Precor is regarded as one of the best manufacturers of treadmills of the home. Their approach is offer quality rather than lots of add-ons. The Precor 9.23 is built with this philosophy of quality over frills approach. This needs to be kept in mind while we look at whether it is worthwhile getting the Precor 9.23.
Precor 9.23 Treadmill Specifications
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Top Speed: 12 mph
- Incline: 15%
- Number of Pre-Set Programs: 6
- Warranties: 5 Year Parts, 1 Year Labor
- Motor Size: 3.0 Horsepower
- Machine Weight: 227 lbs
- Running Area: 20″ by 57″
The Pros
Quality Components: The first thing many people comment on when they first open up the box at their home is how well-made the parts are. Even those who have not bought a treadmill before are able to see that they have been made to last a long time, and not fall a part in a years time.
You do find that a lot of treadmills made for the home do make quality concessions, but the Precor 9.23 it seems to have incorporated the quality of gym machines. You get the impression it can handle high levels of hard training.
Less expensive machines tend to be made from cheaper materials, and even though Precor is a bit more highly priced than these cheaper models it can stand up to the rigors of exercise much better.
Straightforward To Put Together: Just about all home treadmills will require some assembly (it helps with shipping costs). Some are easier than others. Normally one that can be assembled in less than 2 hours is regarded as good. However, with the Precor 9.23 it can usually be put together in just about an hour.
The screw holes and pieces line up nicely and make it all fit together easily. There is none of misalignment you get with some of the cheaper models where it seems they weren’t made to go together. It seems when it comes to assembling a treadmill there are no better.
Little Maintenance Required: It seems the high level of quality of the parts used in the Precor 9.23 means there is very little maintenance needed. It includes a strong belt, running deck and motor that can pretty much stand up to any level of use, almost as if it was being used in a gym.
Warranty: The machine comes with a length warranty, which appears to indicate that Precor are confident that the Precor 9.23 is made to last. It comes with a 5 year parts warrant and 1 year labor warranty. Over time you could save yourself some money by buying this machine rather than one of those cheaper ones.
Running surface: Many home treadmills have smaller running areas. It helps to save on cost and also saves on the room needed to house the machine. These small belts can cramp your running style and may make it to fully relax into your running, because you are concerned about over reaching the area and coming off the back of the treadmill.
With the Precor 9.23 you get a full size belt as used in gym models. It may take up some additional room at home but you do get a much better running experience. The additional space needed isn’t that much more than other machines, so you should be able to fit into the same place as those models with smaller running area.
Users of the machine remark on how stable the frame is when it is in use with little or no vibration or wobble. This probably because of the quality of the parts used resulting in a solidly built treadmill that is made to last.
Running Deck. When you are serious about your running you need to take good care of your joints, feet and legs. The impact of running puts a lot of strain on your joints, and this can cause injuries and other problems. You can take care of your joints when running by using thick, soft sole shoes to absorb the impact. With treadmills it is how soft the running deck is that can safeguard your joints. According to customer reviews the Precor 9.23 has a high quality soft running deck that will help look after your joints when exercising.
Noise: Or more correctly the lack of it. When you use a treadmill at home, the noise it generates when in use can be major concern, as it can disturb other members of house and next door neighbors (if you are in an apartment building). It appears from our research of reviews this is a very quiet machine and you can even watch TV as you exercise if you want.
The Cons
6 Pre-set Programs: The Precor 9.23 comes with just 6 pre-set programs which you my find limiting and if you want more you will need to look elsewhere. This lack of programs does not have an impact on running experience and most people this isn’t that big a deal. The programs included are interval, manual, weight loss, walk, fun run and hill climb.
Weight: This is a heavy machine which can make it difficult to more around and you might need to be careful if you want to put it on the 2nd floor or above. The weight is because it has been built to be stable and durable. It is this strength of build that causing this concern.
Sound: Today, many people want to be able to listen to music through speakers on their treadmill. Unfortunately, the Precor 9.23 does not come with this option. If you want to listen to music while you exercise you’ll have to either listen to your personal MP3 player or set up an audio system in the room where you have your treadmill.
Lack Of Technology: The Precor does not come with the latest gadgets you see on other models. It does not come with a touch screen for changing settings and reading progress that you see on other manufacturers treadmills like the LifeSpan TR1200i
Should You Buy The Precor 9.23 Treadmill?
The customer ratings of the Precor 9.23 show that is one of the best treadmills available. If you really want all the extras like speakers, pre-set programs etc then it probably isn’t the treadmill for you. But if you want a treadmill that well made, performs well, gives a great running experience and can stand up to the pounding then this treadmill is a winner…
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