The Assault Runner Elite has a unique curved deck design compared to traditional motorized treadmills, as seen in this review footage. A major difference here is that it is manual. You have to keep the belt moving by using your own momentum instead of having a pre-set speed. That could help improve running form while allowing for mimicking varied outdoor terrain. It's appealing to those looking to change up their workout routine. The design features are innovative. There are no speed controls: The console shows distance and pace but it's up to you to control how hard the workout is. It takes some getting used to for beginners: How do you stand on the curved surface? You need to adjust the machine first in order to work out properly. Since there is no large motor system, the machines contain fewer electronics, according to the review. That means the mechanics are simpler, which generally leads to less downtime and longer-lasting maintenance than other standard gym gear. From what I’ve seen, people who like it think it’s got a solid belt system that holds up. The only struggle is getting used to the resistance curve. They don't have issues with the electronics. If you’re curious, you can also see how they fare long-term in terms of any belt tensioning/maintenance issues. It is also good to see whether the console will sync with popular fitness apps, as not all do at this point.