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The ProForm 505 CST Treadmill is a great choice for those who want a useful, adaptable treadmill without pushing past the tripe-digit price range. It has a combination of solid construction, useful features, and compact design that make it a good, sensible choice in the sub-$1000 price range.
Technical Specifications
- Height: 59.5” (151 cm)
- Width: 34” (86.4 cm)
- Length: 70” (178 cm)
- Weight: 186 lbs (84.4 kg)
- Running Surface: 20”x55” (51 cm x 140 cm)
At five feet tall and a hair under six feet long, the ProForm takes up a substantial area, but no more than other treadmills of its size class.
Further, it incorporates a folding option that elevates the running surface to a comfortable diagonal, reducing the overall floor space when not in use.
As usual this doesn’t make it completely unobtrusive, but means it can fit into a surprisingly small space when not in use.
Other Features
- iFit Upgrade Compatibility
- 18 on-board workout programs
- 0-10 mph max speed
- Grip-based heartrate monitor
- 0-10% incline, console-controlled
- 300 lb max user weight
This is actually a very good user set for the price range.
First, let’s talk about the incline. A common cost-saving measure in budget treadmills is to incorporate a manually adjusted incline, so the user can get an uphill workout, but doesn’t add the expense of electronic adjustment. This is understandable, but it interrupts the workout routine and in most cases ends up being ignored after being set to a certain value.
The ability to adjust the incline with the push of a button keeps the workout moving without interruption, and it’s very nice to see on a lower-cost treadmill option like the ProForm 505 CST.
However, the real take-away here is the iFit compatibility.
iFit offers users an unlimited number of workout routines to download from the internet. This allows iFit compatible devices to provide users with a huge workout variety, and it features integration with Google Maps so that users can challenge themselves with routines based on real-world locations.
The Good:
Price
We’re huge fans of the price point. For the number of features the ProForm 505 CST Treadmill offers, view price on Amazon here (with free shipping from Amazon, of course) is exceedingly sensible.
iFit
One of the biggest enemies of consistent workout habits is routine fatigue. To put it another way, people grow bored. Having the ability to download new routines and programs, challenging oneself against real world locations and fellow treadmill users around the world can keep things lively, as well as providing varied muscular challenges.
Quiet Operation
The 2.5 Horsepower motor is actually really quiet in operation. This isn’t always a huge deal, but some lower end treadmills can put out the low-frequency sound waves that contribute to headache and disorientation during a workout. Any motor that’s quiet and reliable is a thumbs up in our book.
Warranty
Consider that in our previous entries on budget treadmills, we’ve seen warranties ranging from 1 year to nonexistent. The ProForm 505 CST, on the other hand, has a lifetime frame warranty, 25 year motor warranty, and 1 year assorted parts warranty. This means that the ProForm will generally provide very good service over the long haul, freeing the user from worry over maintenance costs for a good deal of its lifespan.
The Less Good
Maximum Speed is “Jogging” speed
Serious running training averages at 12-13 mph, not 10 mph. The ProForm is not going to provide good sprinting training, regardless of how much you use it.
No Negative Incline
Incorporating a computer-controlled incline was great, but there is no “downhill” option to the incline, it’s uphill or flat surfaces. This eliminates the good training to come from running downhill.
Handlegrip Heartrate Monitoring Only
This isn’t to say that the ProForm is wireless compatible but doesn’t include the sensor; there is no wireless heartrate capability in the ProForm 505 CST Treadmill at all. One would think including the capability and leaving the option to purchase the extra gear was a better decision, but ProForm doesn’t seem to agree.
The Verdict (Is ProForm 505 CST Treadmill Worth Buying)
There is the concept of “Penny wise, dollar foolish.” This is the phenomenon of people buying the cheapest goods without considering the value the goods offer.
The ProForm is a great compromise of low price and solid features. Yes, it costs more than some models, but it also offers an excellent warranty, meaning it will cost less in the long run.
It also offers far more features and iFit compatibility, so the user can get much more use and value out of it.
There are some concerns, but of a sort that would concern intensity-minded trainers who should be looking at higher-end machines regardless.
All in all, the ProForm 505 CST is a reliable choice with a few odd lapses in available features, and should feature highly on the list of anyone looking to spend under $1000 on a good, multi-function treadmill.
Other ProForm Models reviewed by us:
- 705 CST Treadmill
- Pro 1000 Treadmill
- Performance 400i Treadmill
- Performance 600i Treadmill
- Power 995i Treadmill
- 520 ZN Treadmill
- Performance 300i Treadmill
- 6.0 RT Treadmill
- Pro 2000 Treadmill
