Ohiyo!
You know, every time a Proform treadmill comes in to the DOJO, the Treadmill Sensei really wants to like it. I’ve read on another site about how Icon Fitness is turning around its poor quality for a bright future. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. Whenever I see a new Proform unit I still find all of the same old problems – poor welds, cheap plastic, thin decks and generally low quality parts. The unit I’m reviewing today, the Proform 495 PI Treadmill, is no different.
Let’s start with my favorite 2 places on a treadmill: the frame and the motor. The frame on the 495PI is flimsy at best. The max user weight on it is listed as 250 lbs., but I’d guess the rating should be down closer to 150 lbs to be safe. I’m a nice 170 pounds and the Proform 495 PI I worked out on had a terrible case of the wobbles. It also groaned and creaked more than a machine should during a light workout.
On to the motor. Again, I believe Proform is fudging their stats a little. The tiny motor I found when I opened up the motor hood was listed as 2.25 hp but after watching and listening to it (as well as testing the AMPs it was pulling), I’d guess it was closer to a 1 or 1.25 horsepower motor. This is another fine example of Icon’s fairly worthless “THP” motor rating.
Normally here is where I’d talk about the tiny 18″ x 45″ running area, the 10 mph top speed, 10% max incline, 10 programs or some other feature. However, the deck on the Proform 495PI Treadmill we were testing cracked almost in half about 4 hours in to testing. Again, I’m not a heavy guy and I don’t do insane workouts…this unit should have had absolutely no issues with my weight or my workout. The sickening crack I heard while walking on the 495PI treadmill was just another indicator pointing at Proform’s continued lower levels of quality.
If you absolutely MUST buy this $399 machine, try to keep your workouts down to 15 minutes no more than 3 times a week. Then you should be safe. I’d also suggest walking only as the increased impact of running may crack your deck like mine. For being another poor unit, the Treadmill Sensei gives the Proform 495PI Treadmill 1 out of 5 golden buddahs.
At under $400, the Proform 495PI gets 1 gold buddah out of 5.
Proform 495PI Treadmill Specifications
Motor: 1.25 HP
Running Area: 18” x 45”
Max Incline: 10%
Max Speed: 10 mph
Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse grip
Heart Rate Control: No
Programs: 10
Display: LCD
Readouts: Speed, time, pace, laps, distance, calories burned, fat calories burned, and pulse.
Folding: Yes
Max User Weight: 250lbs
Unit Weight: 120lbs
-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsenei.com
WOW…I have actually had the complete opposite success with the pro form 495 PI. We bought the Treadmill brand new a few years ago and have never once had an issue…Lucky maybe? Who knows …but we still use it and love it. And actually what is this? …. try to keep your workouts down to 15 minutes no more than 3 times a week…W’eve been doin longer workouts daily with no problems….Any way just wanted to let you know there maybe some out there that work just fine…Sorry you got a crappy one….