Precor 966i Experience Series is included in the professional treadmills category. This is a machine built for those who dedicate themselves to running and look for a treadmill that can substitute outdoor running as best as possible. But at the same time they afford the price involved and the space needed to store it.

The machine price is listed at around $5,000. Although this is not the highest price available on the market it’s still a value that prior to invest you need to know what you receive instead.

Precor 966i Experience Specifications

1. Speed: 0.5-16 mph (1-25.5 kph)
Speed is easy to change by using the Tap Control (through the 2 up/down buttons). For beginners this control is visible without any effort as it’s highlighted by a green Quick Start button. As a very important, this section of the console is impermeable so that sweat, cleaning fluids or any other liquids don’t affect it.

2. Inclination: -3% to 15% in 0.5% increments
Decline to –3% simulates downhill running for training different muscle groups. This is a very rare function on a treadmill but very useful for those who enjoy using it.
Same as speed, incline is changed from the Tap Control by using the up/down buttons.

3. Motor: 4.0 hp peak-duty AC Motor
The motor works with an IFT-Drive for a smooth, natural feel during workout. Precor has integrated power components and a fan to handle higher loads and temperatures.
The belt is self-tensioning and this way the motor is protected from excessive tension.

4. Belt: 60” x 20” (153 cm x 51 cm)
Deck and belt require no external lubrication. The belt is centered through the steel tapered rollers keep this way maintenance and noise are reduced at maximum.

5. Maximum workout time at one time: 240 minutes (4 hours)

6. Supported user weight: 500 lbs. (227 kg)

7. Most important machine’s dimensions are:
- Length 88 in (224 cm
- Width with handrails 35 in (89 cm)
- Height 64 in (163 cm)
- Weight 508 lbs. (231 kg)

8. Material: Powder-Coated Steel
Precor applies rust-resistant undercoat and cosmetic topcoat to the steel frame. Threads in lift actuator screw are covered at low incline to prevent dust collection

9. Warranty:
Precor offers seven years warranty for frame, 5 years for display face assembly, 5 years for the drive motor, 3 years for motor controller, 2 years for parts and 1 year for labor. These numbers apply for US and Canada. In Europe Precor may apply different warranty specifications.

Precor 966i Experience Special Features

1.Integrated Footplant Technology
This technology is patented by Precor and it’s designed with the purpose to:
- Mimic natural running motion so that it feels smooth and natural
- Harmonize running speed and belt speed so that joint stress and fatigue are minimized
- Ensure workout comfort but at the same time maximize the benefits for heart and lungs

2.Ground Effects Technology
This technology is patented by Precor and its purpose is to answer the following question: How to engineer a running surface that’s solid enough to provide maximum stability and pliable enough to absorb high-impact motion and at the same time not sacrifice stability, safety or speed?

This is why Ground Effects Technology offers the following main features:
- Absorbs shock during high impact movements but only when it’s needed
- Supports a strong push-off

3.Cardio Theater Options:
The Precor display is built to work with types of Cardio Theater options: a receiver (XTV option) or a 12 inch PVS screen. The channels on the Cardio Theater options are controlled from the 10 digit-numeric keypad located on the console.

a. XTV option (Integrated Wireless Receiver) is available for US, Canada and Europe.
This is self powered cardio equipment and it works only when the user is physically on the treadmill.

How it works:
- This wireless system allows listening to music, radio, or programs shown on TVs while exercising by plugging a stereo headphone into a receiver. You select the desired channel. Channels are manually set-up prior to starting using this manual.

Read part 2 of this review