The fitness company 3G Cardio produces a range of treadmills for home gyms. But which one is best for your fitness level and needs? We’ll review three popular models here to help you decide.
3G Cardio 80i Fold Flat Treadmill
We’ll begin with the 80i, also known as the Fold Flat treadmill. It’s called that because it collapses down to less than 10 inches in height to store underneath a bed. Or you can fold it vertically and place it against a wall. But the foldable design doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on essential features.
For one, the 80i has a generous deck size of 18.5 by 58 inches, so you don’t need to stunt your stride while walking on it. And it features speeds starting at 0.5mph up to 11mph. That means you can walk, jog, and perform sprints for interval training. The 3.0Hp motor is up to the task of keeping the speed steady for you.
While the 80i’s maximum user weight is 325 pounds, you can find fewer restrictions on the other two treadmills in this review. They also both offer orthopedic belt cushioning for better shock absorption, something the 80i does not have.
But the 80i has many appealing features for amateur athletes. For one, you can raise the incline up to 15% to increase the challenge and burn more calories. And there are eight training programs ready to use. Or you can customize and store four more programs, too.
Finally, when you receive the 3G Cardio 80i treadmill, you won’t need to assemble it. Just remove the box, plug it in, and start running.
More features of the 3G Cardio 80i treadmill:
- Measures either 74 by 33 by 9.75 or 39 by 33 by 70 inches when folded
- Lifetime warranty on the frame, 5-year warranty on parts, and 1-year free labor
3G Cardio Pro Runner Treadmill
If you want a folding treadmill with more features than the 80i offers, you might enjoy the 3G Cardio Pro Runner instead. It has an orthopedic belt that protects your joints. And the running deck is larger, measuring 20.5 by 58 inches. It also supports up to 350 pounds, which is more than the 80i but less than the Elite Runner below.
The 3.0HP motor provides speeds between 0.5 and 12mph, making it slightly faster than the 80i and equal to the Elite Runner. You’ll be able to run, jog, and walk with the eight built-in training programs, or you can add two more custom programs, too. For more challenge, you can increase the incline of the tread up to 15%.
The Pro Runner has fitness tests that include the Gerkin/Cooper body mass index and interactive heart rate. You can measure your heart rate with either the sensors on the handlebars, or connect your own chest strap. If you prefer to have a chest strap included in the box, check out the Elite Runner below.
While you watch your exercise data on the screen, you can adjust the fan, the belt speed, and the incline with one-touch buttons. Even better, it’s easy to perform interval training with the Pro Runner. It has Speed Acceleration Boost that raises the velocity 1mph in 1.5 seconds.
While the Pro Runner is a good choice for athletes, take a look at what the Elite Runner treadmill features if you want a larger running deck and other features, and you don’t need a foldable machine.
More features of the 3G Cardio Pro Runner treadmill:
- Lifetime warranty on the frame, 5-year warranty on parts, and 1-year free labor
- Folds down to 40 by 35 by 65 inches
3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill
The 3G Cardio Elite Runner treadmill is built for commercial gyms as well as home settings. Much of its appeal lies in its enhanced features for pro athletes.
For one, the Ortho-Flex Shock suspension system greatly reduces the impact you feel while sprinting. And the 22 by 62-inch deck leaves you plenty of room to stretch those legs, especially if you’re a taller runner.
The powerful 4.0HP motor lets you pound hard up to 12mph and at a maximum of 15% incline. Plus, it handles up to 400 pounds of weight with no problem. That’s more than either the Pro Runner or the 80i treadmills above.
There are eight built-in programs, or you can create two custom trainings for yourself. If you plan to build your endurance with intervals, the Elite Runner can accelerate 1mph in 1.5 seconds just like the Pro Runner treadmill above.
While you exercise, you can see essential data on the console, including your heart rate. The Elite Runner comes with a wireless chest strap plus sensors in the handlebars, so you’ll always know if you’re in the target zone.
On the console, you can adjust the cooling fan or hit a one-touch button to alter the speed or incline. You can also enjoy your music or a podcast through the built-in speakers. Simply connect your mobile device to the jack.
If you are serious about running indoors, and you don’t need to store your treadmill out of the way, the Elite Runner is a high-quality treadmill made to help you achieve your fitness goals.
More features of the 3G Cardio Elite Runner treadmill:
- Lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, 10-year warranty on parts, and 2-year free labor in –home for residential use
- Measures 84 by 35.5 by 58 inches in size, does not fold down for storage
Recommendation
There are enough significant differences between these three treadmills to make a choice easy. First, if you need to fold up your machine and store it, choose either the 80i or the Pro Runner. Keep in mind that the 80i folds down compact enough to fit under a bed or in a closet.
Second, if you’re more of a casual walker or jogger, the 80i is a less expensive option. But if you have problems with your joints or run more frequently, the Pro Runner is a better choice because it has an orthopedic tread that lessens the shock of impact.
Finally, the Elite Runner comes with features suited for both commercial and home gyms. It has a more powerful motor, a longer warranty, and a larger running deck.
Click here to purchase 3G Cardio 80i Fold Flat on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase 3G Cardio Pro Runner on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase 3G Cardio Elite Runner on Amazon.com!