Reebok ZR14 Treadmill Review

The ZR14 is the top of the range treadmill in Reebok’s new ‘ZR’ range of fitness equipment. The ‘ZR’ series is following on from considerable success of the  ‘Z’ series of machines that have taken the market by storm since their launch in 2010/2011. It’s worth noting that the original Z series of treadmills were very much aimed at the entry level home treadmill market, but with the ZR14 treadmill, Reebok are entering the premium end of the market! So, does it stack up? Let’s find out!

The very first thing that a buyer of this treadmill will notice when it’s delivered to them is that the box weighs a whopping 150kg! Like many of the treadmills in this price range, it’s definitely best suited for those planning to have the treadmill on a ground floor, as the box simply won’t be going up staircases with tight bends in them.

Most premium treadmills require a couple of hours of assembly. Not so with the ZR14! Reebok have continued the design concept of their entry level machines in which the product is 95% pre-assembled in the box it ships in all the way to the ZR14. Assembly is just a case of putting the uprights and console into position, securing with a few bolts and screws and putting on some plastic covers. In all, it only takes a few minutes.

The ZR14 is a serious looking running machine and we couldn’t wait to jump on and give it a test! Our expectations were high as the specs on paper are quite impressive. The treadmill is powered by a 3 horsepower continuous duty motor, which coupled with the big rollers (rear ones are a giant 3 inches in diameter!) result in a machine that is both smooth and also quiet in comparison to some machines we’ve tested in this price range.

The ZR14 treadmill has a top speed of a 22 kph (13.7 mph), which is more than enough for even the most serious runners and there is also a 15 levels of powered incline, which is relatively standard for machines.

The running deck itself is roomy and like all the machines in Reebok’s ‘ZR’ series, features cushioning derived from the ZigTech technology used in Reebok shoes. Putting aside the complicated science, the effect of the cushioning is to provide extra impact absorption at the point of heel impact on the deck compared to normal treadmills, whilst providing a firmer surface to push off  from further down the deck. Running on the ZR14 is certainly a nice experience and we can confirm that the running deck has a really good feel about it.

The console on the ZR14 has a different layout to the lower models in the range with a nice, large LCD display at its centre. This screen is large enough to provide all the key workout information simultaneously without needing to squint whilst running!

In terms of programs, the ZR14 is pretty much the same as its smaller siblings in the range: jam packed!  There are 24 preset ones whose speed and incline profiles are printed right on the console itself  and each one can be used for a use-defined duration. There are 3 target programs where you set the target time, distance or calories and the speed and incline is controlled manually. For the serious runners that wish to design custom programs to suit their specific training needs, there is a facility to define and save 3 such programs. Whilst this functionality is also available on the smaller ‘ZR’ machines, this top of the range model provides one-touch buttons on the console to access each of them.

We’re pleased to see heart rate control functionality on the Reebok ZR14 and the console has a built in Polar compatible wireless heart rate receiver (chest strap optional extra) to support this. Whilst HRC functionality should be standard on machines at this sort of price point, it’s surprising a number of machines from other brands seem to be lacking this crucial feature.

The Reebok ZR14 treadmill has a folding deck that safely locks into position (and reduces the machine’s footprint by a fair bit when folded) and has a soft-drop feature for unfolding and there are transport wheels for moving the machine around. Given the weight of the constructed machine is 130kg, we would recommend moving it around too often!

The warranty on the ZR14 is Reebok’s standard 2 years parts and labour. Given the build quality of the machine we tested, we think it’s built to last!