Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill Review and Price Comparison

Your Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill Buying Guide
Summary of What The Experts Say

Experts are generally positive about the Bowflex Series 7 treadmill and consider it the best amongst the Bowflex Series of treadmills. Consumer Reports have given this treadmill one of three Best Buys amongst the 20 or so models it tested. Like the Bowflex Series 5, the Series 7 offers the same 20" X 60" belt which when combined with the shock absorption technology makes one of the better overall running surface areas in this price range. Even though the machine is positive on many aspects, experts warned against electronics failure after extended use. Finally, experts are pleased that the treadmill is sturdy due to its weight but is a little concerned with whether the motor is sufficient to handle regular use.

Summary of What The Users Say

The Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill is one of the most popular treadmills in this price range judging from the large number of mainly positive reviews on Amazon and other sporting websites. Many users have commented positively on the following areas:

1. Feel - equal or better than ones they've used at the gym
2. Assembly - very easy to assemble
3. Sturdy - many users have commented on how heavy the treadmill is resulting in it a sturdy feel
4. Quiet - Most users say this is a quiet treadmill.


Though reviewers were generally positive, the treadmill did receive a few complaints by a few users in the following areas:

1. Delivery - various delivery issues mainly with the buyer not understanding that delivery is curbside, not in house.
2. Weak fan - fan was either too weak or it didn't blow directly at where the users want it to.
3. Customer service - customer service didn't prove very helpful when called upon.
4. Static shock - some have reported static shocks being built up when running.
5. Electronics Failure - This might be related to the static shocks that have built up resulting in electronic shorts. (Or according to expert reviews, this could occur if the treadmill is turned on for too long in any one session.)

What You Should Do

Reading what the experts and close to 100 user reviews have said, we think the following is a pretty accurate description of what you're getting if you do decide to get a Bowflex Series 7 treadmill. [Click To See Rest of Review][Close Reviews]

The Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill is a machine that looks nice and feels nice as almost any commercial grade machine. It is quiet, sturdy and easy to assemble. But if you encounter problems such as static shock or an electronics failure, don't hold your breath on customer support. If you intend to do any serious workouts on it regularly, you should expect the electronics to fail at one point in the not so distance future. If you are going to buy, you are taking a risk - a risk that is proportional to the frequency and length of your workout. For most buyers, they would be very happy and remain happy unless they encounter one of the above problems.

Verdict: Great buying choice if you exercise semi-frequently or less. If you exercise regularly, the risk of the electronics failure rate is perhaps too great to take a chance at so you would be better off with a different model from a different brand.

Side note: Buying the Bowflex Series 7 is probably a good decision if you're not currently on a regular exercise program. Even though Bowflex machines may not be the best on the market, its infomercials certainly are. If you think buying a big piece of equipment is enough motivation for starting a regular exercise and diet program, you may be making one of the best decisions of your life.

After reading opinions from experts and users, we have objectively analyzed the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill and assigned it a meta score as follows:

If the total price is $1125, you are getting a Super Bargain (5.0/5.0)
If the total price is $1250, you are getting a Great Bargain (4.5/5.0)
If the total price is $1375, you are getting a Good Bargain (4.0/5.0)
If the total price is $1500, you are getting a Small Bargain (3.5/5.0)
If the total price is $1625, it is No Bargain (3.0/5.0)
If the total price is $1750, it is Somewhat Overpriced (2.5/5.0)
If the total price is $1875, it is Greatly Overpriced (2.0/5.0)
If the total price is $2000, it is Severely Overpriced (1.5/5.0)

The current lowest price is $1389.00 which makes it a Small Bargain.

Notes:

1. This meta review was first published on October 25th, 2007.
2. For a list of resources used to construct this meta review, click here.

Articles Related To The Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill