Marketed as one of the best among budget treadmills, the Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill may be yours for a discount price of only $999. But is it truly worth the purchase? The Series 3 offers a decent selection of six workout programs as well as a speed range of up to 10 miles an hour and a maximum incline of 12%. It also boasts a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds on a 20” x 54” belt, plus an excellent deck cushioning system for stability and comfort – great features for a budget treadmill.
For the Series 3, Bowflex offers a warranty of 15 years for the frame, 10 years for the motor, 2 years for parts, and a year for electronics and labor. It folds up for easy storage and, according to some users, has developed a reputation as a low-maintenance machine. But your average Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill review isn’t 100% praise.
Many cavil at the Series 3’s weight. At 298 pounds, the treadmill can be quite cumbersome, though this comes in handy when the user is actually on the treadmill. A heavier treadmill ensures greater stability when running. Its 1.75 continuous-duty horsepower motor, on the other hand, doesn’t really have a bright side. In this respect, the Series 3 loses to other similarly-priced treadmills equipped with more powerful motors.
The Bowflex Series 3 comes with a one-ply belt, which doesn’t lend itself much to heavy-duty use. Users will also be unable to save personalized workouts, which means they have to punch it in every single time they want to run. Reviewers have often complained of the lag in the treadmill’s response time and of the inconvenience caused by unlabeled workout program buttons. As for the heart rate sensors, many have found them unreliable.
The Series 3’s manual has also been repeatedly bashed for being “almost useless”. It lacks detailed instructions on the treadmill’s operation and maintenance. Many believe it to be rather a general guide for all Bowflex treadmills, regardless of model, and are unsure whether or not some of the directions are even applicable to the Series 3.
If you spot Bowflex treadmills for sale, there are two final crucial details you have to consider. First, most long-time users would advise securing an extended warranty, as the Series 3 shows a tendency to be less durable than advertised. The frame and deck are sub-par, and the motor will take quite a beating with continued use. Second, you risk having to deal with Bowflex customer service, which has a reputation for not being of much assistance. Even if your treadmill breaks down within the warranty period, you may be hard-put to find a Bowflex representative to fix or even diagnose the problem.
Is the Bowflex Treadmill Series 3 worth the purchase? If you’re more of a walker and a casual jogger than an avid runner, and are of moderate height, you can perhaps put the machine to good use. But if you’re looking for a hardly treadmill for running that will last you for decades even with constant use, you’ll do best to pass on this one.
