The Reebok ZR8 is a fantastic, affordable and easy-to-use running machine that’s ideal for use at home. Here’s our Reebok ZR8 Compact Treadmill review. See also: Best Treadmills for Home 2017.
RRP: £699.99
Amazon price: £388.99
Sports Direct price: £459.99
Reebok ZR8 Compact Treadmill review: Running
The Reebok ZR8 will give you a solid and enjoyable running experience. It’s powered by a 2.0 horse-power electric engine that delivers speeds of 1-15KPH. This isn’t as fast as other home treadmills (the Sporttech F37 is capable of 20KPH) but it’s still fast enough for amateur- and intermediate-level runners. See also: Sportstech F37 Review: Excellent Treadmill That’s PERFECT For Home Workouts.
Using the Reebok ZR8 at top speed will give you the following times: 5k: 20mins; 10K: 40mins; Half marathon: 1:24:20; Marathon 2:48:40.
The running belt measures at 126 x 41cm. Again, this isn’t the biggest but its just enough room to forgive the occasional wobbly step here and there. the Reebok ZR8 does will at muting its noise level, producing a muted thud rather than the loud yelp cheaper machines produce. This is thanks to in part to Reebok’s Zig cushioning system that’s been designed to lower noise levels low and absorb the stress running causes joints. The machine has been designed to take user weights up to 120KG (18.89 stone).
The machine also comes with two hand pulse monitors that are built-in to the side rails. As with any hand-based heart rate monitor, you can expect mixed results. Sometimes they’ll work right away, others they won’t work at all. Still, a nice option to have… when it works. Read also: Concept 2 Model D Review: The World’s #1 Rowing Machine.
Reebok ZR8 Compact Treadmill review: Monitor and dashboard
Operating this machine is easy. The dashboard is littered with buttons (that are responsive to the touch). The buttons are well thought-out, with several instant speed and incline buttons to get your workout started quickly. The treadmill comes with 24 pre-set workouts that offer you a wide range of speed, interval and hill-training options.
The Reebok ZR8 doesn’t offer much in terms of a monitor. Instead, there are three sets of LED lights that cycle through Time/Calories, Speed/Distance and Pulse/Incline. There’s no iOS or Android support either, which isn’t a bad thing as these apps are largely superfluous what you need from a treadmill. A feature that is welcome is the aux-in port. With this, you can connect your phone/MP3 player and listen to music via the running machine’s built-in speakers. These speakers aren’t the best, lacking oomph in base while struggling with higher tones too. But it’s a handy option to have for users who don’t have a fixed speaker in the same room as their treadmill.
Reebok ZR8 Compact Treadmill review: Build quality and storage
[amazon_link asins=’B0099OO3X8′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’techt06-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’e276ca52-d3d5-11e7-a8bf-05622838ba1a’]This is one of the easiest home treadmills to assemble. Slide it out of its box, line up the handrails and dashboard, and then insert a handful of bolts. That’s it. Assembly can take less than five minutes.
Like all good fitness equipment, it’s got good storage and portability options too. The treadmill can be folded from its operational dimensions of 165 x 74 x 143 cm to dimensions of 102 x 74 x 143 cm in seconds, thanks to its quick release locks. There’s are two rollers located at the back to the which make manoeuvring the treadmills around your house a lot easier too. Even though its 65kg weight is pretty easy to move (with assistance).
Reebok ZR8 Compact Treadmill review: Verdict
For a running machine that costs less than £500, this is fantastic. It’s good looking, sturdy and compact enough to fit in any home. The treadmill’s dashboard is responsive and easy-to-use too. A superb all-round treadmill.
Read next: 6 BEST Home Rowing Machines of 2017.
