Reebok Competitor RT 8.0 Treadmill Review

• Workout programs: The 28 built-in programs were designed by a personal trainer and target performance goals. Owners of the RT Competitor can also get access to iFit Live, though this requires purchasing a wireless Internet adaptor and paying a monthly subscription fee. Once enabled, the iFit Live technology lets people virtually race against Facebook friends, download custom workouts, and virtually work out with famous personal trainers. iFit Live also lets trainees virtually experience any route mapped in Google Maps.
• Power incline: The treadmill track can tilt up to 12% to promote faster calorie burn and tone different muscle groups.
• Track: The 60-inch track is long enough for any walker, jogger, or runner. It’s two-ply and moves over 2.5-inch rollers for longer durability. Additionally, the StrideFlex cushioning helps reduce the impact of exercise on people’s joints.
• Motor:The Reebok RT Competitor is powered by a quiet 3.0 CHP motor that’s guaranteed for life.
• Display: The Graphixx display can show one data field or several data fields at once.
• Smartphone compatibility: The treadmill’s music port is compatible with smartphones and other MP3 players. A 3.0 Intermix Acoustics speaker system is included, and it has noticeably better fidelity than the 2.0 Intermix Acoustics used on some other Reeboks.
• Space-Saver: The special vertical-fold design includes shock-assist technology. This makes it easy to save floor space when the treadmill isn’t in use.
• Stability/Capacity: This sturdy unit has a user weight capacity of 350 pounds.

What We Don’t Like:

• Extra cost: iFit Live isn’t free. Although the machine is ready to go online, the treadmill owner needs to buy a wireless adaptor and pay for a yearly iFit Live subscription.
• The bulk: This treadmill is exceptionally heavy for a home exercise machine. Special delivery options aren’t available, so customers should be prepared to have two or three people and/or a furniture dolly available to move the treadmill box. Once set up, it has a large footprint of 78″ x 38.5″.
• Inconsistent quality: Customer reviews are mixed. Some people rate this machine highly, but others have reported faulty wires, broken belt systems, and other problems within just a few weeks of ownership. It seems that Reebok Fitness has addressed the quality control issues that led to a high number of complaints when this model debuted.
• The warranty: The Reebok Competitor RT 8.0 includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. Still, other parts are only protected for one year. Considering the frequency of complaints, the standard parts warranty makes this machine a poor buy at its full MSRP of $1299. Look for a sale – this model could be deeply discounted — and maybe back up your purchase with a one-year extended warranty for $109.