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The Horizon 7.8 AT and Sole F85 are two high-end treadmills. Their differences are relatively one-sided which makes the decision easier.
Some of the main differences between the Horizon 7.8 AT and the Sole F85 are that the Sole F85 has a stronger motor, slightly higher weight limit, bigger rollers, a more extensive screen, and more built-in workout programs.
On the other hand, the main reason why you would consider the Horizon 7.8 AT is its slightly shorter machine length (but it has the same running surface size).
At the time of writing, these treadmills require a similar investment. That means you will lightly prefer the Sole F85 since it is better in most ways that matter.
You could argue that if you are really short on space, you want to go for the Horizon 7.8 AT. However, there are not many situations where the extra 6 inches (15.24 cm) will make the difference.
Most important differences Horizon 7.8 AT vs Sole F85
While these are not always the biggest differences, the Horizon 7.8 AT and the Sole F85 do vary in a few key areas. This influences what treadmill is the best choice for your personal situation.
At the same time, not all differences are equally important. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to matter to you.
| Feature | Horizon 7.8 AT | Sole F85 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 4 HP | 4.0 CHP |
| Weight Limit | 375 Pounds (170 kg) | 400 Pounds (181 kg) |
| Rollers | 60mm/46mm (2.36″/1.8″) Tapered Rollers | 2.75″/2.36″ Rollers |
| Screen | 16 Digit Alphanumeric LED And 9.3″ High Contrast Color TFT Screen | 10.1″ TFT Touch Panel + Android System |
| Color screen | A Few Colors | Yes |
| Access To Certain Apps Through Wifi | No, Only Through Your Own Devices | Yes |
| Workout Programs | 7 Preset Programs And Connects To Certain Workout Apps Like Zwift | 6 Standard Programs, 12 Custom Programs, 7 Fitness Tests, Free 30-Day Studio Trial, And Connects To Certain Workout Apps Like Zwift |
| Price Category* | $$$$$ | $$$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Other features Horizon 7.8 AT and Sole F85
In some cases, the smaller differences and common features of the Horizon 7.8 AT and the Sole F85 matter too.
| Feature | Horizon 7.8 AT | Sole F85 |
|---|---|---|
| Running Surface | 22″ x 60″ | 22″ x 60″ |
| Speed | 0.5-12 mph (19.31 kmh) | 0.5-12 mph (19.31 kmh) |
| Incline Options | 0% to 15% | 0 – 15 Levels |
| Decline Options | No | No |
| Weight | 330 Pounds (150 kg) | 308 Pounds (140 kg) |
| Dimensions | 76” L x 37” W x 64” H | 82” L x 37” W x 66” H |
| Deck Height | 8.75″ | 8″ |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Shock Absorption | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Contact Hand Grips & Included Bluetooth Chest Strap | Pulse Grip & Included Bluetooth Chest Strap |
| Bluetooth Audio Capabilities | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Fans | Yes | Yes |
| Warranties* | Lifetime Frame And Motor Warranty, 5 Years Parts Warranty, And 2 Years Labor Warranty | Lifetime Frame, Motor, And Deck Warranty, 5 Years Parts And Electronics Warranty, 2 Years Labor Warranty |
| Speed & Incline Quick Dial Controls | Yes | No |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences Horizon 7.8 AT vs Sole F85 explained
People more experienced with treadmill features will be able to make a decision between the Horizon 7.8 AT and Sole F85 after taking a look at the table of differences and the prices.
However, you may be uncertain about what certain features mean and what is generally preferred. You can find some of the more confusing differences explained in a bit more detail below.
Motor power
Treadmills are basically moving belts that allow you to run or walk while staying in the same location. An important part of this concept is the motor that moves the belt.
Treadmill motors can vary in terms of details like how much power they can generate. In turn, this influences what type of people can use the treadmill in what ways.
The Horizon 7.8 AT has a motor power of 4 HP. The Sole F85 has a motor power of 4 CHP.
This “C” stands for continuous and it is an important detail. Motors with a certain CHP are stronger than the same numbers in regular horsepower.
A general guideline is that you want a motor power of at least 3 CHP for fast running if you are an individual with an average weight. If you are somewhat heavier, your treadmill motor will have to be a bit stronger.
These things mean that both the Horizon 7.8 AT and Sole F85 can be used for fast running.
Even so, a stronger treadmill motor is still helpful because it will typically last longer in both single workouts and over time.
The more people will use the treadmill, the intenser their workout programs, and the heavier they are, the more you want to lean towards the stronger motor from the Sole F85.
Winner: Sole F85
Rollers
Another important detail of treadmills is what rollers are used. These are the turning cylinders the belt is stretched around. Rollers can vary between models in terms of things like size.
The Horizon 7.8 AT has one 60mm (2.36″) roller and one 46mm (1.8″) rollers. The rollers of the Sole F85 are a decent amount bigger with one 2.75″ roller and one 2.36″ rollers.
A rough guideline is that bigger rollers tend to be better although there is of course a limit. The first reason for this is that bigger rollers tend to cause less wear and tear on the treadmill belt and motor.
Secondly, bigger rollers tend to involve less risk of the belt slipping over the cylinders. This can be annoying so reducing the risk of this happening is helpful.
The main thing to keep in mind is that the treadmill motor needs to be strong enough with the bigger rollers.
Since the motor of the Sole F85 is relatively strong and since there are basically no customer mentions about this, you can assume that the Sole F85 does at least a decent job in this area.
Winner: Sole F85
Screen functionality
Big cardio machines like treadmills typically come with some type of screen but the quality and functionality of these can vary a lot.
The screen of the Horizon 7.8 AT is described as a 16-digit alphanumeric LED and a 9.3″ high contrast color TFT screen.
In simpler terms, these are relatively basic screens that show measurements like calories, distance, heart rate, incline, pace, speed, and time. The screen displays a few colors but you should not expect too much from it.
On the other side, the Sole F85 has a 10.1″ TFT touch panel + Android system. This is basically a tablet that can be used to access certain apps through wifi on top of showing the more standard workout measurements.
If you have your own smart device, you can still watch entertainment, browse the internet, and follow workout apps while using the Horizon 7.8 AT.
However, it is a nice addition that the Sole F85 has some of these options built in. On top of that, the Sole F85 also still has a device holder if you prefer to use your own smart device.
Winner: Sole F85
Price
So far, the Sole F85 is better than the Horizon 7.8 AT in the most important ways besides compactness of length. However, in cases like this, the price of the better treadmill can sometimes change your mind.
Exactly how much the investment required is for both treadmills depends on where you get them and can change over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the Sole F85 and Horizon 7.8 AT tend to be similar in price.
Something to note is that the Sole Studio workout app membership would require an extra investment after the initial free trial.
Even so, this is also the case if you want to use any premium workout apps in combination with the Horizon 7.8 AT.
Winner: Similar
User reviews
When deciding between the Horizon 7.8 AT and the Sole F85, the feature and price differences are helpful to get an idea of what treadmill is the best choice.
However, customer reviews sometimes uncover unexpected downsides or trends in quality issues.
How positive customers generally are about the Horizon 7.8 AT and the Sole F85 is similar but the mentions about what areas can be improved are somewhat different.
In the case of the Horizon 7.8 AT, there are some cases where parts arrive broken or people experience fast wear and tear.
For the Sole F85, customers mention that the screen is not the most high-tech. There are also a few software bugs and broken parts here and there.
Both companies can do better in terms of how fast their customer supports respond and how helpful they are.
Overall, customers are still relatively happy with the Horizon 7.8 AT and the Sole F85. At the same time, there is definitely still some room for improvement for both treadmills.
Is the Horizon 7.8 AT or Sole F85 better?
In short, the Sole F85 has a stronger motor, slightly higher weight limit, bigger rollers, a more extensive screen, and more built-in workout programs.
The main benefit the Horizon 7.8 AT has over the Sole F85 is that it has a shorter total length (not running surface) which makes it a bit more compact.
Because these treadmills are similar when it comes to price, most people will simply prefer the Sole F85.
The main exception would be individuals who want to save every inch of space they can.
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