Proform Power 995 Treadmill Review

treadmill Doctor Note :

Beautiful unit that has the ifit Live feature which is really quite impressive. A solid entry level machine for many.

MSRP:

$999

Walking Area:

8.5

Power:

Cushioning:

6.8

Reliability:

5.8

Noise Level:

Quality:

5.8

Value:

6.2

Warranty:

5.5

Overall Rating: 6.32

Bragging rights...

Very good motor that features in high end models

A powerful large frame 3 HP motor that has very good power producing capability and which even features in some higher priced models. Getting this motor at this price is value for money. Experienced runners can sail smoothly reaching speeds up to 12 mph without breaking strides in a relatively noise free routine.

The belt size is standard and provides ample space for a comfortable run

The belt size of 20" x 60" makes running easier for frequent runners, and there is ample width and sufficient length to accommodate any type of runner.

The ProShox Elite 2 Cushioning does a great job of protecting hard working leg and back muscles and smoothly deadens the jarring impact of sustained running keeping muscles fresher and ready to work longer. This is not the surface to wear out faster and this kind of quality goes up the pricing ladder into some high end models.

The improved cushioning, incline variations up to 15% and a reasonably good range of 20 workout programs keep runners thoroughly engaged in challenging simulations.

iFit Live technology is the show stopper

iFit will lead you into the thick of international race track action through Google Maps and racing routes that simulate the highs and lows of each slope in hilly conditions. The feature that allows you to customize your individual workout is outstanding.

The drawbacks...

If you are a runner this treadmill may not be for you

The rigors of extreme running require a higher level of quality and durability and dependability and a machine that has to cut corners to be priced below $1,000 would not be the right fit. You must set your sights higher spending not less than $1,500.

Warranty could have been better but we are below the $1,000 price mark

Warranty is 1 year for labor and 3 years for parts, with frame and motor enjoying lifetime coverage. This is not too bad considering the fact that not many brands show this kind of confidence in their low end models.

Electronics can throw a wrench in the works

Like most low end treadmills this model too has the occasional glitch in electronics. Icon's poor service response could end up worrying you.

Our verdict

The Power 995 represents a defining moment for Proform where quality of components weds excellent features to create a model that more than lives up to its price tag. Even a slight improvement in quality can see you move noticeably higher up the price ladder, so this is value for money in the $700 to $999 category for a decent machine. If you are constrained by finances and this is going to be your first treadmill you will be impressed.

The ability to race others live on the Internet and the touch screen make you forget this is a Proform. If it works long-term, these treadmills could put everyone else out of business.

General Information

These products are produced by Icon Health and Fitness. They are the largest retail fitness company. This is one of the original Icon brands and can be found in most mass merchants. They typically range between $500 and $1,500 and have short warranties for the most part although they have excellent warranties on the high end. We have seen a shift in regard to that on mainly motors in some units. The gee-whiz factor is high on these machines because they are packed with features but those have tended to be glitch prone. Except for the higher priced units with a selling price of $1000 or more, we wouldn?t recommend these for runners, but the quality of the machine is so much better than the ones produced just a few years ago, most people who are walkers or occasional users will be satisfied with the new Proforms.

Quality / Philosophy

Proform is produced by Icon, a company with thousands of employees and large resources. Put simply, their machines have the best design in the business. Icon has a long, storied history that provides an example of how the big keep getting bigger. Icon used to be the mass-market darling because of their cheap prices but they used to have quality to match. These days they put quality into the machines and pack them with features. Icon also has the worst customer service in the business but we rate the machines by the individual machine quality, not the quality of their service. Proform is still saddled with many models from their past but the quality has rapidly improved, especially with their machines in the $900 and up range.

Outlook

Icon is the largest fitness equipment producer in the world with over $1 billion in sales. If the fitness industry were a solar system, Icon is so powerful that they would be the Sun. In terms of stability they are the best, but overall their customer service isn?t up to the standards of any of the lower volume producers. They promised an improvement in service but the results were more of the same. Although you get a value price for the product, you also get value service so keep this in mind when buying their machines- apparently they price their machines so low in comparison to other companies that they don?t have money left for service. Due to the sheer number of units they produce, we pick up support in many cases where this factory leaves off.