Pro Form Elliptical Equipment Review
8.86/10
Quick Overview
- Difficulty
Moderate
- Cost
Average
- Trial Period
N/A
Pro Form is an experienced company that specializes in cardiovascular fitness equipment. Initially, Pro Form manufactured and sold treadmill machines.
However, today, Pro Form focuses on manufacturing not only treadmill machines, but elliptical machines, incline trainers and exercise bikes.
Hence, Pro Form has successfully broadened their vision by transferring their knowledge, technology and quality principles to include the manufacturing of a full and diverse line of cardiovascular fitness equipment.
Pro Form is one of the ICON Health & Fitness companies, and is in partnership with fellow fitness companies such as Nordic Track, Weider, Healthrider and Weslo. By doing so, Pro Form has been able to achieve a manufacturing scale that allows them to provide quality products at an affordable price.
Pro Form elliptical machines are priced extremely competitively, and include several user options and features. In addition, the Pro Form elliptical trainers include both front drive and rear drive models.
The warranty period varies across the company's elliptical machine models. For instance, the lower-end elliptical models may only include a 5-year warranty on the frame and a 90-day warranty on parts and labor, while the higher-end models may include a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 2-year warranty on parts and labor. For this reason, it is important to understand the warranty period for each elliptical machine model before you decide to make a
purchase. In general, the Pro Form elliptical machines are thoughtfully constructed and perform quite well. In addition, all Pro Form elliptical machines are designed for light to moderate use.
Like other brands under the Icon Fitness umbrella, Pro Form elliptical models include the iFIT
Technology, which allows the user the option of downloading complete workout programs for a monthly fee. However, the iFIT Technology is entirely
optional. All Pro Form elliptical machine models
come with a built-in array of workout programs to
use.
The range of Pro Form elliptical machine models include both front drive and rear drive magnetic resistance systems. Pro Form sells
a center drive dual flywheel system as well. Most
Pro Form elliptical machine models include an iPod-compatible music port and audio system as well
as handlebar heart rate sensors.
For individuals that opt to use the iFIT Technology program, approximately $ 15.00 per month, you get access to a variety of downloadable workout programs that range in intensity and theme. Each program is designed as an 8-week fitness program and is supplemented with an audio guide that assists you during each session.
Additionally, all elliptical machine models come with pre-programmed workouts that are
heart rate-dependent and specifically designed to promote weight loss. Pro Form is big on creature comforts such as audio systems, fans and cup holders. The space saver models allows the individual to fold up the rear drive system so the machine takes up less space.
Additional features that are included on several of the various Pro Form elliptical machine models include adjustable incline levels and stride lengths
to provide a greater range of exercise motion.
Professional reviews of Pro Form elliptical machine models have noted that the machines are designed to look like high quality machines. However, because several of the Pro Form elliptical machine models are priced between $ 400.00 - $ 800.00, it is important to note the materials used and the level of quality utilized.
Within the elliptical market, it is difficult to expect a remarkable amount of quality on models that are under $ 800.00. However, within this price range, Pro Form offers reasonable build quality that is comparable to other budget brands such as Schwinn and Fuel Fitness. However, this still means that certain
cheap components are used in order to make the
models as budget-friendly as possible.
Pro Form is part of the Icon Fitness Corporation
and has the same type of customer support service as
Nordic Track, Weider, Epic and Weslo. The company
can be contacted directly via email or telephone.
In addition, Pro Form cardiovascular fitness equipment is also sold through third-party retailers, so
initial sales support can be found through the respective retailer.
Pro Form elliptical machine models come with a variety of warranties. For instance, several of the higher-end models include a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 2-year warranty on the parts and labor, while the lower-end elliptical machine models only include a 5-year warranty on the frame and a 90-day warranty on the parts and labor. This being said, it is important to understand the exact warranty terms across each of the elliptical machine models.
Certain fees, such as a handling charge for
shipped replacement parts and a trip charge for in-home service, may apply to customers that own an elliptical machine that is still under warranty. For this reason, it is recommended that you purchase the extended 2- to 3-year warranty on the Pro Form elliptical models that do not include a lifetime warranty.
The Pro Form customer service system can assist
you with filling out a parts replacement request or
a service claim. The warranty does not cover service performed by an unauthorized dealer. In-home
service timeframes depend on your geographical location and will be performed by either a field representative or third-party technician.
The Pro Form elliptical machine models are
primarily targeted within the $ 500.00 to
$ 1,000.00 range. Within the elliptical machine
market, this price point is considered entry-level. However, this market sector is growing due to the amount of casual exercisers that
are looking for a very affordable elliptical machine.
At this price range, quality may be moderate, with Pro Form elliptical machines being considered
neither the worst nor the best among the company's immediate competition. The technological features and creature comforts are aimed toward casual users who will not be putting an excessive amount of hours on
the elliptical machine.
Summary
Overall, Pro Form provides reasonable elliptical machines that are on par with their competitors. With
a range that only goes up to approximately $ 2,000.00, you should not expect a top-tier, fully-featured elliptical machine.
Pro Form's primary focus is manufacturing elliptical machines with unique bells and whistles on a frame that looks good and is easy on the wallet. However, the longevity of the Pro Form elliptical machine will not compare to the high-end elliptical machines manufactured by companies like Landice, Life Fitness, and Smooth Fitness. This will hold especially true for individuals that plan on using the elliptical machine frequently and with high levels of resistance.
This being said, the Pro Form elliptical machines are well-constructed and include a reasonable amount of quality materials. Hence, for an individual that is looking to purchase a reasonably priced elliptical machine that includes several user features and options (and will last for several years under moderate use), Pro Form is definitely worth considering.
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