ProForm Elliptical Machine Reviews
ProForm Fitness was born in the 1980s. It’s currently owned by Utah-based iFit alongside NordicTrack and other world-leading fitness brands.
Most ProForm machines have a range of impressive extras to help keep trainees motivated. As well as being compatible with iFit, most ProForm ellipticals have tablet holders, sound systems, and extensive preset workout menus. Looking for an immersive workout? ProForm’s higher-end models have integrated HD touchscreens for you to view your iFit routines in full clarity directly on your machine.
As for power and other aspects of physical performance, ProForm ellipticals are diverse. Shoppers can choose from a wide range of resistance systems, stride length settings and incline options. Dig deeper into the details of ProForm elliptical machines below.
Types of ProForm Ellipticals
Ellipticals can be categorized in a number of ways, with the most common being drive design. This refers to the location of the flywheel which generates resistance. Drive location determines the machine’s size and weight, as well as movement.
The three basic drive designs are:
- Rear drive, typically the largest and most expensive
- Front drive, less expensive and yet still sturdy
- Center drive, the newest and most compact
What you’ll find these days is growth toward hybrid systems. Below we’ll show you the latest in ProForm ellipticals as well as those discontinued to help you get the point.
HIIT Trainer Series
Coming in at the top of the 2022 ProForm lineup, the HIIT Trainer Series includes Carbon HIIT H10 and Pro HIIT H14. As an added bonus, the H10 comes with a 3-year family membership to iFit, a huge consideration given that program’s value of $1,404 versus the machine itself retailing at $1,403. The H14 meanwhile retails at $1,699.
Both machines offer a 10″ vertical elliptical stride and 30-pound flywheel. The H14 sports a 14″ Smart HD touchscreen and 26 levels of magnetic resistance while the H10 brings a 10″ Smart HD touchscreen and 24 levels. Both machines are iFit-ready meaning trainers can control the resistance from remote locations, and both EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensors.
Carbon Series
The ProForm Carbon Series includes the Carbon E10 and EL, both of which feature a 19″ adjustable stride, 0-20% incline, and come iFit-enabled. Purchase of the E10 comes with a 3-year family membership to the iFit workout program, which with a value of $39 per month comes in equal to the purchase price of $1,403. Meanwhile, the EL retails at $799.
The E7 features a 7″ Smart HD touchscreen, EKG Grip Heart Rate Sensors, 24 levels of magnetic resistance, and a 25-pound flywheel. The EL features a 5″ High Contrast Display, EKG Grip Heart Rate Sensors, 18 levels of magnetic resistance, and an 15-pound flywheel.
Hybrid Series
Part recumbent bike, part elliptical, a Hybrid Series trainer from ProForm does double duty for a low, low price.
The Hybrid Trainer XT is priced at only $599 and can easily slip from a recumbent bike to an elliptical with the lift of a handle. The unit is iFit Bluetooth-enabled which comes with a free 30-day trial included. Equipped with a 5″ high contrast multi-color display, a 15″ stride length, adjustable cushioned seat, and 16 levels of digital resistance.
In addition to the screen, the machine is built with an integrated tablet holder and two 2″ speakers. It rolls easily about on front-mounted wheels and sports a 250-pound weight maximum.
The basic Hybrid Trainer can be found on Amazon for just $572, and while the Hybrid Trainer Pro has been discontinued, it sports an online sale price of $699. Meanwhile, the iFit-enabled Hybrid Trainer XT sports a 15″ stride and retails for $649.
Pro Series
Since discontinued, ProForm’s Pro Series of ellipticals for 2020 consisted of three trainers: the Pro 9.9, SMART Pro 12.9 and the SMART Pro 16.9. Available on Amazon.com and other online retailers, these SMART Pro models have touchscreens (7″ or 10″) for you to enjoy iFit workout videos on. Although the Pro 9.9’s console is iFit enabled, you will have to connect your own tablet or smartphone to watch workout videos as it only has a 6” backlit display. The great thing about ProForm ellipticals across the board is that even though units are discontinued from time to time, they can almost always be found as top used models here on Amazon.com.
These Pro Series machines are more powerful than the Endurance Series models. Although all the trainers in each of these series have front drives, the drives in the Pro Series models are significantly heavier to support smoother motion and to offer a greater challenge in terms of strength-training. The Pro 9.9 for 2020 has a 28-pound flywheel, and both the 12.9 and 16.9 models each have a 32-pound flywheel. Offering 24-26 levels of resistance, these trainers can serve well for light to intense training for people at all ability levels.
The top-of-the-line model has a high 375-pound user weight capacity, 35 preset workout apps, and a 10″ Smart HD touchscreen.
Typical sale prices for machines in this series start at just $999.99 and models come with a 30-day iFit membership which is normally $39/month with total annual payments reaching $1,403.
CSE Series
The ProForm CSE Series for 2020 included one SMART Strider elliptical: the SMART Strider 895. This unit has since been discontinued but remains a hot buy at some retailers and as a used model.
SMART Striders are rear drive elliptical trainers, so they usually require more floor space than front drive trainers (such as those above). This ProForm trainer boasts a vertical SpaceSaver® Design which means it can be stored vertically to help you maximize your living space. Just fold it up after your workout and store it on its end!
Normally rear drive ellipticals cost more than front drive alternatives, but SMART Striders are pretty cheap ellipticals because the drives aren’t heavy. These are definitely ellipticals for beginners, but that doesn’t mean the ProForm SMART Strider 895 CSE is lacking in features. Highlights include a 7” Smart HD touchscreen, a 0 – 10º adjustable incline, and 24 levels of digital resistance. You’ll also get a year’s free membership to iFit with your purchase. The online price for this trainer starts at $1,199.
Endurance Series
Although a discontinued line, Endurance ellipticals by ProForm are still found online at retailers like Amazon.com. These units have their resistance systems up front instead of at the rear of the machine. This means they take up less room compared to rear-drive trainers without cutting down on the potential stride length.
The 2020 collection included the Endurance 520 E, Endurance 720 E and Smart Endurance 920 E. Although retail prices are hundreds more, these units now have sale prices starting at just $799 online with free delivery to address within the 48 contiguous US states.
Moving up from the cheapest elliptical in this series to the top-of-the-line model (the 520 E to the 920 E), upgrades include heavier drives, more advanced displays and higher weight capacities. It’s also worth noting that the Smart Endurance 920 E includes a free 30 days of iFit with the purchase. You can take full advantage of this on the 920 E’s 7″ Smart HD touchscreen display, the only touchscreen in the series.
Brand Highlights
Depending on the model:
- Touchscreen consoles plus the option to use your own mobile device as a secondary display; built-in speakers; wireless telemetry; cooling workout fans and other advanced features on select models.
- Adjustable incline options to keep your mind and muscles engaged.
- Moving handlebars to support total body training.
- Workout program diversity including generous preset program menus plus the option to integrate iFit for unlimited personal training support and interactive workouts.
- Sturdy steel frames.
Brand Lowlights
Depending on the model:
- iFit subscription expense required to access the most engaging workouts designed for these trainers (although some models include a free, 30-day membership with purchase).
- Quality control is inconsistent. Shoppers report that ProForm equipment doesn’t always arrive with perfect parts and getting replacements can take awhile.
Bottom Line
ProForm builds home elliptical machines that not only train, but also entertain. The top models have integrated touchscreens for you to view iFit workouts with ease, and most units have a tablet holder and speakers so you can dock your device and stream your favorite workout playlists or TV shows.
Each machine can be used with iFit, which gives you access to an unlimited library of workouts if you choose to subscribe (or use the free membership provided with some ProForm ellipticals). With multiple levels of resistance and incline too, it’s easy to stay motivated and on track towards your fitness goals.
Keep in mind that the resistance systems and drives on ProForm ellipticals vary significantly. If you make careful comparisons, you can probably find a machine with just the right combo of power, durability, and price for your preferences.
All ProForm Ellipticals
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns ProForm?
iFit owns the ProForm brand, as well as NordicTrack, Freemotion, and iFit workout app.
Is ProForm a reliable brand?
Yes, year after year ProForm ranks highly across many categories.
Are ProForm ellipticals good?
Yes, there's no question ProForm ellipticals are good machines. The question is which one is the right fit for you.
How long does a ProForm elliptical typically last?
Much of a machine's lifespan depends on usage and care. That said, as a rule we figure a ProForm elliptical should last at least 10 years.
Which is better: A ProForm elliptical or a NordicTrack elliptical?
As both are manufactured by the same company, one really has to compare model versus model in pursuit of the best deal.
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