Proform 1195 ZLT Treadmill Review

The Proform 1195 ZLT treadmill is a brand new model to the UK, from the fitness giant Icon. A treadmill that has the specs of a machine that would typically sell at £700-£800 that is available for in the budget (£500 or below) category?

Well, the price it’s being offered at just qualifies the machine for being viewed as a budget treadmill, but what an amazing spec!

Firstly and most importantly, the motor is a powerful continuous duty 2.25hp, which ensures consistent and smooth operation to the maximum speed of 12 mph (19 kph). It should be noted that this is the first sub-£500 machine that we’ve come across with a motor of this size.

It’s not just the motor that has us excited about this machine. A good running machine ought to have a decent running deck. Seems like stating the obvious, but there are so many machines in the budget category that have narrow running decks. Typically, these consist of running belts that are 40cm wide or in the case of the Proform 3.6, 45 cm wide. In order to be able to use a treadmill for running, a full width belt is needed – something the Proform 1195 boasts with a running belt that’s 51cm wide! Not only that, the length of the running belt is an impressive 1.4m long.

Another improvement over the older ProForm machines is the ProResponseTM Impact Reducing Cushioning which is superior to the ProTech IIITM system found on other ProForm treadmills. It gives firmer support at the foot-strike and take-off part and softer support throughout the rest – it’s really quite clever and provides a very comfortable running experience associated with higher priced machines.

Another area where this machine impresses is the display on the console, which features clear LED displays which cover the basic feedback functions. Whilst retro looking, LED displays can’t be beaten for clarity and are typically found on much higher priced machines.

This feature packed treadmill has 16 programmes and has a Polar receiver built in. Whilst there are no heart rate controlled programmes, using a compatible Polar belt enables accurate heart rate readings to be displayed right on the console.

The warranty is very good for a machine this price bracket – one year parts and labour as standard, which is extended to 2 years once the purchase is registered with Icon. This must be done within 28 days of purchase to qualify for the additional cover.

IMPORTANT: Due to the weight of this product, Proform’s warranty is invalid if delivered by a one-man team without special lifting equipment. We can confirm that Sweatband (see below) complies with the terms of the warranty.
Available in UK for £499 from Sweatband.com