Proform Pro 3500 Elliptical

Pros

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

iFit Live built-in with a 7" touch screen

Among the PRO 3500's features that are worth noting is its built-in iFit Live module that goes well with the 7" colored touch screen. This combination makes your iFit experience more enjoyable since you'll be able to view the actual routes of your desired place with Google Maps. This innovation would also allow you to download new workouts or even compete with other online iFit Live users. When you compete, you get motivated in reaching your fitness goals.

48 programs

Even though this machine has a built-in iFit Live module, it's still loaded with 48 preprogrammed workouts. This is impressive since we're used to seeing just 11 to 19 programs in high-end ellipticals. With a wide range of workout options, you get better choices to choose from.

-10 degree to 20 degree decline/incline ramp

The PRO3500 offers a decline feature that goes down to -10 degrees. This would give a variation that will go well with the 20degree incline. Now your iFit Live experience would be more realistic in simulating different terrains with this decline and incline feature.

20" - 22" adjustable stride

Not many ellipticals offer stride lengths that are adjustable. This is among the advantages with the PRO3500. Offering between 20" to 22", you get to choose a stride length that's comfortable to you.

fans and MP3 player support

With the PRO 3500, you’ll enjoy convenient features like a built-in cooling fan and MP3 player support. Listening to your favorite music while you workout can help you shift your focus from enduring the length of time that you spend on the elliptical to actually enjoying the experience while the cooling fan keeps you fresh and comfortable during intense workouts. Needless to say, you'll get better and faster results if you work out longer.

awesome console and frame aesthetics

Just like the PRO1500, we find the PRO3500's fame and console very attractive earning this elliptical bonus marks on our score sheets. With its very modern frame design, it also comes with a 7" touch screen as the centerpiece of its well-designed console. It gives you a good feeling knowing that you’re working out on a beautiful fitness machine.

Cons

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

Oversized and traction-control pedals only

This time, Proform's oversized and traction control pedals would count as among this model's weaknesses. This is because we're expecting more enhancements like adjustable feature or cushioning to come with its ergonomic design. Most high-end ellipticals, especially those selling from $2000 and up, come with all the enhancements we've mentioned above.

Basic hand grips only

You may get disappointed with the PRO3500's handgrips since it doesn't offer any enhancements like cushioning. Most of the time, or when you're also training your upper body, your hands are on the moving handlebars so we find it important that you'll be comfortable holding these grips.

No reverse stride

Other brands allow you to pedal backwards so you can concentrate on your glutes and quads. Unfortunately for the PRO3500, it doesn't come with this reverse stride feature. We count this as among this model's weaknesses since this feature is expected for ellipticals worth more than $1000.

No wireless chest strap

For an elliptical machine worth $2599, not having a $50 value wireless chest strap is very unsatisfactory. High-end ellipticals come with this feature since it gives a more accurate and continuous feedback when monitoring your heart rate.

No Brakes warranty

Though the warranty of 5 years on parts covers for the lack of a separate braking system warranty, it still fairs poorly when compared to 10 years or even lifetime warranty offered by its competitors.

Unknown unit weight

375 pounds is a little on the heavier side so there's a need to validate this claim if the elliptical can support such weight. Sorry to say, the PRO3500's unit weight is not mentioned on its website so if you're weighing near 375 lbs., you might not want to risk your safety on an elliptical that's significantly lighter than you.