The Proform 3.6 treadmill is in the middle of the budget machine market which gets more competitive every year as manufacturers find ways to lower prices whilst adding more and more functions.
With the number of machines in this price range the Proform 3.6 needs to be able to compete with some pretty impressive rivals and we think the new 2008 model with its improved specification can do just that.
It does have the standard features you'd expect to find on any machine plus a few more such as a calorie counter you can enter your weight so it's more accurate than an estimated value. At the end of a strenuous run you'll know exactly how many Mars bars you have burnt up! It also has single touch buttons to change the speed and incline at .1% gradients where other models in this price range only step up in 0.5 or 1% intervals.
It has a solid feel and the frame barely moves when running at the top speed of 10mph. The 1.75 HP motor seems very capable of handling the belt and was fairly quiet in operation - it's also covered for 5 years under the warranty which is one of the best in this price range we've seen.
We liked the look of the machine, it folds up into a compact size for storage - click here for photo and is easy enough to move. The running deck is wider than most of its competitors - handy if you're new to running on a mill - and has a comfortable feel thanks to the ProTech IIITM Impact Reducing Cushioning system that helps to reduce stress on the joints - an important factor if you're currently overweight or recovering from an injury.
It has 9 pre-set programmes including 5 preset speed and incline adjusting programmes which will take you through a gradual progression of difficulty levels to build up stamina, plus specific 4 weight loss workouts to help shift the excess pounds. Whilst other machines may have more programmes the variation on the 3.6 is more than enough for most treadmill users to keep you training without getting bored. Think of it like a washing machine - how many programmes does yours have? And how many do you really use?
So basically, you can get fit, tone-up and lose weight in the comfort of your own home with this machine for under £400! Who could ask for more...
Another feather in the cap for this machine is the warranty. It has a lifetime frame cover, 5 years for the motor and 2 years full manufacturers on site parts and labour warranty.
Available in UK for £435 from SweatBand Fitness.
Best UK Price Specification
Pros and Cons Reviewers Ratings
In brief:
The Proform 3.6 is a great compact running machine from a reputable company covered by an excellent warranty for the price. It will help you to get fit and lose weight because it has enough variation built in to its programmes to keep you interested. It's a safe buy although not quite as exciting as other models such as NordicTrack's latest offering the C2000 . However, if £450 is the limit this is the machine we would go for - you certainly won't be disappointed.
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Proform 3.6 Treadmill - Technical Bits
User reviews will follow after the technical information.
Specifications:
- 1.75 horsepower (HP) motor
- 0 - 16 km/H speed range (0 - 10 mph)
- QuickspeedTM one touch controls
- SpaceSaverTM Easydrop folding mechanism
- ProTech IIITM Impact Reducing Cushioning system
- 46 x 130 cm walking/running surface
- Maximum user weight 130kg (287 lbs)
Dimensions:
- 170 (L) x 85 (W) x 130 (H) cm floor
- 81 (L) x 85 (W) x 150 (H) cm folded
Please click here to view Proform's spec sheet for the 3.6
Proform 3.6 treadmill console
Please click here for larger image
Proform 3.6 Treadmill - User Reviews
The Pros:
The features most users liked about this treadmill were:-
The folding mechanism was easy to use.
The running deck was comfortable
The ability to enter your weight for the calorie counter.
Easy to move, good portablilty.
Very good warranty.
The Cons:
Doesn't have the iFit software which is available on other Proform models.
The display was uninspiring and not always easy to read.
Proform 3.6 Ratings
Power
Appearance
Running Area
Comfort
Reliability
Noise
Ease of use
Controls
Warranty
Value for Money
OVERALL RATING
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- 7.5
- 8.5
- 8
- 8
- 8
- 8
- 7.5
- 7.5
- 9
- 8.5
= 80.5%
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Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table
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