3G Cardio Treadmill Review

3G Cardio is a Phoenix-based fitness equipment company. They launched their first treadmills in 2015 and are earning consistently positive reviews from customers and expert reviewers. For 2017 the brand includes four home treadmills ranging from the Lite Runner for walking/jogging to the Elite Runner with 4.0 HP for more intense training.

3G Cardio treadmill prices range from $999 to $3,399, and each machine shows off exceptional performance for its price. The brand is marketed as “putting substance ahead of style” – in other words, prioritizing mechanical components instead of emphasizing flashy electronics.

All folding and non-folding treadmills from 3G Cardio are paired with competitive warranties.  The top model has a 10-year warranty on parts along with two for labor.

Folding Treadmills

3G Cardio offers three folding treadmills for 2017, all with impressive stability: the Lite Runner, the 80i Fold Flat Treadmill and the Pro Runner. The Lite Runner and Pro Runner can fold for vertical storage (such as behind a door). The 80i can fold flat for under-the-bed storage; it’s less than 10″ tall when made compact.

The Lite Runner is the cheapest treadmill from 3G Cardio. Its introductory price is just $999 but the drive motor has lifetime protection and the parts warranty is valid for three years; these warranty features are good clues about quality. This treadmill has a small workout surface (51.5″ long, 18.5″ wide) and a 2.5 HP motor optimized for lower speeds. These qualities mean that the Lite Runner is sized and powered best for walking and jogging, not running. Other key features are a maximum 15% track incline and 10 preset workouts. Heart rate is measured with a hand held monitor.

For more intense training the Cardio 3G 80i Fold Flat Treadmill has a longer workout area (58″) and a more capable 3.0 HP drive. It arrives pre-assembled and is the only runners’ treadmill on our review site that can fold horizontally or vertically for storage. (Many other treadmills for runners are foldable but can only be stored vertically.) This model sells for $1,799 and includes a five-year parts warranty among other consumer protections. Special features include a 15% maximum power ramp, eight preset programs, and speakers for your MP3 player or iPhone. A contact heart rate monitor is included.

Most advanced of 3G’s folding treadmills for 2017 is the Pro Runner built for vertical storage. At $1,899 it costs little more than the flat-folding 80i. Compared with that model, four advantages of the Pro Runner are: extra track width; an orthopedic tread belt; three fitness tests in addition to eight workouts; and a wireless heart rate receiver.

Non-Folding Treadmills

3G Cardio’s non-folding treadmill for 2017 is the Elite Runner. Selling for $3,399, it’s priced above average — but it’s also paired with a fantastic 10-year warranty on parts. Specs include a 4.0 HP motor, a spacious 22″ x 62″ orthopedic running surface, and a maximum user weight of 400 pounds. This model features the same console as the Pro Runner described above; eight training programs and three fitness tests are included. It ships with a wireless chest strap.

What We Like:

Since this is a relatively new brand, more time is needed to be certain that 3G Cardio treadmills are as smooth-performing and long-lasting as they appear to be. Still, they do carry impressive warranties to back up the company’s claims of high quality and value. Each of the folding treadmills especially has advantages over similarly-priced competitors. The Elite Runner, however, has plenty of rivals with equivalent performance and more appealing electronics.