Manual curved treadmills are built around a simple (and brutal) concept: you power the belt. That means your pace changes instantly with your effort, the curved deck naturally promotes a quicker cadence, and you can shift from steady runs to aggressive sprint intervals without waiting for a motor to catch up. The “best” model usually comes down to a few practical factors: belt feel, resistance options, console/connectivity, footprint, and long-term ownership.

Below is a performance-focused comparison of four popular curved manual treadmills: Tru Grit Runner, Tru Grit Runner Elite, Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite, and Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro. You’ll get a clear breakdown of how they differ, who each is best for, and how to choose the right one for your training space.

What Matters Most When Choosing a Curved Manual Treadmill

Belt Feel & “Runability”

Belt feel is the first thing you’ll notice—and the deciding factor for many athletes. Curved treadmills vary in how quickly the belt starts moving, how smooth the stride feels at different speeds, and how stable the platform feels during hard accelerations. If you plan to do longer intervals, a consistent, predictable belt feel matters as much as top speed.

Resistance Options for Push Work

Not every curved treadmill is designed for “sled push” style training. If you want your treadmill to double as a conditioning station for power walks, marches, and push-focused sessions, resistance range and how easily it changes become a big deal.

Console, Metrics & Connectivity

A good console keeps you focused: pace/speed, distance, time, calories, watts, interval tracking, and heart-rate compatibility (if you use it). Some treadmills keep things intentionally simple; others add more connectivity and programming. Decide whether you want “clean and minimal” or “structured and guided.”

Footprint, Weight & Moving It Around

These machines are heavy by nature. If this is going into a home gym, check whether you can easily reposition it (transport wheels, handles) and whether your space layout can handle the length/height comfortably.

Model-by-Model Overview

Tru Grit Runner

The Tru Grit Runner is a strong value-focused entry into curved manual treadmills—simple, athletic, and built to handle serious conditioning. It’s an excellent option if you want a curved treadmill experience without paying extra for features you won’t use every day. It’s especially appealing for athletes who want to mix sprints, tempo intervals, and push-style efforts in one station.

Where it stands out is its training flexibility: the resistance system makes it easy to shift from “run” to “work,” so your treadmill sessions can look more like a full conditioning workout than a single-speed cardio session. For home gyms and garages, it’s a practical way to get a real curved runner feel while staying cost-conscious.

Tru Grit Runner Elite

The Tru Grit Runner Elite is the “do-it-all” pick if you want a curved treadmill that feels a bit more refined for everyday performance training. It’s designed to keep the athlete-first feel while adding extra polish: smoother operation, more modern training compatibility, and a more “dialed” experience for repeat sessions. If you’re training often—and want a treadmill you won’t outgrow—this is usually the Tru Grit model that makes the most sense.

The Elite is a strong fit for mixed training weeks: sprint days, threshold intervals, recovery walks, and push-heavy conditioning blocks. It’s the type of curved treadmill that makes structured training easier while still staying true to what you want from manual running—fast response, simple operation, and a belt that rewards effort.

Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro

The AssaultRunner Pro is a well-known curved runner that’s commonly seen in performance facilities. It’s built for hard use and focuses on the fundamentals: durable construction, a consistent running platform, and a training-first console experience. If you want a curved treadmill with a proven presence in gyms and you prioritize a more traditional “facility runner” feel, the Pro is a reliable option.

The Pro tends to appeal most to buyers who want a straightforward curved running platform for intervals and conditioning—without needing many training modes or a big learning curve. It’s a classic, no-nonsense option for athletes and teams that already know they like the AssaultRunner style.

Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite

The AssaultRunner Elite is positioned as Assault’s more premium curved treadmill, often chosen for higher-traffic spaces or for buyers who want the “top” model in the Assault lineup. It typically adds comfort/durability upgrades and a more feature-forward console experience than the Pro. If you like guided training, structured intervals, or more built-in workout options, the Elite is often the better fit within Assault’s two models.

For home gyms, the Elite can be a great option if you want premium build intent and you know you’ll use the console features. For facilities, it’s a logical step-up when you want a flagship runner that’s built for repeat daily sessions.

Tru Grit vs Assault: Practical Differences in Real Training

1) Versatility for Mixed Training

Assault’s models are best understood as dedicated curved running tools—excellent for athletes who want a consistent “run hard, recover, repeat” experience. Tru Grit’s lineup tends to feel a bit more multi-purpose for mixed sessions, where you might want to blend sprint work with push-heavy conditioning on the same machine. If your training is more varied (or your gym space is limited), that versatility can matter.

2) Console Philosophy: Minimal vs Guided

If you prefer a simple, distraction-free approach, you’ll likely appreciate the “just the metrics” style many athletes want for performance work. If you prefer structure, built-in cues, and a more guided feel, the Assault models—especially the Elite—often align better with that training style. The “best” console is the one that keeps you consistent.

3) Ownership Value

In this category, what matters is the total package: durability expectations, warranty confidence, and how well the treadmill fits the way you’ll actually train. If you want a strong blend of performance features and value—especially in a home gym—Tru Grit tends to be compelling because it’s focused on giving you a lot of training utility without turning the treadmill into a luxury purchase.

Which One Should You Buy?

Best Overall for Most Home Gyms: Tru Grit Runner Elite

If you want the most balanced option—refined feel, strong training range, and a setup that’s easy to live with week after week—the Tru Grit Runner Elite is usually the safest “buy once” choice. It’s built to handle real training while staying versatile enough for multiple workout styles.

Best Value Entry to Curved Running: Tru Grit Runner

If you want the curved treadmill experience with excellent conditioning utility and a more approachable price tier, the Tru Grit Runner is a strong pick. It’s straightforward, effective, and fits the needs of most athletes who want to sprint, push, and grind without extra complexity.

Best for Facility-Style “Proven” Curved Running: AssaultRunner Pro

If your priority is a classic facility-style runner from a well-known brand—and you mostly want a consistent curved running platform—the AssaultRunner Pro is a solid, familiar option.

Best for Premium Assault Features & Heavier Use: AssaultRunner Elite

If you want the premium Assault experience with more console/program emphasis and you expect high usage, the AssaultRunner Elite is the logical step-up within the Assault lineup.

Bottom Line

All four treadmills will deliver the core benefits of curved manual running: instant pace control, high-output intervals, and a training experience that rewards effort. Where Tru Grit tends to win (especially for home gyms and performance-minded buyers) is the practical mix of versatility and value—getting you a strong curved treadmill experience without forcing you into the highest-cost tier to feel like you’re buying “the right one.”