The GS1050T sells for $799.99. $200 more than either the Horizon T91 and the Evolve SG. Of the three the GS1050T has the most powerful motor. It also has a larger running surface than the T91 and all three have the same warranty. At a glance, it looks like a bargain.

Editors Note: The 1050T is no longer in production.  It appears to have popped up under one of the other Johnson Health brands - Livestrong.  Check out the Livestrong 7.9t as a great alternative, same price, same features.

When buying a treadmill, you want to look at motor power because you want to be sure that it is powerful enough to handle what you will be expecting it to do. If you are looking for a treadmill to walk on, the 1.5 CHP on the Evolve SG would be fine. For running however, the more horsepower the better, so the GS1050T would be the best choice.

Next you want to consider the running surface. The 17” width of the Evolve SG is really the minimum you should accept in any treadmill and the 45” length will be fine for walking but a little tight for running on. The 50” length on the T91 allows for a longer stride but the 55” length of the GS1050T is much more versatile, allowing for taller users and different stride lengths.

Both the T91 and the GS1050T have a speed of up to 10 mph and an incline that goes up to 10%. In both cases providing more challenge than the 6 mph and no incline at all of the Evolve SG.

Although not necessary in order to have a workout, the addition of speakers, mp3 input jack and a cooling fan to a treadmill certainly can enhance the experience, making it either more comfortable or more bearable depending on your attitude to exercise.

Neither of these ‘extras’ are particularly unusual on treadmills in this price range. The Evolve SG comes with speakers and input jack. The T91 has no speakers but does have a fan while the GS1050T off3ers both speakers with input jack and a four-speed cooling fan. Better and better!

At a glance it is obvious to see why the GS1050T deserves its larger price tag. It is less clear why the Evolve SG is sold at the same price as the T91 but in fact its major selling pint is its compact convenience. On delivery it needs only be unpacked and there it is ready to plug and play. Both the T91 and the GS1050T need to be assembled. In both cases it is very important that you read the instructions fully before unpacked the unit from the box. Read the Horizon T91 Treadmill review for more information on its assembly.

All three machines have an equally paltry warranty. Although both the frame and the motor have a lifetime warranty, parts and labor are only covered for one year. It is also not immediately apparent which ‘parts’ are protected. Horizon of course, sale an extended warranty on all their products but quite honestly this is a poor reflection on the company’s confidence in their product and in their commitment to customer service.

The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin, where Horizon Fitness are based, agree on the poor standard of the warranties put out by Horizon Fitness. They have also according to a press reease issued by Susan Bach, Director of Communications for the BBB been receiving complaints about Horizon Fitness which range from “...faulty advertising and customer service to delivery and product issues”.

Consequently, at this time, we cannot recommend the GS1050T or any other Horizon Treadmill. An improved customer service performance would put Horizon back in the good graces of the BBB and we will be happy to revisit this review in a few months to update our recommendations at which time we hope Horizon will have got its act together.

In the meantime you may want to check out the Sole Treadmills and Smooth Treadmill reviews on this site .