The best treadmills for home gyms offer durability, engaging tech features, enough room for your stride, and a motor that can power even the most intense workouts. After our hands-on testing experience with the Echelon Stride-8s treadmill, we found there were a lot of things to like about the machine and quite a few quirks, too.
In this Echelon Stride 8s review, we’re going to cover all the details and share if this treadmill suits you. Let’s get running!
We’ve Tested More Than 40 Treadmills
Lindsay Scheele, expert tester and ISSA-certified personal trainer, put the Echelon Stride-8s to the test with walking, running, and participating in on-demand classes. Lindsay is not only a fitness industry professional, she’s also the lead reviewer for our Garage Gym Reviews Everything YouTube channel where you can find her honest reviews on everything from the best treadmills to the best pre-workout.
During the testing process, Lindsay assessed and scored a variety of categories including footprint, portability, ergonomics, customizations, and tech capabilities. She analyzed over 10 categories and scored each one from 1 to 5 stars using our in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology.
Echelon Stride-8s
Echelon Stride-8s
Product Highlights
- Modern design
- Changing LED lights under the belt
- Quiet but powerful 3.75 CHP motor
- Swiveling 22″ touchscreen monitor
- 12 levels of incline
- 20-inch deck
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Modern design
- Changing LED lights under the belt make running fun
- Quiet when changing speeds or inclines
- Powerful 3.75 CHP motor
- Swiveling 22" touchscreen monitor
- Long 20-inch deck
- Minimal assembly required
- Wireless charging pad
Cons
- Monitor can be wobbly when changing speeds or inclines
- Treadmill deck may be too firm for some runners
- Inconsistent volume on the built-in workouts
- No decline options
- Not foldable
Bottom Line
The Echelon Stride-8s is a sleek treadmill with unique features (like color-changing lights under the belt) that help make your workouts more engaging. However, for a similar price, you can find other treadmills that offer much more.
A Quick Look at the Echelon Stride-8s
Echelon manufactures tons of smart fitness equipment including exercise bikes, rowers, ellipticals, and functional trainers. Our experts have tested a variety of Echelon equipment, with fairly positive experiences. The treadmill we featured in our Echelon Stride review was the machine that started our fondness with the brand. However, it’s no longer in production and can only be found on Amazon.
In this Echelon Stride-8s review, we’ll take a look at the unique and upgraded features of this big-brother treadmill model and later on we’ll provide a comparison to the OG Echelon machine.
Before You Buy
- The unique speed and incline control on the treadmill handlebar was responsive to incline settings and super delayed for speed changes, which could make HIIT workouts more difficult.
- Our tester had a problem with the screen tilt capability not staying in place.
- Buying the yearly (not monthly) Echelon premier membership automatically earns you an additional 4 years on your treadmill warranty policy.
- Check out our Echelon discount codes page to see when the brand runs sales and exclusive deals.
Echelon Stride-8s Full Video Review
Is the Echelon Stride-8s Worth It?
In our in-depth review of the Stride-8s treadmill, you’ll notice our tester Lindsay ran into a few odd features. Without spoiling all the fun details we’ll discover shortly, you can expect a delayed speed response, less-than stellar workout fan, and a touchscreen display that can’t stay tilted upward.
However, Lindsay liked the Z-shaped design (she even says it’s as sleek-looking as the Peloton Tread) and the cool LED lights on the treadmill deck. But these nice-to-have features probably won’t outweigh the quirks or be worth the $2,799 investment.
While the machine has a long running deck, an inclusive 300-pound weight capacity, and a motor powerful enough to support running speeds and long distances, Lindsay scored the price and overall value 3 out of 5 stars.
Great for:
- Folks with long strides
- Running speeds
- Checking pulse with heart rate sensors
Not recommended for:
- Rapid speed changes or HIIT training
- Anyone looking for a cushioned running surface
- Folks who want a folding treadmill
Echelon Stride-8s Specs
| Price | $2,799.99 |
| Footprint | 67.2” L x 33.6” W x 63.6” H (5.6′ L x 2.8′ W x 5.3′ H) |
| Running deck | 60” L x 20” W |
| Weight | N/A |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Max speed | 12.5 mph |
| Incline | 12 levels |
| Foldable | No |
| Motor size | 3.75 CHP motor, brushless DC type |
| Display | 22” HD touchscreen with 180 swivel feature |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Workout Experience on the Echelon Stride-8s
GGR tester Lindsay Scheele used the Echelon Stride-8s treadmill for several workouts and followed along with five different on-demand classes including an endurance run, walking session, and a few interval classes.
RELATED: HIIT Treadmill Workouts
Lindsay says her experience was OK. “I was so excited about this treadmill because there were some features I was excited about,” says Lindsay. “However there were quite a few misses for me.”
She says the controls for incline, speed, and volume were confusing and took away from her experience. She also notes the programming was nothing to write home about. “The instructors were enjoyable, they did well setting you up for whatever journey or class you’re about to take, but it was just a middle-of-the-road workout for me. It didn’t really stand out,” she says.
Footprint and Portability
Don’t expect a portable and foldable treadmill with the Echelon Stride-8s (it’s not like the ultra-compact OG Echelon Stride we gloated about for its portability). The Echelon 8s is a non-folding treadmill, but with minor disassembly you can get it to lay flat.
“I think most active people could move this machine,” says Lindsay. “It’s not super heavy and it has transport wheels, which makes it possible to move around. I personally prefer folding treadmills, so this is a miss for me.”
Lindsay says rolling the treadmill on turf was much harder than smooth gym flooring (like the kind we feature in our best home gym flooring roundup) or concrete. Because it’s not crazy heavy or a massive machine, Lindsay scored the Echelon 8s at 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Durability and Construction
The Echelon 8s has a powerful (and brushless) treadmill motor, decent weight capacity, and stable base—all things that we look for when scoring durability. Lindsay’s main concern about durability is the touchscreen display, which is why she scored the Stride-8s at 3 out of 5 stars.
“The uprights, handlebars, and touchscreen wobble more than they should, and at higher speeds the screen does not stay in place,” she says about the display’s tilt-and-swivel capabilities.
While running at top incline levels she tilted the screen for a better view but the impact of running on the treadmill slammed the screen back down to the original position. “This really irked me because it’s important to see the screen on a cardio machine with on-demand classes,” she says.
While the screen gives Lindsay pause, she isn’t concerned about the running deck or motor. She actually mentioned how quiet the 3.75 horsepower brushless motor was compared to other treadmills (like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 or ProForm 9000).
Adjustability and Ergonomics
When it comes to ergonomics and comfort of running, we think most people will have the space needed for a natural and full running gait. The deck is 60 inches long and has an integrated motor, so you’ll never kick the motor hood while running or walking on max incline settings.
Even with a spacious running deck, Lindsay gave the machine 3 out of 5 stars in this category. She has a few callouts when it comes to ergonomics and adjustments including the fact the deck isn’t a super cushioned deck—even though it’s advertised as Echelon’s “DuroFlex Cushioned Suspension.”
RELATED: Best Cushioned Treadmill
Plus, the controls weren’t as responsive as you might expect. “I liked the idea of the speed and incline controls,” says Lindsay about the trackball-style controls located on the handlebar for easy access while running or walking.
“They are designed so you can make quick changes and not have to touch a bunch of buttons, which would be really helpful for following along with classes. However, the speed control has a pretty significant delay.
“There were several times I thought it was broken, so I would hit it again and again. Because of the delay, it would increase my speed way more than I wanted when it finally kicked in,” she says.
Technology and Conveniences
Echelon premium membership programming may not compare to iFIT and Peloton, but you will find lively instructors and new classes added to the workout library on a regular basis. You can also integrate your Echelon premium membership workouts with third-party apps like Apple Health, Strava, Zwift, and FitBit.
RELATED: Peloton vs iFIT
“The touchscreen and Echelon software is easy to use and figure out and the classes are pretty good, it was just nothing special for me,” says Lindsay. She also found some classes hard to hear because the instructor’s audio was either too loud or too low compared to the background music. “Honestly, I may have had a better experience if I could hear the audio more clearly.”
As mentioned in the ergonomics and adjustability category, Lindsay had issues with the speed control delay. She says it will lag on the screen, too. “I could see that being an annoyance to use it regularly.”
Lindsay had no issues with the Bluetooth or getting her headphones to connect. Side note: She uses the JLab wireless headphones we feature in our best running headphones roundup, which are budget-friendly and work really well.
Lindsay says one of her favorite high-tech features was the LED lighting strip flanking the treadmill belt. “It changes color and turns green the faster you run,” says Lindsay. “It’s a cool feature that I’d like to see on more treadmills.”
The Echelon 8s also features cup holders, wireless charging pad, and a built-in workout fan (which Linday says is weak AF). She also notes the display is sometimes hard to read because the numbers are white and sometimes the studio or outdoor class has a light background.
Echelon Stride-8s vs Echelon Stride
Echelon Stride
Echelon Fitness Stride
Product Highlights
- Folds flat to just 10″
- Lightweight and very portable
- Smaller motor is ideal for walkers
- Bluetooth connectivity to apps
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Auto-fold technology
- When folded, is just 10” deep
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Super simple assembly and usability
- Bluetooth connectivity to Echelon United
Cons
- Weaker motor
- Short running surface at 55”
- Short 1-year warranty
- Basic console
Bottom Line
The Echelon Stride is ideal for walkers and those who jog recreationally, especially people looking for a treadmill that folds flat.
You may have noticed that we’ve mentioned the OG Echelon Stride treadmill a few times throughout this review. It launched in 2020 and has since been discontinued to make way for newer models including the Echelon Stride-4s, 6, and 6s-10. This also means you won’t find the Echelon Stride base model on the brand’s website. If you’re looking to buy one, you’ll have to head over to Amazon.
RELATED: Best Treadmills on Amazon
Even though the Echelon Stride is an entry-level machine featuring a motor not intended for high-intensity running, we appreciate the portability. The OG Echelon folds completely flat and stands about 10 inches tall from the folded position.
The OG Echelon Stride doesn’t have a touchscreen display, instead it features basic workout metrics on a simple LCD display. This also gives you the option to stream your own entertainment or choice of programming—you don’t have to use Echelon’s premium membership.
| Echelon Stride 8s | Echelon Stride | |
| Price | $2,799.99 | $1,000 on Amazon |
| Footprint | 67.2” L x 33.6” W x 63.6” H | 69.3” L x 31” W x 49.2” H |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Running deck | 60” L x 20” W | 55” L x 20” W |
| Max user weight | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Speed and incline | 12.5 mph; 12 levels | 12 mph; 10 levels |
| Motor | 3.75 CHP | 1.75 CHP |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Customer Experience
Echelon makes it easy to contact customer support with multiple methods including phone, text, email, and AI chat feature. Company hours are also listed on the website, which we always find helpful.
When you purchase the Stride-8s treadmill, it comes with a standard one-year treadmill warranty. However, if you decide to purchase the Echelon membership for on-demand fitness classes, you’ll receive Echelon’s premier 5-year warranty guarantee (which adds 4 years to your plan, totalling 5 years). However, you will have to commit to the annual billing cycle at $339.99 per year for this to go into effect—it’s not available for monthly memberships.
Ordering and Assembling the Echelon Stride-8s
Ordering is a breeze on the Echelon website and Lindsay says her experience from checking out to putting it together earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating. At checkout, you’ll have the option to sign up for Echelon premier membership (monthly or annually) or skip the membership entirely. In your cart you’ll see different payment options including Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay.
If you plan to finance, you’ll have two options: Shop Pay and Echelon financing through Citizens Pay. Loan terms and interest rates for their option vary depending on your credit history.
Once you’ve gone through the checkout process, expect a timely delivery and an easy assembly. Lindsay says, “It only took one person about an hour to build the Echelon 8s. Overall, it was pretty straightforward.”
Customer Reviews
The Echelon website only features 22 customer reviews—all with 5-star ratings—so it’s hard to get an unbiased gauge on customer experiences so far. We also went to scope out Amazon reviews, but the Stride-8s model is not on the Echelon Amazon store.
Final Verdict of Our Echelon Stride-8s Review
The Echelon Stride-8s has some desirable features (like a powerful motor, spacious deck, and interactive LED lights) but it had some quirks Lindsay didn’t appreciate (like the monitor not staying in place, speed controls, and non-folding design).
Based on Lindsay’s experience, we think the Echelon Stride-8s is best suited if you are someone who struggles to get a full stride on other home treadmills. Because there is no motor hood and the brushless motor is integrated into the deck, the front end of the running belt is completely open allowing for a better experience for anyone who regularly kicks the hood.
Full Rating
Echelon Stride-8s
The Echelon Stride-8s is a sleek treadmill with unique features (like color-changing lights under the belt) that help make your workouts more engaging. However, for a similar price, you can find other treadmills that offer much more.
Product Brand: Echelon
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 2799.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.6
Echelon Stride-8s: FAQs
Does Echelon Stride 8s work without membership?
From our experience, you’ll be able to use the treadmill machine in manual mode but you won’t have access to on-demand classes.
Is Echelon Stride 8s good for running?
The Echelon Stride-8s has a 3.75 CHP motor and top speeds of 12.5 mph. You’ll certainly be able to run on the Stride-8s, but be sure to read our in-depth Echelon Stride-8s review for our experience about the lag on speed controls.
Does Echelon Stride 8s require assembly?
The Echelon Stride-8s requires assembly but our assembly experts at Garage Gym Reviews report it was straightforward and took about an hour with one person.
