Spirit Treadmills - They're Not Just In Your Imagination

Spirit treadmills are built by Spirit Manufacturing, located in Arkansas, which was recently purchased by Dyaco International, Inc.

How well Spirit's reputation for quality will survive the changeover remains to be seen, but generally speaking, Spirit treadmill models are well-made, full-featured and carry good warranties.

Spirit produces two Series of treadmill equipment, the Inspire Series and the more upscale Z Series.

The Inspire starts with the IN839, a very basic and small piece of gym equipment that sells for about $750, and tops out with the IN400, which is a fairly substantial machine, rated well by Consumer Reports, that sells for about $1500.

The Z Series starts with another basic design in the Z8 and finishes with the Z700--take a deep breath before you get on.

It Provides Zee Inspiration

Sitting in the middle of the Z Series lineup, though, is the Spirit Z100, and it's a good indication of what Spirit considers necessary for general fitness and intense training alike.

It's equipped with a 3.0CHP motor for speeds up to 12MPH, has a running surface of 20x55" on 2.75" rollers, a cushioned deck that elevates to 15%, and a 2-ply treadbelt. 

Additionally, it features speed and elevation controls in the handles, is fitted with speakers, and incorporates a folding design.

Although the Inspire IN400, at about $100 less, has many of the same features as the Z100, its weight capacity, speed, and programming features are more limited, and, more importantly, its warranty is considerably shorter.

The warranty for the Z Series is for 30 years on the motor, lifetime on the frame, 5 years on parts, and 1 year on labor, while on the Inspire Series the warranty covers the motor for 10 years, lifetime on the frame, 2 years on parts, and 1 year on labor.