3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
By Red, White, and Blue
I was considering the Precor 9.23 and then I found the Yowza Sebring. I researched it on their website and the specs seemed great. On Amazon's site they include the Polar heart rate monitor which surprises me because I bought it direct from Yowza and I had to pay an additional $39.99. I thought I would use the Polar belt more than I do, but if it's included, great. Let me make a correction to the listing, there are no cup holders. Those open spaces between the speakers on the console are not cup holders. There are no fans either.
I own the Sebring. I am heavy (285 lbs), but this treadmill claims to support weight much greater than it does. I didn't expect it to be vibration free considering my weight, but I can't run on it without feeling like I'm going to break it. Since I'm out of shape I mainly walk on it, but as I improve I would like to run again.
Pros:
- Easy assembly
- The motor seems powerful enough (I wouldn't call it commercial, but what do you want for a grand)
- Quick change buttons for speed and incline
- Fairly quiet operation (only walking though)
- Decent mp3 speakers but no volume control on the console
- Seems sturdy for walking
- Good warranty, although I hope I never need it
Cons:
- Cumbersome and tedious program set up. Unless I'm missing something, you can't just select a program either, you have to hit "enter" 7 or 8 times before you can even get to the programs, and then you can beep your way through that list, every time you use the machine! It would be nice if they had dedicated program buttons like they do for speed and incline. The quick start (hitting the start button) is the only option I use now. Hit start set the speed and that's it.
- Mostly useless programs. I was shocked how lame the program selection was. The user manual is not much help either. I read this treadmill review gushing at the program variety. All I can say is "whatever". You manually enter your gender, age, height and the scale enters the weight for you (otherwise you'll be beeping your way from 132 lbs to your weight, one lb at a time, but the programs don't seem to do much with that info. You've got heart rate program, fat burn program, none of which tell you much about the actual workout. Just hit start and set the speed, trust me.
- The electronic scale is a nice scale, but nothing but a gimmick as far as programming goes. So it sends your weight to the treadmill to customize your workout, but if you're like me, you'll try it and realize it's a waste of time. It creates a program that will bore you to death
- 20 x 55 is too short for running, it's ok for walking, but there's not a lot of room for error
- The safety rails will give the top of your hands a good whack if you're not careful. Just moving your arms while walking is a little hazardous if you don't pay attention and keep your hands well inside the rails
- Folding it is a lot more difficult than the video shows. They show the treadmill unfold by magic, what they don't show you is the effort to get it into the vertical position, or how (at least with my machine) difficult it is to get it to lower. The release sticks on mine and it takes several attempts to get it to lower.
- No fans, no cup holders. No big deal, but nice features to have, especially a bottle/cup holder that holds securely
- Maximum user weight is claimed as 350 lbs. Yeah, right! This is the main reason (and the sucky console) that I'm giving the machine two stars. I weigh 285 and I can't jog on it. Either it supports 350 lbs or it doesn't. The thing shakes like mad when I try to run (I'm a retired former Marine and no stranger to running). The Sebring weighs 190 lbs, why sell it as something that can support 350 lbs?
Overall, it's OK. It's a good machine for walking. Forget running on it if you're heavy. I fell for the specs and the gadgets (fancy scale and heart monitor), but would have been better served by a sturdier/heavier deck and a more robust machine. I use it and I hope it holds up, that's the best I can say for it.
10/23/13 Update: I took a break, but I'm working out again. I'm still OK with the machine, but I think it's closer in quality to what you could buy at Sam's Club. It's probably a little better in terms of quality than the Pro Forms, but not much really.
I've discovered a way to make this treadmill more effective for me. I need to use intervals to work out. There's nothing more monotonous in a workout than walking/running the same speed for an extended period of time. I just don't care for any of the pre-programmed workouts, at all. The two customizable programs C1 and C2 are the only workouts I use do. I have a long workout programmed and a short one. The customer workouts simply let you alternate speed/incline to your liking. I alternate between a challenging speed and a less stressful speed in one minute increments. To do this I have to set the custom workout to 10 minutes total (and then repeat it two more times to get a 30 minute workout in). It breaks up the intervals evenly in one minute increments. If you increase the overall time it increases the interval. There's no flexibility to set the first interval for 1 minute and second for 30 seconds. It divides the workout time equally (from what I can tell).
The noise has increased over time, but it's bearable. Running increases the squeaks and squeals.
The biggest and best adjustment to this treadmill was to remove the two black handrails. I had no choice but to remove them after accidentally smacking the top of my hand frequently while working out. It's very easy to forget how close they are to your hands. They're not very long and the pointed end of the rail is perfectly placed to hit accidentally. The width between the rails is too narrow and eventually you end up hurting yourself. The company could never recommend removing them due to liability reasons, but I take full responsibility for myself. If you remove them it's on you (not me or Yowza). If you start to fall you only have the front bar to reach for. If you feel unsafe removing them don't do it, but it improves your workout tremendously to be able to move your arms freely without fear of smacking your hands/wrist. Removing them was easy enough, four bolts and the plastic shroud. I actually prefer the look of the machine without them. It's not the first treadmill I've used that has this problem, but it's a defective design as far as I'm concerned. The rails need to be wider.
The belt is too short for running comfortably, and next time I'll buy a wider belt as well. I don't know why I always cheat myself by settling for a machine that's almost big enough. If you want a health club experience you need a bigger belt, period.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
By Rose M. Olesen
First of all I am not a runner. I am a 58 year old guy with some age related health issues. I did do my homework before I purchased. I know that Yowza is the new kid on the block, but that didn't bother me at all. What I like about Sebring is the fact that it includes a wireless scale and weight management software. The track is 55" long and is better suited for power walking than running. If you are a serious runner you should look at one of their other models with the 60" track. The only reason I say this is because I think a longer 60" deck is more beneficial for running. Anyway, I weigh 260 LBS. and I needed a machine that could hold up, this thing is built like an Anvil. It took about 30 minutes to set the whole thing up and I believe a kid could set it up. I love the fact that the 3 H.P. commercial grade motor and belt are whisper quit. I really cannot say enough good things about Yowza and products. The guy who started Smooth Treadmills, in the beginning, is the guy who started and owns Yowza. On a 1-5 Stars, with Five being high, I'd give Yowza a 5 stars, A+++
Just because they are new don't be afraid of them. Their machines come with an outstanding Manufacturers Warranty.
Get on Yowza Bandwagon, you won't be sorry you did!!!
Bud Olesen
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
By Tom
I just received my Yowza treadmill and am very impressed.Since we live in a condo space is a concern but after purchasing their fold up model(Biscayne) the problem has been solved.
It took me a total of ten minutes to put together.All the hardware and screws were easily labeled and they even supplied the tools.
After looking at so many others the Yowza equipment stood out.The warranty is exceptional compared to others and that was also a selling point.
After reading the manual and trying it out (WOW) boy is this treadmill whisper quiet.It is so quiet you can have a normal conversation with someone while exercising.The speakers are fantastic for your iPod device and it charges also.The fan has three speeds and you can actually feel it hit your face and you can adjust the flow direction.
As far as the fold up mechanism it works great ( easy to use in either direction) and it lowers very slow by itself.
What is also nice about this treadmill is its looks,very curvey with no sharp angles.Astetically is eye appealing compared to so many out there.
Before you buy take a look at the Yowza site and see what you think.I think you'll be impressed.
Thanks Yowza Fitness
Product Feature
- Commercial Grade 3.0 HP Continuous Duty motor with heavy precision balanced flywheel
- Patented Intelligent Weight Management software and wireless scale
- Full 20"X 55" multi-ply Running Belt and a 3 speed fan
- Triple phenolic laminated deck is reversible and requires no regular maintenance
- Ergonomically designed console featuring quick start, single touch resistance, speed/incline control; cup holders, hi-fidelity speakers and MP3 jack
Product Description
Transformer treadmills represent a whole new category of folding treadmills and the Sebring is the best value in it's class. This amazing space-saving treadmill can morph into a powerful, non-folding style running machine that can take a pounding. The Sebring is fully loaded and includes an iPod/MP3 plug, high fidelity speakers, built in heart rate receiver for wireless belts (optional) and a progressive shock absorption deck that delivers just the right amount of flex based on your speed and body weight. In addition to all that, Sebring is also equipped with the new IWM (Intelligent Weight Management) system, which will help you manage your body weight with ease.
Product Detail
- Brand: Yowza Fitness
- Model: Sebring 2013
- Dimensions: 55.00" h x33.00" w x73.00" l,160.00 pounds
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