Although the F63 is Sole’s most affordable treadmill, you’d be hard pressed to guess it based on the impressive spec sheet this machine’s sportin’.
With a motor and running surface beyond its price point, the Sole F63 is a bargain hunter’s dream. It also comes with a few extras you wouldn’t necessarily expect at this price.
In other words, if you’re looking for an affordable treadmill that feels like a high-end model, the F63 is as good as it gets.
But in order to make that call for yourself, you have to do your homework and learn as much as possible about this treadmill.
Luckily, I’m here to help with that part.
In this review, I’ll go over everything the F63 has to offer- we’re talking specs, features, warranties, and everything else in between.
After reading, you’ll know whether or not Sole’s F63 is the right treadmill for your home gym.
The Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole brand has earned an impressive reputation in the home and light-commercial fitness world.
Sole products are known for being constructed out of high-grade materials, performing well, and being backed by awesome warranties.
What more is there really?
I have to admit, Sole is my favorite home fitness brand when it comes to cardio equipment.
I say that because I like how straightforward their equipment is. It’s obvious these machines are designed with performance in mind, first and foremost.
Plus their treadmills have some of the best performance specs and warranties in the market.
Sole offers several home treadmills to choose from and the F63 is their most budget friendly model.
Like many of Sole’s products, the F63 regularly finds itself listed in annual “Best In Its Price Range” lists (myself included) and it’s pretty easy to see why.
Pros
- 3.0 CHP motor
- 20″ x 60″ running surface
- 2.5″ rollers
- 325 lb weight capacity
- Folds for easy storage
- 10 workout programs
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- Chest strap heart rate monitor compatible
- Great warranty
- Affordable price
Cons
- Some complaints from users about squeaking
Running Surface
The calling card of a quality treadmill is its running surface. Regardless of price, you can tell a lot about a treadmill by how spacious its operating surface is.
Regardless of whether you’re planning on walking or running, it’s always a good thing to have more room.
Well, if you like being comfortable anyway.
Running surfaces are measured in inches and usually written as “width x length”.
The F63 scores highly in this important spec with a belt size of 20″ x 60″.
This is the gold standard for home treadmills- at this size, pretty much all users can run (or walk) comfortably without having to shorten their stride.
If you’re well over 6′ tall you might have issues sprinting, but if you’re that tall, you’re gonna have issues on pretty much any home treadmills- sorry.
Another great perk this treadmill has going for it, is that it can fold vertically for storage after workouts- something that can come in especially handy for homes with smaller gym areas.
The “easy assist” mechanism uses hydraulics to make it easy to fold, which is a plus considering the weight of this machine.
The F63 has a max weight capacity of 325 lb, which is impressive for a treadmill in this price range.
The higher weight limit indicates superior frame strength and overall quality.
A lot of home treadmills max out around 300 lb, making the F63 a good choice for larger individuals as well.
Speaking of which, I’d like to point out that this treadmill weighs about 250 lb fully assembled, which is quite heavy for a treadmill in this price range.
Personally, I like seeing a heavy treadmill because it means it’s going to feel more secure during workouts.
Sole’s “CushionFlex” shock absorbing technology will help reduce stress through your joints as you walk or run on the F63.
This is a nice feature for folks who have had joint pain or injuries in the past and are looking to reduce stress as much as possible during their workouts.
Overall, the F63 scores highly with a spacious running surface and heavy-duty frame.
Motor
When it comes to treadmill motors, stronger is usually better.
That’s because a stronger motor doesn’t have to work as hard as a weaker one does to provide the same output.
The result is usually a smoother feel.
Home treadmills usually come with motors in the 2 – 4 HP range.
With this in mind, the F63 comes with a 3.0 CHP motor. With this powerful motor, this treadmill can reach a top speed of 12 mph, which should be fast enough for most (5 minute/mile pace).
Sole uses heavy-duty flywheels with their motors to provide a smoother running experience for the users, but it also keeps the motor running cooler (which prolongs the life of the motor).
They also user large, 2.5″ rollers for smoother belt movement and a more durable running surface.
The rollers are the part that allow the belt to glide smoothly across the deck and having larger ones is a good thing because it puts less stress on the belt, motor, and rollers themselves.
This machine also has 15 levels of power incline for added intensity.
The incline level can be selected manually (0.5% at a time) or with the quick set buttons (the speed also has quick set buttons).
To keep things interesting, this treadmill offers 10 total workout programs: 6 preset (cardio, fat burn, etc), 2 heart rate centered workouts, and 2 custom.
Overall, the F63 is equipped with a strong motor and plenty of workout options to keep you working. Impressive for a treadmill under $1000.
Features
6.5″ display- the screen is large and brightly-lit, making it easy to see all your stats while working out.
Bluetooth speakers- the newest edition comes equipped with bluetooth speakers, giving you the option to listen to music from your phone through the treadmill. This is a great feature. It surprises me that more home fitness machines aren’t including this.
Data tracking- the F63 also allows you to connect with the free Sole app for workout data tracking.
Integrated tablet holder- the new F63 model comes equipped with an integrated table holder and USB charging port. This lets you charge your smart devices and watch a movie while you exercise.
Cooling fan- the fan built into the console will help keep ya comfortable during those tough workouts
Heart rate monitoring- the F63 comes with grip heart rate monitors and is compatible with wireless chest strap monitors, making it easier for you to track your heart rate throughout your workouts
Water bottle holders- 2 water bottle holders will help keep you hydrated while you work
As you can see, the F63 comes pretty loaded for a budget treadmill. I love the fact that it comes with bluetooth speakers- a lot of the more expensive machines don’t offer this, which is a shame because it’s a great feature.
Assembly
Putting the F63 together is pretty straightforward.
The deck of the treadmill comes preassembled, so you really just need to attach the console and supporting frame.
The instructions are well written and easy to follow. I like that they specify what hardware will be used for each step along the way.
There are both written instructions and large images to follow.
You only need a screwdriver and a couple of Allen wrenches to get the job done and they are included.
Keep in mind that this treadmill weighs about 250 lb, so you might need some help getting it where you want it before assembling.
Otherwise, most people shouldn’t have any problems putting this treadmill together by themselves.
Warranty
Sole backs the F63 up with the following warranties:
- Lifetime frame
- Lifetime motor
- 3-year parts (electronics and deck included)
- 1-year labor
This is a very generous warranty regardless of price range, but for a budget treadmill, this is amazing.
Three years on all parts for a treadmill under $1000 is pretty rare. And you can’t beat a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor.
Seeing this warranty shows us how much confidence Sole has in their products.
Which is warranted given the quality of materials they use to build these treadmills.
Final Thoughts
Alrighty, that’s about all I’ve got when it comes to the F63.
Looking at all the impressive specs and features this bad boy is packing, it’s easy to see why the F63 has become so popular.
With a 20″x60″ running surface, walking and running should be comfortable for most users. And with a 3.0 CHP motor, we know it’s got enough power to get the job done.
And when it comes to the warranty, Sole’s generous guarantee should inspire confidence in this treadmill.
Add on a few extra features like an easy-folding deck and bluetooth speakers and you’ve got the full package.
If you’re looking for an affordable treadmill that is designed to perform, the Sole F63 is a perfect choice. It’s packed with features and specs that are rarely seen on a treadmill this affordable.
And to make things even better, it has one of the best warranties in the industry.
Long-story-short: the F63 is a great buy and easily one of the best budget treadmills around if you ask me. Highly recommended.
