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Bowflex Treadclimber Model Comparison

Model	Price	Speed Range	Functions	Features	Warranty
Bowflex TreadClimber TC6000	$3,499.00 or $53/mo.	0.5 - 4.5 mph	12 Functions: Including Manual, Plateau, Cross Training, Intervals, The Brooklyn Bridge, The Golden Gate Bridge, and Heart Rate Control	Calories Burned Indicator, Quick Start Feature, Climb Indicator, Bowflex Advantage, Wireless Heart Rate Monitor	5 years.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000	$2,499.00 or $38/mo.	0.7 - 4.0 mph	Speed, Distance, Total Steps, Time, Calories per Minute, Total Calories, Climb Indicator and Heart Rate. Wireless Heart Rate Monitor included.	Calories Burned Indicator, Quick Start Feature, Climb Indicator, Ergonomic Console	5 years.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC3000	2,099.00 or $32/mo.	0.7 - 4.0 mph	Speed, Distance, Time, Calories per Minute, Total Calories and Total Steps	Calories Burned Indicator, Ergonomic Console	3 years.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC1000	$1,299.00 or $20/mo.	0.5 - 3.8 mph	Speed, Distance and Time	None.	1 year.

Check out the complete article and find out what makes each Bowflex Treadclimber different from the other.

If you are unfamiliar with the basic function of a treadclimber then here it is. A treadclimber is the perfect combonation of three very popular and prove effective workout machines. They are the elliptical trainer, the stair climber and the treadmill. Picture a treadmill that is divided in half down the middle in such a way as each of your feet have their own individual moving mat to walk on. Now imagine of you will that each one of these two mats has the ability to rise up and down in a slow rhythmic pattern.

The effect that is created is much the same as the effect of stairs rising out of the bottom of an escalator when you first step on it. So, in the same way as you walk on a treadmill but don't go anywhere the independent runners on the treadclimber rise and fall like stairs that don't take you up. The combined effect that is created is much like climbing a set of stairs only without the energy expenditure that would be required to climb an actual set of stairs.

Remember the principles of a cardio workout are to mimic any number of natural movements such as those on a rowing machine while eliminating the force that would be required in a more natural setting. This is why twenty minutes on a rowing machine is possible yet five five minutes of heavy rowing on a real boat would leave a person on the verge of collapse. So, a Bowflex treadclimber allows you the benefit of all the movements and functions of actually climbing a set of stairs without the heavy muscle exertion that climbing an actual set of stairs would require.

Perhaps you have heard of a stair stepper? They are simple and relativly inexpensive pieces of exercise equipment that provide the same up and down stair stepping motion in a stationary fashion. That is that they don't provide the simultaneous treadmill effect that a Bowflex treadclimber does. So, why not use a stair stepper that can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of treadclimber? The reason is simple and that is that stair steppers are boring to use and don't allow for comfortable free flowing walking leg movement. People buy them, use them for a week or two and then store them in their garage until they have a garage sale.

The Bowflex TC1000 and TC3000

The Bowflex TC1000 and TC3000 are the exact same machines in form and function. Same size, same weight, same everything. Their differences are located in the features and convenience options that each machine comes with in their consoles. Another obvious difference between these two models of treadclimber are cost, with the TC1000 sporting a price tag of $1400 and the TC3000 coming in at $1799. Lets call it $1800.

Basic Stats on Both Machines

• 28.5 inches wide by 46 inches long
• One year warranty on the TC 1000 motor / two years on parts and electronics
• Three year warranty on the TC3000 motor / two years on parts and electronics
• 300 pound maximum weight tolerance for both machines
• Total weight of each machine is 185 pounds
• Six week trial period on both machines Return shipping not included
• Both machines U.S. made as is all Bowflex equipment
• Speed range TC1000 (.5 - 3.8) miles per hour
• Speed range TC3000 (.7 - 4.0) miles per hour
• Auto-stop safety key feature (both machines)
• Side By Side Comparison TC 1000 and the TC 3000

Both of these machines are made from the same high carbon steel that Bowflex has been using on all its machines and exercise equipment since it first began manufacturing Nautilus fitness equipment over thirty years ago. They also have boarding platforms on each side of them to make getting on and off a breeze. If you have ever attempted to get on a treadmill while it is running you may now how awkward it can be. These platforms completely eliminate that, by allowing you to mount the machine from either side.

While the TC1000 has three basic readouts on the console, speed, distance and time. The TC3000 has a total of six, with the addition of calories burned, calories per minute and total steps taken. Also, the TC3000 offers a more advanced console that includes a water bottle holder, magazine rack and a place to keep your cell phone. Both the TC1000 and the TC 3000 also have multiple resistance adjustment capacity but you have to get off the machine to access it.

The Bowflex TC5000 Treadclimber

It is several added features that set the Bowflex TC5000 treadclimber apart from the TC 3000. Other than that it is the exact same machine with the exact same console, only with a higher price tag at $2199. (Lets call it $2200). So, what are these added features and are they worth the $400 extra that they cost? To start with, a heart rate display and climb indicator bring the total number of features displayed on the console up to eight from the six on the TC 3000. Also, because of the added functions displayed on the TC 5000 console it comes with a three year warranty on electronics.

The Bowflex TC5300 Treadclimber

This machine is very different from the TC1000, the TC 3000 and the TC5000, which all were the original series of Bowflex treadclimbers. The first difference that is well worth noting is the price which comes in $500 higher than the TC5000. This treadclimber is also a larger and heavier machine as well. So, for someone who is looking for a machine that is wider, taller and heavier then the first three models of Bowflex treadclimbers, this would be one to consider. The TC5300 also features an adjustable LCD display monitor on its console.

Basic Stats on the TC5300

• 63 inches long / 32 inches wide / 61 inches high
• Maximum user weight 300 pounds
• Total weight of machine 350 pounds
• Machine speed (.05 4.5) miles per hour
• 5 year warranty on motor / 3 year parts and electronics / 2 year hydraulics
• Same 8 functions as the TC5000

Bowflex TC6000 Treadclimber

The TC6000 is the very latest addition to the Bowflex line of treadmills and comes with a hefty price tag of $3400, which is no small change. So, is it worth the extra money or are the extras that this machine carries with it just whistles and bells. To start with, this is the biggest and heaviest Bowflex treadclimber made. It weighs in at a whopping 350 pounds but still only accommodates a person weighing no more than 300 pounds which is surprising. This is because its total dimensions are larger too.

It does have some added features that the other Bowflex tradclimber machines don't. For instance, it easily switches over to simple treadmill or stair climber function. However; it is important to note that the machines top speed is 4.5 mph, which is far slower that most treadmills that can go up to 10 mph. So, this means that you will be able to do no more then walk in this function. Definitely no trotting or running. The TC6000 also has a longer walking deck, so there is plenty of foot room for this function.

Along with the larger feature console it also comes with new ergonomic hand grips with a built in finger operated key pad. This means that you can do things such as adjust your speed without having to take your hand off the grip. Also, a full 18 electronic functions that are displayed on its LCD console screen bring into play new personal training features, such as five separate fitness tests. Of course, the 18 features is the original eight included in the TC5300 with ten more added on top.

The TC6000 comes with a cordless heart monitor that functions just like the other Bowflex machines that have this function. “ A wrap around chest strap”. Of course, it also comes with the same automatic key operated shut off feature as well. Another thing that this machine shares in common with other Bowflex machines is that you must stop and get off to adjust the level of resistance with knobs on the back. For someone who wants to adjust resistance in mid stride this can be a bit of a convenience. However for the person who wants a solid and reliable mechanism that will last, its what this machine has.

Many people who have seen this new machine have expressed disappointment that Bowflex didn't come up with an electronic system for adjusting resistance that is available on the console. After all, there are other less expensive brands of treadclimbers that do have it on their consoles. The truth, is that Bowflex could have easily made the switch but just like the other brands that have it, it would have by nature been a far more delicate system that in time would inevitably be prone to break downs.

Basic Stats on the TC6000

• 63” long / 32” wide / 61” high
• Total weight of machine 350 pounds
• Maximum user weight 300 pounds
• Five year warranty motor / 3 years parts and electronics / 2 year hydraulics
• Speed .05 – 4.5 mph
• Standard treadmill or stair climber function
• 18 total electronic functions
• 6 week trail period satisfaction guarantee

Final Summary on Bowflex Treadclimbers

You don't have to shop around long to find less expensive treadclimbers then the five models Bowflex has to offer. This particular holds true for the TC6000, which holds the unique distinction as being the most expensive treadclimber now available on the market. So, are they worth it? Thats a decision that you are going to have to make for yourself, because durability statistics are just too hard to come by. The reason for this is simple and that that is that treadclimbers just haven't been around that long.

Comparing warranties can also be deceiving. All makes of treadclimbers have them and for some reason they are all almost exactly the same. However; be aware that you have to pay for shipping to send your machine in to be repaired. With the TC6000 weighing in at 350 pounds this can be a bit of a problem. Personally, I don't know why Bowflex didn't give longer warranty periods for this machine in particular, because after all it really is the Rolls Royce of treadclimbers.

In my opinion you won't ever be using your warranties anyway, because these are solidly built top quality machines. Perhaps in years to come, more comparative information on the durability of the various makes and models of treadclimbers on the market will begin to be developed. I have tried each machine that I have covered in this review and found all to be smooth running, solidly constructed machines that were a pleasure to use.

However; while some people may make use of all the features, all I need is a bottle of water and some good music when I work. I did make some use of the miles walked on the treadmill option and floors climbed function on the TC 6000. Also, while the TC6000 does come with wheels, it weighs 350 pounds which makes moving it a task comparable to moving a refrigerator.