Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill Review – A Good Buy for You?
The Horizon 7.8 AT treadmill is Horizon’s premium model – and the top model in the AT series of treadmills.
These treadmills are built tougher than Horizon’s T-series models – with larger rollers, stronger motors and thicker decks.
So they’re ideal for heavy training, runners or multiple-user homes.
The 7.8 AT treadmill has some incredible features as well – including the only multi-color console in the lineup.
The 4.0 HP Rapid Sync motor responds 33% faster than other motors – which is perfect for interval training.
And the QuickDial controls let you make super-fast incline or speed changes on the fly.
So is the Horizon 7.8 AT treadmill right for you? Here’s a review of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Treadmill Specs:
Price $1799 + Click Here for Free Shipping
Motor: 4.0 HP
Incline: 0 – 15%
Speed: 0.5 – 12 MPH
Folding? Yes
User Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime on frame and motor, five years on parts; and one year on labor
Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill Review – The Pros:
Stream Studio Workouts To Your Treadmill
The Horizon 7.8 treadmill was designed specifically for streaming cardio classes. Using the Bluetooth Connectivity and media shelf, you can connect your tablet with various streaming fitness apps like Peloton or Studio.live and take fitness classes from your treadmill!
You can also integrate this treadmill with the free AFG app and use it to control your machine’s speed and incline using your tablet.
Or you can push your fitness data to your Fitbit or UnderArmour fitness apps. (Note the tablet is not included).
Rapid Sync Motor
The rapid sync motor on this treadmill responds 33% faster than other treadmills. This again makes it great to respond faster to streaming workout classes or even HIIT training workouts.
QuickDial Controls
This is a very cool feature you don’t often find on a mid-range treadmill. You can change the speed and incline using the buttons on the console. Or you can also use the QuickDial controls in front of the console.
On the right, roll the dial forward to increase speed and back to decrease speed. On the left roll the dial forward to increase incline and roll it back to decrease incline.
These are great for making super-fast changes on the fly – or keeping up with streaming classes.
Extra-Wide Deck
You get an extra-long 60 inch belt on this treadmill – plus Horizon has also widened the belt to 22 inches across (most treadmills run around 20 inches across). So you have a bit more room to stretch out and get comfortable on this treadmill.
Multi-Color Console With Media Shelf
There are a couple of different media shelves on the console. So you can store your tablet in a couple of different places on the console.
The console is also the only multi-color console in the Horizon lineup – so you can see your workout stats in full color.
Plus, with the larger screen, it’s easier to read your stats and follow along with your workout.
Another thing that people like about this treadmill is that you have extra storage space in the stability bar below the console – for your keys, remote etc.
3-Zone Cushioning
This is a pretty handy feature. There are 3 different strike zones on the deck.
The first zone in the front is the “impact zone” as it’s where your foot comes down to hit the belt – so the cushioning is quite high here. The next is the “transition zone” as it’s where you are mid-stride. So the cushioning lightens up a bit.
At the back of the deck is the “push-off” zone. This part of the deck is much firmer – since you need a firmer surface to generate more power pushing off to your next step.
This system can help you get a better overall workout that protects your joints, knees, hips and back.
Folding with Hydraulic Lift
This treadmill folds up easily with hydraulic lift to help ease the strain on your back. There are wheels on the bottom for easy movement.
Horizon 7.8 AT Review – Any Cons?
There’s not really a problem with this treadmill itself – it’s a beast of a machine. However many people don’t realize that if they use a 3rd party streaming service like Peloton or Studio.live, the treadmill doesn’t actually make the changes for you (like when the instructor tells you to speed things up or increase your incline).
You have to do it manually. This is probably why Horizon has put things in place like the QuickDial controls – so you can make fast changes to keep up with the classes.
Compare this to treadmills like the Nordictrack 1750 with iFit for example. With iFit, you can also stream classes (or run trails all over the world) and the iFit technology will actually make the changes for you.
For example, when the world trail you’re running slopes up – the incline will change automatically for you. When the class instructor of the streaming class speeds things up – the treadmill does this automatically for you.
So you don’t have to continually tap the incline or speed controls to adjust to the class or the terrain you’re running.
This isn’t a deal-breaker. It’s just something to know if you’re thinking about a streaming service with this treadmill.
Bottom Line?
The Horizon 7.8 Treadmill is an impressive machine – built like a tank with a rugged frame, strong motor and high-end construction to last you for years.
Plus it’s specifically built to give you the freedom to stream 3rd-party classes to your treadmill like Peloton or Studio.live. The Quickdial controls and Rapid Sync motor help to make sure you can make super-fast incline or speed changes on the fly.
If you’re a runner – or want to add some streaming options to your treadmill – this is a fantastic choice.
Where to Buy and Save:
You can get the new Horizon 7.8 AT with the upgraded media shelf direct from the Manufacturer here. As of this writing, they’re offering Free Shipping, which can save you about $150 – plus a special discount.
Click Here for a Special Offer on the Horizon 7.8
Related: Horizon T202 Treadmill Review – Worth Your Money?
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