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UPDATE: The Bowflex TreadClimber series is no longer available. But, check out the Bowflex Max Trainers for their latest and greatest calorie-burning options.
The original Bowflex TreadClimber was first released in 2003, and has since progressed through numerous bestselling designs to arrive at the most recent TC100 and TC200 machines.
Also known as the ‘WalkTC’ collection, each model is a combination of treadmill, stairclimber, and elliptical trainer, which Bowflex report burns more calories than a treadmill at the equivalent belt speeds.
So how does the dual Treadle system actually work, and does the TreadClimber really represent the best choice of fitness equipment for your own home gym?
In this guide we’ll be summarising the advantages and disadvantages of each model, complete with how the technology actually works and how you can use coupons to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
We’ve also included some in-depth TreadClimber reviews for the TC100 and TC200 models, complete with comparisons, to help you decide on the best option for your budget and fitness goals.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC200
Review rating:
The TC200 is the latest top-of-the-line TreadClimber from Bowflex, with a total of 5 preset workout programs and a variety of achievements on offer. This includes rewards for your current workout (Fastest 3 miles, Every 100 calories burned), as well as for maintaining your new fitness routine (Worked out 3 days in a row, Worked out 5 days in a row, etc.).
Although entertainment options are still kept to a minimum, you do now have a media shelf, which is something that wasn’t available on either the TC20 or TC10. This lets you position your smart device (smartphone/tablet) in clear view during your workout, and also within range of the USB charging port.
The same USB port can be used for transferring your workout data between the console and your BowflexConnect profile. Because the TC200 supports up to 4 users, this makes it much more suitable for family environments, or where more than 2 people want to track improvements in the performance.
Compared to the TC100, you’re getting larger Treadles for increased comfort, a wider choice of workout programs, more user profiles, and a higher maximum belt speed. But are the upgrades really enough to justify the difference in price, or could you see the same workout benefits from the TC100?
- Resistance levels: 12
- Workout programs: 5
- Backlit LCD: Yes
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years
- User profiles: 4
- Heart rate monitoring: Touch and telemetry
- G.O. Coach program: Yes
- Belt speed: 0.5 – 4.5 mph
- Footprint: 55″L x 31.5″W
In our full review we take a closer look at the design features, console functions, workout programs, assembly process, warranty, and customer reviews to help you decide if this is the best TreadClimber for your own home workouts. You can also use the link below to check the best price, including any discounts.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC100
Review rating:
As an upgrade to the earlier TC10 TreadClimber, the TC100 offers a longer warranty period, more user profiles, and the new feature of being able to monitor your heart rate via built-in touch sensors.
You also benefit from having the same media shelf and USB charging port as the TC200 model, allowing you to sync workout data to your BowflexConnect profile online.
Unfortunately you don’t have the same choice of programs, with none of the goal setting or interval training workouts that you get by upgrading to the TC200. This also means the console is much more limited in its range of features, with no quick-select workout buttons and a more limited display of workout feedback.
Now that the new collection (TC100 and TC200) has been released, it’s become increasingly difficult to find a TC10 (some refurbished models still available). This isn’t something we’re particularly surprised at, given the level of upgrades seen in the TC100 and fact that the two machines are almost identical in price.
But is the entry level TC100 really your best option, or should you invest the extra money in the top-of-the-line TC200?
- Resistance levels: 12
- Workout programs: 1
- Backlit LCD: Yes
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years
- User profiles: 2
- Heart rate monitoring: Touch only
- G.O. Coach program:
- Belt speed: 0.4 – 4.0 mph
- Footprint: 31.5″W x 57″L
This is one of the questions we answer in our full review by making a complete comparison with the TC200. We also take more of an in-depth look at the design features, workout programs, heart rate monitoring, and console functions.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC20
Review rating:
Until the release of the TC200, the TC20 was Bowflex’s top-of-the-line TreadClimber, featuring the highest belt speed of 4.5 mph, the longest warranty coverage (3 years), and 12 resistance levels via the Hydraulic Cylinders.
The number of user profiles has also doubled since the earlier TC10 model, which means it can now track weekly workout progress for up to two people via the G.O. Coach program.
At 300 lbs, the weight capacity remains unchanged, but there is a slight increase in product weight. The TC20 still weighs less than half of what the Star Trac TreadClimbers do, and features a carry handle / transport wheel combination that makes transport a little easier.
For the first time in the Bowflex TreadClimber collection, the console can also receive a signal from a wireless heart rate chest strap. Although there are no touch sensors built into the handles, this gives you the option to keep track of your heart rate directly via the console, which was one of the key features missing from the TC10 and TC5.
- Resistance levels: 12
- Functions: 5
- Backlit LCD: Yes
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years
- User profiles: 2
- Heart rate monitoring: Yes
- G.O. Coach program: Yes
- Belt speed: 0.4 – 4.5 mph
- Footprint: 55″ (L) x 31.25″ (W)
Bowflex TreadClimber TC10
Review rating:
As with the earlier TC5 model, the TC10 TreadClimber can be inclined up to 40% using the dual Treadle system, which helps to increase the rate at which you burn calories.
However, in upgrading from the TC5 Bowflex actually decided to lower the maximum belt speed to 4 mph. This serves to make the TC20 more attractive because of its 4.5 mph belt speed, but considering the difference in price we wouldn’t advise basing your decision on this difference alone.
After the TC5 was discontinued, the TC10 became Bowflex’s entry level TreadClimber, yet still offers a weekly fitness tracking program called G.O. (Goal Oriented) Coach.
When you combine this with the 3-in-1 motion of the Treadles, you can still benefit from the same low-impact workout as the top-of-the-line TC20, but won’t have access to quite the same range of workout goals.
Another of the innovative features that was introduced with the TC10 is user profiles, which wasn’t an option on the TC5. This means you can enter your body weight and store your progress towards each week’s 90-minute workout duration goal.
If you do choose to buy the TC10 you should know that there’s no heart rate monitoring, either via touch sensors on the handles or a telemetry chest strap. This is a feature that’s only available on the TC20.
But due to the shorter Treadles, the footprint is slightly smaller, with around 5″ saved on the length. This is considerably shorter than the Star Trac TreadClimbers, which we’ll be comparing later in the guide.
- Resistance levels: 12
- Functions: 4
- Backlit LCD: No
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
- User profiles: 1
- Heart rate monitoring: No
- G.O. Coach program: Yes
- Belt speed: 0.4 – 4.0 mph
- Footprint: 50.6″ (L) x 30.3″ (W)
For more information on the G.O. Coach workout program, design features, warranty, maintenance routine, and more, it’s worth having a read of our in-depth review.
Bowflex TC5 (Discontinued)

The TC5 was Bowflex’s entry level TreadClimber until it was discontinued to focus on development of the TC10 and TC20.
As you might expect from an entry level machine, the features were fairly basic, and there was none of the G.O. Coach goal setting options like you get with the most recent models.
One similarity we found between traditional treadmills and the Walk TC TreadClimber is that the highest belt speed is the same on the TC5 as it is on the top-of-the-line TC20. This is why we were surprised to see it drop to a maximum of 4 mph on the TC10.
Warranty coverage isn’t up to the same standard as modern TreadClimbers, and there’s no way of monitoring your heart rate.
Although the footprint is compact, this comes as a result of having shorter Treadles, which is a feature Bowflex carried through onto the TC10. While they’re certainly long enough to support walking workouts for most user heights, anyone over 6ft tall will find the longer Treadles of the TC20 are a better fit for their natural stride.
When it was available, the TC5 offered a short but useful list of workout feedback, which was limited to the number of calories burned, time, speed, and distance. If you take a look at the most modern TC20 design, you’ll notice this has now been extended to include heart rate via the signal received from a wireless chest strap.
- Resistance levels: 1
- Functions: 4
- Backlit LCD: No
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
- User profiles: 0
- Heart rate monitoring: No
- G.O. Coach program: No
- Belt speed: 0.4 – 4.5 mph
- Footprint: 43″ (L) x 27″ (W)
Overall, despite being the most affordable of the Bowflex TreadClimbers, the TC5 offered limited workout variation, no performance tracking, and offered no target setting motivation for achieving your goals.
It remained popular due to providing the same low-impact stride motion as the higher priced models, but was eventually discontinued to make way for the higher-specced TC10 and TC20.
Bowflex TC6000 (Discontinued)

The TC6000 TreadClimber was created with the highest specification, featuring heart rate monitoring, an intuitive console menu, and 12 workout intensity levels via the set of Hydraulic Cylinders.
This is actually the only one of the Walk TC TreadClimbers to include the Bowflex Advantage Key, which allowed you to track your workouts and fitness progress.
The console also let you create up to 5 user profiles, each of which could store more information than the profiles on the TC10 and TC20. This includes age, weight, target weight, height, and gender.
Even the workout programs became more advanced than the earlier TC models, with 12 different exercise routines to choose from, each of which offered a unique speed setting profile that automatically adjusted the belt speed as you moved between different segments.
This is much more similar to the workouts we’ve seen on treadmills and elliptical trainers, where the program profile is displayed in a ‘grid’ section of the display.
In terms of what these workouts had to offer, you were prompted to define ‘High Speed’ and ‘Low Speed’ limits, which would then be used in your chosen program.
This level of workout variation and customization is something we would have loved to see on earlier TreadClimber models, but agree that it was more important to make the majority of machines available at a more affordable price point.
After choosing from the manual, Plateau (steady state cardio), Cross Training (Endurance), Interval, and Distance based programs, you could follow your progress via the display screen. You could even create and store up to 2 custom programs per user (10 in total).
- Resistance levels: 12
- Functions: 18
- Backlit LCD: Yes
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: Motor: 5 years, Electronics and Parts: 3 years, Hydraulics: 2 years, Labor: 1 year
- User profiles: 5
- Heart rate monitoring: Yes
- G.O. Coach program: No, but does include Bowflex Advantage.
- Belt speed: 4.5 mph
- Footprint: 63″ (L) x 32″ (W)
So not only did the TC6000 offer by far the greatest level of workout variation and highest number of user profiles, it also included a fitness test, Heart Rate Control program, and the ability to track your performance over time using Bowflex Advantage.
The user manual also featured the Bowflex TreadClimber Body Leanness program. But all of these added features resulted in a larger footprint, higher price tag, and heavier product weight.
Despite being one of our top 2 favorite TreadClimbers (the TC20 being the other), the TC6000 isn’t available through the Bowflex website directly. We did manage to find a small number of remanufactured models for around $2400, but it’s certainly more difficult to find than the most recent TC10 and TC20 designs.
Bowflex TC5500 (Discontinued)

As one of the top-of-the-line Walk TC TreadClimbers, the TC5500 offered several important upgrades over the earlier TC5000 model, including an increased number of user profiles and landmark workout programs.
With the TC5000, you had a limited selection of workout programs to choose from, and could only really create your own Stair-Stepper and Treadmill workouts by entering your weight and setting the intensity level.
When designing the console for the TC5500, Bowflex improved upon the basic feedback of time, distance, calories burned, and elevation by allowing you to create personal user profiles.
These profiles meant you could maintain a record of your workout results and compare your fitness goals with those of other user profiles. After achieving these goals, you also gained access to a completely new feature called ‘Landmark Programs’.
- Resistance levels: 12
- Functions: 5
- Backlit LCD: Yes
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: Motor: 5 years, Parts: 3 years, Electronics: 3 years, Hydraulics: 2 years
- User profiles: 4
- Heart rate monitoring: Yes
- G.O. Coach program: Yes
- Belt speed: 4.5 mph
- Footprint: 55″ (L) x 31.5″ (W)
These were related to the G.O. Coach program, whereby you would set a weekly goal for the distance, duration, or number of calories burned, then watch as the console illuminated different segments of 3 landmarks on the screen.
Initially you start off with just 3 of these workout programs, but for added motivation, you can unlock an additional 6 landmark programs as you achieve your weekly goals.
This is one of the features that was also included in the most recent Bowflex TreadClimber – the TC20, which is the current top-of-the-line model and offers many of the same benefits as the now discontinued TC5500.
Bowflex TC5000 (Discontinued)
The TC5000 was designed as an upgrade to the TC3000, with additional features such as heart rate monitoring, and an increase to the motor, parts, and hydraulics warranties.
But because the resistance levels still require manual adjustment, it’s difficult to provide the same level of upgrades that we see with elliptical and treadmill collections.
After reviewing hundreds of these machines over the past few years, we found that the console is where you will find the greatest differences. This is where you’ll notice changes in the number of workout programs, entertainment options, and quality of performance tracking.
With the TC5000 TreadClimber, although the added ‘climb indicator’ feature provided some extra workout motivation, there was still no option to setup user profiles. There was also no increase in the number of goal setting workout programs, and the maximum belt speed remained the same as the earlier model (4 mph).
G.O. Coach (Bowflex’s Goal Oriented fitness goal program) didn’t become available until the TC10 was released, and continues to be a feature of the top-of-the-line TC20, with an increased number of goal setting options.
You may still be able to buy a second hand TC5000 on sites like Ebay and occasionally Amazon, but the TC10 and TC20 are now the only models listed on the official Bowflex website.
- Resistance levels: 12
- Functions: 8
- Backlit LCD: No
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years motor, 3 years parts, 2 years hydraulics
- User profiles: 1
- Heart rate monitoring: Yes
- G.O. Coach program: No
- Belt speed: 0.7 – 4.0 mph
- Footprint: 46″ (L) x 28.5″ (W)
You can find out more information about the stride motion, warranty, assembly, and fitness benefits of this model in our full review. We’ve also included a link to the product listing on Amazon if you want to check the price and current availability.
Bowflex TC3000 (Discontinued)

The TC3000 was one of the first TreadClimbers produced by Bowflex, which was meant as an upgrade of the entry level TC1000 model.
Discontinued in 2011, this featured a similar footprint to the TC5 due to the shorter Treadles and a lack of step at the back of the machine (seen on the Star Trac models).
The Hydraulic Cylinders that controlled the stepping motion were actually very similar to those used on the current top-of-the-line TC20 model, with 12 intensity settings and a 40% incline range.
There were further similarities at the console, with a user profile that stored your body weight, and three types of workout program: Treadmill, Stair Stepper, and TreadClimber.
Heart rate monitoring wasn’t available, but it did feature on the upgraded TC5000 model if you were wearing a telemetry chest strap, which is the same way it works on the TC20.
The warranty for the TC3000 wasn’t bad either, with 3 years on the motor, 2 years on parts and electronics, and 1 year on the hydraulics. But it did face tough competition from the Nautilus Mobia, which featured what we found to be a much more aesthetically pleasing design.
- Resistance levels: 12
- Functions: 6
- Backlit LCD: No
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years motor, 2 years parts, 1 years hydraulics
- User profiles: 1
- Heart rate monitoring: No
- G.O. Coach program: No
- Belt speed: 0.7 – 4.0 mph
- Footprint: 46″ (L) x 28.5″ (W)
Although the walking motion and Treadle movement was actually almost identical, the Hydraulic Cylinders were encased within protective covers, leaving just the dial accessible for manually setting the intensity level.
However, despite offering a 52″ track, heart rate monitoring, and being backed with a study by Adelphi University into its efficiency at burning calories, the Mobia was also discontinued (more on this below).
Bowflex TC1000 (Discontinued)

The Bowflex TC1000 was their very first TreadClimber, which was released in 2003 but discontinued along with the TC3000 in 2011 to make way for the newest series, which includes the TC5, TC10, and TC20 models.
As with most of their other TreadClimbers, the TC1000 featured 12 intensity levels, a 300 lb weight capacity, and compact footprint (46″ L x 28.5″ W) due to the shorter Treadle length.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the belt speed was limited to 0.5 – 3.8 mph, which is the lowest of all the models. The console also lacked many of the features offered by the TC3000 and TC5000 models, such as heart rate monitoring, elevation tracking, and even a display for the number of calories burned.
Despite having much more limited workout feedback, no entertainment options, and support for just one user, this was Bowflex’s most affordable design, and proved incredibly popular when it was released.
- Resistance levels: 12
- Functions: 3
- Backlit LCD: No
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
- User profiles: 0
- Heart rate monitoring: No
- G.O. Coach program: No
- Belt speed: 3.8 mph
- Footprint: 46″ (L) x 28.5″ (W)
Over a decade on and the features don’t look quite as impressive or ground breaking as they once were, but the modern TC10 and TC20 models show significant improvement in the level of goal setting and console functions on offer.
Although the TC1000 is no longer available through the official Bowflex website, we’ve seen several online stores with remanufactured models available. Unfortunately they’re not normally covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. You can also find some second-hand models on sites like Ebay.
Nautilus Mobia (Discontinued)

Despite being released in 2009, the Mobia was discontinued just 2 years later in 2011, as Nautilus switched production to their Walk TC collection of TreadClimbers.
That’s because although Nautilus produce their own line of fitness equipment, they’re also the parent company for other well known fitness brands such as Bowflex, Schwinn, and Universal.
The truth is, the Nautilus Mobia offered many of the same features as the Bowflex TC3000, including a maximum belt speed of 4 mph, and choice of 12 intensity levels.
It’s this combination of resistance, belt speed, and incline gradient created by the Treadles that made the Mobia such an efficient machine for low impact cardio workouts. But the features were too similar to the newly developed Bowflex collection, which proved a more popular design.
The console was incredibly simple, with an intuitive button layout and complete control over changes in belt speed, as the Mobia offered no preset workout programs.
- Resistance levels: 12
- Functions: 5
- Backlit LCD: No
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
- User profiles: 0
- Heart rate monitoring: Yes
- G.O. Coach program: No
- Belt speed: 4 mph
- Footprint: 52″ (L) x 28″ (W)
That’s because the Mobia was created by a company called Frog Design, Inc, who are a different team of designers to the ones who worked on the Bowflex TreadClimbers.
Founded in 1969, Frog Design have a long history of designing technology with a modern aesthetic appeal, which really shines through with the clean, ergonomic design of the Mobia. It’s a look we actually prefer over the Bowflex and Star Trac machines.
This was also one of the earliest TreadClimber designs to offer heart rate monitoring, with much of the same feedback as the modern TC20 design. Feedback such as calories burned, pulse, distance, and speed, but there were no user profiles and no option to set weekly fitness goals.
How does the TreadClimber work?
The TreadClimber is designed to combine the benefits of a treadmill, stairclimber, and elliptical trainer into a single machine.
At the base you have a design similar to the running deck on a treadmill, with belts that rotate around rollers to a top speed of 3.5 – 4.5 mph, depending on the model.
The main difference is that with a treadmill or Incline Trainer, the running deck is a single unit, whereas the TreadClimber uses two belts wrapped around something called Treadles.
By splitting the belt like this it allows the Treadles a freedom of movement that’s unique to the TreadClimber, where they can move independently of one another and create a lower impact workout.
The belt speed is actually the only function you have control of via the console, and although the Treadles can operate at an incline of up to 40%, this is something you need to set manually, prior to starting your workout.
Towards the front of the machine you have two Hydraulic Cylinders, with one end attached to the frame, and the other attached to the Treadle. By rotating the dial at the top of each cylinder, you can influence the degree of vertical motion you would like the Treadles to move through.
Each of the Bowflex TreadClimbers has 12 settings to choose from, with setting 1 limiting the Treadle movement to just a few inches, and setting 12 offering the most challenging workout and widest range of motion.
When combined with the various belt speed settings, this allows you to create a low impact, steady state cardio routine that burns a higher number of calories than a treadmill (based on the equivalent belt speed).
But something that the TreadClimber does not support is running. Even with the longer Treadles that are available on the top-of-the-line TC20 model, you’re not getting the belt speed needed to create high intensity interval (HIIT) workouts, or build up to a full running stride.
It’s this walking motion and responsive dual Treadle system that combine to provide the low impact benefits of an elliptical trainer, with less stress being placed on your joints and lower back.
In terms of safety, the TreadClimber inherits most of its features from a treadmill, with hand rails on either side for stability, and a safety key connecting an item of clothing to the console.
Despite the lower belt speeds, in the event of a fall or moving too far from the console, this causes the safety key to detach and the belts to come to a controlled stop.
History of the Bowflex TreadClimber
As a company, Bowflex have been a leader in the fitness equipment industry since 1986, but didn’t release its first TreadClimber until 2003, which was the TC1000.
Over the course of the next decade they designed an additional 8 models as part of an iterative process which saw improvements made to the Treadles, console functions, workout programs, and warranty coverage. Each model combined features from a treadmill, elliptical, and stair climber in the same machine, with inclines of up to 40%.
But as with companies like NordicTrack, not all models remained in production at the same time, and by 2011 there were just 3 models available directly from Bowflex: the TC5, TC10, and TC20.
By 2014 the TC5 had also been decommissioned to leave just two of the more advanced models available, at a time when Bowflex were also focussed on releasing and promoting the Max Trainer, their newest line of home fitness machines.
The TreadClimber is designed to support low-impact, walking workouts, but thanks to the adjustable motion of the Treadles, can still be used to create high intensity fitness routines. The TC6000 model even offered interval training and heart rate control workouts based on the machine’s ability to automatically adjust the belt speed.
By releasing the Max Trainer M3 and M5 models, Bowflex was now able to provide high intensity interval training, resulting in a higher number of calories burned in a shorter amount of time, all for a more affordable price.
So to summarise, although both types of equipment offer effective low impact workouts, if you’re looking for high intensity intervals and are short on time, we recommend the Max Trainer. However, if you prefer steady state cardio without the sudden increase and decrease of intensity level, the TreadClimber would be the better machine for you.
TreadClimber technology
There have been numerous versions of the Bowflex TreadClimber in recent years. But entertainment features continue to take a back seat to creating a more affordable and effective workout experience.
This was true even when we reviewed the top-of-the-line TC20. Entertainment features and personalized workout options didn’t come close to what we’ve seen on NordicTrack ellipticals and treadmills.
Unfortunately, because the TreadClimber is essentially its own type of fitness equipment, it’s difficult to draw many direct comparisons.
Treadmills and elliptical machines often have more preset workout programs due to the power incline and higher belt speeds. This is what makes interval training, hill climbs, and heart rate control workouts possible.
Even on the best TreadClimber the belt speed is capped at 4.5 mph. There’s a manual incline and heart rate monitoring, but no pulse tracking workout.
Even more basic options, like MP3/iPod connectivity don’t appear to be a priority. Browsing the internet and checking social media is also reserved for modern treadmills, exercise bikes, and ellipticals.
The TC10 TreadClimber doesn’t even offer any storage for MP3 players or smartphones. This changes with the TC20, thanks to a redesign of the console to integrate two storage areas.
Bowflex TreadClimbers are also unable to support workout tracking.
Bowflex TreadClimber vs. Max Trainer
Until recently, workout tracking wasn’t something that Bowflex offered on any of their fitness equipment. This changed with the release of the Max Trainer M5.
The M5 lets you connect to the Max Trainer app on your phone, to sync your data after each workout. This gives you a useful overview of your recent progress, and can even be synced with a MyFitnessPal account.
Bowflex also developed a personal fitness tracker, called Bowflex Boost, which tracks everyday activities like walking, running, and even lifting. It even allows you to set calorie, step, and distance targets, with a clear summary of your activity. Sleep patterns can also be monitored on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
Goal setting is something that’s available on the TC10 and TC20 TreadClimbers via the G.O. Coach program.
We could certainly see how Bowflex could integrate workout tracking into an upgraded TreadClimber. It’s a feature we would love to see in the future, together with an automated way of adjusting the incline.
Bowflex vs. Star Trac TreadClimbers
Bowflex may be the better known name in the home fitness industry, but they aren’t the only company making TreadClimbers.
Based in Virginia, USA, Star Trac specialize in creating distinctive and motivational commercial fitness equipment for facilities around the world. This includes everything from group and strength training machines through to traditional cardio equipment like treadmills, and of course TreadClimbers.
So, how are Star Trac treadclimbers different to the Bowflex designs, and which company represents better value for money?
Comparison: TreadClimber vs. Star Trac E-TCi

One of the most noticeable differences between the E-TCi and the Bowflex TreadClimbers is the size. The Star Trac model weighs close to 500 lbs more than the top-of-the-line TC20.
Not only is the E-TCi a heavier machine, it also features a larger footprint of 83″ (L) x 36″ (W). The main reason for this added length is the step up at the back of the machine. This makes it easier to step from the floor onto the Treadles.
You’ve also got a larger console at the front, which adds to both the height and length of the E-TCi.
So what can you expect from the entertainment options?
Watching TV, movies, and listening to workout music
In our Bowflex TreadClimber reviews we compare NordicTrack’s Elite ellipticals with their Commercial treadmills. That’s because the two couldn’t be more different in terms of entertainment features.
Many NordicTrack machines offer a full color touch screen console, but some top-end models also include a 15″ HDTV. This can be used to watch TV, movies, and Blu-Ray/DVDs.
It’s something we would like to see on an upgraded Bowflex model, but Star Trac have beaten them to it. A 15.6″ HD Personal Viewing Screen is attached to the front of their top-of-the-line E-TCi.
Not only that, but you also have iPod connectivity with music and video support, for a more enjoyable workout.
Entertainment options aside, the Star Trac TreadClimbers have another design feature we would love to see on a Bowflex model. This is the option to control the elevation of the Treadles using controls on their ‘Hot Bar’.
The E-TCi has a whole host of additional features which we talk about more in our full review. This includes the personalized workout programs and adjustable cooling fans.
But if you’re making a comparison with the Bowflex TreadClimbers, it’s worth remembering the difference in price.
Comparison: TreadClimber vs. Star Trac E-TC

The most affordable TreadClimber in the Star Trac collection is the E-TC. The 700 lb product weight is lower than the top-of-the-line E-TCi, and both have a 350 lb weight capacity.
Footprint dimensions are the same too, measuring 83″ (L) x 36″ (W). Unfortunately, you lose the Personal Viewing Screen and iPod connectivity, reducing the height by around 14″.
One reason the E-TC has proven popular with commercial gyms is that the console is pre-wired for the E-Series PVS. This makes it easier to upgrade the entertainment options in the future if needed.
Polar telemetry heart rate monitoring is also available on both the Bowflex TC20 and Star Trac E-TC. The difference being that Star Trac TreadClimbers also have contact heart rate grips built into the handles.
Both TreadClimber collections are built around the same key feature of dual ramping decks (Treadles). The main advantage with Star Trac being that you adjust the ramp elevation using controls on the console.
This feature isn’t available on any of the Bowflex machines. Instead, you need to adjust the range of Treadle motion manually, using a dial on top of the Hydraulic Cylinders.
Warranty, belt speed, and resistance
Despite their commercial design, the Star Trac and Bowflex TreadClimbers have a very similar warranty. The Bowflex TC5000 even offers an additional year of parts coverage, compared to the Star Trac E-TC.
Despite the difference in price, the Bowflex models have a wider belt speed range than the Star Trac machines. The E-TC and E-TCi range from 0.5 to 4.0 mph, compared with 0.5 to 4.5 mph for Bowflex (TC20).
Bowflex also offer more resistance levels, with 12 intensity settings in place of the 5 built into Star Trac machines.
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We go to great lengths to ensure that our reviews are completely comprehensive, usually covering everything from the design features to the warranty coverage and exercise options. This is all to help guide you towards the home gym equipment that’s best suited to your goals and budget, whilst also being the highest quality option in your chosen price range.