Proform PRO 2500 Treadmill

  • Reviewed On: December 11, 2011
  • Reviewed By: Gerard Lao

MSRP: $2499, Price As Reviewed: $1299, Model Year: 2011

Where To Buy : We Recommend Proform.com

 

Pros

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

iFit Live built-in, 30 programs

The Proform PRO 2500 gives you several ways on how to train and lose those excess weights. It is equipped with the revolutionary iFit Live technology letting you have a virtual trainer like Jillian Michaels, compete and race anywhere in the world with other iFit users currently online, or download new online programs. The PRO2500 also comes with 30 built-in workouts giving you more options compared to most treadmills that have just 10-24 programs.

Strong 3.5HP motor for the price, more than enough for the belt size

Given the sale price of $1299, the PRO2500's 3.5HP motor is more than what you'll normally expect in the $1000-$1500 price bracket. Also, the common combination for belt and motor is 20" x 60" powered by a 3HP motor. This means you get extra power with a 3.5HP motor.

7" touch screen

With the 7" touch screen, you'll appreciate the iFit Live experience more, especially when using the Google Maps workouts. Plot your route in the touch screen and watch your trail and progress in full color. 

-3% decline

Not many treadmills come with a decline feature. It gives variation to your workouts and makes the simulation of downhill terrain more realistic. With the PRO 2500's -3% decline, you can take advantage of this feature not found in many treadmills.

Wireless chest strap, sound system, folding feature, fans, etc.

Many treadmills selling below $1500 usually doesn't have a wireless chest strap included. Many often offer just one or 2 features listed on the left pane. The PRO2500 gives you all the bells and whistles you'll want from a treadmill. From its built-in speakers to cooling fans, quick incline keys to the rare -3% decline feature, from a decent shock absorption to the SpaceSaver folding feature that gives you extra space when working out.

Strong parts warranty of 5yrs

The PRO 2500's 5-year parts warranty is above average for treadmills in the $1000 - $1500 price range. Most treadmills in this price bracket only come with 2 to 4 years coverage on parts.

375lb weight capacity

A 375lb weight capacity is above average for treadmills in the $1000 - 1500 price range. It's just unfortunate that we don't have access to the PRO 2500's unit weight to better support its claim that it can handle heavy users.

 

Cons

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

Unit weight not provided

Among Proform treadmills' weaknesses is that they don't provide the treadmills unit weight. Especially when you claim that you can support users up to 375 pounds, it's important that you state how heavy the treadmill is, because it should be stable enough to withstand the pounding brought about by the user's running and strides.

Roller size unknown

We're once again dealing with unstated roller sizes when dealing with Proform treadmills. Not to say they're not big or strong enough but we can't blame you if you'll question the durability of this component.


Basic Components – 79.2% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Extra Features – 82.2% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Quality and Durability – 62.9% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Overall Score & Conclusion - 74.8% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Main component Programs 30 31 40 77.5% Treadmill has 30 Built-In Workout Apps.
Main component Max Speed 11.1 MPH or Above 45 45 100% Treadmill can go from 0-12 miles per hour.
Main component Max Incline 13.6 to 15.0 30 45 66.67% Website states incline range is from 0% to 15%.
Main component Belt Length 60-60.9" 34 40 85% Has a 60-inch belt length.
Main component Belt Width 20.0 to 20.4 30 40 75% Belt width is 20 inches
Main component Motor Rating 3.26 to 3.5 HP 32 45 71.11% Has a 3.5 CHP Mach Z™ Commercial Pro Motor
    Subtotal 1: 202 255 79.22%  


Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Extra Features Max Decline -3% 15 20 75% 0 to -3% Decline
Extra Features Noise Reduction Belt or Deck or Motor Yes 10 10 100% Treadmill claims to have the smoothest, quietest motor available today.
Extra Features Shock Absorption (cushioning) Belt or Deck Yes 10 15 66.67% Features FS2™ Full Surface Suspension.
Extra Features Folding Yes 15 15 100% Website states this treadmill folds.
Extra Features Fans Yes 10 10 100% Treadmill comes with AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan.
Extra Features Built In TV No/Not Stated 5 30 16.67% TV feature not mentioned.
Extra Features Supports MP3 Players Standard 20 20 100% Has a compatible iPod port.
Extra Features Water Bottle Holder Yes 15 15 100% Treadmill console has bottle holder based on picture.
Extra Features Money Back Guarantee Yes (30 days or less) 15 20 75% With 30-day money back guarantee.
Extra Features Fitness Tests/Competition/Goals Yes 7.5 7.5 100% Features a built-in iFit Live.
Extra Features Personalization: User Profiles/Progress Logs/History Yes 7.5 7.5 100% Treadmill has a built-in iFit Live.
Extra Features Heart Rate Monitor Grip+Wireless 20 20 100% Has both contact grips and wireless chest strap.
Extra Features Quick Speed/Incline Buttons Yes 10 10 100% Website mentions of quick speed and incline buttons.
Extra Features Time Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Time displayed on console.
Extra Features Distance Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Has distance readout on console.
Extra Features Calories Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Shows calories burned on console.
Extra Features Console Design Modern or Intuitive 10 10 100% Features a 7\" full color touch screen.
    Subtotal 2: 185 225 82.22%  


:
Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Quality and reliability Frame Warranty 13 to lifetime 20 20 100% Comes with a lifetime warranty on frame.
Quality and reliability Motor Warranty 13 to lifetime 30 30 100% Comes with a lifetime motor warranty.
Quality and reliability Parts Warranty 5 years 45 60 75% Warranty for parts is 5 years.
Quality and reliability Labor Warranty 2 years 30 60 50% Treadmill has a 2-year labor warranty.
Quality and reliability Multi-ply Belt/Deck 2 Ply/double laminated deck 10 15 66.67% Tread belt is 2-ply.
Quality and reliability Machine Weight less than 200 pounds/not stated 7.5 40 18.75% Treadmill weight not stated.
Quality and reliability Machine User Weight Capacity 363 to 375 pounds 37.5 42.5 88.24% This treadmill accommodates up to 375 lb
Quality and reliability Rollers less than 2"/not stated 7.5 22.5 33.33% Treadmill\'s rollers not discussed.
Quality and reliability Bonus Folding Yes -5     Treadmill\'s rollers not discussed.
    Subtotal 3 : 182.5 290 62.93%  
    Overall: 569.5 770 74.79%