A Complete Review Of The ProForm Crosswalk Caliber Elite Treadmill Size Width: 33” The ProForm Crosswalk Caliber Elite Treadmill is one of many treadmills made by ProForm. This model differs from most models because it has upper body arms for you to hold onto while running/walking/jogging. These allow you to add upper body work to your cardio workout. Resistance is adjustable. This model does not feature the Space Saver Design, which allows you to store the treadmill vertically when you are not using it. This feature would come in handy for anyone who might be a little short on room to keep their equipment. Most other ProForm models do have this feature, although they don't have the upper body arms featured on this one. I guess you just have to pick which one of the features is more important to you and your needs. Speed/Incline Control This model features what is called Quick Speed Control, which allows you to change speeds up and down to anything between 0-10 mph instantly with one touch of a button. This allows you to lower your speed when you need a quick break and increase the speed for a quick challenge when you feel the urge. This treadmill also features Power Incline Control, which allows you to electronically control the slope of the treadmill from anything between 1.5-10%. This allows the user to add the challenge of running uphill, which also adds variety to your workout. This treadmill uses a 17-inch by 53-inch pre-lubricated tread belt. ProForm describes it as a “large, non-slip treadmill belt that accommodates long strides.” The tread belt features ProSoft Impact Absorption, which is said to reduce impact on joints compared to running on the road. It runs on a 2.75 HP Mach Drive System. This is a self-cooling, quiet, drive system. Being quiet and self-cooling usually extends the life of the motor. I like the fact that the caliber elite treadmill comes with a large 53" tread belt and powerful 2.75 motor. However, the width of the treadmill is very narrow and might prove to be a hinderance for larger individuals. The most interesting aspect about this treadmill is the fact that it has "arms". These are meant to work, in conjunction with the tread belt to provide a total body workout. The arms are fully adjustable in terms of resistance and come with an 8 week workout program, specifically for this type of training. A very interesting feature for the Proform Caliber Elite Treadmill. Display/Console Clear View Backlit Console
This includes all the standard features that most every treadmill you'll see today has, plus a few more. The CoolAire Fan is a nice addition to the console, allowing you to keep cool while running. This fan comes in two speeds, similar to high and low settings. There is also EKG Grip Pulse Sensors on the handles so that you can accurately monitor your heart rate. This will help to keep you in your optimum training zone whether your goal is to burn fat or increase your aerobic endurance. The Interactive Calorie Center allows you to punch in your weight to see exactly how many calories you are burning based on your actual workout. The iFit compatibility of this treadmill is also very useful. This patented technology uses interactive CD's (included with purchase of treadmill) to control the speed of your treadmill. You can also log on to iFIT.com for professional fitness advice and workout plans. Proform provides adequate feed back information with regards to your exercise. 4 Pre-Set Programs The 2 Personal Trainer programs featured on this unit focus on weight loss and fitness goals. The 2 High Performance programs are designed to help you reach your high performance goals, such as running a 5K or 10K race for example. The 2 iFit CD's contain a customizable 8-week weight loss program for the user. You put your information into the CD from your computer, then use the CD with your treadmill. It acts almost like a computerized personal trainer. I'm a little dissapointed that there are only 4 pre-set programs with the calibe elite. Durability Maximum User Weight: 300lbs Given the fact that there is a pretty solid motor installed and the frame is faily large, this treadmill should hold up for individuals over 200 pounds.
Proform isn't known for quality component parts and construction and their warranty is very weak. That leaves me, the consumer wondering if it could support my weight, at a brisk running pace in the incline position. The heavy duty tread belt is supposed to be built to last but again, I have my doubts. Yes I am thrilled to see that there is a Heart Rate Monitor on this model. I would love to see this feature standard on all pieces of cardio equipment. This will help you get the most out of your workouts, so long as you utilize the feature. Warranty and Service Motor: 10 year The warranty on the motor is pretty weak for this price range. You'll see in a moment why this motor warranty is weak, even at a price of $699. The parts and labor warranty, on the other hand, shocks me. I don't see how you can warrant a motor for 10 years and the other parts for only 3 months, aka 1/40th of 10 years. It might not be a big deal, but something gives me a bad feeling about the briefness of the parts and labor warranty. I would purchase an extended version if possible just to be sure. Here are the extended warranty options:1 year warranty: $69.95 It will depend on how much you plan on using the treadmill. If your going to be giving the Proform Caliber Elite treadmill a good pounding everyday, you might want to opt for the longer warranties. However, if you're going to be using the treadmill every other day, you might want to opt for a shorter period. However, do not simply go with the standard warranty because, I don't have 100% confidence in Proform's component parts. I would opt for at least two years. However, if I was to purchase the extended warranty for $119, this puts the price up to $818 which is going into other treadmill companies price territories such as Vision's T1450 ($999). And if I were to add on the shipping of $125, the price jumps to $943. I'm going to be honest with you, Vision treadmills are much better treadmills in terms of quality, durability, and functionality. The construction process is much better and the standard warranty states as much. Let's take a look at the Vision T1450's standard warranty: This warranty says to me, as a consumer, that Vision believes in their product and stands behind it 100%. Proform's warranty says that I'm taking my chances by purchasing their product and standard warranty, which is 10 year motor, 90 day parts and labor. There is simply no comparison between a Vision treadmill and a Proform treadmill. Vision will always win, hands down. However, if I were to buy the Proform Caliber Elite Treadmill, I would not simply go with the standard warranty because I don't have 100% confidence in Proform's component parts. I would opt for at least 2 years. Price/Cost Effectiveness $699 Base price; Now, the base price of the Proform Caliber Eltie treadmill is $699, but that's if you don't go with the 3 year warranty, don't have it delivered, and you try and put it together yourself. If you happen to get the warranty, which you should, and have it shipped, which you should, and have it professionally set up, which you should, your looking at an overall price of $1,093. This price puts the Proform Cross Walk Caliber Trainer treadmill in direct competition with the: - Smooth Fitness 5.25 Treadmill ($999 - Free shipping); I can tell you right now that there is no way that the Proform Caliber Elite Treadmill can compete with these treadmills. Let's take a look at just two of the above models in terms of some basic features and warranties: - Motor: 2.5 HP Continuous Duty, DC type - User Weight Capacity: 325 lbs. Standard warranty - Motor 20 years; Let's take a look at a lower priced treadmill, the Vision Fitness T1450 ($999 plus $150 for delivery and set up). - 2.0 Continous horsepower; Standard warranty: - Lifetime - Frame & Motor As you can see, both, the Sole F63 and Vision T1450 have solid all round packages that leaves the Proform Caliber Elite looking very weak and unstable. If I had $1,000 - $1,200 to spend on a treadmill, I would be hard pressed to purchase the Caliber Elite. The fact is, that when you add up all the costs for the Caliber Elite treadmill, it adds up to a price that can't, and won't compete with treadmills in that new price zone. My confidence would lie with Soles or Smooth's product, rather than Proforms. You can't even compare Proform's 90 day parts and labor warranty with Sole's 3 year parts / electronics and 1 year labor. Even with the cross training arms, the craftsmanship of a Proform will not stand up to a Smooth or Vision product. Notable features on the Proform Caliber Elite treadmill: - 2.75 HP Mach Drive System which makes for a powerful motor. Treadmill Rating Here is the bottom line with the Proform Caliber Elite Treadmill, or any other Proform treadmill for that matter. At first, the base price looks very attractive, considering all the "neat" little features that you are getting. However, when you dig a little deeper, you will discover that: When you add up these costs, they bring the actual price of the product up by almost $400. What most people don't see is that for an extra $400 they can get a much, much better treadmill with a stronger company. As you've seen above, the Proform Caliber Elite is actually priced in the same range as the Smooth 5.25, which was voted one of the best budget treadmills going! Now, this particular treadmill has two things going for it. One it has a pretty powerful motor at 2.75 HP and a longer tread belt at 53". However, when you take into account the "real" price for this treadmill, it doesn't come close to other treadmills such as Smooth, Sole, or Vision. Grade: C
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