The Proform 505 CST is suited for users who are looking for a reliable no-nonsense treadmill. The treadmill doesn't come with a lot of possibly unnecessary options. This might be great if you are looking for a treadmill without things like advanced training programs, a built-in television or an iPad holder.
PROS
- Solid construction
- The ProShox cushioning minimizes the impact on your joints
- 25 years warranty on the motor gives 'peace of mind'
- Music port for iPod or MP3 Player (earbud-free running)
CONS
- Isn't compatible with iFit
- The treadmill might be heavy to assemble
- You can't save or input user information
- Less options than the newer model of the 505 CST
Please note that there are different versions of the ProForm 505 CST. In this review, we will put our focus on the 2014 model.
However, if you want you can check out the comparison between the; ProForm 505 CST 2014 Vs. ProForm 505 CST 2016 near the bottom of the page.
KEY FEATURES
- 18 workout apps help you to reach your fitness goals faster. For example, the ‘calorie workout program’ is specifically designed for people who want to lose weight.
- Two 2-inch speakers allow you to listen to your favorite music while you’re on the treadmill. You’ll have to connect an iPod or MP3-player to use the sound system. If you plan on running at a higher pace this feature might be great. No more earbuds that fall out of your ears.
- The quick incline can be adjusted up to 10 percent by pressing the 'incline button'. This gives advanced users more options to put variety in their training.
- SpaceSaver Design allows the user to vertically fold the running belt. This might be handy if you want to place the treadmill in a small space.
- The deck area is supported by the ProShox cushioning system which makes walking, jogging and running more comfortable and minimizes the pressure on your joints.
- Built-in heart rate monitor, which helps to keep track of your heart rate by holding the metallic sensors.
REVIEW OF THE PRODUCT
Build Quality: 4/5
The construction of the 505 CST is pretty solid. The treadmill itself weighs 191 pounds. This is pretty decent for a folding treadmill. People who are overweight will benefit most from the heavy construction. The materials that are used allow users who weigh up to 325 lbs.
ProForm itself is confident about the quality and durability of their treadmill as well. If you buy this treadmill you’ll get; 1-year warranty on parts and labor, 25 years warranty on the motor and lifetime warranty on the frame.
Power & Noise: 4/5
The 2.5 CHP Mach Z commercial plus motor may not be the most powerful motor, but it does allow users to run at a maximum of 10 miles per hour. For most users, this maximum speed will be more than fast enough.
The commercial plus motor is designed to cool itself during a heavy workout. Which definitely helps to keep it quiet during your run.
Again, the 25-year warranty on the motor gives enough confidence that you can rely on the motor, even in the long-run.
Ease of Use: 5/5
The 505 CST hasn’t got a whole lot of extra options. That’s probably the reason why it’s relatively easy to use.
The essential options are available for you to choose from. You can adjust the incline and speed by the push of a button. There are also 18 built-in workouts which you can select by pressing on one of the workout buttons.
The 6-inch backlit display also only shows essential information, like; distance, calories burned, time and speed. Beware that you can’t input or save any information for your next run.
Ease of Assembly: 3.5/5
For some people, the assembly of the treadmill might be a bit heavy. That’s probably the reason why ProForm advises you to install the machine with 2 people.
The manual shows clear pictures and instructions about how to assemble the treadmill. Still, it’s hard to say how long it will take you to assemble the treadmill. If you’re not too confident about whether you'll be able to assemble it, then it’s best to take your time or let someone else do it.
An estimated installation time would be around 2 hours non-stop with 2 people.
"HOW DOES IT COMPARE?"
Proform 505 CST (2016 model)
The popularity of the 2014 model may have inspired ProForm to release a new model. The new model that was released in 2016 has got a few extra options, like; a tablet holder and iFit compatibility.
iFit is an advanced digital training program which gives users a wide variety of new options. If you easily get bored during your training then iFit might be just what you need. Please note that you might have to pay extra for the iFit membership or modules.
One of the options that iFit offers is the ability to virtually train around the world using Google Maps.
In order for this to work, you’ll have to connect your tablet to the treadmill. Then you select the route you want to run. Google Street view will show the track on your tablet. During your run, the treadmill will adjust the incline according to the real landscape. This is one of the options iFit has to offer.
iFit also has a coaching option with customized workouts. You can use several beginners and advanced training programs by Jillian Michaels. These will help to keep you motivated.
If you think you can use some extra motivation to keep training on a regular basis then the 2016 model of the ProForm 505 CST is worth considering.
Merit Fitness 725T Plus
The Merit Fitness 725T Plus is in a lot of ways very similar to the 505 CST. Although some of the specifications of this treadmill might not be as good.
For example, the weight capacity of the 725T is 250 pounds, which makes it a less attractive option for heavier users.
Plus, the 18- by 45-inch running belt of this treadmill is a bit smaller compared to the 20 by 55 running belt of the 505 CST. This might make your work-out a bit less comfortable, especially if you want to use the treadmill solely for running.
However, if you plan on using the treadmill mainly for walking the Merit Fitness 725T Plus is worth a look.
Schwinn 830
For those of you who are looking for a reliable treadmill to run on the Schwinn 830 might be a better option.
The slightly better 2.75 CHP motor and especially the heavier overall weight will make running on the Schwinn 830 a more comfortable experience. It also has some more extra’s, like a fan and the possibility to keep track of your progress.
4 thoughts on “Proform 505 CST Treadmill Review”
I purchased the proform 505 cst. I cannot afford to have a membership to pay for my treadmill to run. Can I turn that feature off and use it like a normal treadmill? I had to go through ifit.com/activate and get a free month subscription and they had to have my credit card first before the machine would even turn on.
Hi Ruby Young,
The 2016 model is indeed compatible with iFit, but you don’t have to use it. You can just use one of the 18 workout apps/programs instead.
If you don’t want to use iFit then there’s a button you should press/hold on the display.
I hope this helps, if you have any follow-up questions, then feel free to leave another comment.
Happy to help!
Kind regards,
Koen van Emden
I just bought a brand new pro form 505 CST and cannot get it to run. If I move the key around the dash will turn from blue to red but only for a second or two. Any answers.
Hi Dennis Riley,
If it’s a brand new treadmill, then I advise you to contact Proform’s support. They should be able to solve the issue.
Kind regards,
Koen van Emden