ProForm Power 795i Treadmill Review

With a substantial range of running machines to suit most pockets and domestic settings Proform has for decades consistently produced quality running machines that typically feature lots of goodies and high specs. On paper the Proform 795i looked like it has a few useful training features and a good sized running deck and motor, so we got one in to take a closer look. Here’s what we found. 

Assembly of the 795i is quite typical of most home use treadmills. There are no moving parts to put together and all that’s necessary is to attach the two upright posts to the base and then attach the console to the uprights. There’s not much to it, to the point that it’s possible to put this model together on your own, but it will help to have a 2nd person assist at certain stages of the build. Allow 45-60 minutes for the assembly and you’ll be in good shape. 

One thing that we noticed during assembly is that the 795i benefits from the addition of a crossbar that stretches between the two uprights. It not only visually adds to the impression of this as a “proper” treadmill, but from a sturdiness perspective it has a significant positive impact. Carrying out a ‘shake-test’ by literally shaking the treadmill left and right highlights the difference a crossbar can make to the stability of a treadmill. It also helps to make the 795i a rugged bit of kit that looks and feels like it’s going to withstand the demands that are likely to be placed upon it in a family home.  

With a footprint of 201cm x 94cm and a running surface area measuring 152cm x 51cm, the 795i is a full-sized treadmill. At around 6′ 2″ even the tallest members of the testing team had plenty of room to maneuver on the running deck, confirming this a suitable model even if you;re already fit. Sprints that  hit the maximum 20kph (12.4mph) speed on this deck feel safe and comfortable thanks not only to the available space but also to Proform’s ProShox cushioning system. We’ve seen this system on many other Proform models and there’s a reason it’s been fitted to so many of their models over the years. It does a great job of absorbing the impact on landings but also strikes a good balance between cushioning your landing and providing a firm surface to launch from. In a competitive market where there’s pressure to constantly ‘improve’ things so that potential buyers have something to get excited about, we think Proform has made a wise decision to stick with a tried and tested system. 

The run that the 795i delivers is comfortable and, for a treadmill, it’s relatively quiet too. Proform has been able to bring the noise levels down a bit through the use of large 1.9″ diameter front and rear rollers that are driven by a 2.75 horsepower drive motor. The result of opting to ‘go large’ on these two key areas is that the 795i delivers a smooth and quiet run while this is a set up that should increase the lifespan of the machine. Running on any treadmill, this one included, is always a fairly noisy affair due to the nature of the activity, but the 795i does keep things sensible. Even at the full 12% incline the motor just keeps on pulling without any noticeable complaint. In any event, the large rollers, powerful motor, excellent cushioning system and crossbar between the front posts all combine to make a treadmill that’s really enjoyable to run on.

The console features a 5″ backlit two-colour LCD display that displays your training data including time, calories, distance, intensity, incline, vertical meters (VM), speed, pulse, and a  virtual running track that represents 400m (1/4 mile) laps. There are 22 pre-set workouts built into the console designed by personal trainers focussing on weight loss, endurance and overall cardio fitness. There’s also a manual mode where you are in complete control of the speed and incline settings and there’s an array of quick access buttons that allow you select a particular speed or incline level with a single button press. The preset workouts are effective and challenging and there are plenty of them to keep you entertained. These workouts don’t require an internet connection in order to be accessed making the 795i a model that you can place any room it’ll fit in that has a nearby electrical socket. However, if you do have a WIFI connection within range of this treadmill, then you can take advantage of the Bluetooth module built into the console and connect to the iFit service. 

You get a free 30-day subscription to iFit Coach included when you buy this treadmill so all you have to do is download and install the iFit app onto your tablet or smartphone and then pair your device to the treadmill via Bluetooth, place it in the tablet holder at the top of the console and you’re ready to go. Access to iFit Coach really adds some zing to your running sessions. As an iFit subscriber you get access a vast range (hundreds at the last count)  of engaging and, it has to be said very effective, personal training sessions delivered in HD video. Each video has a specific aim such as a cardio workout, a weight loss workout and so on just like a traditional programme, but instead of a graph to stare at, you get a personal trainer in full HD video guiding you and encouraging you through the whole workout as they match your run through different locations throughout the world. You can also map out your own custom routes on Google Maps, get a daily run downloaded each day, participate in online races against other iFit members and get personalised advice for nutrition, exercise routines and sleep schedules. iFit is a whole world unto itself and offers far too much to cover in this review but if you want to know more, visit the iFit website for full details. 

In terms of other goodies there’s a dual speed cooling fan which does a pretty good job of helping to keep you cool during a run. There’s also a set of stereo speakers with a 3.5mm audio input socket so you can listen to your favourite running tunes and there’s also a water bottle and accessories holder. There’s also a Bluetooth wireless heart rate receiver built into the console which delivers a far more accurate reading than the hand-pulse sensors and if you’re serious about monitoring your heart rate then a compatible chest belt really is a must.

At this price point, we’re used to seeing fairly substantial treadmills but where the 795i shines is the run it delivers. That crossbar makes a real difference to how solid it feels, as do the large motor and rollers along with the cushioning system. Add to that foundation a host of interactive features and the end result is a treadmill that’s easy to recommend.