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After creating a few of the best rowing machines on the market, Aviron has released a new cardio machine—the Aviron Victory Treadmill. Like many of Aviron’s products, it brings a unique fitness experience to your training with a ton of programs and gamified workouts at your fingertips.
While it’s built decently and offers a ton of conveniences and technological capabilities, it has stiff competition in the world of the best treadmills for a home gym from the likes of NordicTrack, Horizon, and Sole Fitness. With so much competition in the market, I have to ask: Is the Victory Treadmill worthy to enter the winner’s circle of cardio equipment?
Lead reviewer for Garage Gym Reviews Everything Lindsay Scheele, CPT, tested out Aviron’s new treadmill, and in this Aviron Victory Treadmill review, we’ll go over the pros and cons of the gamified exercise equipment. Along with that, we’ll see if this treadmill is worthy to be among the greats—and worth its price tag.
A Victory Lap for Expert Treadmill Reviews
We’ve tested quite a few treadmills since GGR’s start in 2014. Our team of testers—certified personal trainers, coaches, and competitive athletes—have collectively tested over 60 treadmills from established brands and newer companies, alike. We’re confident with our combined decades of experience to bring you expert advice and honest opinions on treadmills, rowers, exercise bikes, and other cardio fitness equipment for at-home workout enthusiasts.
Lindsay Scheele, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, has personally tested over 40 treadmills in addition to countless samples of the best cardio machines, including Aviron rowers and bikes. In accordance with our fitness equipment testing methodology, she tested the Victory Treadmill across several categories, including:
- Workout performance
- Durability and construction
- Footprint and portability
- Customizations
- Technological capabilities
- Programming
- Overall value
Along with taking a look at warranties, returns, and other customer policies, she rated each of these categories between 1 and 5. Let’s see how this gamified treadmill stacked up.
Aviron Victory Treadmill
Aviron Victory Treadmill
Product Highlights
Treadmill with gamified programming
Weight capacity of 400 lbs
Max speed of 12.5 mph
Max incline of 12%
22" HD touchscreen
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 3.5-CHP motor
- High max speed of 12.5 mph
- 400-lb user weight limit
- Gamified programming
- 22″ HD touchscreen
Cons
- Display shakes at higher speeds
- Requires a subscription for full access
Bottom Line
The Aviron Victory Treadmill is a premium treadmill with gamified running workouts to help keep users motivated and engaged during their training. With a 3.5-horsepower motor and 400-pound weight capacity, it’s a very durable treadmill, although the 22-inch touchscreen display did shake a bit at higher speeds during our in-house testing.
A Quick Look at the Aviron Victory Treadmill
Aviron got its start in 2018 with a focus on rowing machines (like the Aviron Strong Series Rower), and soon expanded with offerings including the Aviron Fit Bike and Victory Treadmill. The most obvious difference between these cardio pieces and other competitors is their focus on interactive gameplay within their workout programs, providing a fun experience for casual runners and intense athletes alike.
Along with gamified programs, Aviron offers on-demand streaming services from top platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Hulu, Spotify, and more. There’s also a robust community feature where you can participate in live competitions or compare yourself to other users—and elite runners—through leaderboards.
As far as the machine goes, it’s built to be durable with a reinforced steel construction and 400-pound user weight limit. It has a low step-up height of 4 inches as well as a cushioned deck and a sleek design, giving it a nice look and feel, overall.
Before You Buy
- If you’re looking to outfit your home gym with a few more items, you can bundle up different packages through the Aviron retail site. An extra $60 will get you their best treadmill mat, while $259 will add on the mat and a 25-pound pair of the Aviron Loadable Dumbbells.
- The Aviron Victory Treadmill comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame and drive motor as well as a 1-year limited warranty on parts and accessories. However, you’re able to upgrade to a lifetime warranty for $9 per month (available after your purchase).
- To get the most out of your Aviron Victory Treadmill, you’ll need an Aviron Membership plan. You’ll get one month free with your purchase, but costs can be as high as $29 monthly once your free trial ends.
Aviron Victory Treadmill Video Review
Is the Aviron Victory Treadmill Worth It?
“I’m pretty impressed with this treadmill from Aviron,” says Lindsay in regards to the Victory Treadmill. “It’s comfortable to run on, it’s built well—and I love the games that the programming has to offer. Competitive people like me are going to love being able to compare themselves with other people on leaderboards for different workouts.”
The regular cost might be a bit much for some folks to swallow at $3,499, but it’s currently marked down to $2,299 at the time of this writing. Even at its higher cost, we think it’s worthwhile to people looking for a higher-end product, especially given the uniqueness of the gamified training programs available through the Aviron subscription.
Lindsay rates the value of the treadmill a 4 out of 5, as it brings a lot to the table—although it won’t be everyone’s cup o’ tea. In addition to the machine costs, you’ll also need an Aviron Membership to use all of its functions. The treadmill’s also large, heavy, and doesn’t fold, making it a less-than-stellar option for someone needing a space-saving treadmill.
Furthermore, some long-time runners may not be as interested in gamified programming. If that’s the case, similarly powered treadmills can be purchased for less, like the Nordictrack Commercial 1750, which is priced under $1,500, or even the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill, which is often for sale under $1,000, well below its MSRP of $2,100.
Great for:
- Casual runners wanting to gamify their workout experience
- Home gym owners who want to stream shows during their workouts
- Heavier athletes looking for an above-standard user weight limit
Not recommended for:
- People who need compact exercise equipment for a small space
- Anyone on a budget
- Runners who aren’t looking for a lot of programming or gamified features
Aviron Victory Treadmill Specs
| Footprint | 77” L x 33” W x 62” H |
| Running deck | 57” L x 20.5” W |
| Product weight | 242 lbs |
| Max user weight | 400 lbs |
| Motor size | 3.5 CHP |
| Speed range | Up to 12.5 mph |
| Incline range | Up to 12% |
| Display | Pivoting 22” HD touchscreen |
| Foldable? | No |
| Warranty | 10-year drive motor and frame, 1-year limited on parts and accessories (lifetime warranty available for purchase) |
Using the Aviron Victory Treadmill
Certified personal trainer and expert product tester Lindsay Scheele, has taken the Aviron Victory Treadmill for a spin at GGR headquarters, and rates the overall workout experience an impressive 4.5 out of 5.
The robust 3.5-horsepower motor can reach max speeds of 12.5 miles per hour, and the incline reaches 12%. These customizations earn a 4.5 out of 5, as speeds above 12 miles per hour are rare on treadmills. In use, she remarks that the treadmill is quiet, even when adjusting the incline. “The noise is about 57 decibels while in use, which is comparable to people having a normal conversation,” Lindsay adds.
Part of the quietness of the treadmill has to be attributed to the Cloud Stride Deck, which has six shock absorbers used to dampen operating noise and reduce impact while running. While it’s not the most cushioned deck ever, Lindsay says it’s still pretty good.
You can follow workouts and do tons of things from the 22-inch high-definition touchscreen display, including:
- Individual or team games
- Coached workouts and guided programs
- Live competitions with leaderboards
- Pros vs Joes (racing against professional athletes)
- Streaming shows, movies, music, or books
The Spotify integration, in particular, is pretty interesting and a great feature for athletes that struggle with training motivation. The simple act of listening to music during your workouts can improve your experience and make you more likely to continue a consistent routine, according to Center4Research1.
The membership is $29 per month, or $24 if you opt to be billed annually. Although that’s a sizable membership, Lindsay does mention it’s cheaper than other treadmill subscription services that usually cost around $40—looking at you, iFIT and Peloton.
Lindsay’s only major callout is that the large display can shake a bit once you get moving at higher speeds. “I almost feel like I get motion sickness if I run with the screen shaking for too long,” she notes. Although it may not have the same feel for everyone, any person who deals with motion sickness might want to consider this.
Footprint and Portability
The Victory Treadmill is 77 inches long and 33 inches wide, meaning you’ll need a decent amount of space to use your treadmill. It doesn’t fold, either, meaning you’ll most likely need a dedicated area for this treadmill.
RELATED: Best Folding Treadmills
At 242 pounds, this treadmill is a bit on the heavy side, as well. The Victory Treadmill also doesn’t have handlebars to lift up from, making it an awkward move, even with the transport wheels at the front. Lindsay rates the footprint and portability at 3 out of 5.
Durability and Construction
The Aviron Victory Treadmill earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 for its durability and construction. The frame, itself, is built out of reinforced steel and the treadmill contains a durable 3.5-horsepower motor. The weight capacity is also well above industry standards with a listed rating up to 400 pounds.
Still, the treadmill doesn’t get a perfect score here because the machine shakes a bit more than other treadmills—especially at this price range. As mentioned before, the screen can shake at higher speeds and the arms have a little wobble when Lindsay rocks side to side. “It’s nothing major, but I’m still surprised to see this much shake from an otherwise high-end piece of equipment,” she explains.
The Ergonomics
The cushioned deck uses shock absorbers and oversized, commercial-grade rollers to minimize noise and also create a smooth, cushioned running experience. Lindsay notes the cushioned deck isn’t the most cushioned deck she’s run on, but it’s still a nice deck.
“I love the ultra-low step-up height of the running deck,” Lindsay adds. “Many treadmills are 6 or 8 inches high, but the Victory Treadmill is only 4 inches off the ground. It’s just a nice touch that makes me feel much more grounded in my runs.”
She rates the overall ergonomics at 4 out of 5. The running deck is 57 inches long and 20.5 inches wide, which should suit most runners, but may be a bit short for taller runners. Aviron claims the treadmill should be accommodating for people up to 6 feet and 5 inches tall.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The technology of the Aviron Victory Treadmill is certainly one of its highlights, earning a 5 out of 5 in the category. The flagship of its technological capabilities is the large, pivoting 22-inch touchscreen, which Lindsay notes is full-color and exquisitely vibrant. “Lots of displays will say they’re full-color, but a lot of colors feel dull. The colors on display here, on the other hand, are rich and vibrant,” she says.
Another nice addition to the treadmill is Bluetooth connectivity. With it, you can connect the treadmill to your favorite workout accessories like your best running headphones, heart rate monitor, or fitness tracker.
A pair of large cupholders sit just underneath the display, which is a nice touch, as well. You can have a bottle of water while streaming shows from Netflix and other services. Additionally, you can stream music from Spotify or Apple Music.
Programming
Aviron’s programming is also top-notch, earning another 5-out-of-5 rating for the Victory Treadmill. Almost any type of interactive programming you can think of, Aviron has it. Much of the programming revolves around gamifying your workouts, so you can play individual or team games, as well as compete in workouts or games with other users.
Gamification2 is a concept where game design elements are incorporated into areas not typically used for gaming—in this case, cardiovascular exercise. The use of gamifying workouts has been shown to better develop positive habits in some people, particularly in creating consistent habits in exercise.
You can even compare your times and scores with professional athletes and runners, giving you a unique set of milestones to work toward in training. Some athletes may prefer a simpler approach to their programming, but the gamified workouts and challenges should be entertaining enough for a healthy portion of runners.
Aviron Victory Treadmill vs NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Nordictrack Commercial 1750
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Product Highlights
- Spacious running deck
- Compatible with iFIT
- 14-inch touchscreen
- Incline and decline training
- Financing available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compatible with iFIT
- 3.5 CHP motor
- Free trial of iFIT subscription with purchase
- Treadmill with incline and decline training
- Foldable to save space (EasyLift Assist)
- Run that feels similar to road running
- Financing options available through NordicTrack
- Generous speed range
- Wide running deck
- Cooling fan
Cons
- Big footprint
- Heavy and not the easiest to move
- Price is around $2,000
- Warranty is voided if the treadmill is used/stored in a garage
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
For people looking for a robust and sturdy treadmill yet prefer more traditional, trainer-led workouts and programming, the NordicTrack 1750 may be a better fit. This commercial-grade treadmill comes in roughly $1,000 cheaper than the Aviron Victory Treadmill, but actually has a more powerful motor and some nicer customizations.
The 1750 has a massive 4.25-continuous-horsepower motor, which is larger than the Victory’s 3.5 horsepower drivetrain. NordicTrack’s treadmill also offers decline levels down to -3%. Both are rated for 400 pounds, but the running surface on the 1750 is a bit longer at 60 inches.
The 16-inch touchscreen is smaller than the Victory’s 22-inch display, and the programming is more traditional with the iFIT platform of over 16,000 on-demand workout programs. Another thing to factor in, however, is that an iFIT membership is more expensive, at roughly $40 per month.
We think both are solid treadmills, but one may suit your needs and fitness goals better than the other. You can read more in our NordicTrack Commercial 1750 review.
| Aviron Victory Treadmill | Nordictrack Commercial 1750 | |
| Footprint | 77” L x 33” W x 62” H | 77.3″” L x 39.25” W x 62.75” H |
| Running deck | 57” L x 20.5” W | 60” L x 22” W |
| Product weight | 242 lbs | 340 |
| Max user weight | 400 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Motor size | 3.5 CHP | 4.25 CHP |
| Speed range | 0-12.5 mph | 0-12 mph |
| Incline range | 0-12% | -3% decline to 12% |
| Display | Pivoting 22” HD touchscreen | Pivoting and tilting 16” HD touchscreen |
| Foldable? | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 10-year drive motor and frame, 1-year limited on parts and accessories (lifetime warranty available for purchase) | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor |
Customer Experience
You receive a 10-year frame and motor warranty with the Victory Treadmill plus a limited 1-year warranty on parts and accessories. There is the option to upgrade to a lifetime warranty, but it looks like it’s offered at a cost of $9 per month. Since a few treadmills and cardio machines offer lifetime warranties (on their frames) for free, I’m not a huge fan of paying a subscription fee for additional coverage.
Aviron offers a 30-day risk-free trial to new users, where you can get a full refund on a return of a product you didn’t enjoy. To be eligible, this has to be your first time doing a return with Aviron, and the product must be in its original packaging. If you’ve had a return before, you can still return the product in 30 days, but your refund won’t cover any shipping costs.
Aviron gets a 4 out of 5 for its customer service, as you’re able to reach them via telephone, email, or through live chat on their website. Their Canadian address is also on their site, so anyone nearby may be able to visit their headquarters.
Ordering and Assembling the Aviron Victory Treadmill
The Aviron Victory Treadmill is available directly from avironactive.com, and can be purchased in different bundles: by itself, with a treadmill mat, or with a mat and set of Aviron Loadable Dumbbells.
Assembly is pretty straightforward and the treadmill comes with an instructions manual that’s easy to follow. However, they do offer professional delivery and assembly services at an extra pre-checkout cost. If you’re building it yourself, I’d recommend building it close to its final resting position, since it’ll weigh nearly 250 pounds once fully assembled.
Customer Reviews
As of this writing, there are a few reviews on the Aviron website, but not all are completely displayed. Because of this, there’s no way to fully gauge the average rating from customers. If this changes, we’ll be sure to update this section with new reviews.
However, from the three 5-star reviews listed on the site, people truly enjoy the gamified workouts available on the Victory Treadmill as well as instructor-led classes and community aspect of the workouts. One reviewer jokingly admits that without the gamified workouts, the treadmill would end up being a glorified coat rack—a fate seen all too many times by top home cardio equipment.
Final Verdict of Our Aviron Victory Treadmill Review
The Aviron Victory Treadmill is a solid piece of equipment with a durable construction and an impressively powerful motor. More importantly, it has competitive gaming and instructor-led programming incorporated into its workouts, keeping both beginners and advanced runners invested in their training.
Although the price may prove too much for some budgets, if you can afford it, you’ll have a sturdy piece of equipment that has plenty of interactive features to keep you running for years to come. Here are some extra final takeaways to help you decide whether the Aviron Victory Treadmill is right for your training space:
- Although the treadmill is rated for 400 pounds, we did experience some wobbling and shaking at top speeds. It wasn’t a dealbreaker for our testers, but it’s something worth noting.
- Along with a high price tag, you’ll need an Aviron membership to fully unlock all of your treadmill’s features. That said, the monthly price is lower than comparable programming services like iFIT or Peloton.
- In addition to gamified workouts and instructor-led classes, you can stream shows, music, or books from some of your favorite platforms.
Full Rating
Aviron Victory Treadmill
The Aviron Victory Treadmill is a premium treadmill with gamified running workouts to help keep users motivated and engaged during their training. With a 3.5-horsepower motor and 400-pound weight capacity, it’s a very durable treadmill, although the 22-inch touchscreen display did shake a bit at higher speeds during our in-house testing.
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 3499
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.35
Aviron Victory Treadmill: FAQs
How can I tell if a treamill is good?
There are several factors that impact a treadmill’s quality. For its construction and durability, we usually take a look at the materials used, as well as the maximum user weight limit and the motor size. A higher weight capacity and motor size will indicate that the treadmill is less likely to wobble or shake at higher speeds and the motor is powerful enough to support regular use at varying intensities.
You’ll also want a decent size running deck length. We usually recommend 50 inches for walkers, 55 inches for runners, and 60 inches for taller athletes with a longer stride length.
How long do treadmills last?
With proper treadmill maintenance, a treadmill can last 10 years or longer in a residential setting. There are some factors that can impact the lifespan of your treadmill, however.
For example, the overall quality of your treadmill will be a factor—a budget-friendly treadmill may not have the lifespan of a pricier commercial treadmill. The amount of usage a treadmill gets can also play a role in your machine’s integrity, as more use could shorten its lifespan.
How much should you spend on a treadmill?
The right cost for your ideal treadmill will depend on several factors including your budget, available space, and fitness needs. Typically, the best budget treadmills can help save space and costs below $1,000. Mid-range treadmills can feature folding decks for added compactness, but they’ll also have a larger footprint while in use and can cost between $1,500 and $2,000. Finally, high-end treadmills usually have robust features and durability, but can also cost $3,000 or more.
References
- Markell, J. (2020, July 21). Can listening to music improve your workout?. National Center for Health Research. https://www.center4research.org/can-listening-music-improve-workout/
- Berglund, A., Jaarsma, T., Berglund, E., Strömberg, A., & Klompstra, L. (2022). Understanding and assessing gamification in digital healthcare interventions for patients with cardiovascular disease. European journal of cardiovascular nursing, 21(6), 630–638. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjcn/zvac048
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