| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Stride | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Smart Strider 735 Check Discounted Price | L:78.5" W:32" H:66" | 300 lbs | 18"-20" | 22 | Frame: lifetime Parts: 2 years Labor: 1 year |
The ProForm Smart Strider 735 elliptical trainer offers an impressive array of features and functions, along with a commercial grade frame and construction. However, considering its foldability, this is actually a machine designed for home use. It’s a mid-range elliptical, featuring motorized incline and resistance, a decent range of workout apps and amenities, while also being iFit compatible.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 78.5L x 32W x 66H inches (199.3L x 81.2W x 167.6H cm)
- Assembled weight: 190 lbs (86.1 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 18 lbs (8.1 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 18 – 20 inches (45 – 51 cm)
- Incline: Automatic, 0-10°
- Footplates: Articulating, angle-adjustable
- Handlebars: Mobile (with incline and resistance digits) and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance system: Eddy current, 20 levels
- Console: 22 workout programs
- Amenities: Bottle/accessory holder, media tray, speakers, cooling fan
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year
Frame, pedals and handlebars
The ProForm Smart Strider 735 features a frame made of steel tubing, with a construction similar to most other ellipticals made for gym use. The only plastic parts within its construction are the guards of the flywheel and lift motor, the arm joint covers and the 
footpads. Overall, the machine is really heavy, with a weight of cca 190 lbs (86.1 kg), actually requiring two people to assemble. But on the other hand, this aspect is reflected in its stability. This machine offers the sturdy feel of just about any commercial elliptical trainer. You can be sure it won’t wobble or rock sideways, even if you engage in a more demanding workout.
The elliptical’s stability is also enforced by its rear adjustable feet, which feature rubber pads, supplying an excellent grip onto the floor. The front base rests on two caster wheels, which facilitate the incline. The rear base also features two caster wheels which help with the lifting of the machine for storage, while the front base has a built-in handle to facilitate lifting.
Like most rear-drive elliptical trainers, the Smart Strider 735 has a pretty large footprint, with a length of 78.5″ (199.3 cm), 32″ (81.2 cm) at the rear, and 27″ (68.5 cm) at the front. But one of the best aspects regarding this particular model is its folding design. The whole console mast, along with the arms can be folded down onto the frame, while the frame can be stored in vertical position, resting on its rear base and flywheel guard. In folded position, its dimensions are 30″L x 32″W x 78.5″H (76.2 x 81.2 x 199.3 cm). It definitely cannot be stored under the bed, or in your average closet, but still, you’ll be able to place it near a wall, or in the corner of the room, saving a lot of space this way. Also, due to the machine’s weight, in order to lift it vertically for storage, you should be able to lift cca 100 lbs (45.3 kg).
The pedals offer angle-adjustability, and several adjustment settings, not only to supply the most comfortable positions for your feet, but also increase the workout spectrum. For example, a specific angle selected for the pedals will take its toll onto various groups of leg muscles. The pedals also feature cylindrical padding, in order to reduce even more, the stress on your ankles, and also to promote a more natural feel. Evidently, pedals are long and wide enough to accommodate training shoes of all sizes.
Along with the mobile arms which are one of the key elements of any elliptical machine, this model also offers fixed arms. The mobile arms have built-in incline and resistance controls, giving you the possibility to adjust your training without releasing your grip, which is much more convenient. The fixed handlebars feature pulse sensors, allowing the console to track pulse through direct contact. The console is not telemetry enabled, and won’t work with a HR transmitter.
Resistance system
The Smart Strider 735 elliptical machine features an eddy current resistance system. To be more specific, the resistance system involves a magnetic flywheel and a servo motor, which adjusts the magnets’ pull. Resistance can only be adjusted from the console. You can increase or decrease resistance as you workout, or, in case you use one of the preset programs, the machine will adjust resistance automatically, depending on the current segment of the selected program.
There are 20 levels of resistance available. The first levels are really light, great for users who need minimal physical stress, or need to follow a recovery training regimen. On the other hand, the top resistance settings will provide quite a consistent workout.
Evidently, since this machine has both motorized resistance and incline, it requires to be connected to a 120-volt power circuit. The AC adapter is included with the box.
Drive system
This elliptical machine features a rear drive system. This means you have to get onto it from the side. Also, just as in most read-drive elliptical trainers, the ride feels somewhat like a subtle downhill stroll when the incline is set to zero.
When it comes to the elements involved in the machine’s drive system, one important aspect to be mentioned is that this model features a belt transmission system. It uses a heavy-duty v-belt, stretch-resistant, that doesn’t require any lubrication.
The flywheel is not the heaviest that you’ll find in an elliptical trainer. However, at 18 lbs (8.1 kg), it offers excellent stability and smoothness. Also, since it’s a perimeter-weighted flywheel, it eliminates the “stair climbing” effect which may be present in cheaper elliptical models.
One last aspect to mention here is that this machine allows reverse pedaling. When pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as you would pedal normally, differently put, the current resistance setting of the machine.
Stride and incline
The Smart Stride 735 elliptical trainer features a motorized incline system. This being said, the incline is controlled either from the console, or from the keys built-in the mobile arms. The incline frame and motor are located at the front of the machine.
The maximum incline offered by this elliptical is 10°. It may not seem that much, but along with some adjustments in the pedals, and resistance, you can considerably broaden the possible workouts.
At maximum incline, the highest pedal stands at approx. 17″ above floor level. Therefore, in order to avoid any inconveniences regarding ceiling height, it’s best to add at least 20″ to your own height, to determine whether the room will fit you.
The stride of this ProForm model is slightly adjustable. There isn’t any direct stride adjustment mechanism, but the stride will vary between 18 and 20 inches, when you adjust incline. This being said, when it comes to stride, this machine is perfect for users between 5’3″ and 5’7″ (160 – 171 cm). Taller users can, of course, use this machine, but in this case their range of motion will be limited.
Console
The console supplied with this ProForm elliptical isn’t the most inclusive, but still, it offers quite an impressive array of features and functions. To begin with, it can read RPM, total number of strides, speed, distance, time, calories per hour, total calories, and pulse, also indicating the current resistance and incline settings. Via the “My Trail” function, you can
track distance in laps of 1/4 miles (400 m). You can also setup workout goals for distance, calories and time.
The console itself offers 22 built-in workouts, 11 for calories burning, and 11 performance oriented, to which the Manual mode can be added. But maybe the most important aspect is that it’s iFit capable. You can plug in an iFit module into the console, and connect it wirelessly with your smartphone, tablet or laptop, in order to access your iFit account, and use Google Maps trails, or benefit from a wide array of fitness oriented options. An iFit module is not supplied with the machine though. In case you want to use this option, you will have to purchase it separately.
Other non-fitness features of the Smart Strider 735 console include, a multiple speed fan, sound system, table tray. You can adjust the fan’s intensity by pressing and holding the Min/Max fan keys. The sound system is compatible with just about any MP3 player, smartphone or tablet, not just Apple iPods or iPhones. The sound rendered by the speakers isn’t super, but still, better than the speakers of the average tablet of phone.
The console uses a 5-inch, blue backlit display. There are direct keys for accessing the 2,4,8,10,12,14,16,18,20 resistance settings, but it also offers buttons for gradual speed and incline adjustment. Each group of preset workouts has its own key, while the iFit apps have their own selection keys, right under the display.
Assembly and Maintenance
This elliptical trainer was designed to be extremely easy to assemble. Most of it actually comes assembled, and in folded position. You basically only have to add its bases, and that’s pretty much it. The manual included with the box will guide you through the very few assembly steps and calibration of the machine. The tricky part is transporting and unboxing the machine, as it’s really heavy. This requires two people.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. The internal parts are prelubricated and shouldn’t require any further lubrication for a long while. In case the joints of the machine begin to squeak, a little greasing may be necessary. Other than this, you basically have to wipe the dust from the machine from time to time.
The Pros
- Commercial, sturdy construction, elegant design lines;
- Folding frame, space-saving design, can be stored vertically;
- Caster wheels both at the rear and front, for the easy handling and transport of the assembled machine;
- Adjustable pedals with cushioning;
- Mobile grips with incline/resistance adjustment keys;
- Fixed grips with pulse sensors;
- Extremely quiet drive;
- Motorized incline, up to 10°;
- Motorized, magnetic resistance with up to 20 levels;
- 22 built-in programs;
- Possibility to setup workout goals for time, distance and calories;
- iFit compatible;
- Various amenities included, such as sound system, cooling fan, tablet shelf, bottle holder;
- Very little assembly required;
- Very little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty plan.
The Cons
- Console cannot read pulse via a chest strap transmitter. For pulse reading you have to hold the fixed handlebars;
- Tablet or smartphone will partially cover the console display, if placed on the media tray, which may be an inconvenience;
- iFit module not included with the elliptical.
Summary
The ProForm Smart Strider 735 is a mid-range elliptical trainer when it comes to what it offers, but does have a commercial grade, durable and heavy frame construction. On top of that, the frame can be folded and stored vertically, which makes it a great choice for home use. In terms of fitness capabilities, it can offer the training setting for users of all levels. It’s a great machine for cardio training, interval training, muscle toning, and weight loss, and at the same time eliminates a lot of the physical stress from your leg joints. It’s also iFit capable, giving you the possibility to track your progress online, and even use trails based on GoogleMaps. Finally, it may not be the most affordable trainer out there, but definitely stands up to the price.