Horizon Elite T9 Treadmill: Features, Drawbacks and Specifications (2023 Updated)

Man regulating speed on modern treadmill

Photo by Julia Larson

By Simon Gould

The Horizon Elite T9 is the flagship treadmill of the Horizon range. It features all of the exclusive technologies they’ve come up with to help improve your fitness and enjoyment. With the T9 you have no excuses when it comes to getting a good run and what’s more it’s folding which is unusual for a higher end treadmill.

The T9 has a deck that is thicker than the lower models and this will help it last longer. The belt on the deck is 2 ply and prewaxed. Horizon say this requires far less maintenance than if it wasn’t prewaxed. I would still keep up a regular maintenance schedule if it was mine just to make sure you get peak performance from the treadmill.

The belt has 3 zone cushioning because Horizon understand that you land at the front and push off from the back, so this deck helps support you as you go. There are the usual touches that I like to see like a water bottle holder to hydrate you as needed during exercise. Speakers built into the console keep you entertained and there’s a tablet rack. Further details are in the review below.

The top speed is 12 mph and the incline goes up to 15%. These are standard for a high end treadmill. The top speed is the same as running at 5 minutes per mile. This will be ok for nearly every runner especially someone who’s looking to lose weight or wants weight management. The incline allows you to vary your runs and use the workout programs to their best.

Features

+ 2 Years Labor Warranty – All the other Horizon treadmills have 1 year labor. It’s right that the Elite T9 has 2 years because it should at the price range, but it’s still good it’s there. It’s only a little more expensive than the previous model and that had 1 year. The T9 is quite a step up from that and it’s still under $2,000.

+ Wi-Fi Enabled & USB Port – You have no excuses when it comes to getting your workout data when you have wi-fi and a USB port. Horizon have made something called ViaFit which enables you to share the data among friends and see nice graphs of your runs and how you’re progressing over time. This gives you further motivation to strive forward.

+ Energy Saver Mode – Treadmills don’t actually use that much electricity. It still comes from the same outlet as your other appliances. But if the unit is idle for 15 minutes then it goes into energy saver mode and you save using any power you don’t need. This is rather like PC but you get it on this treadmill and it’s never a bad thing.

+ 10″ Touch Console – This is the best feature. Not only is the console large but it’s a touch screen. You choose your settings on the screen rather like health club treadmills and they cost thousands. There are buttons just in case but if you’re used to using a tablet or smartphone you’ll feel right at home using this console while you exercise.

+ Virtual Active Destinations – This uses the screen of the console. It displays real life locations around the world which move along as you run. These courses come preloaded into the console and include Northern Rockies and American Southwest. They adjust to match the speed and intensity of your run. You can buy more courses from the Passport section of the Horizon website.

+ 2.4″ Roller Size – This is the size of both the front and the back of the deck. Usually you find the back one smaller. Big rollers make a difference to how long the motor will last. They need less revolutions when they are bigger. The T9 has the biggest in Horizons line up so you know you’re getting the best from this treadmill.

+ Infinity Deck & Belt – Another one of Horizons exclusive technologies. Infinity deck is part of the cushioning system and more than the 3 zone feature. Treadmills are known to be easier on the joints than running outside and the T9 makes it even more so with their special deck. You can train with confidence that this run is easier than running outside.

+ 44 Workout Programs – This Elite T9 has far more variety than the lower model in the Horizon treadmill line up. My favorite is always the heart rate ones. They change your speed to make sure it stays at the correct amount. It reads this from the included Polar heart rate chest strap. I also like the “fitness test” program which gives you a score based on your fitness.

Drawbacks

 2.75 CHP Motor – We should start seeing motors with at least 3.0 CHP at this price range. Cheap treadmills have motors that can only take walkers and sometimes joggers. The Elite T9 can handle more due to it’s digital drive motor but I’d like it to be higher. The motor is a very important part of the machine so you want a good one.

 Virtual Active Workouts Are Optional – The additional locations you can have for running are not free. You still get the 2 supplied. The additional ones come in packs and cost $99 each, if it’s something you enjoy then it’s something you may want to go for. It certainly gives your workouts new meaning when you’re running through glamorous destinations.

Specifications

ModelHorizon Elite T9
FoldingYes
Motor2.75 CHP
Running Surface20″ x 60″
Display10″ Touch Console
DimensionsL 77″ x W 36″ x H 60″
Max User Weight350 lbs
Workout Programs44
Speed0.5 to 12 mph
Incline0% to 15%
WarrantyLifetime: Frame & Motor
5 Years: Parts
2 Years: Labor

Review summary

I enjoy reviewing treadmills like the T9, it has so many features for the money that I could write far more. At $1,899 it’s definitely one to go for. The technology it has surpasses this treadmill from a lot of the competition at this price range. No where else have I seen a feature where you can exercise virtually in famous places. It’s the console that does it all.

To have a touch console at under $2,000 is a bit special. I’ve only seen them on some commercial treadmill but it’s here on the T9. With a 2 year labor warranty you can be sure the treadmill will last. I also like the range of workout programs compared to the lower models. If you need a treadmill for the home and have been meaning to buy one, and if this is in your price range, then it might just be ideal.

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