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

Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill (2012 Model)

The Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill has no shortage of fans. Horizon is well known for its experience in this field, being owned by one of the biggest manufacturers of fitness equipment in the world; Johnson Health Tech. What sets the Horizon Fitness T101-3 apart from its competitors is a combination of superb build quality with a machine that is comfortable, quiet, and simple to store. With these accolades, it seems a no-brainer. Can the Horizon Fitness T101-3 treadmill really be as good as it claims to be?

Key Specs for Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill

• RRP: $599.99 
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs 
• Top Speed: 10 mph 
• Incline: 10% 
• Foldable? Yes 
• Number of Programs: 9

Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill: The Pros

Assembly: With many high spec treadmills in this price range, self-assembly can prove problematic. With the Horizon T101-3, this is not a problem. While made easier by approaching it as a two man job, assembly is surprisingly manageable with one person. The instructions are clear and concise, and if you are efficient can be completed within an hour. There are 4 simple steps to be followed, and these are laid out with clear directions and comprehensible diagrams which are practically foolproof.

Most of the Horizon T101-3’s direct competitors require two hour plus assemblies, with many needing professional assistance to complete correctly, but with the T101-3 you can feel confident in your DIY abilities, regardless of experience.

Motor: One of the biggest selling points of the Horizon Fitness T101-3 treadmill is the powerful 2.25 HP motor. While other similarly priced treadmills offer 2.25 HP motors as well, very few can offer performance and reliability quite like the Horizon T101-3. As you would hope, the motor is completely comfortable all the way through the extremes of its range. 10 mph is no problem for the T101-3, nor is it a problem when extended to the full incline of 10 degrees.

This level of performance is not unique to the T101-3; what is unique is the whisper quiet performance that you get even at these extremes. The only thing you are likely to hear when exercising is the sound of your own breath, or your favorite MP3 songs through the sonic surround speakers. Using Horizon’s PerfectFLEX deck cushioning, the running belt not only reduces the impact on your feet and joints, but it also absorbs the sound of your feet bouncing off the belt.

If you have any remaining doubt about the ability of the T101-3’s motor, Horizon’s lifetime motor guarantee should give you some peace of mind.

Ease of Use: The Horizon Fitness T101-3 is a large piece of machinery, and as such it is not light. However, it comes with Horizon’s FeatherLIGHT lift – a pair of hydraulic lifts that assist you when you need to fold up the treadmill and store it away.

When in use, the T101-3 is just as simple to operate. The 9 program choices are simple to navigate, and even first time users will be able to choose their perfect workout with wasting any time. The display console is easy to read, and the MP3 settings are intuitive. Simply attach your MP3 player, choose your playlist and away you go. The Horizon Fitness T101-3 aims to provide advanced technology with simple operation, and it succeeds.

Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill: The Cons

Fan: The fan on the Horizon Fitness T101-3 treadmill is nothing to get too excited about. Most treadmills in this price range don’t include any sort of fan, so while it is a welcome addition, it simple isn’t powerful enough. You may feel a gentle breeze at lower walking speeds, but once you start increasing your pace you may as well not have a fan at all. Horizon may believe that any fan is better than no fan, but they may have been better off putting their resources into providing an extra few training programs, or a slightly more powerful sound system.

Program Variety: The Horizon T101-3 does provide 9 different training programs which are more than enough for most people looking to incorporate a treadmill into their exercise training, but for those looking to customize their own training programs the T101-3 is found lacking.

However, this should not cause too much concern for most buyers as the only people who will really find this inconvenient are athletes training at the highest level. For the majority of exercise cycles, the pre-programmed training programs will be more than sufficient.

Is the Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill Worth Buying?

If you’re looking for a reliable, well-built treadmill from an established sports equipment manufacturer with a strong history in the market, you will not find many superior treadmills in this price range. While a lack of customizable training programs and a lackluster fan may not be to some people’s liking, these are at most minor inconveniences. This is a treadmill that can withstand an awful lot of punishment, and performs with minimal fuss and negligible noise. At this price, the Horizon Fitness T101-04 is one of the best affordable treadmills you are likely to find.