The Proform 780 CS treadmill is a great little budget buy from Proform. It packs some fun features into a basic, compact treadmill.
You get one-touch speed and incline controls, iFit card reader for more interactive workouts, iPod dock with built in speakers so you can listen to your favorite music or podcast and a heart rate monitor to stay in your target fat burning zone.
Is it a good buy for you? Here's a review of the new 780 CS treadmill to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1299
Motor: 2.25 CHP Motor
Speed: 0 -10 MPH
Incline: 0 - 12%
Treadbelt: 20 x 55"
Folding: Yes
325 lb Weight Capacity Deck
25-Year Motor Warranty and 1-Year Parts & Labor.
Strengths:
1) Music Port for iPod With Built In Console Speakers - You can easily plug in your iPod or Mp3 player and listen to your favorite music or podcast through the built in sound system. This can make your workouts a lot more enjoyable and productive.
2) iFit Workout Card Compatible For Interactive Workouts - iFit workout cards (sold separately) offer 8 weeks of personal trainer workouts (per card).
You insert the card directly into the treadmill's console and the program will automatically adjust your speed and incline to fit the workout's goals. The voice of a personal trainer talks to you through the speakers, guiding you through the workout. iFit compatibility is very popular with treadmill users so it's great to find on a budget model here.
3) One Touch Speed and Incline Controls - You can change your speed or incline with just the touch of one button - no scrolling up and down through your options. Also, note that your top incline is 12% with this treadmill - which is great for extra crosstraining - since more treadmills under $1000 only give you up to 10% incline.
4) 15 Personal Trainer Workouts - These built-in workouts (separate from those found on iFit cards) automatically adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill, depending on your goal - aerobic, weight loss or performance.
5) EKG Heart Rate Monitor - You can stay in your target fat-burning zone with the heart rate monitor. Although a fairly standard feature to have, it's still a nice touch, especially for a starter treadmill.
6) High Resolution Console Display - Although fairly simple, the console is well laid out and easy to master. The high resolution display is easy to read - although it is not backlit.
Weaknesses:
The Proform 780 CS treadmill is a solid starter treadmill - but still not recommended for runners or heavy usage. Also, as noted above, the display is clear - however it is not backlit. So make sure you place your treadmill in a well-lit area to see your workout stats.
Overall Conclusion:
If you're looking for a budget buy with a few extra luxuries thrown in the Proform 780 CS treadmill is worth considering. You can listen to your iPod while working out through the iPod port and console speakers. You can push yourself with the 15 personal trainer designed workouts and even get more with the iFit card reader.
The 20" x 55" belt is a good size for most people and the 2.25 HP motor is also decent. And the warranty is good (25 years on motor and 1 year parts and labor) for a budget treadmill.
While it's not recommended for runners or heavy usage (see the Sole treadmills or higher end Nordic Tracks for that), the 780 CS would probably be alright for occasional walkers.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy the Proform 780 CS treadmill direct from the the Manufacturer. They're currently offering Free shipping so you can save about $150.
