AssaultRunner Pro Review | Turning Beginners to Pros

Dimensions/Storability

The AssaultRunner Pro has front transporting wheels and a rear handle for when you need to move it. The built-in handle makes moving it easier, so all you need to do is lift up the back end to engage the front wheels. Of course, lifting up the backend of a 290 lb treadmill isn’t for everyone, so make sure you know your limitations before attempting to move the Pro.

As far as moving other manual treadmills though, The Pro is a bit easier.

The AssaultRunner Pro’s dimensions are 69.9” L x 31.7” W x 64.4” H. 6’ runners will need at least 8’ ceilings to comfortably train on the AssaultRunner Pro. We have a blog post on treadmill ceiling height requirements if you want more information.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Like other manual treadmills, the AssaultRunner Pro doesn’t require electricity to use, and the console is battery-powered. When the belt starts moving, the console will turn on and start tracking your running. The AssaultRunner Elite and Pro have the same consoles, and compared to other manual treadmills, they offer a bit more functionality.

The Pro’s console tracks your time, distance, estimated calories, speed, watts, pace, and heart rate. Along with metrics tracking, the Pro’s console includes onboard workout programs. There are set intervals for Tabatas, reverse Tabatas, custom intervals, and targeted training settings.

When you’re doing interval training, a small light will turn on next to the words “rest” and “work” at the top of the console to indicate which portion of the interval you’re on.

The targeted programs let you set goals based on your time, distance, calories, and heart rate. The AssaultRunner Pro is Bluetooth-enabled to connect with a compatible heart rate tracker.

It can also connect to the Assault Fitness App to offer even more guidance and workout options. The Assault Fitness App offers challenges and programs to take whenever you want. The Assault Fitness app has programs that are meant to be taken over the course of a couple of weeks to months to progress your fitness.

Even though this is a simple console, it comes with more training options than other manual treadmills like the TrueForm Trainer.

Related: Running Barefoot on a Treadmill: The Pros, Cons, & What You Need to Know

Console

The console is easy to use and offers more functionality than most. The buttons on the left and bottom are clearly labeled.

Overall, this console is easy to see and use.

The console is fixed in place. You’ll also notice that there isn’t any storage on the console besides a ledge to place your phone. The Elite has two built-in cup holders, whereas the Pro doesn’t have a place to put your water. It’s nice to have a spot for a phone, especially if you plan to use the Assault Fitness App or Fiit App, but it would be nice to have a cup holder or two, too.

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Build Quality

As far as quality and price, the AssaultRunner Pro really appeals to the majority of people. It has a similar construction to the Elite but is less expensive. The Pro can be found in homes and gyms and is proven to be durable by its extensive use in commercial settings, like Crossfit Gyms.

So, it’s capable of handling a lot of use.

It doesn’t have quite as high of a weight capacity as other treadmills like the TrueForms, the Elite, and the Blitz, but at 350 lbs, it can handle most users.

Frame

The overall look of the Pro is similar to the previous discontinued model from Assault, the AirRunner. The Pro has an all-black design, however. The Pro is often referred to as the AirRunner because the machines are so similar.

The frame is made out of steel, and the treadmill itself weighs 290 lbs. It’s similar in weight to the Elite. These treadmills are a little lighter than other manual treadmills like the TrueForm Runner and Bells Of Steel Blitz, which weigh over 300 lbs each. The lighter weight doesn’t affect the integrity of the AssaultRunner Pro, and it is definitely stable and feels really hearty.

The uprights and handles remind me of the TrueForm Trainer. The side handles extend back to the midpoint of the deck near where you’ll be when running, so they’re well within reach for balance when you need them. The handles wrap around and connect at the front, so you can hold onto them here to get leverage when getting the belt up to speed.

Motorless

The AirRunner doesn’t have a motor. Because it doesn’t have a motor, it requires much less maintenance than electric treadmills with motors. On motorized treadmills, the belts need to be lubricated and adjusted regularly, and the motors need maintenance and can even break. The motorless design of the Pro doesn’t have electrical components that can break down.

The AssaultRunner Pro also doesn’t have a maximum speed.

Instead, you control the pace with your legs. So, rather than a motorized treadmill that sets the pace of the belt for you to keep up with, you’re in control. This means that you can run as fast as you can and want to on the Pro. You’ll also burn more calories and activate more muscles on the Pro than on a motorized treadmill.

We measured the noise of the AssaultRunner Pro and found that with a runner training, it was on par with motorized treadmills at the same speed without a runner. In some cases, it was quieter! The Pro ranged from 44 to 48 dB at 3 miles per hour and 62/63 dB at 9 miles per hour. These measurements used two runners of different heights, weights, and foot strike patterns.

The Pro is proven to be durable and commonly found in residential and commercial settings, so if you want to run marathons on it or do a lot of intervals, this one is a good pick.

Related: Most Common Treadmill Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Deck

The deck is also unique to motorized treadmills because it is curved.

The angle of the curve is the same as the AssaultRunner Elite. The belt is easy to get up to speed and up to a sprinting pace. In comparison, the TrueForm Runner and Trainer have the shallowest curvature in the deck, which makes it harder to get the belt moving.

When we compared the TrueForms to the Pro, we found that a runner required less effort to get the belt moving on the Pro. The TrueForm Treadmills encourage proper form and a midfoot strike, so if your form could use a little work, you will probably fatigue faster on these models.

The AssaultRunners are widely favored for CrossFit and speed work because they don’t require your form to be as technical. That’s why we recommend the Elite and the AssaultRunner Pro to the majority of users looking for a manual treadmill.

For newbies to manual treadmills, keep in mind that they can take some getting used to. The Pro isn’t your average treadmill that you can hop on and zone out on. It might even feel a little weird at first because controlling the belt yourself rather than keeping up a set pace is an entirely different experience.

The width of the Pro’s belt is only 17”, which can take some getting used to, too. This width is comparable to TrueForms, the Elite, and the Bells Of Steel, as well as other popular manual models. It’s more narrow than your average electric treadmill, but it’s designed to keep your body aligned and in a linear running pattern.

The length is 62”, which offers plenty of room for most running strides. So, if you want to run and sprint, pretty much anyone can on the AssaultRunner Pro.

Warranty

One noticeable difference between the AssaultRunners is that the Pro has a less extensive warranty. When you purchase the Elite, it comes with a 10-year frame and lifetime belt warranty, whereas the Pro comes with a 5-year frame and 150,000-mile belt warranty.

The belt warranty is still very impressive on the AssaultRunner Pro and definitely instills confidence in the durability of the machine. Factoring in the lower price of the Pro, it’s understandable that the warranty isn’t as long. The warranty also includes three years for moving parts.

The Pro is pretty straightforward to put together; however, you’ll probably want a hand with assembly, especially when taking it out of the box.

Manual curved treadmills profile a very unique running experience.

Related: What Makes a Good Treadmill Warranty? Key Factors to Look For

Should You Buy the AssaultRunner Pro

The AssaultRunner Pro Treadmill is our top recommendation for most people, and that’s why we’ve awarded it as the best manual treadmill overall. Whether you want to run long distances, incorporate sprints into your workouts, or use this treadmill in your CrossFit training, the Pro has a durable design that is also more friendly on your wallet than other comparable models.

This is a fully manual treadmill that requires less maintenance than motorized options and allows you to run as fast as you want and can. You set and control the pace of the belt, so you can’t outrun it. The AssaultRunner Pro can handle users up to 350 lbs and has a belt that’s good for 150,000 miles.

We love that the console is simple and battery-powered yet Bluetooth-enabled for connectivity with the Assault Fitness App and a compatible heart rate monitor. This popular treadmill is commonly found in commercial gyms and would make a great addition to your home or gym.

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AssaultRunner Pro Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

Is the AssaultRunner Pro worth it?

The AssaultRunner Pro is a well-priced manual treadmill. It has a quality construction that should last for thousands and thousands of miles. The AssaultRunner Pro has unlimited speed, doesn’t require electricity, and can support a maximum user weight of 350 lbs. The belt is promised to last 150,000 with a matching warranty.

For runners, sprinters, and other athletes the potential of the AssaultRunner Pro makes it 100% worth it.

What’s the difference between the AssaultRunner Pro and the Elite?

The AssaultRunner Elite is a commercial-grade treadmill. It has a higher weight capacity and a better belt warranty. The AssaultRunner Pro is an excellent manual treadmill and is a better option for residential users.

Is the AssaultRunner harder than running?

Yes, the AssaultRunner Pro is harder to run on than running on a motorized treadmill or running outside. The curve and the manual design of the Pro make it around 40% challenging. Manual treadmills are also reported to burn up to 30% more calories than when you perform the same workout on a motorized treadmill.

What is the AssaultRunner good for?

The AssaultRunner Pro is good for walking, running, and sprinting. In particular, it is good for athletes who need better speed capabilities than what is found on a motorized treadmill. The Pro is also good for practicing your acceleration and executing more complex speed workouts that may not be feasible on a motorized treadmill.

Can you walk on an AssaultRunner Pro?

Yes, you can walk on the AssaultRunner Pro. However, the narrower belt and burly design may not be as ideal for walking. Many users will find it overkill for only walking. But if you are walking on the Pro to supplement your sprint and run training, go for it!

Is your AssaultRunner Pro review a paid review?

This AssaultRunner Pro review is NOT a paid review. While we receive most of the products we review for free from their respective brands, we are not paid for the review. Brands are not involved in our review process. We have created our own review procedures and standards over many years.

Because we work with most home fitness brands, we can give a fair evaluation of each product instead of being biased toward only one or two. To make ends meet, we use affiliate links throughout our review. When you use one of our links to purchase a product, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

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