| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Preset workouts | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProForm 300i Check Discounted Price | L:65" W:29" H:56" | 300 lbs | 2.0 CHP, 1-10 MPH | 16, iFit enabled | Frame: 5 years Motor: 5 Parts: 90 days Labor: 90 days |
ProForm offers a wide array of treadmills, and most of them are well-built, sturdy, and with proper use and care, they can last for many years of use. One of the newest models for 2016, and actually one of the cheapest treadmills for 2016, is the ProForm Performance 300i.
This treadmill model actually offers several improvements over the older ProForm 300. First of all, it’s actually a little above basic, as it’s Bluetooth and iFit enabled. Its deck cushioning cell is wider to disperse more impact, and the console has a different design.
Even though it’s not a gym-grade treadmill, there’s a lot to be said about this particular model, and in this review we’ll try to provide as much information as possible about it.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 65L x 29W x 56H inches (165L x 74W x 142H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 50L x 16W inches (127L x 41W cm)
- Assembled weight: 152 lbs (69 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Motor: 2.0 HP
- Incline: Automatic, 0-10%
- Deck cushioning: ProShox (1 cell)
- Speed levels: 0-10 MPH
- Console: 16 workout programs, Bluetooth and iFit
- Amenities: Sound system, tablet holder, 2x accessory holder
- Warranty: Frame 5 years/ Motor 5 years / Parts 90 days / Labor 90 days
Frame and deck
Like all other models, the frame of this ProForm treadmill is made of steel. Its steel parts are coated with anti-corrosive and scratch resistant paint, black for the base of the frame, and silver for the upright posts of the console. The front base of the frame integrates small wheels, to facilitate the machine’s movement for storage.
The feet at the rear of the deck are not foldable as for the Weslo Cadence R 5.2. However, this treadmill features a folding design. Similar to other models, the deck folds up and connects to the left upright post, offering better storage possibilities for the machine. When folded, its footprint remains approx. 26″L x 29″W (66 x 74 cm), while when fully setup, it takes 65″L x 29″W (165 x 74 cm) of floor space.
This treadmill features a deck sturdy enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). However, since it’s a model designed for walking or light jogging, it’s not recommended to run on it at 10 MPH, if you weigh over 200 lbs (90 kg). On top of that, the running surface measures 50″L x 16″W (127 x 41 cm), which means taller users, over 6’2″ – 6’3″ (187-191 cm), will find it rather short for running.
The machine’s deck integrates 1.9″ balanced and precision machined rollers, with sealed ball bearings, designed to last for many years of use. It also has one ProShox cushioning cell, which absorbs up to 20% of your workout impact, rendering a walk or jog considerably less hazardous for the leg joints and back.
This treadmill features a heavy-duty, 1-ply belt, strong and flexible to reduce power consumption. The belt is low-friction, low-noise, and comes prelubricated from the factory.
Motor
Even though the ProForm Performance 300i is a treadmill designed for walking, it’s equipped with a 2.0 CHP motor, which is able to provide speeds up to 10 MPH. Since it’s a continuous duty motor, it performs great for prolonged workouts, without overheating or choking.
Speed is adjustable in increments of 0.1 and 0.5 MPH. The console features keys for gradual adjustment, with dual press functions. If you press one key once, the speed of the belt will increase or decrease by 0.1 MPH, while if you press and hold the key, speed will be adjusted by 0.5 MPH. This is actually quite a plus, as you can easily find the pace that fits perfectly to your workout. There are of course, keys for quick speed selection, from 1 to 10 MPH.
Evidently, since it’s a motorized treadmill, it requires to be connected to a power circuit. It comes with a classic U.S. plug, and requires 120 V AC 15 amps power circuit. The power cord connects to the machine near the front base, where the motor is located.
Incline
Many would classify this ProForm treadmill as a basic one. However, many basic models don’t have incline at all, or offer a manual incline. This treadmill actually has a motorized incline, which offers a slope up to 10%. It’s far from being the 45% or more incline that a commercial grade treadmill offers, but even at 10% incline, the consistency of a walk or jog will be noticeable, and you will achieve a superior workout. Incline can be adjusted in increments of 1%.
The deck’s step-up height is approx. 7″ (17 cm) at 0% incline, and will raise by a few inches when the incline is set at 10%. Differently put, in order to avoid any ceiling height issues, before ordering this machine make sure you add at least 12″-13″ to your own height and compare the result with the ceiling height of the room where the treadmill will be in use.
Console
The first aspect to mention regarding the console supplied with the ProForm Performance 300i, is its Bluetooth and iFit readiness. You can connect it via Bluetooth with your smart device or laptop, and use an iFit app of your choice for your workout. You don’t need an iFit module to connect the console to iFit. However, you will be 
needing an iFit membership. Also, via Bluetooth the console can read your pulse from a chest strap transmitter. It’s actually compatible with most Bluetooth heart rate monitors. A HR chest strap is not supplied with the machine though, but even without one, you can still monitor your pulse by using the stainless steel sensors integrated in the transversal handlebar of the treadmill.
The console features 16 built-in workout apps, 8 for weight loss, and 8 for performance, plus the “manual” mode, which basically gives you the possibility to adjust speed and / or incline as you like, during your workout. By using any of these workouts, the treadmill will adjust its speed and incline automatically.
The console features a 6″ LCD display, which can track values such as distance, time, calories burned and pulse. It also displays the selected belt speed and the current incline. There’s a track function which can display distance in laps of 1/4 miles (400 m), indicating your current progress for each lap, and keeping count of your completed laps.
In terms of amenities, the console is equipped with a basic sound system, compatible with most smartphones, tablets and MP3 players. You can connect your device and listen to your music through the speakers of the console, which offer better sound quality than the speakers integrated in phones or tablets. To connect your device to the console, you’ll need a cable with a 3.5 mm jack, cable which is not supplied. There are no keys for volume adjustment on the console; sound volume can only be adjusted from your device.
Another included accessory for the console is a tablet holder, which requires to be attached to the top part of the console. This tablet holder is wide enough to accommodate even the largest tablets.
The console is easy to operate. As we’ve mentioned above, it features + / – keys for gradual speed adjustment, and arrow keys for gradual incline adjustment. However, there also are keys for quick incline and speed selection, from 1 to 10. The preset workouts are divided in two categories, “weight loss” and “performance”, each category having its own key on the console. Manual mode has its own key as well. Also, there’s “STOP” button which gives you the possibility to put your workout on hold, in case you need to interrupt it, or in case you’re alternating treadmill sessions with other exercises.
Last but not least, like in most treadmills, the console features a magnetic safety key.
Assembly and Maintenance
The deck of this treadmill comes ready-assembled, with the motors, rollers and belt already in place, attached to the base of the frame. All you have to do for assembly, is add the lateral posts of the console, and the console itself, connecting the cables. The manual supplied with the treadmill offers explicit details for assembly. Two hex keys are supplied for assembly and belt adjustment, but you’ll also need your own Phillips screwdriver and needlenose pliers. The whole assembly shouldn’t take more than 30-40 min.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. Like most treadmills, the belt should be lubricated after several months. The belt on this treadmill comes pre-lubricated with industrial quality lubricant, and should only require further lubrication after several months of use.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction;
- Solid deck, being able to support users up to 300 lbs;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Deck integrates shock absorption cells;
- Motorized incline, 0% – 10%;
- 2.0 CHP motor, speeds up to 10 MPH;
- Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
- EGK pulse sensors integrated in handlebars;
- 16 preset workout programs;
- Various amenities such as sound system, tablet holder, accessory trays;
- Bluetooth and iFit enabled;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No cooling fan;
- iFit membership not included.
Bottom Line
Even though the ProForm Performance 300i hasn’t been around for too long, it already benefits from a consistent amount of positive reviews from users all over the world. It’s a great walking / jogging treadmill for home use, featuring a sturdy construction, and being able to support users up to 300 lbs. It’s also iFit enabled, therefore, if you have an iFit membership, you can use any of their custom workouts, apart from the 16 preset workouts built in the console. It’s an excellent treadmill for anyone who wants to tone muscles, maintain a healthy cardiovascular shape, build stamina and lose weight. And finally, considering that it costs less than $400, we can safely say that it offers excellent value for the price.