Proform 990 CSE Elliptical

  • Reviewed On: November 30, -0001
  • Reviewed By: Gerard Lao

MSRP: $999, Price As Reviewed: $999, Model Year: 2011

Where To Buy : We Recommend Proform.com

 

Pros

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

18" - 20" adjustable stride

The 990CSE allows you to train different muscle groups with its adjustable stride feature. This is to your advantage since most ellipticals come with a single fixed stride. An 18" to 20" stride length would also allow multiple users of different stature to find a suitable length that's comfortable for them.

25 degree power ramp

Since many ellipticals priced below $1000 don't offer an incline feature, the 990CSE edges them out with its 25 degree power ramp. This would make your training more challenging but would lead to better results.

20 programs

You get 20 programs with the 990CSE to help you meet your fitness goals. You may want t know that 20 is above average as compared to just 7 to 11 workout programs normally found in sub-$1000 ellipticals. This means you get to have more program options to choose from.

Built-in Fans and Sound System

You'll find a built-in cooling and a pair of speakers in this elliptical's console. These features help in making your workouts more comfortable and entertaining so you won't get bored especially if you intend to stay on this elliptical for longer hours of training.

Comes with oversized, traction control pedals

This elliptical's foot pedals are oversized and have a traction control feature so you can have different foot positions preventing ankle or joint pains when you're in for long hours of workouts.

 

Cons

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

No Brakes warranty

Even though the 990CSE comes with a magnetic resistance system, lacking a warranty on brakes isn't very reassuring. This is because we've reviewed other brands giving at least 10 years or even up to lifetime warranty on brakes. While this component is covered by a 1-year parts warranty, it's too inferior compared to the lengthy brakes warranty seen on other elliptical machines.

Unknown unit weight

The 990CSE claims that it can accommodate a maximum user weight of 325lbs. However, we don't want you to get too excited about this figure since Proform did not disclose how much the machine actually weighs.

Basic Components – 80% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Quality and Durability – 40.2% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Overall Score & Conclusion - 60.1% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Main component Max Stride Length 19"-22" 20 20 100% Stride is adjustable from 18\"–20\" .
Main component Resistance Levels 16 16 20 80% Elliptical has 16 digital resistance levels.
Main component Max Incline/Ramp 21% to 30% (powered) 8 15 53.33% Comes with a 25 degree power ramp.
Main component Programs 20 21 25 84% Features 20 built-in workouts.
Main component Fan Yes 10 10 100% Amazon states elliptical comes with a cooling fan feature.
Main component Water Bottle Holder Yes 10 10 100% Water bottle holder shown on picture provided.
Main component Foot Pedal Motion and Type Ergonomical stride motion/Oversized Pedals 15 30 50% Comes with oversized, traction control pedals.
Main component Handlebar Grips Standard 3 10 30% Elliptical has standard grips only.
Main component Reverse Stride Motion No 3 10 30% Doesn\'t allow you to pedal backwards.
Main component Time Display Yes 5 5 100% Time displayed on console.
Main component Distance/Strides Display Yes 5 5 100% Has distance readout on console.
Main component Calories Display Yes 5 5 100% Console readout displays calories burned.
Main component Console Design Modern or Intuitive 10 10 100% Features Grafixx™ high resolution display.
Main component Self Improvement: Fitness Tests/Competition/Goals No/Not Stated 1.5 5 30% None stated to qualify for this category.
Main component Personalization: User Profiles/Progress Logs/History No/Not Stated 1.5 5 30% None stated to qualify for this category.
Main component Heart Rate Monitor Grip 10 20 50% Features contact heart rate grips.
Main component MP3 Player Support Standard 20 20 100% Has a compatible iPod port.
Main component TV No/Not Stated 5 25 20% No TV on console.
Main component Money Back Guarantee Yes (30 days or less) 15 20 75% With 30-day money back guarantee.
Main Component Bonus Handle Bar controls Yes 10     Has a convenient quick touch™ in-handle controls.
Main Component Bonus Aesthetics awesome console aesthetics 5     Has an attractive console ready for use with iFit Live technology.
Main Component Bonus Adjustable Strides two (three total including original) 7     Stride length can be adjusted. 18\", 19\", and 20\".
Main Component Bonus Handlebar Design Fixed and Moving 5     Picture shows both fixed and moving handlebars.
Main Component Bonus Footprint Compact Design (Less than 52" for length)/Folding 5     Elliptical has a folding feature.
    Subtotal 1: 216 270 80%  


:
Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Quality and reliability Frame warranty 13 to lifetime 25 25 100% Frame has a lifetime warranty.
Quality and reliability Brakes warranty 6 years or less 5 10 50% No brakes warranty stated but has a 1 year parts warranty.
Quality and reliability Parts warranty 1 year 15 60 25% Has a 1-year parts warranty.
Quality and reliability Labor warranty 1 year 20 60 33.33% Labor warranty is 1 year.
Quality and reliability Unit Weight (lbs) 125 or less/not stated 5 40 12.5% No information provided on unit weight.
Quality and reliability Max User Weight 313 to 325 pounds 27.5 40 68.75% This heavy-duty elliptical is capable of ccommodating 325 lbs.
Quality and reliability Flywheel Weight (lbs) not stated, less than 16.5 10 20 50% No mention of flywheel on product description.
Quality and reliability Bonus Folding yes -5     No mention of flywheel on product description.
    Subtotal 2 : 102.5 255 40.2%  
    Overall: 318.5 525 60.1%