Optimum Fitness Fitness News and equipment reviews
Pro quality Treadmills for the home are becoming increasingly common, I love the feeling of running on a quality machine while in the comfort of my own home. While gym grade treadmills are very common, models that combine a good build quality and price are not. Today we will review the updated Proform Pro 2000 and see if it has what it takes to take centre stage in your home gym.
At a price of around $1300 there is no shortage of competition. Particularly from the Sole F65 and Lifespan TR1200i bracketing this price at $1500 and $1000 respectively.
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How is the Proform 2000 to Live with?
Building and assembly
First thing if you go with the Pro 2000 will be to build and assemble the machine, of course you could opt for an in home service that will cost about $100-150 depending on where you are. Our preference is always to make these things ourselves!
When it comes to locating this machine, its probably best to decide where it should go in advance and leave it there. The Profrom Pro 2000 weighs over 180lbs and after assembly you might not want to move it. As you can see from the image it can be folded, and in this position it measures about 2″ deep.
When folded there are a couple of transport wheels to move it about a room, although stairs may be tricky.
The final consideration is that the treadmill will need power, so if you can try and locate near a socket. In total from start to finish the job should take about 2 hours, and you will need a couple of pairs of hands to help!
Build Quality – what’s under the Pro 2000 hood?
One of the reasons this machine is so heavy is that its incredibly powerful. Under the hood is a 3.25 Continuous Horse Power (CHP) commercial grade motor. Many treadmills will claim to have a 3.25 motor, but treadmill motors are not created equal. This one is backed up by a Lifetime Warranty if Proform are prepared to offer this then you know that they don’t expect to see many faulty ones.
We like the fact that this is made for running! A 3.25 motor is enough power to comfortably propel it to 12mph. Plus there is power in reserve to push the incline. The thing I like about these overpowered commercial motors is that they never feel, or sound, like they are struggling. This thing goes through the fastest workouts at barely a whisper compared to other machines.
With a top speed of 12 mph and a motor easily able we found that it was more than capable staining its output for the duration of a workout. This is a significant upgrade over the TR1200i mentioned earlier, which can only manage 11mph through its 2.5CHP motor.
If it is a running machine you are after then this ticks all my boxes for power and warranty requirements.
Does it Incline?
Yes, but it also declines. We were surprised initially that it could do both, most machines at this price confine themselves to an incline run.
The Proform Pro 2000 has 15 incline levels, and 3 decline levels which are achieved by the legs extending from the front of the machine. These are easily controlled from the console. This gives a great workout, and the decline really does push you during the exercise, and activates muscles I had forgotten about!
Ready To go?
Sadly not, this will require a little building. Plus its helpful if you have a friend to help. However the manual that you can read here breaks the process down into simple steps. The instructions are all English, and you will need a couple of tools. The Hex Keys are included, and you will need a Philips (cross head) screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.
If you are going to set this up in a carpeted room then a mat is recommended just to protect the carpet.
Is it comfortable to run on?
This is one area where the Proform really stands out. The belt is really spacious at 60″ x 22″ this is the perfect size for runners even over 6′ tall. The old model was just 20″ wide the extra few inches gives far more space and adds to your confidence while running.
The second aspect is its cushioning, other users have shown this to be one of the best on the market, with great cushioning and sound deadening. Proform call this FS2™ Cushioning, which is a fancy name for a belt that provides great support for knees and limbs alike.
Console
All the usual features are included in the console: incline level, speed, heart rate, steps, distance, calories and time. With the usual Proform attention to detail there are convenient grab bars to allow for your heart rate to be monitored.
The display is a pleasing blue LED light that is not too harsh. I sometimes like to run in a slightly darkened room watching the TV and this is perfect!
Dimensions
This is a large treadmill. It measures Full: 80″ L X 36″ W X 73.5″ H
Maximum User weight is: 350Lbs
Manufacturer Warranty
Proform offer a generous, full residential warranty as follows:
- Frame: Lifetime
- Motor: Lifetime
- Parts: 5 Year
- Labor: 3 Year
What are the differences between the old and new models of the Proform 2000?
Profrom recently updated and revised their Pro 2000 treadmill. While these changes are mainly cosmetic: better display more functionaltiy the core machine remains virtually unchanged. What we do like is the slightly wider belt, which makes running at high speed feel far more comfortable. The rest of the features (incline, power, speed) remain the same. You can read more about the old model here
Alternatives to the Proform 2000 Treadmill:
| Product name | Rating | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Schwinn 830 Treadmill | $1,168.57 | ||
 | Sole Fitness F63 Folding Treadmill | $999.99 | ||
 | NordicTrack C 1650 Treadmill | $1,260.42 | ||
 | Nautilus T618 Treadmill | $1,299.00 | ||
 | SOLE F63 Treadmill | $999.99 |
What are others saying about the Proform Pro 2000 in their reviews?
The Proform Pro 2000 has had some great reviews both from consumers and in the press. Scoring an average of 80% across all reviews, with over 100 scores submitted.
“I now love the treadmill. Dreadmill no more!“
“We love it. Great middle of the road treadmill“
“Five Stars!”
If you want to read more pros and cons click here Proform Pro 2000 Treadmill 2017 Reviews
Video of the Proform 2000 in Action:
Proform Pro 2000 Verdict:
This is one of the best choices if you are looking for a full sized treadmill. With it’s easy set up, high end finish and compact storage puts it miles ahead of the competition. There is nothing else that comes close in terms of build quality or feel.
We highly recommend the new Proform Pro 2000!
ProForm PFTL13116 Pro 2000 Treadmill Review Summary:
- 7" backlit oversized LCD with racetrack display, iFit compatible; integrated device shelf; ipod compatible, (2) 3" digitally amplified long-throw speakers with Digital volume control
- 3.5 chp Mach Z commercial, 0 - 12 MPH QuickSpeed, 0 - 15% quick incline, 0 - 3% quick decline, EKG grip pulse, dual band (Bluetooth Smart + ANT plus) wireless chest strap
- 350 lb. Weight capacity, solid steel construction, 2.5" rear, 1.9" front, precision balanced non-flex
- 22" x 60" deck, commercial 1-ply non-stretch tread belt, proshox cushioning
- Lifetime frame & Motor Warranty, 5-year parts, 2-year labor Warranty