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The Proform 705 ZLT folding treadmill is an exciting machine in Icon's
treadmill range for the UK. Icon are the world's largest fitness equipment
manufacturer, responsible for brands such as Nordic Track and Weslo as well
as the ever popular Pro-From brand.
The Proform 705 ZLT is identical
machine to the Nordic Track T7 treadmill, but adds a Polar compatible
wireless heart rate receiver and a chest strap as standard and is branded as
Proform.
In context of market positioning, the Nordic Track T7 treadmill is
the replacement machine for the Nordic Track C2000. As such, the Proform 705
being reviewed here is picking up the mantle
from the Nordic Track C2000, a big challenge given the C2000 has been one of
the most popular mid-market treadmills of the last three years!
The big question is whether this treadmill can live up to the high
expectations created by the hugely successful C2000. Well, in short, we were
very pleasantly surprised.
So, let's start with the basics! At the heart of the treadmill is a powerful
2.25 horsepower continous duty motor as well as a full sized 51cm by 140cm
running belt.
This powerful motor means light work of powering the
the belt right up to the maximum speed of 11.2 mph (18 kph). The speed can
be controlled from using direct speed keys on the console. This proform
treadmill has a power incline function up to 10%, which can either be
controlled from the console by pressing the incline up and down buttons
(0.5% increments) or using one of the 10 direct incline keys. The roomy
running belt glides smoothly and quietly on top of a shock absorbing running
deck.
The console is where this machine this machine really shines.
It features several bright LED displays which show key metrics constantly.
The console features Icon's Ifit SD technology which take treadmill
programmes to a whole new level. Simply insert an iFit SD card into the
little slot on the console and the treadmill is taken over by a virtual
personal trainer who starts to literally talk you through professionally
designed work out programmes whilst automatically controlling both the speed
and the incline of the machine.
Given the vast majority of people use
treadmills for weight loss purposes, we really liked the way in which the
built-in programmes are organised. They're split into two groups: calorie
goal and timed workouts. Each of these programmes can be access by pressing
one button on the console and hitting the green start key. There are 8
calorie goal programmes that burn an estimated 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500,
600 or 700 calories respectively in the session. The duration of these
calorie goal programmes start at only 20 minutes and the maximum speed and
incline during the programme is varied based on which programme is selected.
Similarly, for those wishing to use the treadmill for general training can
choose between the timed workouts (8 programmes) that vary in duration from
15 minutes to an hour.
Heart rate monitoring can be done by either
grabbing the pulse sensors for a reading (which won't be very accurate) or
alternatively taking advantage of the Polar technology built into the
treadmill. The treadmill ships with a Polar wireless chest belt as standard!
The console further boasts a high quality set of speakers (which are
also used by the iFit personal trainer programmes) with a standard 3.5mm
jack input cable that can by plugged into the headphone socket of an iPhone,
iPod or any mp3 player to be able to listen to music whilst running.
Finally, we can confirm that the folding mechanism is very simple to use -
simply lift up the running deck and hear the self locking latch securely
lock the deck in a vertical position. A soft drop feature make the lower of
the deck easy and safe.
The warranty is a solid 10 year frame warranty, 5 year motor
warranty and 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 by including a pre-booked 2-man delivery service as standard.
Available in UK for £499 from Sweatband.com
Best UK Price Specification
Pros and Cons Reviewers Ratings
In brief:
The Proform 705 ZLT represents
incredible value for money at under £500. It has a powerful motor, roomy
running deck, good cushioning, a clear console with multiple LED displays,
iFit SD as well as a nice speakers. In comparison to the Nordic Track C2000,
it has a slightly lower top speed and incline, but is a smoother and quieter
machine as a result of the more powerful motor. It also loses the fan
in the console and the adjustable deck cushioning, but adds Polar heart rate
measurement and much better programme setup. Also, as a newer model, it
has a much nicer look and has a better feel as a running machine. |
Proform 705
ZLT Folding Treadmill - Technical Bits
User reviews will follow after the technical information.
Specifications:
- 2.25 horsepower (HP)
continuous duty , self cooling, commercial grade motor
- 0 - 18 km/H speed range (0 - 11.2 mph)
- QuickspeedTM one touch
speed control
- Intermix Acoustics 2.0 speakers with a 3.5mm line-in jack
- EasyDrop folding mechanism with self locking latch
- FlexResponseTM Impact Reducing Cushioning
- Grip heart rate monitor, Polar receiver built in and Polar chest belt
included as standard
- 51 x 140 cm running surface
- Maximum user weight 135kg (300 lbs)
- iFit SD compatible
Dimensions:
- 182 (L) x 86 (W) x 148 (H) cm floor
- 88 (L) x 86 (W) x 154 (H) cm folded
Proform 705 ZLT treadmill console
Proform 705
ZLT Treadmill - User Reviews
The Pros:
The features most users liked about this treadmill were:-
The folding mechanism was easy to use.
A good sized running deck on a machine in this price bracket.
The
calorie burn programmes
iFit SD feature
The feel of the running deck.
Very good warranty.
The Cons:
No cooling fan in the console
Assembly required
Proform 705 ZLT Ratings
Power
Appearance
Running Area
Comfort
Reliability
Noise
Ease of use
Controls
Warranty
Value for Money
OVERALL RATING
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- 9.5
- 8.5
- 9.5
- 9
- 9
- 9
- 9
- 8.5
- 9
- 10
= 91%
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Best Price:
Currently available for £499 with free delivery from Sweatband.com.
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Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table
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