ProForm 9.0 QuickStart Folding Treadmill Review

A recent addition to the ProForm family is the ProForm QuickStart 9.0. Designed for simple assembly yet packed with features, it is a leap forward on previous models.

We were impressed with the fresh approach to treadmill design. Normally when review treadmills arrive it’s a little bit of an anti-climax as we have to spend hours building them, but not in this case. After choosing where you want to place it, it’s just a matter of lifting the console into place and tightening up a few screws.

But its not just a quick assembly that makes this treadmill one to add to your shortlist. We found the continuous duty motor, 0-10% digital incline, 0-18kph speed, and space saver design, as well as the built in heart rate monitor and Ifit card functionality made this a complete package and great value for the price.

The 1.75 continuous duty motor is backed by a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty and performs quietly through the range of speed and incline. It’s got a good sized deck (46cm wide, 127cm long) that should be enough for most users. The quiet belt technology ensures the only excessive noise will come from the user – and when you hit top speed and top incline believe us you will. We would especially recommend this treadmill to those who are seeking a treadmill to aid recovery or suffer from joint problems.

Hydraulic assistance and soft drop technology along with solid wheels make it a doddle to put this treadmill away and is an excellent safety feature if you are storing the treadmill around little people.

As with many of the mid to top end treadmills from Icon health and fitness, the ProForm Quickstart 9.0 features the ifit card technology. These cards are a digitised personal trainer and allow you to follow a structured 8 week programme. Just pop one of the cards into the console and follow the spoken instructions. We would recommend this feature to those who need a little “push” to keep them motivated, or if you prefer to keep to a structured workout with measureable goals, targets and achievements.

You will always be sure that you are working in the right training zone by using the built in EKG heart rate monitor. We couldnt fault it for ease of use. Just grab the sensors that are built into the handlebars and away you go. For the more discerning heart rate measurer, the 9.0 is also compatible with Polar T34 chestbelts.

The dot matrix display is clear and easy to read. We found it an improvement on the lcd displays of previous models both in terms of the clarity of feedback and design.

A fan is located in the centre console and although it won’t keep you ice cold, it will certainly provide a welcome breeze once the workout heats up. The 3.5mm jack allows you to plug in your mp3 player or indeed anything with a 3.5mm connection and play music through the speakers built into the console – A much needed distraction as the workout gets tough.

For less than £700 this certainly is a feature packed treadmill that ticks a lot, if not all the boxes.

Available in UK from around £649 from Sweatband.com