Horizon T101 Treadmill Review

Once the decision has been made to get in shape, the next step is how to go about it. Home or health club? Aerobics or strength training? No matter what you decide, it is more than likely that a treadmill will fit perfectly into your program.
If you like the privacy of a home workout, the Horizon T101 should appear on your short list of candidates for a treadmill. Almost any treadmill will do for the person that wants to hop aboard for a simple walking workout regime, but as your fitness improves it is likely that your goals will become more challenging, and that is where the Horizon T101 model can be a long term training partner.
Horizon T101 is manufactured by Johnson Health Technology and has been around since late 2008. You know when something is good if it can survive the cut throat market for over 3 years picking up a number of accolades along the way.
In 2009, the Horizon T101 has been awarded “Best runner up” by treadmill doctor, then recently taking out the top spot for its price range and the “Top Buy” award of 2012.

The Motor.

Sporting a 2.25 CHP (continuous horse power) motor, the T101 is fine for just starting out, but once the demands increase on the unit, it has the strength to rise to the challenge. Designed for exercisers up to 300 pounds, it can go from a lazy walk up to a very brisk 10 mph run, and still have the strength to dial up to a 10 degree incline and still maintain the pace. The sheer size of the T101 takes it out of the “walk to light jog category” and edges it up to the runner category. Of course the power output of the treadmill motor alone is not what makes it decent; it’s the build quality that matters most, and the Horizon Fitness T101 offers this very important ingredient at a very reasonable price.

Frame and Deck.

The frame design on the T101 is the same as on the Adventure series consisting of 95mm oval round uprights supporting the console and 50mm x 25mm main deck frame. While it’s not the heaviest we’ve seen on a treadmill of this size and specifications, it is enough to deliver a vibration free run for a runner up to 220LB. Please note that while Horizon T101 motor is capable of taking users of up to 300LB, the machine is not advised to be suitable for users over 220LB as the frame begins to show signs of stress in the form of vibration, especially to the console unit.
The deck is Horizon’s own patented 10mm FLEX Deck which seems to provide a very good mix of cushioning at point of impact. While this same deck has been reported to have issues in the past on other models, Horizon fitness offers a lifetime warranty on this part should it ever need replacing. The T101 features a 20”x 55” two ply belt that offers enough space for a comfortable run. The belt platform itself is well padded, though not overly so. It doesn’t feel mushy, but still has enough give to help protect against hip, knee and ankle injuries when compared to the harsh impact received from asphalt or concrete.

Console and Features

The T101 console is well laid out with 3 data feedback windows as well as a dot matrix program profile and message window. The console itself is of very good quality and is much more reliable then the inferior LCD displays found on cheaper models. You will find a total of 9 preset programs directing the machine. It would have been nice to see a couple of custom user defined program settings featured on this machine, but in general, what’s provided is more than enough for the average user. Heart rate telemetries are provided by contact receivers only. Once again it would have been great to see the T101 being capable of wireless heart rate monitoring as this method is most accurate.
Worth a mention is the COOLfit fitness fan on the console which is a nice addition and on this model, it actually outputs a generous air flow that may see the user being able to push through that last mile.

The Sonic Surround speakers featured on the console are also a nice addition to the Horizon T101. Although they lack the Bass that is found on some Nordic Track machines, the highs and trebles are crisp and clear without any distortion.

All in all the Horizon T101 is a good buy in our opinion. Here at treadmillreviews.net.au we don’t give out accolades very easily and as we do not affiliate with any manufacturers, we can be critical where criticism is due. The T101 would be a great treadmill for the occasional runner who is just starting out. However if you are a professional runner, we would recommend trying out other models. The T101 is a good affordable treadmill that offers a lot of great features. Features that can be found perfected on higher priced machines. If you are a Johnson Health Technology loyalist, we would recommend looking at their Vision line of treadmills.

Specification list

• 2.25 CHP Motor
• 0 - 10 mph Speed
• 0 - 10% Power Incline
• 20" x 55" walking area
• 9 Programs
• Contact Heart Rate Monitor
• MP3 compatible; Sonic Surround™ Speakers
• PerfectFlex™ Plus Viable Cushioning
• COOLfit™ fitness fan
• FeatherLIGHT lift system for fold-up storage
• 275-lb. User Capacity
• Wt / Dimensions: 169 lbs / 70.8" x 33.1" x 54.6"
• Warranty: lifetime frame & motor, 1-year parts & labor