ProForm 540 Treadmill

Pros: Great features, ability to control cushioning, affordable.
Cons: None worth noting.

A reader gave me the heads up that Icon changed the P roform CS17e and added the 540 to replace it. Of course my curiosity got the best of me and for both this reader, the consumer who will read this and myself I am ...

Pros: shock absorbing system is great, easy to use console, strong motor, very smooth running belt
Cons: semi hard to move, slipping belt, noisy motor at speeds above walking speed

::UPDATE AT THE END OF REVIEW:: Well, I bought my Proform 550s on November 11th. It broke and almost killed me on December 13th. Pretty sad if you ask me. Let me clarify.... This treadmill worked great for an entire month. I managed to shed ...

Pros: Nice features
Cons: Manufacturer doesn't stand behind their product for even a small simple item.

I bought this treadmill about 2 years ago and have used it very little. I am similar to a large percentage of the population where I use it occasionally but not every day or even every week. I recently tried to use the treadmill and found the belt ...

Pros: It worked good for a year
Cons: It doesn't stand up for someone who actually runs on their treadmill!

Bought in Feb 2004 Worked good til Dec. 2005 Then things started to break. I run on my treadmill every day. Usually 6 -7 miles.Also walk on the 10 incline 2 miles. So when it is down I am very upset.To get it fixed takes getting a repair day usually 2 weeks after you call, then the repairman comes and has to order parts, then you wait another week before parts come before he can fix it. Then another part breaks and you go thru it again. Then 4 weeks later another part goes and you start all over again in the mean time your workout goes down the drain. So no I am not happy with this product or your extended warranty with Sears. I am going to get it fixed and then sell it, in the mean time I am going shopping for a new treadmill and I will be running tomorrow! It won't be a proform! Debbie Cade

Pros: none
Cons: poor quality, very poor customer service

I purchased this treadmill from HSN, and it has not worked properly from the day that I received it. The belt slips terribly to the point that it is unsafe to walk on it. I have adjusted the belt numerous times according to the manual with no results. I contacted HSN and Profom and neither one would stand behind this product. Please do not buy this treadmill, as it is junk and the company will not warranty anything or replace it if it is defective. Don't waste your money as I did.
Sincerely,
M.Miller, Hillsboro, Ohio

Pros: Good initial features with nice layout of displays
Cons: Wore out way too fast. Safety concerns

I actually got my Proform 540s as a replacement to a warrantied treadmill after the first could not be repaired. After one year, it is shot. Although it seems to have many features and uses, it just can not seem to handle the weight and shock of a 200 pound man who runs a lot. After only eight months, the bracket that holds the adjuster screws broke and nearly killed me. I ordered the replacement parts to find out that they added a metal bracket that would prevent the near-catastrophic failure that almost severely injured me. My question is why they did not retro-fit the treadmills to fix the problem and prevent injury. The fix did hold, but after another few months of running the belt no slips and can not be adjusted any more. I would not buy another again.

Pros: Looked good on the showroom floor.
Cons: Made to last but only if never used.

This is not a product to buy if you plan on using it. That is about the quote a received from Proform when I tried to get this unit repaired after only ten months. The warren tee? 90 days. The replacement piece.. Only $300. Garbage.

Pros: Cheap (about $700)
Cons: False advertising

I bought my Pro-form 500 treadmill one year ago. It was used only lightly for walking and my son (140 pounds) used it occasionally for running. Yesterday, as he was running on a speed of 8, the walking board broke--this board is made of pressed board. The Sears store where I bought the treadmill advertises it for people up to 260 pounds and the manufacturer, Icon Health and Fitness, claims it can be used by people up to 300 pounds. This is false advertising when the walking board cannot adequately support even a person of 140 pounds running at a speed of 8.

Pros: good running surface, easy to read display
Cons: no way to enter age/weight, no adjustments on the running surface

I just purchased a Proform 540 from proform.com (Feb 1, 2006). I did a lot of research first and the clincher for me was the review by jo.com, particularly two phrases: "Essential for me in terms of accuracy of the readouts such as calories is the feature of being able to enter my age and weight. The ProForm 540 allows me to do this." and "There are knobs on the sides of the treadmill. I turn them to change the amount of cushioning." I received my treadmill today and it has neither of these features. I don't know if proform changes features without changing model #s, but this is very disappointing. I have run once on it and do like the surface and console features, but I really wish it had the "age/weight" entry feature. It's not something I'll return it over, especially with the added shipping charges, but I will rethink proform in the future.

Pros:

I liked the fan:) the programs are fun to do

Cons: falls apart after a short time. I guess that's how they make their money!!

I received this treadmilll as a gift in March. I read the reviews but was still excited to use it. After 4 months, the belt started to slip and after 6 months the platform CRACKED. I weigh 145 pounds....not 345!! do yourself a favor, spend the extra money to buy a quality treadmill and get the warrantee