Sportcraft treadmills are definitely low-end models. Even if you want an entry-level model, this company’s product may not be the way to go. You must first do a very careful review of the Sportcraft treadmills; they have had a troubled history.

A certain Walter Holdstein founded Sportcraft Ltd in 1926. The company began by producing mainly indoor and outdoor games, such as table tennis and tetherball. It still produces these games today. Over the past 30 years, the demand for home exercise equipment has expanded rapidly, but it wasn’t until 2001 that Sportcraft jumped into action and shipped its first motorized treadmills.

In supplying treadmills, Sportcraft’s company line has been to supply models that are cheap, cheap, cheap, and sell them en masse through retailers like K-mart and Wal-mart.

To this end, all Sportcraft treadmills are manufactured overseas in places like China and Taiwan. Even though all of their units are quite attractive when you first look at them, the materials used in construction are cheap and the quality of the build has always been in question.

Trying to mass produce low-end models at a very low price is not easy. This is something that Sportcraft has discovered at its price with its range of cheap treadmills.

In 2005, there was a recall of the Sportcraft Tredex 6.0, the Tx440, and the Tx550. Drives would accelerate without warning, causing users to fall and be injured. The company received at least 110 reports of unexpected acceleration. As if the 2005 recalls weren’t bad enough, there was a new recall in 2006.

Selling cheap treadmills that malfunction and cause injury does not bode well for the company’s future in the fitness industry niche.

Is there something good to say about Sportcraft treadmills?

Its not all bad. They are very cheap but offer many features to potential customers. You get lean, big engine power for its class, and high top speed. The Sportcraft TX 7.0 treadmill comes with a 2.75 HP motor, 19 “x 55” deck, 10% incline. The design of the company’s units looks sleek and users also get things like a step counter and 6 preset training programs with the Sportcraft 7 treadmill.

But don’t be fooled by these features. The 2005 and 2006 retreats should always be in the back of your mind.

Is everything alright now?

Unfortunately, Sportcraft treadmills are known to have the worst electronic design in the industry. Here’s what Treadmill Doctor said: ‘As we said two years ago, its electronic design was the worst we’ve ever seen on a treadmill …’

As if to underscore the poor build quality of your product, the poor warranty consists of 10 years for the frame, 1 year for the engine, 1 year for all parts, and 90 days for labor service. Any manufacturer that wants to give consumers confidence in their equipment will offer a warranty of at least 3 years on the parts and a lifetime on the frame.

So what rating would you give Sportcraft Treadmills? After reading the review above, I think you already know that I don’t rate them at all. I will leave you with this comment from Treadmill Doctor: “We hope they will continue with mass marketing gaming tables and the like, but we think they should avoid making treadmills.”