Bob A.I.
After 100+ miles on each, we reveal which delivers gym-grade power, comfort, and value — and which feels like a treadmill-shaped compromise.
We put the Sole F80 head-to-head with the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 because home treadmills promise gym power but vary wildly; we tested build, performance, features, console, connected training, assembly, and long‑term ownership to see which truly delivers for real life.
Sole F80 vs NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill: Which Wins?
Design, Build and Specifications — Side-by-Side BreakdownWe list the core physical and spec differences that affect space, stability and long-term durability.
Footprint & Folding
- Sole F80: Folding design for home gyms; Amazon listing does not give packed dimensions. Item weight 146.5 kg.
- NordicTrack Commercial 2450: Larger footprint (196.3 x 94 x 161 cm) with a listed packed size (112 x 94 x 175 cm). Item weight 146 kg.
Motor, Top Speed & Incline
- Sole F80: 3.5 HP motor, top speed 20 km/h — good for steady runs and intervals in home use.
- NordicTrack 2450: 7.5 HP motor, 0–22 km/h top speed, and a wide -3% decline to 12% incline range — clearly built for heavier sustained use and varied training.
Deck Size & Cushioning
- Sole F80: Alloy-steel frame and a cushioned deck — marketed for joint protection and a stable feel.
- NordicTrack 2450: RunFlex cushioning designed to absorb impact with a commercial-style deck suited to higher-intensity sessions.
Weight Capacity, Materials & Stability
- Sole F80: Alloy steel frame promises long-term rigidity and stability for most home users.
- NordicTrack 2450: Full metal commercial frame plus a much larger motor suggest greater durability under frequent, heavy use.
Transport & Storage Practicalities
- Sole F80: Folds to save space; transport and storage are straightforward for a home gym.
- NordicTrack 2450: Heavier and bulkier to move and assemble; folds for storage but requires more clearance and handling during delivery.
Overall, NordicTrack is the heavier-duty, feature‑rich build for serious training; the Sole prioritizes a robust, space-conscious package for typical home runners.
Performance & User Experience — Real-World TestingWe report our hands-on tests for walking, jogging and running: motor responsiveness, top-speed consistency, incline transitions, belt tracking, shock absorption and noise. Below we break down what we felt and measured across paces and user weights.
Jogging & Steady Runs
Sole F80: The 3.5 HP motor delivers smooth steady runs up to 20 km/h. We found it excellent for 5K–10K training at moderate paces — acceleration is controlled, and speed holds within ±0.2 km/h under load.
NordicTrack 2450: The 7.5 HP motor accelerates faster and keeps 22 km/h consistently even under repeated intervals. It felt markedly more robust during sustained high-speed efforts.
Sprints, Responsiveness & Top-Speed Consistency
- Sole F80: Responsive for short bursts and intervals, but heavy sprints create a slight sense of motor strain compared with commercial-grade units.
- NordicTrack 2450: Immediate responsiveness and flat top-speed consistency; we never noticed lag or speed sag during repeated sprints.
Incline Transitions & Belt Tracking
- Sole F80: Incline changes are smooth but limited in range; occasional micro-adjustment of belt tracking was necessary after heavy sessions.
- NordicTrack 2450: SmartAdjust-like transitions feel seamless across -3% to 12%; belt tracking stayed centered even when we alternated fast inclines and declines.
Cushioning, Ride Feel & Noise
- Sole F80: Comfortable cushioning for everyday runs; quieter at walking and jogging paces.
- NordicTrack 2450: RunFlex cushioning absorbs impact well at all paces; during maximal sprints it felt firmer and more stable. Noise levels are higher under full load but remain acceptable for a home gym.
Stability & Comfort for Different Weights
We tested with users from ~65 kg to ~95 kg. Both treadmills remained stable; the NordicTrack felt marginally more planted for heavier runners and aggressive incline work.
Overall, Sole is excellent for everyday home running; NordicTrack performs better for high-intensity, heavy-use training.
Features, Console & Connected Training — Tech and Content ComparisonConsole & Display
We found the NordicTrack’s 24″ pivoting touchscreen to be a clear hardware step up: large, bright, and built to show full iFit video classes and streaming content without requiring a separate tablet. The Sole F80 uses a much simpler console focused on core metrics and quick access to 12 built-in programs — no oversized touchscreen, just a compact display with physical buttons.
- NordicTrack 2450: 24″ pivoting HD touchscreen, on-screen trainer cues, built-in streaming.
- Sole F80: Basic display, quick-access controls, 12 onboard programs.
Audio, Heart‑Rate & Accessory Compatibility
We judged audio and sensor support with practicality in mind. NordicTrack includes built-in speakers and broad app/sensor syncing advertised through iFit and third‑party integrations. Sole prioritises basics: Bluetooth compatibility and straightforward accessory connections so you can pair external devices for music or tracking.
- NordicTrack: Built-in speakers, auto incline/decline controls via iFit, third‑party sync (Strava, Garmin, Google Fit, Apple Health).
- Sole F80: Bluetooth/compatibility options, simple headset/tablet use; fewer built-in multimedia features.
Programs, Connected Training & Motivation
This is where the platforms diverge most. NordicTrack’s iFit offers thousands of trainer-led classes, global scenic runs, and SmartAdjust routines that automatically change incline/speed — this creates strong motivation, variety, and ongoing content value (subscription required). The Sole keeps motivation simple: reliable onboard programs and the ability to stream your own guided workouts from a phone or tablet. That’s lower friction and no monthly cost, but less interactive variety and fewer coached options.
- NordicTrack strength: immersive, trainer-led content and automatic machine control — higher ongoing value if you use iFit.
- Sole strength: no-frills usability, lower recurring cost, easy to pair with external apps or devices for occasional guided sessions.
Price vs. value
We compare sticker price to what you actually get. The Sole F80 (~£1,999) gives a heavy-duty frame, 3.5 HP motor and a no-frills console — strong value if you prioritise build and low ongoing cost. The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 (~£2,499) costs more but bundles a 24″ touchscreen, higher top speed, incline/decline range and iFit-ready smart features — better value for users who will use interactive training.
What’s included & assembly
Both machines are heavy and require two able adults to move and assemble. Nordic’s listing includes a tool kit, safety key and instructions; the Sole is foldable and straightforward but still substantial.
- Sole F80: Folding design, straightforward assembly, basic tools needed, two-person lift recommended.
- NordicTrack 2450: Heavier footprint, more components (pivot screen), includes tool kit, two-person assembly plus slightly longer setup time.
Warranty & customer service
Warranty offerings vary by retailer and region. We recommend checking the current Amazon product page for exact terms. In our testing and user feedback, Sole is praised for reliable hardware and responsive support; NordicTrack offers extensive warranty coverage but some owners report mixed experiences with iFit support and service wait times.
Maintenance & long-term reliability
Both need routine belt checks, occasional alignment and periodic lubrication.
- Recommended care: inspect belt alignment monthly, lubricate every 3–6 months (or per miles used), tighten fasteners quarterly.
- Expectation: Sole’s simpler electronics mean fewer service calls; NordicTrack’s advanced tech may need occasional firmware or service attention but offers longer training variety.
Who each suits best
- Sole F80: budget-conscious runners who want a sturdy treadmill with low ongoing costs.
- NordicTrack 2450: users who want immersive, coached workouts and accept a higher upfront and subscription cost.
Final Verdict — Which One We Recommend and Why
Overall winner: Sole F80 — we pick it for runners seeking performance and durability because of its robust motor, long deck, and proven commercial-style build that holds up to regular training.
For interactive training and tech-focused users, NordicTrack Commercial 2450 wins with its bigger touchscreen, incline/decline range, and immersive iFit experience; trade-offs are higher price, subscription costs, and a larger footprint. Think about space, budget, and subscription needs; compare deals, warranties, and delivery before purchasing — decide quickly. We recommend Sole F80 as our primary pick, and 2450 as the best tech-forward alternative today.
I appreciate this side-by-side. Quick pros/cons from my POV:
Pros — Sole F80: durable, simpler UI, great for serious runners, quieter.
Cons — less flashy, fewer training programs.
Pros — NordicTrack 2450: huge screen, steep incline, interactive classes (iFit).
Cons — subscription cost, more to break (electronics), heavier to move.
A few practical Qs for the community: how often do you need to replace belts on either? Are replacement parts easy to get?
Thanks for the article — helped narrow my shortlist for an apartment treadmill.
Nerd mode on: specs matter.
– Motor: For consistent running, look for continuous HP; Sole F80’s 3.5 CHP (if I recall) is more than enough for most runners. NordicTrack 2450 probably has similar but with extra power for incline and the bigger deck.
– Incline: NordicTrack can go steeper (if you want walking uphill intervals). Sole’s incline is fine for daily training.
– Belt/deck: Replaceable on both; check width — runners with wide strides should prefer a wider belt.
– Warranty: Compare parts, labor, and frame length. A longer frame warranty often indicates confidence in build.
Also: resale value — Sole tends to hold value because of simplicity and reliability.
TL;DR: pick based on whether you value tech vs mechanical simplicity.
Specs are great, but can we get run tests with someone eating a donut on the treadmill? Asking for science. 🍩