ProForm Smart Strider Elliptical Trainer Review

Proform went back to basics when they designed their range of ellipticals.  They use a system that is designed to produce the most ergonomic training platform they can using the following 6 principles.  As these are what makes the elliptical what it is lets look at them in detail.

Body Positioning: With the handles are directly above the foot pads, forcing you to ride in a strong upright position.  You won’t be able to slouch on this machine, which will ensure that you engage your full core muscles during the training.

Handlebar Spacing:  The handlebars feature long grips extending down the top of the handle.  This gives a good comfortable reach no matter your height.

Elliptical foot path: Key to safe comfortable workout is the path that the pedals take.  With an 18″ stride space gets a little tight, fine if you are under 6′ tall.

Pedal Placement:  To minimise strain on the hips the pedals have been placed as close together as possible.  This stops a lateral side to side motion, and allows a more natural up down movement of the legs.

Access: This is a rear drive elliptical, meaning that the business end (fly wheel / motor etc) are located in front of the driver.  While this does mean stepping over the machine to get on, it does put the noisy end behind you, and causes less distraction while riding.

Drive: Proform have done some work on the fly wheel to make the movement smooth and fluid.  With no jerks to the motion.

What makes up the Proform Smart Strider?

Incline

In common with most machines the Proform features an adjustable incline.  The Smart Strider can go through 3-20 degrees, with the level of incline being controlled via the convenient buttons on the handles.

Fold Flat

This machine can be easily folded down to provide a compact way to store. This is very simple and just involves undoing a couple of latches.  Once folded it all holds together nicely, and reassembles easily.  All the weight is the rear of the machine, so it easily pivots around this to store upright.

Console

The console has been significantly upgraded from the earlier version.  With a simple clear screen, and a basic LCD display it is easy to read and shows all the data you can need during the workout:  Distance (around the running track), heart rate, speed, RPM etc.

Its buttons are a good size, with the easy to reach fan and volume controls.

The console also provides access to the workout 18 programs, these are great fun and easy to follow:  Workouts manual, Weight loss Muscle toner, Strength builder, etc. All  the workouts are designed by a personal trainer, and give a great range of exercises from beginner to more advanced.

Warranty

The Smart Strider has a fairly basic warranty, standard to Ellipticals at this level:

• Frame: Lifetime
• Parts: One year
• Labor: One year

There are some other features worth considering as well:

The power comes from a power adapter which is included so no searching round for batteries.

Assembly is fairly straight forward.  Proform have pre-assmebled most of the machine.  There are a few bits still to put together and all the tools are included.  We would recommend 2 people to help with the assembly.

There is a weight limit of 300 lbs for riders of this machine.

And finally, this elliptical can be driven forwards and backwards.

What are others saying about the Proform Smart Strider?

All the Proform Ellipticals are well regarded, and this is no exception.  Receiving a strong 4 out of 5 stars.  This model is new to the market yet its already been well received.

 ” this is a good unit, very sturdy, and should last a long time “

“Great workout I LOVE IT”

 

Read more pros and cons click here >>> Proform Smart Strider Reviews

Any issues?

Nothing major, some reviewers have reported some squeaking from the machine.  This seems to be a minority and does not match with our experience

Model	Livestrong 8.0E	Livestrong 10.0E-2	Livestrong 13.0E-2	Livestrong 15.0E
Image
Average Price	$799	$999- Currently Unavailable	$1,299	$2,399
Current Price	On Sale at Amazon.com for $599 - $200 OFF!	On Sale at Amazon.com for $899 - Save $100!	On Sale at Amazon.com for $1,299 - Save $800!	On Sale at Amazon.com for $2,399!
Rating
Model Review	Full Livestrong 8.0E Elliptical Review	Full Livestrong 10.0E Elliptical Review	Full Livestrong 13.0E-2 Elliptical Review	Full Livestrong 15.0E Elliptical Review
Drive System	Front Drive with Roller Track	Front Drive with Roller Track	Front Drive with Roller Track	Front Drive with Roller Track
Resistance	16 Levels of Resistance, 5 levels of incline	20 Levels of Resistance, 20 levels (5% increments)	20 Levels of Resistance, 21 levels of power incline	20 Levels of Resistance, 21 levels of power incline
Flywheel	23 lb.	23 lb.	30 lb.	30 lb.
Stride/Motion	20" Stride Length	20" Stride Length	20" Stride Length	20" Stride Length
Programs	9 training programs	11 training programs, downloadable Livetrack Interactive™ technology	11 training programs, downloadable Livetrack Interactive™ technology	11 training programs, downloadable Livetrack Interactive™ technology
Unit Weight	192 lbs.	199 lbs.	220lbs	222 lbs.
Max User Weight	300 lbs.	325 lbs.	350 lbs.	350 lbs.
Footprint	76"x24"x67"	76"x24"x67"	75"x31"x63"	75"x31"x63"
Stability	Above Average	Above Average	Above Average	Above Average
Quality	Above Average	Above Average	Above Average	Above Average
Upper Body Workout	YES	YES	YES	YES
Display	Simple LCD	LCD	LCD	LCD
Heart Rate Monitor	Contact Grips	Contact Grips	Contact Grips	Contact Grips
Warranty	Lifetime frame and brake, 1-year parts, 1-year in-home labor	Lifetime frame and brake, 3 years parts, 1 year in-home labor	Lifetime frame and brake, 5 years parts, 2 year in-home labor	Lifetime frame and brake, 5 years parts, 2 year in-home labor
Other				Includes Chest Strap

ProForm have a great reputation for solid entry to mid level ellipticals.  They all look smart and perform well.  Their main competitors are Schwinn, and Horizon which also produce a similar quality of machines.  If you want to step up to higher quality then around $1200