SOLE F80 vs Bowflex T9 Treadmill: Specs, Reviews & Price

SOLE F80 vs Bowflex T9 Treadmill: Specs, Reviews & Price

Key Takeaways

  • Our SOLE F80 offers a lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor, significantly outlasting the Bowflex T9's 15-year frame and 5-year motor coverage.
  • The F80 features a robust 3.5 HP motor and a 10.1" touchscreen with built-in apps. The Bowflex T9 relies on a standard 7" LCD console.
  • We require no subscription to access full functionality—including Netflix, Disney+, and the Peloton App. The Bowflex T9 requires a paid JRNY subscription ($149/year) for guided workouts.
  • Reviews consistently praise the SOLE F80 for its commercial-grade build quality and "unlock-everything" approach to media.
  • The SOLE F80 delivers premium features and long-term peace of mind, whereas the Bowflex T9 offers a lower upfront price but restricted standalone functionality.

SOLE F80 vs Bowflex T9: Which Treadmill Delivers More Value?

Choosing between the SOLE F80 and Bowflex T9 treadmills comes down to deciding what matters most in your fitness journey. 

The SOLE F80 delivers exceptional build quality with a lifetime warranty on frame and motor, built-in streaming apps, and complete functionality without subscription fees. 

The Bowflex T9 offers JRNY platform compatibility and a lower upfront cost, but requires a subscription for full functionality and presents some user experience limitations.

Both treadmills feature similar core specifications, including a 350-pound weight capacity, 15% maximum incline, and 12 mph top speed. 

However, their approaches to warranty coverage, subscription requirements, and daily usability create meaningful differences that impact long-term satisfaction. 

Award-Winning Commercial-Grade Treadmills for Your Home

Choose from 3 Proven Series:

  • F6X like F63 and F65 for affordable durability
  • F8X like F85 and F89 for premium features
  • Non-Folding like TT8 and ST90 for serious athlete performance

Why Choose SOLE:

✓ Commercial-grade steel frames with up to 4.0 HP motors
✓ Cushion Flex technology reduces joint impact by 40%
✓ Industry-leading lifetime warranty on frame & motor
✓ Weight capacity up to 400 lbs with whisper-quiet operation
✓ FREE curbside shipping + workout classes via SOLE+ app

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Love it or return it, no questions asked.

Shop SOLE Treadmills Now →

SOLE F80 Treadmill: Premium Value Without Subscriptions

The SOLE F80 has been trusted in homes and hotels for over 20 years, delivering commercial-grade durability with subscription-free streaming capabilities.

The SOLE F80 delivers a robust 3.5 HP motor that provides smooth, consistent power even during extended running sessions and rapid interval transitions. 

The motor operates quietly, allowing users to train early morning or late evening without disturbing family or neighbors. Speed ranges from 0.5-12 mph with 15 incline levels for comprehensive workout versatility.

The generous 22" x 60" running surface accommodates users of virtually all heights and stride lengths. The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck technology reduces joint impact by up to 40% compared to road running, providing firm yet forgiving cushioning that serious runners prefer. 

The 350-pound weight capacity reflects robust frame construction designed for years of consistent use.

The 10.1" touchscreen display includes built-in streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, Peloton App, and Zwift without subscription requirements. All features work from day one with no recurring fees. 

The console includes wireless device charging, Bluetooth speakers, SOLE+ integration, WiFi connectivity, and 10 pre-programmed plus 12 user-defined workouts.

The patented Easy Assist folding deck system uses hydraulic technology to help the deck rise and lower safely. Assembled dimensions are 82.5"L x 38"W x 66"H, folding to 45"L x 38"W x 71.5"H when stored. At 274 pounds, the F80 maintains impressive stability during operation.

SOLE F80 Pricing

The SOLE F80 retails at $1,899.99 with financing available from $171.49/month. This price includes a lifetime warranty on frame and motor, 3 years on deck, parts, and wear items, and 1 year on labor. 

Bowflex T9 Treadmill: Budget Option with Limitations

The Bowflex T9 offers a lower upfront cost with JRNY platform compatibility, though user experience issues and subscription requirements limit its standalone functionality. (Image courtesy of Bowflex)

The Bowflex T9 features a motor providing speeds up to 12 mph with up to 15% motorized incline. The Flex Zone XL Deck System provides cushioning during workouts, and the 350-pound maximum user weight capacity matches the SOLE F80's specification.

The 7" high-contrast color LCD console displays workout metrics with backlit visibility. The treadmill connects to Apple Watch via GymKit and supports JRNY, Kinomap, and Zwift platforms. 

The Quick Response Technology enables speed adjustments during workouts. Dimensions are 77.2"L x 37"W x 67.6"H, with stowed dimensions of 48.6"L x 37"W x 67.6"H, while the unit weighs 282 pounds.

The T9 requires a JRNY subscription ($149/year or $19.99/month) to access guided workouts, adaptive training, and virtual coaching. Without a subscription, the treadmill functions in basic manual mode with limited features.

Bowflex T9 Pricing

The Bowflex T9 retails at $1,399—$500 less than the SOLE F80 upfront. However, warranty coverage provides only a 15-year frame and 5-year motor protection versus SOLE's lifetime coverage. JRNY subscription adds $149/year for full functionality, totaling $596 over 4 years in subscription costs alone.

SOLE F80 vs Bowflex T9 Comparison Table

Factor

SOLE F80

Bowflex T9

Price

$1,899.99

$1,399.00

Motor

3.5 HP

Not specified

Running Surface

22" x 60"

Not specified

Speed Range

0.5–12 mph

0–12 mph

Incline

15 levels

15% max

Weight Capacity

350 lbs

350 lbs

Display

10.1" touchscreen

7" LCD

Frame Warranty

Lifetime

15 years

Motor Warranty

Lifetime

5 years

Parts Warranty

3 years

Limited

Subscription Required

No

JRNY ($149/year)

Built-in Streaming Apps

Yes (Netflix, YouTube, etc.)

No

Folding Design

Yes

Yes

Unit Weight

274 lbs

282 lbs

Assembled Dimensions

82.5"L x 38"W x 66"H

77.2"L x 37"W x 67.6"H

Warranty and Reliability Comparison

At SOLE, we stand behind our F80 with a lifetime warranty on frame and motor, 3 years on deck, parts, and wear items, and 1 year on labor. User reviews consistently praise the F80's exceptional build quality and subscription-free operation:

Verified SOLE F80 owner highlights exceptional build quality comparable to commercial gym equipment and appreciates subscription-free access to streaming apps after six months of use.

With only a 5-year motor warranty, the Bowflex T9 offers less long-term security. Additionally, some users have reported usability frustrations:

Bowflex T9 user reports usability frustrations, including mandatory weight input at every startup, required workout duration selection, and excessive beeping that cannot be disabled.

Invest in Premium Value With SOLE

The SOLE F80 delivers superior build quality, a lifetime warranty, and subscription-free streaming that users praise as exceptional value.

The SOLE F80 is built for those who want a serious workout without the hassle of mandatory subscriptions. With a 3.5 HP motor, a spacious 22" x 60" deck, and a 10.1" touchscreen that streams your favorite apps instantly, it delivers professional performance at home.

User reviews confirm this value with praise for the build quality that feels like commercial gym machines and appreciation for unrestricted access to streaming apps. 

For complete home fitness, the F80 pairs with SOLE's F63, F85, F89 Treadmills, SR550 Rowing Machines, SW180 Adjustable Dumbbells, and the FREE SOLE+ App—creating an integrated ecosystem trusted in homes and hotels for over 20 years.

Shop the SOLE F80 treadmill today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which treadmill has better warranty coverage?

The SOLE F80 offers significantly better warranty coverage with lifetime protection on both frame and motor compared to the Bowflex T9's 15-year frame and 5-year motor warranty. This difference becomes particularly important after the 5-year mark when the Bowflex motor warranty expires, while SOLE's coverage continues indefinitely. For users planning to keep their treadmill long-term, the SOLE F80's lifetime coverage could save hundreds in potential repair costs.

Can I use the Bowflex T9 without a subscription?

Yes, the Bowflex T9 can be used without a JRNY subscription, but doing so significantly limits functionality. Without a subscription, you access only basic manual mode with limited metrics and no guided workouts. Additionally, users report that even in manual mode, the T9 requires weight input at every startup and asks for the intended workout duration before starting. The SOLE F80 requires no subscription to access its full functionality, including all streaming apps and workout programs.

Which treadmill offers a better user experience?

The SOLE F80 delivers a superior user experience based on customer feedback. Users praise its exceptional build quality, subscription-free streaming apps, and straightforward operation. Bowflex T9 users report usability annoyances, including mandatory weight input at every startup, required workout duration selection before manual runs, excessive beeping that cannot be disabled, and inconsistent GymKit connectivity with Apple Watch.

Is the Bowflex T9's lower price worth the tradeoffs?

The Bowflex T9's $500 lower upfront cost must be weighed against its limitations. The JRNY subscription adds $149/year for full functionality. The inferior warranty coverage (15-year frame and 5-year motor versus SOLE's lifetime) creates additional long-term risk. The smaller 7" LCD display versus SOLE's 10.1" touchscreen with built-in streaming apps further reduces the T9's value proposition.

Why does the SOLE F80 represent the better investment for home fitness?

The SOLE F80 delivers superior value through a lifetime warranty on frame and motor, subscription-free streaming apps, and exceptional build quality that users compare to commercial gym equipment. 

The 3.5 HP motor, 22" x 60" running surface, 350-pound capacity, 15-level incline, and Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, reducing joint impact by 40% deliver the performance serious runners require. The Easy Assist folding system provides practical space-saving capability without sacrificing stability.

 

*Disclaimer: Prices mentioned in this article are accurate as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Please visit the official SOLE website for the most current pricing information.

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