The Pro 2000 from ProForm is quite a popular model. It’s one of the entry-level models of the Pro Series, but it’s certainly not an entry-level treadmill. I would say it's a higher-end consumer treadmill.
It’s especially suited for serious runners who want a treadmill with a lot of features and good build quality. Although, you can obviously also use it for walking. What makes this treadmill stand out is the decline feature. The decline option makes it possible to walk, jog or run at a decline instead of at an incline.
PROS
- The relatively large 22” by 60” tread belt is especially useful for runners who want to run at a high pace.
- The option to run at a decline of 3 percent could help you prepare for a marathon. Even if you’re not training for a marathon, you can still use it to build more muscle.
- The 7” inch backlit LCD-display is easy-to-read because of its size and the fact that it is backlit.
CONS
- The iFit module requires a membership which you’ll have to pay for to use it.
- The installation might be a bit difficult because of the relatively heavy product weight.
- It might be too big for some people, especially if you’re looking for a space saving treadmill.
KEY FEATURES
- The decline option is relatively uncommon. Most higher-end treadmills have an incline option, which allows you to simulate an uphill trek. A decline option allows the treadmill to do just the opposite; it simulates an uphill walks or runs. This might be helpful to train for outdoor uphill runs, or you could use it to vary your regular training routine.
- The large display shows a lot of information about your current workout. It shows the more standard statistics like; distance, heart rate, elapsed time, speed, incline level and the approximate amount of calories burned. Plus, it shows you; the intensity level of your workout on the ‘workout intensity bar’ and the number of vertical feet you have covered.
- The included wireless heart rate monitor gives you a more accurate way of measuring your heart rate. Of course, you could also use the handgrip, but this usually tends to be less accurate. The heart rate monitor allows you to exercise at a particular heart rate. This might be useful if you want to workout in your fat-burning or aerobic exercise zone.
- If you want to listen to music while you’re working out, then you might want to use the two 3-inch digitally amplified long-throw speakers. The music system is compatible with an iPod or other audio players. You’ll need a 3.5 mm male to 3.5 mm male audio cable because the cable isn’t included.
- You may want to use a tablet to watch your favorite movies or connect it to the treadmill. The tablet holder supports most full-size tablets. For most people, this will be a nice extra which will make their training more enjoyable.
However, you can also use it to take your training to the next level. If you connect your tablet to the treadmill, you can use iFit. In short, iFit allows you to simulate real-world treks. The treadmill will automatically adjust the incline if your chosen trek goes up or down.
REVIEW OF THE TREADMILL
Build Quality: 4.5/5
The Pro 2000 has a 3.5 Continuous Horsepower (CHP) Mach Z™ commercial motor. A 3.5 CHP is a relatively strong motor, which is powerful enough for most runners. Of course, this might depend on your weight, but a motor of 3.0 CHP or higher is usually powerful enough for running.
Furthermore, it has a steel construction. Steel makes the construction more durable and stronger. However, a steel construction makes the treadmill heavier to move than an aluminum construction.
Because the construction is made from steel ProForm probably has decided to give a lifetime warranty on the frame. You’ll also get a lifetime warranty on the motor, five years on parts and two years on labor.
Ease of Use: 5/5
The console offers a variety of features. There’s the 0 -12 MPH Quickspeed, the 0 - 15 percent quick incline and 0 - 3 percent quick decline. What ProForm means by 'quick' is the fact that you’re able to adjust the speed and incline or decline with the push of a button.
There’s a row of buttons from 1 - 12 to set the speed and -3% - 15% to set the incline. You only have to press a button to make a change. This makes it easy to change your pace or incline percentage.
The 7-inch display on the console is easy to read because it’s relatively large and has a backlight which is helpful if you are working out in an area without a lot of light.
Comfort: 4/5
The ProShox cushioning system reduces the ‘shocks’ on your joints. The cushioning system underneath the belt ‘absorbs’ the impact as much as possible. This is helpful for runners as well as walkers.
Additionally, the treadmill has a commercial 1-ply tread belt. A 2-ply belt is thicker than a single ply belt because it’s thicker. Therefore a 2-ply belt usually offers more cushioning.
However, a 2-ply belt might not necessarily always be better because it puts more pressure on the motor. Plus, the single ply belt of the Pro 2000 is a commercial-grade belt. So the tread belt is still comfortable enough for running.
"HOW DOES IT COMPARE?"
ProForm Pro 1000
The ProForm Pro 1000 is a similar treadmill from the Pro series. Most of the specifications of this treadmill are a bit lower.
For example; it has a 3.0 CHP motor instead of a 3.5 CHP motor, a 20” by 60” belt instead of a 22” by 60” belt and has a maximum speed of 12% incline instead of a 15% incline.
This doesn’t mean the quality of the treadmill isn’t as good, what it does mean is that this treadmill is less suited for serious runners. The Pro 1000 might be a better choice if you want to use your treadmill for walking or jogging.
Horizon Elite T7
The Horizon T7 is a similar treadmill from a different brand. It offers serious users a lot of options to vary their training and is powerful enough for most runners. This model has 42 exercise programs and an option to sync the treadmill with your television.
The most noteworthy differences are the smaller 20” by 60” tread belt, and it doesn’t have a decline option. Although, if you’re looking for a higher-end treadmill the T7 is still worth considering.
Asatr 4.5 HP
The Asatr 4.5 HP might not be a bad choice for walking or jogging, but I wouldn’t recommend this treadmill for serious runners. There are some similarities between the Asatr 4.5 HP and the Pro 2000, like the 15% incline feature.
However, when comparing the overall features between the two models, I would recommend the ProForm treadmill instead of the Asatr because of the better overall features.
