anywhere since I’ve had it.
Hello!
Thank you for such a detailed review. I have ruled out several treadmills to replace my 14 year old Norditrack. I’ve been running for many years, but as I’m getting older, find mixing in more forgiving surfaces are helping keep me injury free. Like another comment above, I am still debating between the Horizon 7.8, Nordictrack 1750 and now since reading your review, the Sole F85. I like the flexibility of running with my music only, taking a Peloton run through my iPad or FireTV or just watching Sports, etc. I’m really looking for a quiet, responsive motor and more cushioned landing. Responsiveness is important too. I appreciate that you mentioned rollers because I too have read that is important. Thoughts on which of these might be quieter and easier on the joints?
Thanks,
Deb
Hi, thanks for reading. I’ve found the 7.8AT to be fairly quiet and pretty comfortable to walk/run on. I don’t have any significant joint problems, but in the past I’ve had some mild discomfort with running on treadmills, and so far I haven’t had any issues with this treadmill. I’m a big fan of Sole, so if I had to choose between the 7.8AT and the F85, I’d probably go with the F85 because Sole tends to use larger rollers and thicker belts. But when you look at the specs, they’re pretty comparable. Both have awesome warranties too. The NordicTrack would be my last choice of the 3, but that’s more because of have impressive the other 2 are. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the quick reply and thorough comments. I tried the Sole 85 today and really liked it-sturdy, quiet, responsive, enough cushion, convenient console and the up/down speed and incline buttons on handrails were a nice additional place for making adjustments. I am having difficulty finding a Horizon to try out.
I think I’ll end up with the SoleF85.Thanks, again!
My pleasure, I hope you like your F85. Take care!
Hi! I just received a Sole F85 last week and am so unimpressed with the new console that I’m considering returning it. The speakers have a high pitched sound at all times when the machine is on (they are shipping a part to fix it), tiny font on screen (about 14 point size), no average speed or average pace displayed, the distance only goes to one decimal place, the speed quick buttons skip 6, 8, 10, and 11, you can’t adjust the pause length, the screen mirroring doesn’t work and overall the screen is very glitchy and forces you to restart the treadmill frequently. I’m a serious runner and just want a solid machine with basic functionality for me to do manual mode runs. Does the Horizon 7.8 show distance to 2 decimals, show the average pace and average speed (in addition to current pace and speed), and allow you to adjust the pause length? I did see that it has all of the quick speed buttons. Thank you in advance!
Hi, I’m sorry to hear about the Sole F85 and the glitchy console- very disappointing. Af for the 7.8AT, it does show your distance to 2 decimals, but it doesn’t display your average speed or pace- just your current speed and pace. It also keeps track of your quarter mile laps. Yup, it does have all the quick speed buttons for speed and incline. The treadmill works great in general- I’m not a serious runner by any means, but I haven’t had any problems at all using the manual mode runs. And I love using the dials for adjusting the speed and incline because it makes it so easy. I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about with regards to the pause length, but I don’t think this treadmill allows you to adjust that anyway. Hope that helps!
Hi Will,
I see a lot of comparisons with the Sole F85 but not really the Peloton Tread+. I have a Peloton bike and already pay for the app (and LOVE it) but miss tread running (no more OTF for me). I was concerned re: customer service and product breakage on NT so ruled out that one. I tried the Peloton Tread+ in a showroom and loved it, but so expensive. What is your view on whether it is worth double the price? I will use a lot for HIIT and have joint issues. Really tempted on the Horizon 7.8AT. Thoughts?
Hi, yeah I share you doubts with the Peloton Tread. I too own the bike and love their app and I have no doubts that their Tread is of at least equal quality…but that price. Personally, I think Peloton’s Tread is too expensive. That said, I’m not a serious runner and best case I’m only on a treadmill 2-3x a week. I agree with ya when it comes to NordicTrack too. For the price, Sole is always a pretty safe bet- great products that are rock solid. That said, I’ve loved my Horizon 7.8 AT. It’s heavy-duty and I’m hooked on the dial controls for the speed and incline (something I’m pretty sure they borrowed from Peloton’s Tread, although Peloton’s speed dial looks a lot better). The only reason I could see going for the Tread is if you were interested in doing manual treadmill mode- if I’m not mistaken, on the Tread I think you can disengage the motor and use it as a high-end manual treadmill. Otherwise, I think it’s a bit expensive. I think that’s my long-winded way of saying the 7.8 AT is a very nice treadmill.
Really helpful, thanks. And you are spot on my use btw. I will only do it a couple times a week as I will alternate with the bike. Decision made! I like the dial idea and the folding aspect, so Horizon it is! Thanks again
My pleasure, I hope you like your new 7.8 AT- take care!
I was about to buy a Sole. Was deciding between the F80 or F85 then I saw a video review that showed the console and the way it skips speeds on the console. I need a treadmill to replace my Nordictrack 2150 and prefer HIIT training.
The way I understand it, please correct me if I have this wrong, any decent Sole machine as well as the 7.8AT will not have sequential numbers for speed and decline but, the 7.8AT has the HIIT program as well as quick dials to adjust speed and incline.
Based on that and similar reliability I should get the 7.8AT?
It sounds like you’re talking about the quick-touch buttons for the speed and incline. So yea, the quick touch buttons aren’t sequential, they usually offer selections for every 2 or 3 units, example: 1 mph, 3 mph, 5 mph, etc. Keep in mind you don’t have to use these quick touch buttons, just a convenience if you know exactly how fast you wanna go. You can always use the manual up/down buttons to do this too. This is how all treadmills that come with this feature do it. The 7.8 AT does come with a HIIT workout program and it does come with the dials for selecting speed and incline and I have to say, the dials are awesome. They make it so easy and fast to select your speed and incline. If you’re into interval training, I think you’d like the dials, but the 7.8 AT also comes with quick touch buttons too. Hope that helps.
Thanks Will,
Sorry I got the terminology wrong!
I have never understood the logic for companies like Sole etc to not use sequential numbering. I will order the 7.8AT
Nice, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for reading.
I am waiting for the Horizon 7.8. I also have a Peloton bike. Is there a difference in using the Peloton App on the Firestick as oppose to using it on the tablet or phone. I guess I’m confused about the HRM and Bluetooth connectivity with the phone app vs the Firestick. I hope this is not a stupid question.
Nope, not a stupid question at all. I’ve never tried using the Peloton app with a firestick, so I did a little experimenting (luckily we got a firestick in our living room to access Disney+). The Peloton app on the firestick can still connect with a heart rate monitor, because there’s an option to do so through the app. As long as you’ve got a bluetooth heart rate monitor, the firestick/tv should pick it up and display your heart rate on the tv during your workouts- basically the same way it would work if you were using the app on a tablet. Hope that helps.
Hello! I’m between the the Horizon 7.8 and the Sole F85. I like the look of the console and the dials better than the F85. My husband is a big, tall guy (think football player) at 315 lbs. The goal is for both of us to lose weight, so he won’t be at that weight forever. Should I be concerned about the weight capacity of the Horizon over the Sole? I think I’d prefer the Horizon, but I want to make sure it will work for him too. He needs “gym quality” treadmills, because the smaller home gym treadmills just stop under his feet if they aren’t powerful. I don’t know if the weight capacity difference between the two is really going to make that big of a difference.
Hi, when you look at the specs between those 2 models they’re very similar. You’re right, the F85 has a 25 lb higher weight capacity (which isn’t much), but when you look at the machine weights of each, the Horizon 7.8AT actually weighs 22 lb more than the F85. And I can say from personal experience that the Horizon is very heavy-duty and works great. You’re husband’s a bit larger than me, but I would think either treadmill would be able to accommodate him. And for the price, you’re not really gonna find a heavier-duty treadmill than these 2. And you’re right about the dials, they’re great! In other words, no, I don’t think the weight capacity difference between them is enough to make any difference. Hope that helps.
Also torn between the Sole F85 and Horizon 7.8 AT. The ONLY thing holding me back from the F85 is the high number of negative reviews related to the glitchy console issues and the uselessness of the App. I’m a competitive older runner (57) who needs the ability to do structured interval workouts as well, and have read it’s hard to set that up with the F85. How does the 7.8 AT compare in these areas?
Yeah, that’s a tough call, the F85 is a top of the line treadmill. If you’re looking for interval training, I’d say the 7.8 AT is a good choice. Not only does it come with the quick touch buttons for both speed and incline and the control dials that make it easy to choose your settings quickly, it also comes with quick interval buttons which allow you to set custom intervals. I haven’t used them much, but I’ve played with em a little just to experiment and they work well- there’s a button on each handle that you can hold to save your incline/speed settings at that moment. The idea is you can set one as your work interval and set the other as your recovery interval. This way you can instantly return to your interval setting anytime you want and vice versa- pretty cool. There’s also a pretty nice 20 min interval workout included. Overall, I’ve been really pleased with my Horizon, although I have to admit I haven’t messed with the fitness apps or any of that stuff.
Thank you so much for this awesome review!! After 3 weeks of scouring the internet and weighing the options as to the best treadmill for me I just purchased the Horizon 7.8AT yesterday!! I was looking at the NordicTrack x32i; NordicTrack 1750; ProForm 9000 and the Horizon 7.8AT!
I struggled with wanting a decline option but at the end of the day the two main reasons I was looking to upgrade my treadmill was that I wanted to connect with some online apps but not be tied in to one or require a commitment to a membership. I also wanted a treadmill that I could do HIIT workouts on. At the end of the day the Horizon 7.8 AT felt better for my budget and what I was looking for. Reading this today AFTER I just purchased it – confirms that 🙂 So again, thanks for your review.
That’s great! I hope you enjoy your new 7.8 AT as much as I do and thanks for reading!
why is the 7.8 AT so heavy compared to other treadmills? and can it be placed upstairs in a 2 story home?
It just has really heavy-duty components. Each upright is quite large and the console itself is very robust, all of which add to the total weight of it. You could put it upstairs, but you’d probably have to take it up the stairs one piece at a time (before assembly). The deck is heavy, but without the weight of the steel uprights and console, it would be doable to carry it up a flight of stairs with a couple of strong movers. I had to take mine apart so the movers could move it to our new home and 2 guys in their early 20’s had it in the truck in no time.
Looking at 7.4/7.8 and sole f80/85. How would you rank them with current Black Friday pricing? Didn’t see any Precor reviews. Thoughts on that brand? The Precor TRM 211 is going for $1460 (incl tax/shipping). Is that price worth going down to 3.0 hp and 57×20 track vs 7.4 at $1760? Looking for solid treadmill for winter running without a lot of tech. Will use phone/tablet for peloton hiit classes. Thanks.
Great questions. Horizon and Sole are really similar when it comes to their treadmills, especially the models you mentioned specifically. The F80 and 7.8 AT are pretty identical in terms of specs and right now the 7.8 AT is about $100 less, so I’d likely lean toward the Horizon treadmill. I actually own the 7.8 AT at the moment and love it, so there’s that too. I have to admit, I’m not that familiar with the Precor brand yet, but I know they’re a respected commercial grade brand and I would assume their residential treadmills are nice too. I checked out the TRM 211 and it looks great, especially for a price of $1500, but based on its specs I don’t see any reason to choose it over the 7.4 (other than possibly the brand name). And as a 6’1″ dude, I like the idea of having the extra 3″ in length and the extra 2″ in width the 7.4’s running surface provides. Oh, one last note on Sole vs Horizon – Sole upgraded their console on the F85 a while back and at first users were complaining about it being kinda glitchy at times, so if you just want an easy to use console it might be another reason to consider Horizon. Hope this helps.
Nope !! Useless piece of equipment. Bought it with the a warranty last year and now it’s making very bad noises when it’s turned on. Tried calling customer service but no one answers. Also raised a ticket and emailed them but no reply. Sorry but a big no from me.
That’s disappointing, sorry to hear it. Hopefully their customer service will get back to you soon and figure out a way to fix your problem. Personally, I’ve had mine for about 5 years now and it’s worked perfectly. Good luck and thanks for sharing.