The Horizon Paragon 408 treadmill is a good quality, no-nonsense machine. It's a bit like the quiet kid in class - does everything really well but doesn't make a fuss about it so can sometimes go unnoticed next to its noisy classmates.
Okay, that's enough of the creative writing course lesson - what about the treadmill?
It has a good sized running deck that is larger than many machines in this price bracket. The variable cushioning gives the deck a soft and comfortable feel which is important if you're planning to spend long periods training on it.
The 2.25 HP Digital Drive motor delivers a very quiet and smooth ride which easily shifts the belt up to speeds of 12mph - more than enough for most runners. The motor is covered for life by Horizon's guarantee which demonstrates their confidence in it!
We know a number of users with this model who have really put it through its paces and as yet no one has experienced any problems with them - a sign of a good quality build and design.
The console is very well designed and looks great without being flashy and over complex. It's extremely easy to use, we didn't need to consult the user manual once, with 4 backlit LCD displays, a lap track and one touch controls for a quick change if necessary - see below.
When it comes to programmes it doesn't have as many as some of its rivals, but the 8 it does have covers all the variation you'll need to get fit. For instance, it has a hill run, race mode and a heart controlled programme to keep you in the fat burning zone. You can measure your heart rate with either the hand grips or with a chest strap in conjunction with the built-in polar chip.
If you've got a long running stride the handles are a good length that will allow you to steady yourself if you need a drink at top speed or take your pulse rate without kicking the motor cover at the front. There are also speed and incline controls on the handles so you can alter settings without interfering with your stride too much.
An almost unique feature of the Paragon 408 is that arrives in easy to handle, lightweight parts. This makes it so much easier to assemble, and if you wished, to install upstairs as its only the running deck that would require any effort to move. This may seem a small point but if the location for its use is some distance from the door it can make a big difference.
Once assembled it's very easy to move as it has built-in transport wheels and smooth folding mechanism.
The only real negative we could find was it looks. Some of the team thought it looked a bit dull and uninspiring, whereas others felt it was quite stylish - well we know what they say about beauty. Anyway, never mind the looks feel the quality!
It comes with an excellent warranty for this price bracket, easily better than a number of its rivals. It has lifetime on the frame AND motor, plus 3 years on site parts and labour.
Available in UK for £799 from Inspire Fitness
Best UK Price Specification
Pros and Cons Reviewers Ratings
In brief:
The Horizon Paragon 408 is the epitome of a no-nonsense, quality machine that delivers exactly what you want day-in day-out without a fuss. It's everything that a treadmill should be without any distracting gimmicks or fancy bits that can go wrong. Yes it does look a bit dull compared to its rivals but this machine's strengths lie in its reliability and build quality. The programmes are varied enough to keep you motivated and therefore get you fit - which is exactly why you buy a treadmill in the first place! In short - it's a safe buy with a great warranty that delivers what it promises.
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Horizon Paragon 408 Treadmill - Technical Bits
User reviews will follow after the technical information.
Specifications:
- 2.25 HP Digital Drive motor
- 4 window LCD backlit display with lap track - see below
- 8 pre-set programmes including heart rate control
- Chest heart rate monitor compatible
- 51 x 140 cm walking/running surface
- Cushioned deck to reduce impact
- Maximum user weight 159kg (350 lbs - that's 25 stone!)
Dimensions:
- 189 (L) x 90 (W) x 129 (H) cm floor
- 88 (L) x 90 (W) x 185 (H) cm folded
Horizon Paragon 408 treadmill console
Horizon Paragon 408 Treadmill - User Reviews
The Pros:
A wide comfortable running deck.
Very easy to assemble.
Easy to move around thanks to the built-in wheels.
A good range of practical programmes to keep you motivated.
The quiet motor.
The long handles with speed and incline controls.
Its very reliable.
Excellent warranty.
The Cons:
It does look a bit dull compared to other machines.
No training software such as iFit.
Horizon Paragon 408 Ratings
Power
Appearance
Running Area
Comfort
Reliability
Noise
Ease of use
Controls
Warranty
Value for Money
OVERALL RATING
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- 8
- 7
- 8
- 8
- 9
- 8
- 8.5
- 8.5
- 9
- 8.5
= 82.5%
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Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table
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