An Ironman Inspire treadmill is a machine that promises much, but doesn't exactly deliver. The amount of features they tried to implement is really quite amazing, but the unreliable motor and the small walking area really defeat the concept.
The maximum speed that the treadmill is supposed to achieve is about ten miles per hour, but if you dare taking the machine to this extreme, you will have a very bumpy ride.
Otherwise, the amount of gizmos and the quality of the other parts is pretty good. The number of programs available is relatively small, but each of them can be adapted to your specific needs, which is actually a plus. In addition, the treadmill has a wireless chest strap, which in theory should make the machine function depending on your heart rate. Most of the time this actually works, but for those occasions in which somehow it doesn't, make sure you get off that treadmill before your heart explodes, if you feel your heart beating in your neck the system has most likely failed.
The cushioning and the noise level are pretty much average, although the cushioning system is supposed to be very high tech and to make quite a smooth ride. On the other hand, you never notice good cushioning systems, you only notice bad ones, so I guess that the Ironman treadmills pass this test too.
The mechanical structure and the belt themselves are sturdy and are very unlikely to produce you any bad surprises. On this chapter, Ironman Inspire treadmills are really good and it is clear that the treadmills were designed not only for athletes, but also for people who want to get rid of the extra weight.
The folding system is not very clever, but is simple and straightforward, so your skills of geometrical intuition will not have to be put to the test. Also, the system includes some wheels, which makes it very easy to move it around the house. Of course, at the whooping weight of 269 pounds the transporting of such a machine without wheels would be an act of hardcore exercise in itself.
The treadmill is also flexible enough to allow you to change programs on the fly, without having to interrupt your exercise. The LCD display is quite blue and pretty, but pretty, blue, shiny things don't make a treadmill worth buying, not in my opinion at least.
Altogether if you don't mind the lousy motor and the less than comfortable walking area, this treadmill deserves a try. Put that money back guarantee to the test and see if this treadmill fits you. An Ironman Inspire treadmill is worth a try, but in my humble opinion not a buy.