Bowflex T16 Treadmill Review | Digitpatrox
Bowflex T16 specs
Dimensions: 77.2 x 37 x 67.6 inches (unfolded) / 48.6 x 37 x 67.6 inches (folded)
Running surface: 22 x 60 inches
Screen size: 16 inches
Weight: 293.2 pounds
Max user weight: 375 pounds
Motor: 3.5 hp
Speed range: 0.5 -12 mph
Incline: 0-15%
Connectivity: BT 4.0LE, WiFi
Bowflex’s T16 treadmill is a new unit that replaces a discontinued design that I reviewed last year, the Bowflex T10. At first glance, the T16 looks smaller in stature, though the running tread footprint is the same, and the functions packed in are actually just as varied and useful as the T10.
Is it in the running to be one of the best treadmills? Read on for my full review.
Bowflex T16 review: Price and availability
The T16 costs $2,299, but as of this writing, it is on sale for $1,999. You can buy it directly from the Bowflex website, and you can break the purchase into payments using Bowflex’s own financing system at checkout.
You’ll receive a lifetime warranty on the frame and the motor, three years on mechanical parts and one year on labor. On top of all that, you can choose a white-glove delivery and assembly option, which simplifies setup for you once this large unit arrives at your door. Prices for such services range from $199 to $349.
The JRNY app is integrated into the T16, but it does cost extra for a membership. Fortunately, you’ll get a free two-month trial at purchase to see if you like it.
Bowflex T16 review: Design
The T16 looks and feels more compact than its predecessor, the T10. But it actually includes many of the same features, not to mention several extras that blow the T10 out of the water.
My favorite new feature is the ability to pair my Apple Watch (you can also pair a Samsung watch) with just a tap. That way, all of my data is consistent, and I can see my heart rate on the screen without any added heart rate monitors.
Like the T10, the T16 features a one-button quick-start so you can hop on and get moving quickly. From there, however, the T16 adds a lot of features. The controls are much different; the QuickDial controls allow you to change the speed and incline easily and quickly, even while you’re running.
The MaxReact Drive System gets you up to speed super fast, with very little lag. And the FlexZone XL Deck System gives you plenty of space to run, not to mention a comfortable surface to help keep you injury-free.
A big, notable difference on the T16 is the massive, 16-inch touchscreen. It’s a significant upgrade from the T10’s super small screen, making it much easier to use touch controls and view movies or other entertainment options while working out.
That’s all paired with two 5-watt speakers, plus several built-in apps, including JRNY, Facebook, Kindle Reader, Instagram, YouTube, Prime Video, X, Netflix, Spotify, Weather, a web browser and even solitaire. You can customize the home screen to add or remove these apps.
The built-in entertainment system also features workout programs that include a manual mode, fat burn, hill sprint, hill climb, custom workout, distance goal, My First 5K, target heart rate incline and custom heart rate sessions.
Other nifty features include a reading rack, water bottle holders, a place for your phone or iPad, a USB-A port and two built-in fans with three speeds.
The entire unit can be moved easily thanks to the included caster wheels. They’re fairly small, which makes it difficult to go from a hardwood floor to a rug, but otherwise, the unit is much easier to move than the bulkier T10 was.
You can also raise and lower the deck for storage or ease of moving the unit around your space. The deck releases via a foot lever and soft-opens, making it safer to lower the deck.
Bowflex T16 review: Performance
I’ve now got several runs under my belt on the T16, and I can say with certainty that it is a far more refined and convenient experience to use than the T10 was. You get a sleeker package and sacrifice nothing in exchange.
For starters, I love being able to quickly pair my Apple Watch to the treadmill to ensure my data is consistent between the treadmill and my watch. With the T10, I often had mismatched data, which made training a bit confusing. I’m also able to use the heart rate monitor built into my watch rather than using another heart rate monitor that essentially does the same thing.
The other significant advantage that I absolutely love is the QuickDial Controls. These allow you to adjust speed and incline super quickly by turning the dials in front of you. This requires a light touch, however, and it’s easy to overshoot your target. Still, it’s so much faster and easier to adjust on the fly that I’ll take that trade-off.
The deck itself strikes me as slightly quieter under my footfalls, and the overall operation of the T16 sounds quieter, too. I like the soft landing of the deck; for training purposes, I don’t feel any need to re-create hard concrete or paved roads, and I much prefer a soft landing to reduce the likelihood of excess fatigue or injury.
The big, bright touchscreen is a major upgrade that I find absolutely worthwhile. It’s a much better experience watching movies or TV shows as I run, and it’s easier to see all my data at a glance.
I do, however, find touchscreens hard to use in general while I’m running and sweaty. The fan control is a touchscreen button, but I really wish it were a physical button I could essentially swat at while I’m tired and moving around while running. But the other apps make sense as touchscreen functions, and overall, it all works well.
One thing to note: the screen is not adjustable. I did find myself wishing I could raise it up or tilt it slightly, but it’s a fixed position. It’s not overly bothersome, but it would be nice. Taller runners might find themselves wishing for a taller screen adjustment.
While I love the experience of the T16 overall, I did find two things about it that I absolutely don’t like. One, the 5-watt speakers are far too quiet to be useful for watching shows or listening to music while you’re running. The sound of the treadmill and footfalls on the belt drowns out the speakers easily. I found myself pairing my earbuds instead.
And two, I wish the stop button were a large, physical button like the T10 had. The stop button on the T16 is lower-profile, which makes it harder to stop in case of an emergency or when you’re simply tired.
One minor complaint: The deck lock mechanism feels less refined than the one on the T10. I liked having the handle easily accessible at the back of the deck on the T10. As it is now, you have to reach your foot under the deck to catch the release, and it puts you off balance as the deck comes down. Fortunately, the soft-open feature makes sure you can get out of the way safely.
Bowflex T16 review: Accessories
Since the T16 includes pretty much everything you need for your workouts, there aren’t a ton of accessories to be added to it. The two that make the most sense on the Bowflex website are the Dual Mat for $99, and the Lube-n-Walk Kit for $19.99. The mat is ideal for cushioning the unit on hard surfaces and helping to prevent static build-up on carpets. And the lube kit is ideal for maintaining the moving parts of the treadmill.
Bowflex T16 review: Competition
The competition in the treadmill market is massive. Peloton, Wahoo, NordicTrack, Aviron, Horizon, TrueForm and Proform are just a few of the major names that have treadmills to compete with the Bowflex T16.
I like the Bowflex T16 because it offers a more compact design than its predecessor but doesn’t skimp on power, incline, speed, performance, or features. If you’re after a high-end, streamlined entertainment system, the T16 has made strides toward that but still suffers due to the weak speakers.
It also offers a 15% incline and a top speed of 12mph, which is slightly better than some treadmills in this price range that top out at 12% and 10mph.
Bowflex T16 review: Verdict
The T16 is a massive upgrade from its predecessor, the T10. The entertainment system is vastly improved with a bigger, brighter, and more useful touchscreen, but suffers due to the poor-quality speakers.
The controls are much improved too, making the running experience smoother, faster, and more convenient. I absolutely love being able to quickly pair my Apple Watch to the treadmill, and my wife loves the JRNY app for thorough and varied workout options.
And the overall look and feel of the T16 feels less overwhelming and bulky without sacrificing running space or useful features. It’s a solid choice for serious runners in need of a training tool with incline, a wide speed range and lots of workout and entertainment options.
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