ProForm 935 E Elliptical Trainer Review

ProForm 935 E Elliptical Trainer Review

When it comes to buying a new Elliptical Trainer there is a huge amount of choice.  Plus new machines are coming on the market all the time.  This is great for us the consumers, as even mid range machines now have the features that only a few years ago were restricted to the top priced models.  At less than $1500 the Proform 935E Elliptical trainer packs a huge amount into the price.

Let’s see how it shapes up in our full review!

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Stride Length

It used to be rare for mid market models machines to have a decent stride length, yet alone an adjustable one.  The 935E can adjust its stride from a useful 18″ up to a full length of 20″.  With this range it is comfortable to ride for most users, anyone under 6’4″ will find a comfortable setting.  I am 5’11” and between 19″ and 20″ is perfect for me!

Like high end machines, the E935 has a three piece crank, basically this translates the circular motion of the free wheel into a smooth elliptical path.  It gives a good motion without to much bouncing up and down.  This minimises any stress or pain on the knees, and makes even long workouts extremely comfortable.

We like that this is a rear drive elliptical, for me this feels more natural than the front drive found on the Proform E1110 elliptical

Workout Programs & Heart Rate Monitor

proform screen 935eAgain once only found on high priced machines, there are a number of excellent workout programs.  However the ‘jewel in the crown’ is the integrated ifit workout screen.  It shows the route you are running, hills country side etc.  It is incredibly easy to use and set up.  When running its very easy to check out your workout stats with a quick swipe of the screen.  The only small issue is that it does not quite have the response of say an iPhone screen.  Its still nice to use.

iFit gives you access to some great features such as maps and workout trackers.  It does cost a little more, about $10 a month, however it is not essential but we like to use it.

Whats even better is that there is no danger of over exerting yourself.  The heart rate monitor, is built in.  However the built in one is on the static handles.  We prefer to use our Polar Chest strap that means we can use the moving handles.  Which ever you choose the Profom 935e will adjust the workout to will keep your heart rate safely in the ‘fat burning zone’, or the Cardio training zone.  Unless you use a chest strap you do have to watch that your hands stay firmly on the sensors, or it will take a few moments to reacquire your pulse.

Magnetic Resistance

Again another advance, old ellipticals used to use friction to control the resistance levels.  The Proform uses magnets to add resistance to the large 18lb make the workout harder.  There are pros and cons to this.  On the plus side, the resistance is applied very smoothly and the 24 levels will remain consistent from workout to workout.  They are also easy to control, you can even control the workout via your iPhone (see below!).  However it does mean that this machine will need to be plugged in.  So you will have to locate it near a socket.

Proform 935E Elliptical Trainer Console Review

Some Assembly Required

This elliptical does comes nearly fully built, and you only have to put some of the large components together yourself.  However this means that it is very heavy to move, you should have a couple of helpers to move it especially if there are stairs involved.

In practice we found that this is one of the simpler machines to build.  You should have it together in a few minutes, most people take less than 30 minutes to get it up and running.

If you run into any problems Proform provide excellent support and help

Warranty

The ProForm® Smart Strider 935 Elliptical is protected with a Lifetime Frame Warranty, 3-Year Parts, and 1-Year Labor Warranty.  This is reasonably generous and in line with other machines of this price

Dimensions

Proform 935E Elliptical Trainer review FoldedThis machine is actually quite compact, but does not feel to small when you are on it:

  • Dimensions: 78”L x 18”W x 60”H
  • Product Weight: 184 lbs
  • Carton Dimensions: 46”L x 15”W x 23”H
  • Carton Weight: 256 lbs
  • User weight 325lbs (max)

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • This is the highest spec machine of any on the market for under $1499
  • 18-20″ adjustable Stride length is a huge benefit
  • The ifit display is amazing!

Cons

  • Some self assembly required
  • Needs to be near a socket

Alternatives to the Proform 935E Elliptical

Product nameRating Price
Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid
$1,045.00
Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 Elliptical Trainer
$699.00
Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer $999.00
Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine (2016) Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine (2016)
$649.00
Yowza Fitness Pompano Cardio Core Elliptical Trainer Machine Yowza Fitness Pompano Cardio Core Elliptical Trainer Machine
Click to see

What are others saying about the Proform 935E  Elliptical?

Although a new product to market (launched in May 2014) already there are positive reviews about this machine.

“EZ setup. 6 screws and its together. Machine has very good and smooth action”

“if you have joint problems of any kind, you have to get his elliptical. LOVE IT!!”

“I use it everyday”

To see more reviews click here>>>

Video

Summary:

Well there you have it.  An elliptical costing around $1000 with a huge amount going for it, However it is not without flaws.  We really like what Proform have done with the design this machine. Unfortunately some of the programming that have been used is faulty and fail quite quickly.  If you are looking to spend around $1000 on an elliptical this is not acceptable. It would seem this is a software fault, and will probably be fixed on newer models.  For peace of mind we would recommend the Sole E35 as a top notch equivalent.

ProForm 935 E Elliptical Trainer Review Summary:

  • Out-of-Box Easy Assembly, 7" Full-Color Touch Display, iPod Compatible Audio, Quick Touch Handles, 30 Workout Apps, Power Adjustable Incline
  • 24 Digital Resistance Levels, CoolAire Workout Fan, EKG Grip Pulse with Wireless Chest Strap, Soft Touch Upper-Body Grips
  • 18 Lb. Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel, SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance, Adjustable Oversized Pedals
  • Commercial-Grade Steel Construction, Water Bottle Holder, Transport Wheels, Oversized Levelers, SpaceSaver Design, 350 Lb. Weight Capacity
  • IFit wireless technology built in-no module required