Horizon Fitness Elite T7

Controls: The incremental, speed-control buttons are oriented as expected with the increase button on the top or right-hand side. They are positioned appropriately being right next to one another. The button size is considered fair making it somewhat difficult to operate while exercising. An alternative set of quick speed-controls provide the ability to select every, whole-number speed, using a complete set of control buttons. The incremental, incline-control buttons are oriented as expected with the increase button on the top or right-hand side. They are positioned appropriately, being adjacent to one another. The button size is considered fair making it somewhat difficult to operate while exercising. An alternative set of quick incline-controls provide the ability to select every whole-number incline, including zero, using a complete set of control buttons. Display: The monitor displays white characters on a blue colored background. The size of the characters showing the "speed" is considered fair and the size of the characters showing "incline" is considered fair. All exercise statistics are presented in the same physical window. Programs: This machine comes equipped with 7 built-in exercise programs. A list of programs is convenienty shown on the console. A graphical illustration of each program's exercise profile is shown on the console. Ergonomics: The step-up height to the running deck is 9.675 inches from the floor. This machine has a full front-handrail. A partial side-handrail provides both security and easy access. Exercise: The minimum incline for this machine is 1.5 percent. The maximum incline is 16 percent. The manufacturer-stated, top speed is 12 mph. A top speed of 11.9 mph was measured. Construction: This machine features a motor with a 2.75 hp rating. The 4 floor-levelers provide maximum leveling capability. Performance on our durability test - simulating a half-year of usage - was very good, showing only minor signs of wear. Safety: The "stop" button size was considered fair. The magnetic style safety-key s clip was not strong enough to disengage the key as the user approached the end of the running belt. Instead the clip slipped from the runner's clothing and failed to stop the motor. After the safety key was removed from its receptacle, the running belt coasted to a stop from a speed of 6 mph, in 3.9 seconds. The average stopping time for all tested treadmills is 5.7 seconds. When walking within reach of the control console, the motor housing which resides at the front of the running belt, created frequent interference with a user's feet.

The Horizon Fitness Elite T7 is part of the Treadmills test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Treadmills models like the Elite T7 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Ergonomics: Ergonomics considers how well the machine accommodates the needs of users and includes belt size, foot-rail design and handgrip design.

Construction: Construction considers aspects that impact quality like the motor and related components, running deck and the results of our durability tests.

Ease of use: Ease of use considers the ease of using the controls, functions, programs and reading the display.