Spirit XT285 Treadmill Review
Last Updated: August 11, 2021
The XT series by Spirit Fitness offers simplistic, user-friendly home treadmills that work well for casual use. The Spirit XT285 is the second model in the series, having many improvements from its minimalistic sibling, the XT185.
Here’s everything you should know about this Spirit Fitness treadmill:
- 3.0 HP Motor
A welcome improvement from the former 2.75 HP motor of the Spirit XT185 is the XT285’s 3.0 HP motor. It offers enough support for walking, jogging, and occasional running. However, it’s still not as remarkable as the top treadmills of other brands at a similar price point. For instance, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is somewhat cheaper with a 3.75 CHP motor.
- Up to 12 MPH (20.9 km/h) Speed
A speed limit of 12 mph should be more than enough for most home users. The previous model had a top speed of 10 mph, so consider this a bonus. We don’t recommend speeding up too often on this one, though, since the motor doesn’t seem powered enough to handle heavy workouts.
- 12 Incline Levels
You also get two extra incline levels on the XT285, compared to its younger brother. Incline walking multiplies calorie burn while training your lower body for muscle strength and definition.
- 7.5-inch Console LCD and Tablet Ledge
Frankly, we weren’t impressed with the plain LCD and reading rack/tablet holder on the console. At this price point, the XT285 could’ve at least had a full-colour touchscreen. It’s functional enough, though, and displays all your basic workout stats as you run.
- 50 x 150 cm Thick, Cushioned Belt
While the running belt on the XT185 is long enough for comfortable jogging, this one has a lengthier belt that is more suitable for running. It also has six cushions underneath to protect your joints by having a shock-absorbing effect on your strides. The deck is ¼” thicker than the former model to better support heavy use.
- 8 Workout Programs + Fitness App Compatibility
Two heart rate control programs are added to the previously six built-in training programs (manual, hill, fat burn, cardio, interval, and strength). Moreover, there’s a Bluetooth feature that allows connectivity to the Spirit Fit and Zwift apps.
- Dual Heart Rate Monitoring Options
There are two options on the XT285 to help you stay in the correct heart rate zone. Besides having pulse sensors built into its handgrips, this treadmill offers telemetric monitoring and comes with a heart rate chest strap.
- Lift Assist Folding with Safe Drop Feature
Like any good home treadmill, the Spirit XT285 has a hydraulic folding feature that enables you to push up the running deck, so it rests vertically against the console. We like how this allows compact storage and frees up precious floor space. The deck is further designed to unfold slowly to ensure your safety.
- Other Features
This model comes with a sound system, too – another thing lacking on the former one. The MP3 audio jack and speakers can help you play your music out loud. Moreover, direct access speed and incline buttons allow you quickly change workout intensity. The swivel fan on the console and dual storage trays are also worth mentioning.
Pros
- 3.0 HP motor for walking, jogging and running
- 159 kg user weight capacity
- Sturdy, durable frame
- 20.9 km/h max speed
- 12 incline levels
- 55 x 150 cm running deck
- 1/4” thicker deck for better support
- Lift Assist folding function with safe drop
- Shock-absorbing cushioning system
- 8 built-in workout programs
- Bluetooth compatibility with Spirit Fit and Zwift
- Heart rate monitoring handgrips
- Chest strap included for telemetric heart rate
- Swivel fan
- Direct access speed and incline buttons
- Mp3 jack and speakers
- Dual storage trays
- Tablet/book ledge on console
- Excellent warranty package
Cons
- 3.0 HP is the bare minimum required for running. The motor power could’ve been better for this price.
- Limited workout programs
- Lackluster backlit LCD
Warranty Summary
The Spirit XT285 comes with:
- Lifetime warranty on frame, motor, and deck
- 10-year parts warranty
- 1-year labour warranty
Bottom Line
While its value for money can’t match treadmills like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and Sole F80, the Spirit XT285 is a well-made piece of equipment on its own. We like how it offers many improvements from the previous model, such as better motor power, a longer tread belt, app compatibility, and an audio system.
3.90

Specifications | Spirit Fitness XT285 |
---|---|
Rating | 3.90 |
Motor | 3.0 CHP |
Speed | 20.9 km/h |
Decline / Incline | 0 / 12% |
Running surface | 50 x 150 cm |
Folding | |
Display | 7.5" LCD |
Training programs | 8 |
Bluetooth | |
Web Connectivity | |
Heart rate monitor | |
Dimensions | 200 x 88 x 145 cm |
Max user weight | 159kg |
Warranty | Motor, Frame, Deck: Lifetime Parts: 10 years Labour: 1 year |