A Review of Sportcraft Treadmills
Website design By BotEap.comSportcraft treadmills are definitely low-end models. Even if you want an entry-level model, this company’s product might not be the way to go. You must first do a very careful review of Sportcraft treadmills; They have had a troubled history.
Website design By BotEap.comA certain Mr. Walter Holdstein founded Sportcraft Ltd in 1926. The company began by producing mainly indoor and outdoor games such as table tennis and tetherball. It still produces these games today. Over the past 30 years, the demand for home exercise equipment has expanded rapidly, but it wasn’t until 2001 that Sportcraft sprang into action and shipped its first motorized treadmills.
Website design By BotEap.comIn supplying treadmills, Sportcraft’s company line has been to supply models that are cheap, cheap, cheap and sell them en masse through retailers like K-mart and Wal-mart.
Website design By BotEap.comTo this end, all Sportcraft treadmills are made overseas in places like China and Taiwan. Even though all of their units are quite attractive when you first look at them, the materials used in the construction are cheap and the build quality has always been in question.
Website design By BotEap.comTrying to mass-produce low-end models for dirt cheap is not easy. This is something that Sportcraft has discovered to its own expense with its range of cheap treadmills.
Website design By BotEap.comIn 2005, there was a recall of the Sportcraft Tredex 6.0, the Tx440, and the Tx550. The units would accelerate without warning, causing users to fall and sustain injuries. The company received at least 110 reports of unexpected acceleration. As if the 2005 recalls weren’t bad enough, there was another recall in 2006.
Website design By BotEap.comSelling cheap treadmills that malfunction and cause injuries does not bode well for the company’s future in the niche fitness industry.
Website design By BotEap.comIs there anything good to say about Sportcraft treadmills?
Website design By BotEap.comNot everything is bad. They are very cheap but offer many features to potential customers. You get lean, strong engine power for its class, and a high top speed. The Sportcraft TX 7.0 Treadmill comes with a 2.75 HP motor, 19″ x 55″ deck, 10% incline. The design of the company’s units looks sleek and users also get things like a step counter and 6 preset workout programs with the Sportcraft 7 treadmill.
Website design By BotEap.comBut don’t be fooled by these features. Memories of 2005 and 2006 should always be in the back of your mind.
Website design By BotEap.comIs everything okay now?
Website design By BotEap.comUnfortunately, Sportcraft treadmills are known to have the worst electronic design in the industry. Here’s what the Treadmill Doctor said: ‘As we said two years ago, their electronic design was the worst we’d seen on a treadmill…’
Website design By BotEap.comAs if to underscore the poor build quality of their product, the subpar warranty consists of 10 years for the frame, 1 year for the motor, 1 year for all parts, and 90 days for labor and service. Any manufacturer that wants to give consumers confidence in their equipment will offer a guarantee of at least 3 years on parts and a lifetime on the frame.
Website design By BotEap.comSo how would you rate Sportcraft treadmills? After reading the previous review, I think you already know that I don’t rate them at all. I’ll leave you with this comment from the Treadmill Doctor: ‘We hope they continue to mass-market game tables and the like, but we think they should stay away from making treadmills.’