ProForm Elliptical Machine Reviews
ProForm Fitness was born in the 1980s. It’s currently owned by Utah-based ICON Health and Fitness 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 for 2020 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 for 2020 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
Endurance Series
Endurance ellipticals by ProForm have their resistance systems up front instead of at the back of the machine. This means they take up less room compared with rear-drive trainers, without cutting down on the potential stride length.
For 2020 the collection includes 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 addresses 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, 1-year iFit membership with purchase. You can take full advantage of this on the 920 E’s 7” Smart HD touchscreen display, the only touchscreen in the series.
Pro Series
ProForm’s Pro Series of ellipticals for 2020 consists of three trainers: the Pro 9.9, SMART Pro 12.9 and SMART Pro 16.9. Both of the 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.
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 $1,099, and you can currently get the SMART Pro 12.9 for free when you purchase a 3-year iFit membership ($39/month with total payments reaching $1,403).
CSE Series
The ProForm CSE Series for 2020 includes one SMART Strider elliptical: the SMART Strider 895.
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.
Hybrid Series
Part recumbent bike, part elliptical, a Hybrid Series trainer from ProForm does double duty for a low, low price. These unique fitness machines have enticing extras but are lower-end in terms of the basics. Short 15″ or 17″ strides and a maximum 15-pound drive for the series make it a collection for low-intensity training by smaller individuals. The basic Hybrid Trainer sometimes sells for just $449 online, and the Hybrid Trainer Pro has an online sale price of $699.
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, 1-year 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.
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