Previously, I had owned a low- to mid-level NordicTrac (made by Icon Fitness). It was okay for a while, but the frame actually cracked along the welding after about 6 months (I'm heavy for a runner, but not THAT heavy). We took it back, and it was replaced with a similar model (our model had been discontinued in the interim. In no time at all, that NordicTrac developed another crack in the frame, and the belt quickly slipped so much that it became unusable. I know that belts are normal wear and tear, but it wasn't worth investing in a home repair. At the same time, I was tired of the gym and couldn't get there as often as I wanted to--so I decided to invest in a decent treadmill. I did a ton of research and settled on the Sole S77. It has been a fantastic investment. I'm on it 3 - 4 times a week, and it's as solid as the models in the gym. It's quiet, and I feel like I can really RUN on it without fear of it coming apart. For a sub-$2000 treadmill, it's unbelievable (and various 3rd-party reviews consistently rank it highly). The speed and incline buttons on the side rails are very convenient, as is the MP3 hook-up on the panel (I don't have to hold my player in my hand or pocket). One more thing--the heart-rate programs, which were a joke on the NordicTrac--are great on the S77. It uses a speed and incline to keep you largely in your target zone, and seems to "learn" your body's response (for example, the first couple of times, it would go too high, then drop me to a walking speed--but after a week or so, it keeps me in range 80% to 90% of the time). It also seemed to learn that I prefer running harder, as opposed to increasing the incline, to increase my heart rate, maybe because an incline made my heart rate shoot up much more quickly than increasing the speed, which kept me smoothly in the zone I had chosen. The built-in speakers are just okay; but they're not bad at all for those times when you just don't feel like using headphones. Delivery from Amazon was quick, and the delivery guys were very courteous to my wife, offering to move it wherever she wanted. Great machine, great service!
Buy Sole S77 Treadmill (2008 Model)!