Horizon T71 Treadmill Review - Best Treadmill Under $700

The Horizon T71 is one of the best treadmills under $700. You're not getting a commercial quality treadmill in this price range. However, units in this category are great for walking and running. The Horizon T71 Treadmill can take some abuse, but it’s not built to handle the San Francisco 49’ers defensive team.

With a deck size of 18"x20" this is the smallest treadmill of the Horizon Fitness bunch. If you're a larger person or taller than 6’1”, you might want to look into the Horizon T72, they have a longer deck that can accommodate longer legs. The motor inside the Horizon T71 Treadmill is rated at 1.75 continuous duty horsepower. It may not sound like a lot, especially if you own a Porsche or even a Lexus, but rest assured it’s plenty of power for the average treadmill user. You may see other treadmills in the $700 range with a horsepower rating of 4 or 5. That’s probably because they’re using Peak Duty to advertise their treadmills, not Continuous Duty. (For an explanation see my article on Peak and Continuous Duty.) The motor in this treadmill by Horizon Fitness is designed and manufactured by Johnson Tech. Johnson Tech supplies treadmill motors for a lot of high end treadmill lines including Matrix Fitness. When Johnson Tech makes a motor, it’s going to last.

One of the most important features of the Horizon T71 is the GellCell shock absorption system. Having run on poorly built treadmills I know the difference between quality shock absorption and putting a few springs underneath the deck. Horizon's GellCell technology goes a long way reducing impact on your joints and muscles and every time I demonstrate the functions of a Horizon Treadmill for customers in the showroom, I’m thankful when I’m asked to showcase a Horizon.

To wrap up, the Horizon T71 is great for anyone on a budget, women, shorter, and lighter treadmill enthusiasts.

Horizon T71 Treadmill Specifications
Horsepower: 1.75 HP
Max Weight Capacity: 275 lbs.
Folding: Yes
Max Speed: 10 MPH
Max Incline: 10%
Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse grip
Programs: 8
Display: LCD
Display: RPM, watts, time, calories, heart rate, distance, and resistance
Product Weight: 195 lbs.
Flywheel Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Roller Size: 1.8"
Deck Thickness: 3/4"
Running Area: 50" x 18"
Price: $599