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Last Updated: September 2, 2023
Since 2001, Matrix Fitness has been coming out with fitness equipment worldwide. They are based in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and are owned by Johnson Health Tech. Their equipment is commonly found in commercial settings like gyms, as well as in the home.
Matrix is one of the leading companies in exercise equipment and the “world’s fastest-growing commercial fitness brand”. They work to bring the same high quality found in their gym equipment to their home equipment as well.
What To Expect From Matrix Treadmills
Whenever we step on a treadmill from Matrix, we’re impressed with the solid, durable design. We also really like that each treadmill comes with different console options at purchase. That way you can decide which console is best for you based on your workout and entertainment preferences, and also your budget.
I really like the XIR and XUR displays because they’re iFit enabled, have several preloaded apps, web browsing, diverse onboard workout programs like Virtual Active and Sprint 8, and they also have an HDMI plugin to keep your streaming options endless. The XR console is very straightforward and will display your metrics. The basic display is lower-tech than the other options but is still great for hopping on and getting in a good workout.
The premium and mid-range consoles are also iFit enabled, so if you’re a member you can log in and choose from the extensive list of trainer-led classes and enjoy features like SmartAdjust. I really like that an iFit membership isn’t required to access all of the other functions on these consoles.
No matter which console you choose, however, you’ll be sure to take home a high-end, functional treadmill. We also really like that Matrix offers a lifetime warranty for the frame, motor, and cushioning on all of their treadmills, too.
Matrix’s Folding Treadmills
The foldable treadmills at Matrix fold up to almost 90 degrees to give you extra space when they’re not in use. With either the TF30 or TF50, you’ll get a solid treadmill that features a convenient, slim continuous handle that you can grip anywhere. This is great, especially if you have balance issues.
The Ultimate Deck System cushioning on these treadmills feels firm but offers great absorption. The steel frame and uprights also make them very sturdy and keep the console in place. Both options have a quiet 3.25 HP DC motor that handles running and heavy use well.
Matrix TF50 Treadmill
The Matrix TF50 comes with 4 different display options that vary in entertainment choices and screen sizes. No matter which you choose, you’ll be able to do all kinds of training on the TF50.
The 20” x 60” running surface and 400 lb weight capacity accommodate all levels of training as well as users of all sizes. In our testing, we have found that 60” is typically long enough for most runners to comfortably run and sprint on without sacrificing their stride or form.
Something to consider is that this treadmill weighs 346 lbs, so moving it is a bit challenging even though it has transportation wheels. Its folding capability really helps to save space though.
Specs:
- 0% – 15% Incline
- 0.5 – 12.5 MPH Speed
- 3.25 HP DC Motor
- 400 lb Weight Capacity
- XUR, XIR, XER, and XR Display Options
- Folds up to almost 90 degrees
- 4-Wheel Transport System
- 20” x 60” Running Surface
- 81” L x 35” W x 62” H Footprint
Matrix TF30 Treadmill
The Matrix TF30 is very similar to the TF50, but it’s more compact. The running surface is 20” x 55” which is great for users with shorter running strides. Runners with long strides might have difficulty running on this size of a deck.
Another aspect to consider about the TF30 is that even though it does go up to a max 15% incline, we don’t recommend using the treadmill at this level. When at the 15% incline, we experienced some slipping of the belt and it had trouble maintaining its inputted speed. Our largest reviewer at 230 lbs had the most difficulty with this, but he found that an incline level of around 10% handled his weight better and the belt stayed at a steady speed. For further information about this, this is also discussed in the user manual.
In spite of this, we really like the TF30 and think you will, too. It has a workhorse motor, an excellent handle with unlimited grip options, and folds up to almost 90 degrees. It can also be moved if needed and comes with 3 different display options depending on your entertainment and workout preferences.
Read our review of the Matrix TF30 here.
Specs:
- 0%-15% Incline
- 0.5- 12.5 MPH Speed
- 3.25 HP DC Motor
- 350 lb Weight Capacity
- XIR, XER, and XR Display Options
- Folds up to almost 90 degrees
- 4-Wheel Transport System
- 20” x 55” Running Surface
- 77” L x 35” W x 62” H Footprint
Matrix’s Non-Folding Treadmills
The 3 non-folding treadmills from Matrix are great if you have a designated space for the treadmill to stay. They’re all pretty heavy, so moving them is challenging. Their heavy steel frame and uprights make these treadmills feel really durable and that they can last. They also feature the same handle, multiple display choices at purchase, and sturdy consoles as the folding treadmills.
These treadmills feel like ones you’d find in a gym. They’re a bit heavy so moving them around is hard, but possible because of the transport wheels on the front. The T30, T50, and T75 all have the same cushioning as the TF30 and TF50, which I’ve never experienced discomfort from running on. It’s great if you like a firm surface that has enough shock absorption to minimize the stress on your joints.
The non-folding treadmills offer options for everyone depending on how you want to use your treadmill.
Matrix T75 Treadmill
The premium T75 treadmill is a bit different than other home treadmills we’ve tested. It has a 3.0 HP AC motor that is commonly found in commercial treadmills that you’d find at your local gym. Typically, home treadmills, like all the other home treadmills from Matrix, have DC motors.
The biggest difference in performance that we noticed, is that the T75 is very quick to respond to adjustments. As soon as I add on more speed, the belt pretty much speeds up at the same time. In our experience, DC motors usually have a little bit of a lag. Because of this, the Matrix T75 is great for HIIT training.
The high-end T75 is powerful. It has a 400 lb weight capacity and a 22” x 60” running surface. We recommend it for larger users as well as users who want to train for long-distance events. It also has 4 different display options.
Specs
- 0 – 15% Incline
- 0.5-12.5 MPH Speed
- 3.0 HP AC Motor
- 400 lb Weight Capacity
- XUR, XIR, XER, and XR Display Options
- Non-Folding
- 22” x 60” Running Surface
- 79” L x 36” W x 61” H Footprint
Matrix T50 Treadmill
The T50 from Matrix also comes with 4 display choices to choose from at purchase like the T75. It has a 3.25 HP DC motor, however. The motor is quiet and can handle all kinds of use from a wide variety of users. The 20” x 60” running surface and large 400 lb weight capacity pair well with this motor size, and the steel uprights and frame make it very solid and stable to use.
Although the running surface is 2 inches narrower on the T50 than the T75, none of our reviewers have problems using this size deck. We can all run comfortably and perform exercises like skipping and sprints with ease.
The T50 also goes up to a 15% incline and 12.5 max speed so you have plenty of challenge options to work with, in your workouts.
Specs
- 0%-15% Incline
- 0.5-12.5 MPH Speed
- 3.25 HP Motor
- 400 lb Weight Capacity
- XUR, XIR, XER, and XR Display Options
- Non-Folding
- 20” x 60” Deck
- 81” L x 35” W x 62” H Footprint
Matrix T30 Treadmill
The Matrix T30 is the most compact treadmill in Matrix’s non-folding lineup. You get the choice between the XIR, XER, and XR consoles depending on how much or little entertainment you want. On the T30, you’ll also get to enjoy the same design and solid build that all of Matrix’s other treadmills offer as well.
Like the TF30, the T30 has a shorter deck at 55”, so it might not be best for runners with longer strides. It should be sufficient for walking and light jogging for most users though. It has a hearty 350 lb weight capacity and a 3.0 DC motor to handle larger users and heavy use.
The 12% max incline should be plenty sufficient for you to get in a great workout as well.
Specs
- 0%-12% Incline
- 0.5-12.5 MPH Speed
- 3.0 HP Motor
- 350 lb Weight Capacity
- XIR, XER, and XR Display Options
- Non-Folding
- 20” x 55” Deck
- 77” L x 35” W x 62” H Footprint
Other Equipment at Matrix
Matrix also offers 3 different types of exercise bikes, ellipticals, and the stair-stepping “ClimbMill”.
Pros / Cons of Matrix Fitness Treadmills
- All of Matrix’s treadmills come with different consoles to choose from at purchase.
- Matrix’s treadmills feel really solid, sturdy, and similar to a treadmill you’d find at the gym.
- The XUR, XIR, and XER displays all come with preloaded apps like Netflix and Facebook, as well as web browsing and an HDMI hookup to connect media streaming devices and phones.
- A monthly subscription isn’t required to use any of the consoles. Although, on the mid-range and premium options you can use iFit with a membership. Wifi isn’t required to use the XR console or to access the onboard workouts and programs like Sprint 8 and Virtual Active on the other consoles.
- Matrix offers a lifetime warranty for the motor, frame, and cushioning on all of their treadmills.
- There are folding and non-folding treadmills to choose from depending on your home space and need.
- All of the treadmills feature my favorite handle which is slim and offers unlimited grip options. It’s also great for those with balance issues.
- The treadmills are pretty heavy which makes them harder to move around, although this does speak to their overall high quality and durability.
- We had problems with the deck not maintaining the inputted speed on the TF30 when it was fully inclined to 15%. We don’t recommend using the treadmill at this level.
- None of the consoles have quick touch buttons to easily jump from high to low speeds/inclines.
iFit and Onboard Workout Programs
iFit can be found on the XUR, XIR, and XER displays. You can utilize iFit’s features like SmartAdjust and Active Pulse because it is integrated into these consoles. The iFit membership is only required to use iFit.
Along with onboard workout modes, these consoles also contain Sprint 8 and Virtual Active. Sprint 8 is a HIIT workout program where you can use the preset options or create your own. Virtual Active lets you explore real-life trails in the Northern Rockies and the American Northwest. A camera moves through each of the trails, and you can skip from one trail to the next. The treadmill will automatically adjust for you in all of these modes, or you can change it yourself.
Overall Rating of Matrix Treadmills:
We really appreciate that Matrix has brought their experience with creating commercial fitness equipment to users at home. You’ll notice the solid, sturdy build on all of Matrix’s home treadmills. I also really like that you can decide what kind of console you want with every treadmill.
The mid-range and high-end displays are my favorite because they give you basically unlimited entertainment choices and they come with an extensive workout lineup as well. Plus, you can simply press the green button and hop into manual mode as well.
No matter which treadmill and console you choose, you’re sure to get a well-built and easy-to-use, durable treadmill.
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