Sole F63 Folding Treadmill

For most buyers, the F63 is the smarter choice. The NordicTrack 1750 is a genuinely strong machine — its 3.5 CHP motor and 22-inch-wide deck edge out the F63 on raw specs, and its -3% decline adds training variety the F63 lacks. However, the 1750 costs $1,799 before iFit, which adds $39/month — a meaningful ongoing expense the F63 avoids entirely.

The gap that matters most to most buyers: the Sole F63's lifetime frame and motor warranty vs NordicTrack's 10-year frame warranty. For a machine you expect to use daily for a decade or more, the coverage difference is real. If decline training and a touchscreen are priorities, the 1750 is worth the premium. If you want the best motor-and-deck combination under $1,500 with no subscription and a lifetime warranty, the F63 wins clearly.

The F63 is fully capable as a running machine. The 3.0 CHP motor sustains 12 mph without strain — well above the pace most recreational runners ever use — and the 20″ × 60″ deck accommodates natural running strides for users up to 6'4″. Our test panel included runners logging 30–45 minute sessions at 8–10 mph multiple times per week throughout the 10-week review, with no motor performance degradation observed.

The main limitation for very serious runners is the absence of a decline feature, which some marathon and trail runners use for downhill simulation and eccentric muscle training. For recreational runners, half-marathon trainers, and anyone using the treadmill for intervals, tempo runs, or distance base-building, the F63's spec sheet is more than sufficient. The cushioning system is particularly appreciated by higher-mileage users for its joint protection.

Assembly takes approximately 60–90 minutes for two people, or up to two hours solo. The main steps are attaching the upright arms to the frame base, routing and connecting the console wiring harness, mounting the console to the uprights, and installing the safety key and accessories. All tools required are included — no separate purchases needed.

The most common assembly issues our testers encountered: the console cable connection is fiddly and requires firm seating to avoid a blank display on first power-up; and the upright-to-frame bolt torque is important — under-tightening creates wobble at higher speeds. Sole's YouTube assembly video is more helpful than the printed guide for visual learners and is strongly recommended as a first step. If you prefer professional setup, Dick's Sporting Goods and Best Buy both offer in-home assembly services at additional cost.

The F63 measures approximately 70 decibels at high running speeds — comparable to the background noise level of a vacuum cleaner. This is not unusually loud for a motorised treadmill, and the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck does reduce belt slap and vibration transmission meaningfully versus harder-decked competitors.

For apartment use: the motor noise is manageable, but vibration transmission to floors below is the real concern, not airborne sound. A dedicated treadmill mat (Sole sells a 36.5″ × 78″ PVC/nitrile mat as an accessory) significantly reduces vibration transfer and is strongly recommended for any elevated floor installation. Running at lower speeds and inclines earlier or later in the day is advisable in buildings with thin-floor construction. For ground-floor or basement installations, noise is unlikely to be a practical issue at any speed.

The Sole F63 lists at $1,499 full retail but is regularly available at $1,199 during Sole's promotional periods, which occur multiple times throughout the year. The $1,199 price is available often enough that paying full retail is rarely necessary — check Soletreadmills.com directly before purchasing anywhere else.

The best times to buy are: Sole's own promotional events (check soletreadmills.com for current offers), Black Friday / Cyber Monday (typically the deepest discount of the year, often $200–$400 below regular promotional pricing), and January "New Year" fitness sales. Dick's Sporting Goods and Amazon both regularly match or approach Sole's own promotional pricing. If you see the F63 at $1,199, that is the price floor we have observed — it represents genuine value, not an inflated anchor markdown.