ProForm Performance 800i Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline & decline	Motor	Console
ProForm 800i Check Discounted Price	L:76" W:33" H:57"	315 lbs	Motorized, 0%-10% -2%-0%	2.75 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	50 programs, iFit enabled

ProForm has released several versions of the Performance 800i treadmill. In this post, we’re going to address the PFTL99518 version, the one released at the beginning of 2019. In terms of features, it can be compared to the NordicTrack T 8.5 S treadmill; it also includes the 1-year iFit membership just like the NordicTrack model and has a large touchscreen console with an impressive range of features.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 76.2L x 33.5W x 57.6H inches (193.5L x 85W x 146H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 18W inches (152L x 45W cm)
• Shipping weight: 223 lbs (101 kg)
• Weight capacity: 315 lbs (143 kg)
• Motor: 2.75 CHP
• Speed range: 0.5 – 12 MPH
• Incline/Decline: -2% to 10%
• Deck cushioning: ProShox Cushioning
• Console: 50 programs, iFit membership included
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, accessory trays
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame and deck

The ProForm Performance 800i features a deck and overall construction; it’s a machine rated for a user weight capacity of 315 lbs (143 kg). Its frame is made of steel tubing combining ovalized with polygonal bars. All the steel bars in its construction are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this ProForm treadmill.

Of course, the machine also integrates several ABS parts. For example, the covers of its rear feet, the side rails, the motors cover and the dashboard that incorporates the console are ABS made.

The fully assembled machine is considerably heavy; it weighs over 200 lbs (90.7 kg). This weight is reflected in the unit’s overall stability. You can be sure that this treadmill won’t rock or move even if you’re running at the highest speed. This means the transport of the boxed machine requires at least two people. However, once the unit is fully assembled, it can be easily relocated by only one person because its front base integrates a set of transport wheels.

Although it’s a few inches smaller than the ProForm 1800i that we’ve already covered here, the 800i model still is a fairly large trainer. It is approx. 76″ (193 cm) long, and 33″ (85 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck, and at least two feet of clearance on each side of the machine for safe usage.

On the other hand, the Performance 800i treadmill is foldable. Its deck can be folded up for improved storage possibilities. With the deck folded up, the depth of the machine is reduced to approx. 1/3. The folding mechanism features a hydraulic cylinder which slowly lowers the deck when you unfold it to prevent damage.

The machine’s deck is equipped with the ProForm ProShox cushioning system. It has two large cushioning elements on each side and several other internal smaller cushions. Therefore, it’s designed to keep the workout impact to a minimum, considerably reducing the workout-related pain.

The ProForm Performance 800i offers a running surface of 60″L x 18″W (152 x 45 cm). This being said, it can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete range of motion. It uses a heavy-duty rubber belt designed to offer superior adherence. Also, the running platform integrates fairly large (1.6″) crowned rollers with sealed ball bearings for a continuous and steady belt traction.

Incline, decline and step-up height

The ProForm 800i treadmill is equipped with an automatic incline/decline system. This means you can adjust the incline of the deck while using the machine. Also, some of the console preset programs automatically adjust the incline of the deck if selected.

The unit’s incline/decline system consists of a small lift and an additional motor, placed at the front of the deck. When the incline is adjusted, the lift slowly elevates the front of the deck. Conversely, if a setting is selected, the lift element lowers the front of the deck below the 180° level.

The machine offers 10 levels of incline and 2 levels of decline. The incline/decline increments are 1%. The console makes available controls for gradual incline/decline adjustment, but also has quick selection controls from -2% decline to 10% incline.

The step-up height of the deck is approx. 9″ (23 cm). Also, with the incline set at maximum, the front of the deck rises by a few extra inches. Therefore, in order to avoid any ceiling issues, it’s recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.

Drive motor

The ProForm Performance 800i treadmill is equipped with a motor similar to the Horizon Fitness T202 model. It is a 2.75 CHP Mach Z commercial motor designed to withstand prolonged usage without overheating or losing performance even if used at the highest speed settings. It is also equipped with a small flywheel in order to provide extra inertia and a steady movement for the belt.

The unit’s motor provides a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. You can adjust the belt speed gradually in increments of 0.1 MPH from the +/- controls on the right of the console. However, just as for the incline, the console offers quick selection controls for speed, from 1 MPH to 12 MPH.

Although the Mach Z motors of most ProForm treadmills offer industrial quality, they’re fairly quiet. This applies to the Performance 800i. The machine itself doesn’t generate too much noise when in use. However, when running at higher speeds, and depending on your weight, the cadence will still be heard.

Console

As opposed to the older 1800i model, the ProForm Performance 800i PFTL99518 features a more advanced console. To begin with, it has a 14″ LCD display with touchscreen technology and LED backlight. It is iFit enabled and the machine comes with a free iFit membership for one year. The console has built-in WiFi so you can connect it to the house WiFi hotspot in order to access your iFit account in order to view training videos or run by following a virtual path. In case you’re wondering, you cannot install apps on the console (such as Netflix or Hulu), but it does have a browser app built-in, so if it’s WiFi connected, you can browse the web or watch YouTube videos.

Since the console has a touchscreen display, it doesn’t have too many buttons. It only has Start/Stop controls, gradual and quick selection speed and incline controls, buttons for volume control, and buttons for fan speed control. The rest of the functions such as program selection, goal selection, etc, are done by touchscreen.

The console display tracks all the important workout metrics, such as time, distance, pulse, calories, speed, and incline. Speed and distance are set to English units by default, but there is also the option for metric units. Also, the console does not have Bluetooth, so it cannot communicate with any Bluetooth HR chest straps. Thus, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you have to hold on to the integrated pulse sensors.

In case you don’t want to use iFit workouts, or if you don’t want to renew your membership, the console has 50 built-in programs. These cover all types of workouts, from very light to intense, programs designed for burning extra calories, improving stamina, or interval workouts.

Among other notable features, the console of the ProForm Performance 800i also has a built-in sound system, a cooling fan, a folding tablet holder, and two accessory holders. The sound system is compatible with any MP3 player, smartphone or tablet. There is an AUX port on the console to which you can connect your device via cable (there’s no Bluetooth connection for it), so you can play your music through the integrated speakers. The cooling fan is placed at the bottom of the console; it has several speed settings. The folding tablet holder is placed at the top of the console, but you can also place your tablet on the small edge above the quick speed and incline controls. And finally, the two accessory holders are spacious enough to accommodate any hydration bottle or other small accessories.

Assembly and Maintenance

The treadmill’s deck with the motors, belt, rollers and other parts comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two upright bars, the reinforcement bar between them, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The included manual offers clear assembly instructions and schematics. Also, a set of basic tools for the task is included.

The unit’s belt is coated with a high-performance lubricant. Therefore, it shouldn’t need any further lubrication for a long period of time. So, for maintenance, you should only keep the belt clean and check for loose or damaged parts from time to time.

The Pros

• Sturdy deck – can support users up to 315 lbs;
• Folding frame, space-saving design;
• Soft-drop, hydraulic folding mechanism;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• ProShox deck cushioning for minimal impact;
• Motorized incline, 0% – 12%
• Two levels of decline, -2% and -1%;
• Industrial-grade 2.75 CHP motor;
• Speed range between 0.5 and 12 MPH;
• Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
• Quick keys for speed and incline;
• Pulse reading function;
• 14″ touchscreen console;
• Built-in WiFi;
• Built-in browser that allows you to surf the web or view YouTube videos;
• iFit connectivity;
• One-year iFit membership included;
• 50 built-in workout programs;
• Various amenities such as cooling fan, speakers, tablet holder, and accessory trays;
• Tools for assembly and belt adjustment are included;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No Bluetooth connectivity;
• No USB charging port.

Summary

The ProForm Performance 800i PFTL99518 is a heavy-duty treadmill made for home-use, featuring a 2.75 CHP motor, automatic incline, and decline, and a touchscreen console with 50 programs and iFit connectivity. It also includes 1-year of iFit membership. It’s an excellent trainer machine for light to intense cardio workouts, interval training, muscle toning, and weight loss. In all, it’s a solid piece of equipment and offers an outstanding value for the price.