A Complete Review Of The ProForm Frontrunner Treadmill

About the treadmill

What I like about the the Proform Frontrunner is the large 19" x 55" Treadbelt which is one of the larger ones from Proform in this price range. I also like the fact that it has a powerful 2.75 continous horsepwer motor, which is by far, their most powerful motor in this price range.

Speed/Incline Control

Yes - 0 to 10% incline

The treadmill runs on a 19-inch by 55-inch tread belt with a 2.75 THP MachZ Motor.

The tread belt is a little larger than some of the other budget models and this is important because it can accommodate a larger foot space. This is very important for taller individuals as they can more effectively use this kind of treadmill. Any exerciser can take full, long strides with the Proform Frontrunner treadmill.

Display/Console

Matrix Console 5” x 7” Display
Speed
Time
Distance
Vital Statistics
CoolAire Fan
iFit Interactive Personal Training
180 degree viewing angle

Programs

8 Built-in Workouts:
6 “smart” programs
2 “heart” programs

I have to admit, for the price of this treadmill ($599), 8 programs is a great deal. I'm quite impressed that there are so many programs.

Durability

Maximum User Weight: 300lbs
Heavy Duty Treadbelt

Heart Rate Monitor

Yes

Warranty and Service

Motor: 8 year
Parts/Labor: 90 days
30 day return policy

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 $599.

The parts and labor warranty, on the other hand, shocks me. I don't see how you can warrant a motor for 3 years and the other parts for only 3 months. 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
2 year warranty: $99.95
3 year warranty: $119.95

It will depend on how much you plan on using the treadmill. If your going to be giving the Proform Frontrunner treadmill a good pounding everyday, you might want to opt for the longer warranties.

However, the warranty rate/percentage is almost 20 percent at year 3 ($119/$599) and this seems a little high, given the price range. When the warranty percentage is approaching 1/3 the price of the actual item, you may want to really look at the quality of the treadmill.

However, if I was to purchase the extended warranty for $119, this puts the price up to $718 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 $843. If I went with the in home set up for $150, the price goes up to $993. 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:

Lifetime - Frame & Motor
2 Years - Electronics & Parts
1 Year - Labor

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 8 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 Frontrunner 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.

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 have a problem with Proform's warranty because it is very weak.

Price/Cost Effectiveness

$599 Base price;
$125 Shipping;
$119 Optional three year warranty;
$150 Optional in home set up.

Total Inclusive Cost = $993

Direct Competitors are:

- Sole Fitness F63 Treadmill ($1,099 - Free shipping);
- Vision Fitness T1450 ($999 plus $150 for shipping and assembly)

Comparison between the 775 and Sole F63/Vision T1450

1) Sole Fitness' F63 Treadmill ($1,099)

- Motor: 2.5 HP Continuous Duty, DC type
- Speed: 1 to 10 mph
- Incline: 15% maximum
- Tread belt: 20" X 55"
- User Weight Capacity: 325 lbs.
- Hand Pulse Grips: Yes - Wireless Chest Strap also included
- Standard Programs: Six
- User Defined Programs: Yes, User 1 and a User 2
- Cooling Fans: Yes

Standard warranty

- Motor 20 years;
- Deck 3 years;
- Frame lifetime;
- 3 years parts and electronics
- 1 year labor

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;
- 20" x 54" tread belt;
- 6 programmes;
- 12% incline;
- Folding treadmill

Standard warranty:

- Lifetime - Frame & Motor
- 2 Years - Electronics & Parts
- 1 Year - Labor

If I had $900 - $1,100 to spend on a treadmill, I would be hard pressed to purchase the Proform Frontrunner. The fact is, that when you add up all the costs for the Frontrunner 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 Vision's products, 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. Both, Sole and Vision are more confident in their products which is reflected in their standard warranties. Besides, both companies are much more reputable than Proform.

However, I like the fact that the Proform Frontrunner has a 55" tread belt and powerful 2.75 continous horsepower motor. For the base price of $599 and a 2 year warranty of $99, this may be a pretty good deal. If they can throw in free shipping this may be a good purchase for $698. However, I'm a big proponent of having your exercise equipment professionally installed because, let's face it, most people don't know what their doing when it comes to putting a treadmill together. Have a professional do it, and do it right, from the start. This brings the price up to $848. At this point, the Proform Frontrunner is not that far off from Vision's T1450 for $999. I'll go with the Vision product any day, before I go with a Proform product, so the Frontrunner starts to lose it's appeal.

Notable features*

- Larger foot print and tread belt. Can really reach if you are running without being limited by space;
- Powerful 2.75 continous motor;
- Interactive training.

Treadmill Rating

Grade:

C