Quick Summary
The folding TF50 is a best buy in the Matrix Fitness series of high-end residential treadmills.
This model is the brand’s top folding treadmill and is sized to fit almost any trainee.
Key points are a thick 60″ belt, a choice of consoles, a 3.25 CHP motor and a 15 percent power ramp.
Pricing starts at $3,699 with a seven-year parts warranty.
Read on for our full Matrix TF50 review.
Specifications
| Model | Matrix TF50 |
| Rating |  86.3% |
| List Price | $3,699 |
| Best Price | $3,699 |
| Speed | 0.5 - 12.5 mph |
| Incline | 0 - 15% |
| Motor | 3.25 CHP |
| Deck | 20" x 60" |
| Belt | 2-ply, 2.2mm |
| Folding? |  |
| Programs | 5-11 |
| Max. Weight | 400 lbs |
| Heart Rate | Contact Grips |
| Dimensions | 81.3" x 35.8" x 62" |
| Display | XR, XER or XIR |
| Cooling Fans |  |
| Accessory Tray | |
| Speakers | |
| Quick Controls | |
| Warranty | Frame: Lifetime Motor: Lifetime Cushioning: Lifetime Parts: 7 Years Labor: 2 Years |
Rating:
Our Rating
Rating: 86.3/100. The TF50 is a high quality home treadmill from Matrix, a brand first known for building commercial fitness machines. This unit can fold for storage yet has a full 60″ x 20″ running area and incline. Like health club treadmills the Matrix TF50 is sold with a choice of consoles, has a top speed of 12.5 mph and can accommodate up to 400 pounds. Favorite optional features for the consoles are diverse; just a few examples are a 10” touchscreen for workouts and entertainment, popular apps such as YouTube and Twitter, and the Sprint8 app for efficient eight-week treadmill programs. Integrated or compatible with all TF50 treadmill consoles are Virtual Active videos, which are scenic high-definition videos that adjust to exercise intensity.
All-around great quality is suggested by the TF50 warranty: Lifetime protection is provided for the frame, motor and deck; parts replacement is free for seven years; consoles are under warranty for five years; and labor is free during the first two years of treadmill ownership. The sale price is $3,699 or more depending on console selection. Here are pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
- Foldable
- Seven-Year Parts Warranty
- Two-Ply Track (2.2 mm)
- High Speed
- 3.25 CHP Motor
- Power Incline (Maximum 15 Percent)
- Preset Workouts
- Wireless Heart Rate Monitoring
- Wireless Data Tracking
- Optional Built-In Virtual Active Video
- Passport Ready (Send Video to TV)
- Optional Speakers
- Optional Apps & Web Browser
- Reading Rack
- High Capacity (400 pounds)
Cons:
- Extra Cost for Passport Player
- Machine Weight (Approx. 300 Lbs.)
Introduction
The Matrix TF50 is a premium folding treadmill for running or walking. Its key points are a 60″ x 20” workout area, power incline settings from zero to 15 percent, a 3.25 CHP motor, and a choice of three workout consoles. Below are details about workout programs and other TF50 treadmill features.
Workout Programs
Each Matrix home treadmill is topped with a choice of XR, XER or XIR console. These have five, 10 and 11 standard workout programs, respectively. Standard workout programs control the speed and incline to help people meet goals for distance, calories burned and time. Additionally all three consoles are ready for Passport MediaPlayers (see below), and special workouts are built into the XER and XIR computers.
One special type of workout programming on the XER and XIR is called Sprint8. The Sprint8 app is proven to help people reduce body fat, increase lean muscle mass and improve cholesterol levels in just eight weeks. Each Sprint8 treadmill session is just 20 minutes long and uses high intensity interval training. The metabolic effect helps people feel energized throughout the day.
The other special programming for Matrix home treadmills is called Virtual Active. Virtual Active transforms treadmill training with virtual outdoor adventure. Trainees take mini-escapes with scenic video and feel immersed in their virtual destinations as sights and sounds coordinate with workout intensity. Virtual Active videos are integrated with the XER and XIR consoles, which means the videos can be viewed on the TF50 treadmill’s own 6” or 10” screen. Additionally all Matrix home treadmill consoles are Passport-ready. This means that with a Passport Media Player (sold separately) Virtual Active videos can be shown on a home TV.
Matrix TF50 Features
Folding the Matrix TF50 is easy with help from hydraulics. The treadmill’s folded dimensions are 41” L x 36” W x 76.6” H.
For virtual hill climbs the Matrix TF50 has an automated incline. Incline settings range from zero to 15 percent. Walking at the machine’s steepest levels lets walkers burn calories just as quickly as joggers.
All Matrix home treadmills support heart rate monitoring to help guide workout intensity and assess fitness improvement. Contact pulse sensors are built into the TF50 handlebars, and wireless receivers are built into each console. The XER and XIR consoles are shipped with wireless chest straps.
Long-term data tracking for heart rate, calories burned, distance covered and so forth is easy with the TF50. Each Matrix home treadmill console has ViaFit for wireless tracking of fitness data. The ViaFit mobile app can automatically log treadmill exercise stats, plus the user can sign in from anywhere to add other fitness data. MyFitnessPal is also provided with two of the consoles.
Mobile apps built into the XER and XIR range from MyFitnessPal to Twitter and YouTube. The XIR console has a web browser as well.
Audio is supported on the XER and XIR consoles. They have high fidelity speakers and connections for mobile devices.
The TF50 has a high quality tread belt; it’s two-ply and 2.2 mm thick. Its design helps promote user comfort along with machine longevity.
Warranty & Guarantee
The Matrix TF50 Treadmill warranty includes:
– Frame: Lifetime
– Motor: Lifetime
– Deck: Lifetime
– Parts: 7 Years
– Console: 5 Years
– Labor: 2 Years
Matrix Fitness provides a 30 day treadmill trial.
Conclusion
The Matrix TF50 is a top choice among folding treadmills. This cardio trainer is feature-rich and comfortable to use, plus it’s durable and carries an excellent warranty. If you’d like a runner’s treadmill built for the long haul, this could be your best buy.
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