There is often a good deal of comparison surrounding treadmills, with many debating between their favorite brands. Here at Treadmill Reviews, we act as an impartial third-party to help you determine which treadmill is the better treadmill.
When looking to compare the SOLE F63 and the NordicTrack C990, it is best to keep a couple of things mind as you read through our comparison. While our comparison outcome declares the C990 the better treadmill between the two of these treadmills, your treadmill needs may negate some of the points in favor of the C990. Also, you may want to read a few more of our treadmill comparisons. Just because the C990 is better than the F63, it doesn’t mean that another treadmill in this price range isn’t a better choice.
NordicTrack C990 & Sole F63 General Spec Comparison
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$700-$1,000 price range |
$700-$1,000 price range |
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300 lbs |
325 lbs |
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32 |
10 |
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60.3” height, 79.5” length, 35.5” width |
57” height, 82” length, 35” width |
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20” wide by 60” long, 2-ply non-stretch belt |
20” wide by 60” long, 2-ply non-stretch belt |
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Yes |
Yes |
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3.0 CHP |
3.0 CHP |
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0% to 12% |
0% to 15% |
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12 mph |
12 mph |
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Yes |
Yes |
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245 lbs |
254 lbs |
Cost – At its regular sale pricing, the F63 can be purchased for $999 while the C990 is now generally priced around $1,099. The slightly higher pricing of the C990 is in part due to the model update, which the F63 has not received. Also, a new C990 comes with one free month of iFit membership.
Category Winner – SOLE F63
Weight Capacity – Both of these treadmills have a good weight capacity, with the C990 coming with a 300 lbs weight capacity while the F63 has a 325 lbs weight capacity.
Category Winner – SOLE F63
Available Programs – A severe difference exists between the workout programs available on the F63 and the C990. The F63 only has 10 workout programs available, and only 8 of those programs are already built. The last two are user-created custom workout programs, and the workout programs need to be developed by the user. As for the range of programs available, the existing programs are manual, interval, cardio, hill, strength, and fat burn.
In contrast, the C990 has 32 workout programs available for users to access. So, instead of just one program per workout type, there are multiple kinds of calorie burn, heart rate, incline, speed, and high-intensity exercise programs along with the manual workout setting.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Dimensions – Fitting a treadmill into the home can be a serious consideration for some treadmill buyers. Here at Treadmill Reviews, we always recommend potential buyers measure their spaces carefully to ensure they can comfortably fit the treadmill they are interested in buying. The C990 has unfolded dimensions which measure 60.3” tall, 79.5” in length and 35.5” wide. Measurements on the F63 are 57” tall, 82” in length and 35” wide.
Height is often not an issue when it comes to equipment space, but length can be the cause of significant problems as a long, in-use treadmill can trip other family members if it sticks out too far. So, the extra length on the F63 is a detriment compared to the C990.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Running Surface – Both of these treadmills have equal, 2-ply and non-stretch treadmill belts. With this level of ply and non-stretch nature, these treadmill belts should last longer than other treadmill manufacturers belt, as lesser known brands may choose a cheaper option and supply only 1-ply belts. Along with the same ply treadmill belt, both the C990 and F63 have running areas of 20” wide and 60” long.
Category Winner – Tied
Folding – Like most affordable treadmills, both the C990 and the F63 can fold up. Beyond just their ability to fold, both treadmills also have a hydraulic assistance system, which helps users to raise and lower their treadmill decks safely.
A difference between these two treadmills is their deck release levers. The release lever on the F63 is easy to use as it is located to the side of the treadmill deck and around eye level for clear visibility. To use it, all one needs to do is pull the lever. On the other hand, the C990 deck release is located in the middle of the deck toward the base and requires operators to press the release with their foot at the correct spot. The C990 method of releasing the deck is less smooth than the F63.
Category Winner – SOLE F63
Motor Size – The same size of motor can be found in both the C990 and the F63, which both comes with a 3.0 CHP motor. This size of treadmill motor is strong enough for walkers and joggers. Runners can also use these treadmills, but if there is more than one runner in the household, these treadmills may not be up to that level of heavy usage.
Category Winner – Tied
Incline Range – Usually, NordicTrack can be depended on to provide a treadmill with a great incline range. While the C990 does have a good incline range of 0% to 12%, the F63 has a surprising incline range of 0% to 15% incline.
Category Winner – SOLE F63
Speed – Matching speed ranges of 0.5-12 MPH exist on both the F63 and the C990. Users can feel confident maxing these ranges as both of these treadmills have a sturdy build and motor to support their higher running speeds.
Category Winner – Tied
Fans – Users can find fans on both of these treadmills, with the F63 fans along the top of its console and the C990 fans located at the base of its treadmill console. Both treadmills have two fans inside their fan housing, but they have significantly different output levels. The F63 fans can be angled slightly, but the breeze it generates is relatively minimal. Also, the F63 fans only have single-speed setting, while the C990 fans have multiple speed settings. These settings allow the user a higher control of the breeze the user will receive while working out.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Heart Rate Monitoring – Both of these treadmills are compatible with wireless heart rate monitoring chest straps, but the chest strap needs to be bought separately from the treadmill purchase. If users want a chest strap for heart rate monitoring, they will need to purchase one separately. The heart rate monitoring tool which does come with the F63 and C990 is the handlebar pulse grips. These grips are not very accurate, so users able to purchase a chest strap should do so for accurate readings.
Category Winner – Tied
Treadmill Weight – The overall treadmill weight of these machines is relatively similar, with the C990 weighing 245 lbs and the F63 weighing in on 254 lbs.
Category Winner – Tied
Look and Feel Of The Treadmill
Materials – There are some fundamental build material differences between the C990 and the F63, mainly focused around the materials used on the base of the treadmills. The treadmill side rails on the F63 are thin molded plastic except for a small area which is reinforced with metal. On the C990, the side rails are thick molded plastic which is texturized to help users keep their footing. Also, the C990 has a metal foot base, rather than the plastic shell surrounding the base on the F63.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Sturdiness – Both of these treadmills are surprisingly sturdy for affordable treadmills. They remain steady underfoot even when used at their max inclines. While the F63 is rated for an extra 25 lbs over the max weight of the C990, it doesn’t create a sturdiness difference between these two treadmills.
Category Winner – Tied
Moving the treadmill – To move either the C990 or the F63 to a different location, users need to fold these treadmills and make sure they are in the locked position. The F63 will require users to tilt the treadmills to roll and move them, but the C990 can be rolled and moved upright or tilted. The small wheels on both of these treadmills can be easily jammed, so be sure to remove any potential obstructions.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Cushioning – The F63 treadmill has SOLE-patented Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which is not the softest deck underfoot. There is a certain amount of flexibility in the F63 deck.
In contrast, the C990 has FlexSelect cushioning, which allows users to adjust the level of cushioning on the treadmill deck. There are six points under the side rails which requires users to twist them to set the deck to their preferred flexibility and cushion.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Assembly – Treadmill assembly can be tricky, and both of these treadmills have moderate assembly difficulty. Users on average spend 1 and ½ hours building these treadmills.
To avoid some frustration, users should be particularly careful as they are installing the consoles of these treadmills. The wires can become easily pinched and keep the treadmill from working.
Category Winner – Tied
User Interface
Speed and Incline Controls – The speed and incline controls on the C990 are more accessible than the F63 controls. On the C990, the controls are completely laid out with all full interval speed and incline levels available. Where on the F63, the speed and incline controls skip some numbers, so users need to use the scrolling buttons to reach certain missing incline and speed levels.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Fan Controls – Users need to press firmly to turn the fan on the F63 on, where the C990 fan controls will respond to a light touch. Also, there is no changing the speed on the F63 fan while there are many fan speed options users can easily access on the C990.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Program Selection – The workout program selection process is simpler on the C990 rather than on the F63. On the F63, users will need to use the program buttons to scroll through the 10 program options. Where on the C990, users can use a touchscreen navigate quickly through the program categories. In our sample picture below, if users choose the calorie burn workout program category on the C990, they can see a basic overview of the programs as well as the classification.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Visual Display – On the C990, users can enjoy a 7” Smart, HD touchscreen. The display is colorful and interactive, allowing users to easily scroll through programs, workout information, and access iFit. The F63 has a bright LCD, 6.5” display. It is a fairly simple display, done primarily in shades of blue.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Entertainment Features
Speakers – At full volume, neither of these treadmill speakers has good sound quality. However, the F63 speakers sound tinny even at the mid-volume level, as the speakers lack bass. The C990 treadmill speakers provide crisp sound quality at the mid-volume level and below, as well as a little beyond that point.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
USB Port – These treadmills do not come with a USB port.
Category Winner – Tied
Other Entertainment Features – There are no extra entertainment features on the F63, which is common among SOLE treadmills. Where on the C990, you can access not only iFit, but there is also a tablet holder on the C990 for users to mount their tablet-based entertainment above the console.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Data Tracking
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Data Display – A basic amount of workout information is available on the F63. However, thanks to the expansive touchscreen on the C990, users can access a wide variety of workout feedback, from current speed and incline to data graphs.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
Fitness Apps – For the C990, a month’s membership with iFit comes with the user’s purchase of the treadmill. This iFit access unlocked virtual runs around the world, the ability to workout with NordicTrack virtual trainers, as well as the ability to connect with the iFit community. After the 30 days end, the iFit subscription costs $39/month for up to 5 profiles.
On the F63, users can use the SOLE Fitness app to control the F63 more effectively. Once the app is synced, users can create custom workout programs, save workout data, and use their mobile device as a secondary console. While these functions are a little simplistic, the SOLE Fitness app is free.
Category Winner – NordicTrack C990
SOLE & NordicTrack Financing Options
NordicTrack Financing
- No money down purchases
- No interest if paid in full in 18 months
- Standard APR of 29.99% after 18 months. Interest will be charged starting from the purchase date. After 18 months, interested is backdated to the purchase date and also charged from the current date on the remaining balance (+backdated interest).
- So this is a great option if you’re able to pay the treadmill off within the promo period (18 months). But you’ll get hit with outrageous interest fees if you do not pay the treadmill off within 18 months.
- You are required to make minimum payments each month. BUT the minimum payment is not calculated to pay off the treadmill in 18 months. You’ll need to make a higher payment than the minimum in order to avoid interest fees. This calculation will vary depending on the original purchase price.
- Subject to credit approval.
SOLE Financing
- Affirm – secondary financing
- Make monthly payments using Affirm (3, 6, or 12 months plans available)
- Rates vary from 10 to 30% APR.
- For a $1399.99 purchase, you can expect to pay about $123.08 per month for 12 months at 10% APR.
- This seems like a good way to go if you’re financing the purchase. The monthly fees and interest applied to the purchase are all very upfront. However, assume there are major penalties for late payments like with most credit card purchases.
- Subject to credit approval.
NordicTrack and SOLE Warranties
NordicTrack Warranty
- 30-day trial period. Full refund minus 10% restocking fee and shipping fees unless the machine is damaged or defective on arrival.
- Treadmill must be returned in good condition, including original packaging and paperwork. If these things are missing, you will also pay an additional 10% fee.
- Lifetime warranty on motor and frame, 5-year parts and electronics, 2 years labor
- Service can be performed in your home for a fee. You may also be asked to ship your treadmill for service, then being charged for the shipping.
SOLE Warranty
- 30-day trial period on all of our equipment. If you are not completely satisfied with your product, they will refund your purchase amount and freight charges both ways, no questions asked. All the customer is responsible to pay is an 8% restocking fee within the 30-day trial period. Some stipulations regarding original packaging.
- Lifetime warranty on motor, deck, and frame; 5 years for parts and electronics, 2 years for labor.
- All service is performed in your home.
Overall Favorite
Total Categories Compared: 28
Total Ties Between the C990 and the F63: 10
Total NordicTrack Favored Categories: 14
Total SOLE Favored Categories: 4
As you can see now that we are at the end of this comparison, the NordicTrack C990 is overall the superior treadmill when compared to the SOLE F63. The C990 treadmill has many of the fine features which modern treadmill users are looking for, such as customization, high-tech fitness, and plenty of options. However, some users prefer a more basic treadmill where users can just jump on and workout, so the F63 may be the better option for these people.
