A Complete Review Of The ProForm Cooling Breeze 775 Treadmill
About the treadmill
The ProForm Cooling Breeze 775 Treadmill is one of many treadmills made by ProForm. This model is right in the middle between the upper end luxury models and the base models made by ProForm. This model features the Space Saver Design, which allows you to store the treadmill vertically when you are not using it. This feature will come in handy for anyone who might be a little short on room to keep their equipment. 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 0-10%. This allows the user to add the challenge of running uphill, which also adds variety to your workout. This treadmill uses a 19-inch by 55-inch self lubricated tread belt. ProForm describes the tread belt as “extra-durable“ and says it's a “non-slip tread belt that maintains itself.” It runs on a 1.75 CHP Motor. However, the motor seems a little weak. Beware that the motor is probably enough to support a person of up to 275lbs, but I have my doubts. I don't understand why Proform would put in such a weak motor. I would prefer to see a 2.0 CHP motor at the very least. I like the fact that the tread belt is a little longer at 55". This is a definite plus for the Proform 775 Treadmill. Display/Console Speed 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. There are also heart rate 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. Programs 6 Built-in Workouts: ProForm wasn't specific as to the details of the programs, but I am going to reasonably assume a few things. First off, the 4 “smart” programs are probably designed to burn fat, which means their designed to keep your heart rate around the 65% capacity range. This is the fat burning range because the body tends to burn fat more than carbs at this intensity. Normally programs like this will be called things such as “Manual”, “Random”, “Hill”, “Interval”, etc. Second, the 2 “heart” programs will almost definitely be designed to increase aerobic endurance/capacity. These will be more challenging, designed to keep your heart rate around the 80% capacity range to challenge your aerobic endurance. These are pretty standard programs for most treadmills in this price range. Working out at this intensity is still great for burning fat, even better than the fat burning intensity actually. Your body will burn carbs more than it burns fat at this intensity, but by the end of your workout you will have burned a higher amount of fat as well as carbs than the lower intensity workout. These 6 Workouts should be plenty to help you attain your fitness goals in regards to the treadmill. Durability Maximum User Weight: 275lbs This is a somewhat sturdy treadmill. However, I'm not convinced it can handle 275 pounds in the incline position - Especially with a 1.75 continous horsepower motor. An important note for any consumer is to take a look at the size of the treamill. motor, and tread belt and take a look at the warranty. If you have a small, weak frame, small motor supported by a weak warranty, what confidence do you have in the durability of the treadmill? 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. If you are a heavier person, though (250lbs+), I would recommend getting a treadmill with a stronger motor in it. Larger folk would be more satisfied with a motor around the 2.5 to 2.75 THP size. Warranty and Service Motor: 12 years 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 $799. The parts and labor warranty, on the other hand, shocks me. I don't see how you can warrant a motor for 12 years and the other parts for only 3 months, aka 1/40th of 12 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 775 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, the warranty rate/percentage is about 14 percent at 3 and 4 years ($119/$799) and this seems a little high, but reasonable given the price range. There is only a slight difference in warranty price ($20) from years 3 and 4 to year 2. Personally, I would go for a 4 year warranty because really, there's not a whole lot of difference in warranty price from year 3 and 4 and to tell you the truth, this is a sizable purchase and Proform's component parts are somewhat questionable. However, if I was to purchase the extended warranty for $119, this puts the price up to $1,018 which is going into other treadmill companies price territories such as Smooth's 5.25. There is simply no comparison between a Smooth treadmill and a Proform treadmill. Smooth will always win, hands down. For example, the Smooth standard warranty on the motor alone is lifetime. Whereas the purchased 3 year motor warranty on the Proform 775 is $119 for a total of 15 years. If you ever get a chance to take a look at Proform's website, try and look for warranties on treadmills under $1,000. Chances are, you'll have a hard time finding it. Why? Proform doesn't want you to see how weak their warranties are in comparison to other treadmills in the same price range. However, I would not simply go with the standard warranty because I don't have 100% confidence in Proform's component parts. Opt for at least 2 years. Here is Proform's official return policy: “We give a 30-day trial period on all products. If you are not satisfied for any reason please call 1-866-896-9777 to receive a return authorization number. Put your machine back in the box and take it to your curb to be picked up. We will send a freight carrier to pick up your machine. When your machine has been returned to the warehouse and closed out to your account we will refund the purchase price (price of machine and tax) less to and from shipping charges. If you were not charged for shipping on your initial delivery you will only be charged for the return shipping. All products must be returned in good condition, and with all paperwork, parts and accessories included to insure a full refund. You may be charged a 20% restocking fee if your product doesn't come back in good condition. You can expect a refund in the same form of payment originally used for purchase within 30 days of our receiving your returned product.” Fair? Compared to similar products in this price range, it seems ok. I believe the shipping is free in most states. Price/Cost Effectiveness Base Price: $799 Total price: $1,193 Now, the base price of the Proform 775 treadmill is $799, 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 $1,193. This price puts the Proform 775 cross trainer treadmill in direct competition with the: I can tell you right now that there is no way that the Proform 675 Cardio Cross Trainer 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: - User Weight Capacity: 325 lbs. - 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). Notable features* - The Proform 775 Treadmill has a longer tread belt than most in their treadmill lineup. A definite plus. Treadmill Rating I have no major, structural concerns about this treadmill. However, I do have some issues with the warranty, and motor. To me, this warranty is very weak and speaks volumes about the quality of the 775 treadmill. Also, the motor is just too small for anyone over 225 pounds. Proform, at the very least should have provided a 2.0 continous horsepower motor with the 775 treadmill. I would have to rate this product for light to moderate use. However, for heavy duty use, it may be questionable. Grade: C- |