Review Are ProForm Treadmills a Good Value
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Fitness Equipment.
Review: Are ProForm Treadmills a Good Value?
Summary
ProForm treadmills are incredibly popular due to their attractive pricing, with options available for as low as $400. But the real question is: do they offer good overall value?Article
ProForm is the world’s leading treadmill seller, focusing mainly on budget models sold through mass merchants, prominent sporting goods chains, and home shopping networks. Owned by Icon Fitness, ProForm also offers brands like Weslo, NordicTrack, Reebok, Image, and HealthRider, dominating the sub-$1,000 market.
While ProForm's pricing is appealing, are these treadmills truly valuable? From a cost perspective, they seem great. However, durability and maintenance may raise some concerns.
Why Are ProForm Treadmills So Popular?
When comparing price and features, ProForm treadmills appear to offer an exceptional deal. Most models come with numerous features, including built-in televisions, and seem substantial at a glance. However, what really matters is their internal components.
Many ProForm treadmills come with only a 90-day parts and labor warranty, which could reflect the quality of materials used. Companies that use cheaper components often offer shorter warranties. In contrast, manufacturers of more durable treadmills can afford longer warranties, such as 2-5 years on parts and 1 year on labor. Notably, ProForm now offers a 12-15 year motor warranty on select models.
During a visit to a fitness store in Wilmington, NC, I discussed these treadmills with the head of servicing. Although the retailer didn't sell ProForm, they often serviced them. They considered discontinuing service due to recurring issues. Once a problem was fixed, owners frequently returned with the same or new issues.
Though tens of thousands of ProForm treadmills are sold annually and most owners are satisfied (as seen in reviews on Epinions), it's worth noting that budget models tend to have a higher incidence of mechanical problems. By selling at budget prices, they inevitably use budget components, which can lead to more frequent breakdowns.
Recommendations
I recommend ProForm treadmills primarily for walking and moderate use. Their high-end models might handle light jogging. However, if you plan to use the treadmill frequently or have multiple users, consider other brands in the $1,500+ range.
If your budget is tight, aim to spend over $700 on a ProForm treadmill, and consider investing in an extended warranty. Repairing treadmills can become costly.
For those on a budget, ProForm might be the best option. However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
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