Matrix TF30 Treadmill Review

Quick Summary

The durable TF30 is the most affordable folding treadmill from Matrix Fitness.

This high-end cardio trainer is ideal for walkers and for runners with shorter strides. (Taller runners should consider the TF50 instead.)

Key points for the TF30 are a 3.25 CHP motor, a 55″ long track with incline, and a choice of three consoles.

Pricing starts at $2,999. Learn more from our full Matrix TF30 review below.

Specifications

Model	Matrix TF30
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the treadmill's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	87%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$2,999
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.	$2,999
Speed Treadmill Speed is measured in Miles Per Hour (mph). Average running speed is 5-9 mph.	0.5 - 12.5 mph
Incline Treadmill Incline measures the angle of the deck, and how steep it is relative to the floor (0% is flat, and 15% is like a steep hill).	0 - 15%
Motor The Treadmill Motor is what turns the belt as you run. We recommend at least 2 HP (Horsepower) motors, 2.5+ HP for jogging, and 3.0+ HP for running.	3.25 CHP
Deck Treadmill Deck dimensions are measured in inches: Width x Length. The wider and longer the deck, the safer it is (55-60 inches long recommended for running).	20" x 55"
Belt The Treadmill Belt is the surface you run on. The thicker the belt, the less impact on your joints. At least 2-ply (1 inch) recommended.	2-ply, 1.6mm
Folding? Some treadmills are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.
Programs Treadmill Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	5-11
Max. Weight Treadmill Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.	350 lbs
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	Contact Grips
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	76.6" x 35.8" x 62"
Display Treadmill Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	XR, XER or XIR
Cooling Fans Treadmill Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout.
Accessory Tray Some treadmills include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers Treadmills that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (no headphones).
Quick Controls Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).
Warranty The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.	Frame: Lifetime Motor: Lifetime Cushioning: Lifetime Parts: 7 Years Labor: 2 Years

Our Rating

Rating: 87/100. The Matrix TF30 is designed for club-quality training without the high investment in space and price. When folded it takes just 41″ x 36″ of floor space, but unfolded it has a 55″ x 20″ training area. Other specs include a 15 percent power incline and a top speed of 12.5 mph. Shoppers choose from three appealing consoles, each with preset workouts, wireless heart rate monitoring and mobile fitness tracking. Upgrades include speakers, touch screens, scenic Virtual Active videos, social media apps, an Internet browser and much more.

All in all, the Matrix TF30 is one of the best folding treadmills on the market. Its five-year warranties on parts and electronics are a reasonable match for the $2999-and-up sticker price. Here are pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

Foldable
Five-Year Parts Warranty
Two-Ply Track
High Speed
3.25 CHP Motor
Power Incline (Maximum 15 Percent)
Preset Workouts
Wireless Heart Rate Monitoring
Wireless Data Tracking
Passport Ready
Optional Speakers
Optional Built-In Virtual Active Video
Optional Apps & Web Browser
Reading Rack
High Capacity (350 pounds)

Cons:

Extra Cost for Passport Media Player
Machine Weight (Heavy)

Introduction

The Matrix TF30 is a durable folding treadmill with the same sturdiness as traditional high-end treadmills. Main specs include a 55″ x 20” track, a 3.25 CHP motor, 12.5 mph top speed, power incline settings up to 15 percent, 350-pound weight capacity, and a choice of workout consoles. Extra motivation comes with the top consoles, which include mobile apps and are loaded with Virtual Active workouts for mini-escapes. All Matrix home treadmills support wireless heart rate monitoring and have exclusive high quality technologies from their consoles to their decks.

Workout Programs

Each Matrix home treadmill is compatible with the XR, XER and XIR consoles. For training guidance these have five, 10 and 11 standard preset workouts, respectively. These can control the track’s speed and incline to help trainees meet goals for distance, time and calories burned. Additionally the XER and XIR consoles have Sprint8 and integrated Virtual Active workouts:

Sprint8 is an eight-week treadmill training program that uses high intensity interval training for rapid results. Each workout is just 20 minutes long, and only four minutes per session are at the highest intensity.
Three Virtual Active videos are built into the XER and XIR consoles. Virtual Active high definition videos are designed to immerse trainees in the sounds and sights of scenic destinations in North America and Europe. For virtual reality experiences, the audio and video adjust to workout intensity. All three Matrix consoles are Passport-ready too, so the TF30 can be used with a Passport Media Player (sold separately) to show Virtual Active videos on a home TV.

Matrix TF30 Features

To add challenge the Matrix TF30 has a power incline. Choose from settings up to 15 percent for simulated hill climbs that focus on different muscle groups and spark your metabolism.

Available displays are a 6” touch screen (XER), a 10” touch screen (XIR) and a 9.5 LCD (XR).

Each console for the TF30 supports wireless heart rate monitoring. The XER and XIR have chest straps included.

All Matrix treadmill consoles have ViaFit connectivity. Statistics from each treadmill session can automatically be logged, plus a trainee can login from anywhere to add other fitness activity. The XER and XIR also have the MyFitnessPal app and Bluetooth for connecting with various devices such as FitBit.

Integrating music is easy with the XER and XIR consoles. These have 3W and 5W speakers, respectively, and ports for iPod-compatible MP3 players.

YouTube is also on board for playing music videos.

The tread belt is two-ply for durability and quiet motion. At 1.6 mm thick, it’s a big step up from cheap alternatives.

All Matrix home treadmills have water bottle holders and media racks.

A hydraulic system makes it easy to fold the Matrix TF30 for storage. With its deck stored upright, the treadmill has a footprint of just 41″ x 36″.

Warranty & Guarantee

The Matrix TF30 Treadmill warranty includes:

– Frame: Lifetime
– Motor: Lifetime
– Deck: Lifetime
– Parts: 5 Years
– Console: 5 Years
– Labor: 2 Years

Matrix Fitness provides a 30 day trial.

Conclusion

When a high quality folding treadmill is on your wish list, the Matrix website is a good place to shop. The Matrix TF30 is durable and feature-rich, and it has the power to support sprinting and long-distance training. It’s not meant for the long strides of a tall runner though, so move up to the TF50 (just $300 more) if a member of your household could use more training space.