DKN RunTech A Treadmill Review

The DKN brand is synonymous with quality treadmills in the mid-priced segment. We came across the RunTech A and noticed from the specifications and price that this wasn’t another mid-market treadmill from DKN, but something rather different.  We were intrigued enough to give the machine a full review.

Assembly of the RunTech A treadmill was fairly straight forward in comparison with many higher end machines, but we’ve been told by DKN that they’re selling machine in the UK market with a full on white glove delivery and assembly service. So, for any readers purchasing one of these,  the work is removed completely!

First impressions of the machine were that this is a hardcore running machine that’s rock solid and built to take some pounding! The overall design of the RunTech A is the first (of many) things that has impressed us. The machine is fitted with an oversized 51cm (20″) by 146 cm (57.5″) running deck that’d be perfectly sized for pretty much any height runner, but the unit as a whole doesn’t look & feel as imposing as other premium treadmills. In fact, when folded, the floor footprint of the machine is only 81 cm long by 89 cm wide (though you’d need an extra 40 cm of to take the overhang of the deck).

At the heart of this treadmill is a 2.5 horsepower continuous duty AC motor. This is rather special, as pretty much all domestic treadmills are fitted with DC motors and AC motors are normally only found on commercial treadmills aimed at the being used in gyms. There is a simple reason that gyms use treadmills with AC motors: They’re brush-less and as a result have one less component that wears with usage! It seems clear that DKN have chosen components on this treadmill that are a cut-above!

As soon as the machine is turned on, the difference is noticeable and we can confirm that the AC lump under the bonnet of RunTech A is one of the quietest treadmill motors we’ve come across! Not only that, a bit of testing with the quick keys on the console confirms that it’s quite responsive to speed changes, making it very suitable for those interested in interval training.

Most importantly, what’s it actually like to run on? This is where it’s clear that DKN have really got it right. The plush 3.3 mm think orthopaedic belt, the roomy running deck and decent cushioning system result in a running experience that is superb! The deck feels soft enough to have noticeable shock impact absorption, but without feeling too soft to make road running after training too much of a shock.

Like most similarly priced treadmills, there are 15 levels of electronically controlled incline on offer, but it should be noted that at the lowest setting, the deck is actually on a very slight (around 2 degrees) incline. There are two schools of thought on this characteristic: The first (which DKN seem to have adopted) is that a slight incline is equivalent to running on the road on flat as there is no wind resistance when running on a treadmill and the alternative thinking that a fully flat deck can still achieve that by the user selecting a slight incline.

So, we’ve established that the RunTech A model from DKN does a great job as a running machine, but does the console stack up as a premium running machine? In the middle of the console, there’s a clear 7.5″ blue backlit LCD display with dedicated segments for key statistics like speed and incline. We were pleased to see the facility to set up two user profiles (age, gender, weight, height) on this console, just like all the ‘normal’ DKN treadmills. This is a nice feature as it results in workout statistics such as calorie consumption to be more accurate.

For easy manual control, the console offers 10 ‘quick keys’ for setting each of speed and incline with additional handlebar controls for small adjustments. In addition to a manual control mode which works as a simple target times, distance and calories programme with the user controlling the speed and incline, there are 24 pre-set programmes on available on the RunTech A, the first 12 of which have their speed and incline profiles printed right on the console. As with all programmes on this DKN, each can be used for a user-determined duration. There are 3 user defined programmes for the ultimate in personalised programming as well as heart rate control. As you’d expect of any treadmill at this sort of price point, the console has a standard wireless heart rate receiver built in, which works with any un-coded Polar compatible chest strap.

It’s difficult not to notice the the little button on the console with a bluetooth symbol on it. We’re delighted to see that the RunTech A treadmill is tablet compatible and can be used with both of DKN’s free apps: DKN Run and DKN iWorld. The former turns the tablet into the user interface for the machine and enhances the standard console functions, whilst the iWorld app enables route planning using google maps data and being able to monitor progress using various google earth views, including street view! Both of these apps are able to run in the background of the tablet and carry on controlling the treadmill and recording performance metrics whilst the tablet is running another app (social media / a film etc.)

The folding mechanism is simple to use and the self locking latch has a re-assuring ‘clunk’ sound to let you know that the deck is firmly secured. As you’d expect on a machine like this, there is a hydraulic lift assist / soft drop feature on the deck. In terms of moving the machine about, it’s great to see that DKN have fitted this treadmill with 4 wheels, making it easy to manoeuvre without having to tilt it.

Finally, in the unlikely event of something going wrong, the machine is covered by a two year on-site warranty.

 

Best Price

The DKN RunTech A is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

Known for their mid-market treadmills, DKN have done a very impressive job with the RunTech A and have made a dramatic entry into the premium treadmill segment. By fitting the machine with a superior and powerful AC motor and not skimping on any aspect of the machine, they've created one of the best premium home running machines on the market!

DKN RunTech A Specifications

  • 2.5 CHP AC, commercial grade motor
  • 0.8 – 22kph (0.5–13.7mph) speed range
  • 15 levels of powered incline
  • 51cm (20″) x 146cm (57.5″) running deck with ‘Progressive Shock Absorbing’ system deck
  • Dimensions in use (L x W x H): 197cm (76.6″) x 89cm (35″) x 147cm (57.8″)
  • Dimensions folded (L x W x H): 120cm (47.2″) x 89cm (35″) x 189cm (74.4″)
  • LCD console providing feedback on speed, time, distance, calorie burn, incline percentage, pulse
  • 29 programmes: 24 pre-set, 1 manual, 3 user defined, 1 heart rate control
  • 2 User Profiles (age, gender, weight, height)
  • Heart rate measurement via hand pulse sensors or a wireless receiver (chest belt has to be bought separately)
  • 150kg (330.7lbs) maximum user weight
  • 113kg (249lbs) product weight
  • Folding design (Soft drop system with self lock safety latch)
  • Extras: tablet compatibility (DKN-Run app – iPad Mini, iPad, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4 and Android tablets),  transportation wheels, emergency stop button
  • 2 years warranty

DKN RunTech A Treadmill - Console / Display Unit

DKN RunTech A Treadmill - User Reviews

The Pros

  • The quiet and responsive motor
  • The feel of the running deck
  • User profiles for accurate calorie estimates
  • Tablet compatibility

The Cons

  • No speaker or fans
DKN RunTech A Treadmill Reviewer Ratings

Power - 9.5
Appearance - 8.5
Running Area - 9
Comfort - 9
Reliability - 9
Noise - 8.5
Ease Of Use - 9
Controls - 8.5
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 9
Best Price

The DKN RunTech A is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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