Proform 505 CST Treadmill

 

The Proform 505 CST Treadmill is a top of the line electronic treadmill that combines a truly durable build quality with all the technical specs and gadgets that any running enthusiast could want, or need. With 15 varied workouts, top quality cushioning and extremely quick responsiveness, the Proform 505 CST claims to be ideal for people who are really serious about their running, from amateur to expert. With a 2.25 HP motor that comes with a 25 year warranty, Proform are certainly confident that their treadmill can take all the punishment you can dish out and still ask for more. Can the 505 CST live up to these expectations?

Key Specs For The Proform 505 CST Treadmill

• RRP: $604.99
• Maximum Weight Capacity: $604.99
• Top Speed: 10 mph
• Incline: 10%
• Foldable? Yes
• Number of Programs: 15

Proform 505 CST Treadmill: The Pros

Size: First and foremost, this is not a small treadmill. The Proform 505 CST treadmill weighs in at around 200 lbs. This is a good thing however, when it comes to overall size. With a running belt that is 20 inches wide and 55 inches long, the 505 CST can accommodate even long stride runners comfortably. The belt is nice and long, and feels surprisingly comfortable.

The benefit of having such a sturdy machine undoubtedly lies in its weight capacity. The Proform 505 CST can accommodate weights up to and including 300 lbs. While this is not ground breaking in itself, there are many similarly priced treadmills that only claim to facilitate weights of up to 250 pounds. Proform are clearly quite comfortable with their weight capacity, because they also offer a 25 year motor warranty – not something you would associate with such a product.

Capabilities: The Proform 505 CST is a capable device. The 2.25 CHP Mach Z motor always feels comfortable, even when being pushed to its top speed of 10 mph and at inclines of up to 10%. The 505 CST comes with 15 programs to test the mettle of even experienced runners.

While the pre-set workouts don’t allow for in-run tinkering, they are extremely simple to choose from and navigate. Ease of use is a running theme, and the Proform 505 CST treadmill is extremely responsive to commands. The speed controls are smooth and swift to change, and the incline adjustments do not feel laboured in any way. The 505 CST also allows users to amend hook up their iPod, and while the sound quality isn’t exactly top notch, it certainly beats wearing headphones.

Comfort: The Proform 505 CST uses a ProShox Lite 3 cushioning system on the belt. This cushioning system gives feet and legs extra protection from shock impact and repetition strains. The cushioning system is particularly welcome when it comes to long challenging runs that really have you beating down on the belt. Not only does the ProShox save your joints from aches and pains, but it also provides for a durable belt that won’t show early signs of wear and tear. You may get used to this cushioning and stop noticing it after some time, but as soon as you next step back onto a standard treadmill you will immediately notice the difference.

 

 

 

Proform 505 CST Treadmill: The Cons

Assembly: Unlike other home use treadmills, theProform 505 CST treadmill is not easy to assemble. Assembly takes several hours, and is best completed by two or more people. In a way, this is somewhat reassuring, as something that is coming with a 25 year guarantee should involve some level of care when being put together. If you are in any way unfamiliar with assembling technical items yourself, it may very well be in your best interests to hire someone to assemble the 505 CST for you. The slight cost you pay now will quickly be recouped by having a correctly assembled treadmill.

iFit: The Proform 505 CST is heavily marketed as being iFit Live Technology compatible, but rarely does it state the actual cost of getting iFit Live. iFit Live is an interactive training program that lets you download training schedules and workouts powered by Google maps. While this is a fantastic service, you will need to pay for both the initial outlay and then an on-going subscription. For those that will use the service, it’s extremely useful. However, some people will buy the Proform 505 CST treadmill without realizing that it does not come with iFit Live, merely that it is compatible.

Is the Proform 505 CST Treadmill Worth Buying?

As a treadmill that can cater to all shapes and sizes, the Proform 505 CST Treadmill is certainly capable. With a range of workout programs to suit any need, the 505 CST strikes a nice balance between being suitable for newcomers and experts alike. At $600, it is not the cheapest treadmill in the market, but it’s also far from being the most expensive. If you are looking for a treadmill to last you for many a year to come, the Proform 505 CST treadmill could just be a very wise investment.

Proform 505 CST treadmill

 

 

The Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill genuinely stands out when compared to its market competitors for a couple of reasons.

• Firstly, unlike some other treadmills, when Horizon say compact they really mean it. The Horizon Evolve SG Compact truly is a compact treadmill – when not in use it folds down to a tiny 59 x 10 inches, making it comfortably one of the most compact treadmills available.

• Secondly, the Horizon Evolve SG Compact has no assembly requirements…none. It arrives fully assembled and ready to go; all you need to do is lubricate the belt. Most compact treadmills claim to be easy to assemble, but Horizon have taken it one step further and removed the assembly requirements altogether.

The Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill is unlikely to be the treadmill of choice for any serious athletes, but is it a genuine option for the more casual treadmill user?

Key Specs For The Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill

• RRP: $599.00

• Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs

• Top Speed: 6 mph

• Foldable? Yes

• Number of Programs: 2

Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill: The Pros

Assembly: Many treadmills are rightly praised for the quality of their assembly instructions, the ease with which they can be assembled and for having an assembly time of less than two hours. However, the Horizon Evolve SG Compact is in a completely different league. The Evolve SG arrives fully assembled, and the only thing you need to do is unpack it, lubricate the belt, plug it in and let it warm up. At roughly $600, you will not find many other fully motorized treadmills that arrive ready to use.

Storage: Just like with the lack of assembly, Horizon have taken the Evolve SG Compact to a new level when it comes to storage. The Evolve SG Compact folds down flat, and is just a mere ten inches high when completely folded. Folding the treadmill is extremely simple, and the treadmill can then comfortably be stored underneath a bed, in a wardrobe, and even under many couches. This makes it absolutely ideal for prospective buyers who are limited by space, or wish to store the treadmill out of sight.

Great Beginners Treadmill: The Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill is not a fancy or confusing treadmill. It offers users speeds of up to 6 mph which are ideal for someone just starting to use a treadmill for the first time. The Evolve SG Compact offers two programs – a free program and a structured program. The buttons are simple to use and are completely intuitive.

The price is around the $600 mark, and for someone who is looking to invest in their first treadmill, the Horizon Evolve SG Compact treadmill is exactly what you’re looking for. In addition to its ease of use, the Evolve SG Compact can accommodate weights of up to 250 lbs. For a treadmill with a 1.5 horsepower motor, this is no mean feat.

 

 

Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill: The Cons

No Incline: One of the more basic features that most people look for in a treadmill these days is the range of incline that the treadmill offers. The Horizon Evolve SG Compact has no incline option. While this may suit many people, even most manual treadmills have some sort of adjustable incline settings. Horizon put so much effort into making the Evolve SG Compact easy to set up, easy to use and easy to store. They would have been well advised to spend a little more time on the functionality of the treadmill once it was in use.

Heart Rate Monitor: While many treadmills do not have a very reliable heart rate monitor, the Horizon Evolve SG Compact has one of the worst. The LCD display screen can only show one statistic at a time, whether it be time, speed, calories burned or heart rate. Unfortunately, it often fixes on heart rate even when the user is not using the heart rate monitors. Other treadmills with heart rate monitors that are inaccurate are annoying, but in most of their cases they have a separate heart rate display. On the Evolve SG, the faulty readings take over the entire screen.

End Displays: Most treadmill users like to use their treadmills to set goals and targets, and measure their performance against these targets. The Horizon Evolve SG Compact does not help users in doing this, as once you come to the end of a cycle all the statistical info resets to zero. Users who wish to take a record of their stats need to do so while still moving at the end of their cycle, and if you are not paying attention you can easily miss the training program’s end approaching.

Is the Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill Worth Buying?

If you’re a first time treadmill buyer, or if simplicity and extremely compact storage is very important to you, then the Horizon Evolve SG Compact might be ideal. Requiring no assembly and folding almost flat, the Evolve SG is ideal as a beginner’s treadmill for someone with a lack of space in their home. However, for anyone who is a slightly more experienced athlete, or someone who needs a treadmill that they can jog or run at speeds greater than 6 mph, then the Evolve SG is not the treadmill for you.

 

Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill