Woodway Brand
Company
Woodway was founded in Germany in 1975. The name “Woodway” comes from the German name “Waldweg” which signifies “way of the woods.” It wasn’t until 1990 when Woodway USA was developed and now operates as the primary manufacturer worldwide. Now there are design manufacturers in the USA, Germany, and Japan.
Although retail stores are starting to expand across the USA, Woodway’s growth is primarily based on commercial sales to training rooms of winning professional and college teams, U.S. military installations and ships, sports teams, gyms, and specialty training facilities. For example, Woodway treadmills were sold to 7 NHL Teams, 23 NBA Teams, 27 MLB Teams and 30 NFL Teams. On top of that, President Bush used a Woodway treadmill, and even Oprah Winfrey and Cal Ripken Jr. reportedly own one, too. It is no surprise that these high performing treadmills are expanding in homes.
Pros
Unlike any other treadmill on the market, a Woodway treadmills belt design functions like a tank’s driving mechanism and is made of a high-density rubber. This revolutionary design provides a shock absorbing capability and doesn’t interfere with your natural biomechanics of running and walking. Basically, you will not find a higher quality drive system then Woodway’s.
A Woodway treadmill is built like a tank. It is heavy and therefore provides an excellent stability. It will also last longer than typical treadmills. Woodway president Douglas Bayerlein, said that Woodway treadmills average “130,000 miles before needing service,” and that “traditional models average 10,000 to 15,000 miles before needing maintenance.” We don’t know if this is exactly true but we do know that a Woodway treadmill will generally out last any other treadmill on the market.
Cons
Woodway treadmills have a horrible fit and finish quality. For such a high price you would expect a high finish quality but that is not the case. Treadmill Doctor says to “expect running paint, exposed screws, and joints that don’t fit together.”
Summary
The fit and finish quality may be a weakness but on a global scale, Woodway treadmills can last you a lifetime. It isn’t for nothing that professional athletes use them. When it comes to performance, they are definitely at the top.
