Best for Home Use
Best for Serious Runners
Best for Walkers
Best for Seniors
ProForm Performance 300 Review
There are 16 workout modes and an automated 0 â 10% incline. Older versions of this model have 2.0 horsepower drives, but newer models have been boosted up to a more respectable 2.75 HP.
Customer reviews for the Performance 300 Treadmill have been dismal and we’re not surprised. ProForm makes some strong machines, but their budget models tend to disappoint. This treadmill often sells for as little as $400. Thatâs extremely cheap and prices like that are more more of warning sign than a deal. Generally speaking, you’ll need to spend at least $800 for a decent treadmill.
The warranty on this model is very short, another bad sign. Customer service tends to be slow and the parts warranty expires after just 90 days.
There are better folding treadmill options available from Sole and Smooth. You’ll also find a link to better ProForm treadmills below. Don’t fall for the price. There’s a reason that this disappointing treadmill is so cheap.
What We Like:
- Workout programs:Â The sixteen workout programs included on this treadmill were designed by a certified personal trainer. They target calorie-burn, speed, and endurance goals. Each program has presets for speed, incline, and distance, but also offers manual override. You can boost your speed up to 10 mph and adjust the incline up to 10%.
- Automatic incline:Â Automatic inclines are usually reserved for more expensive treadmills. Weâre skeptical about how long this feature will last. Incline motors on cheap treadmills tend to burn out quickly. But for as long as it works, the incline on this machine will add challenge and help keep boredom at bay. Incline training helps you burn calories remarkably quickly. It also helps with muscle definition. As you adjust the grade, youâll shorten your stride and focus on different muscle groups.
- SpaceSaver design:Â To free up floor space, the ProForm Performance 300 Treadmill can be tilted upward. The SpaceSaver design with shock-assist ensures that this compact treadmill is quite easy to fold vertically.
- Track cushioning:Â The cushioning is pretty good for such a cheap treadmill. ProShox is an air-based cushioning system that reduces stress on your joints.
- Audio:Â Stream your favorite mp3s during workouts through the ProForm Performance 300’s 2″ speakers. This feature is only under warranty for 90 days. So don’t expect to be rocking out on this treadmill for long.
- Simple console:Â If you want a very basic console or a blast from the past, this will do the trick. This treadmill has a console reminiscent of what we saw on similar machines in the 1990s (typical for mysteriously inexpensive treadmills). The data displayed includes speed, time, distance, calories burned, and little else. These days consoles are larger, show more data, use touchscreens, and connect to the Internet. Recommended for treadmill nostalgics only.
ProForm Performance 300 Treadmill - Key Specs:
| Star Rating: | 2.05-stars |
|---|---|
| Motor: | 2.75 HP |
| Incline: | 0 - 10% |
| Running Area: | 18" x 50" |
| Folding: | Yes |
| Top Speed: | 10 MPH |
| Weight Capacity: | 300 LBS |
| Dimensions: | 70" L x 33" W x 53" H |
| Built-In Programs: | 16 |
- Grip heart monitor:Â Heart rate sensors are included on the handlebars. These arenât convenient or as accurate.
- Warranty package:Â The warranty package is embarrassing. Frame and motor are covered for a mere fives years. Other parts are covered for just 90 days. The short warranty and the light weight are good indications that this treadmill is made of plastic instead of steel, making the treadmill quite fragile.
- Track length:Â This treadmillâs track is unusually short at 50″. Most treadmills for walking measure at least 55″ and treadmill tracks for running are typically 58″ to 60″ long. The Performance 300 is also narrower than most treadmills â 18â versus 20″ or 22″. The width is adequate for small users, but is far too constraining for most individuals.
- Motor: This motor has a short warranty and a reputation for being noisy. See other ProForm reviews for treadmills with quieter, more powerful motors that have lifetime warranties.
Our Verdict:
The ProForm Performance 300 has a low low price and a motor upgrade from past models, but we still donât recommend buying one. This machine isnât meant for running and will feel constraining to most users because of its abnormally small size. Customer reviews make it clear that technical problems abound, parts are flimsy, and customer service is below average. The parts warranty is for just 90 days, which means that youâd need to pay to fix basics like the MP3 player jack, the incline motor, and the data readout.
If you want a treadmill that will last, you’ll need to spend more. A better option from the same brand is the ProForm Performance 1450. It has a 60″ track, a touch screen and parts protection for five years. We also recommend looking into some of the affordable, yet far more dependable treadmills by Sole and NordicTrack.
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