So which builds a better treadmill? It depends on the model and the current sales? Both ProForm and Horizon price their treadmills aggressively, and you will find drastic changes in the prices from one week to the next. That said, ProForm has some advantages due to the size of their parent company. As mentioned, Icon Fitness is the largest fitness equipment manufacturer in the world. They are not only #1, but are #1 by a considerable margin.

This affords Icon Fitness, and their brands like ProForm, some economic advantages. For example, their R&D is second to none, which have resulted in the some unique features like iFit technology. Workout programs on a disk that you can insert in certain of their models. the iFit programs follow an arranged series of treadmill training routines that control the the speed and incline of your machine. They are designed by professional trainers, and include audio coaching. You'll find many ProForm treadmills have an abundance of features like fans, speakers (some with subwoofers), iPod/MP3 inputs and digital TVs.

In general, due to an economy of scale, ProForm can produce more for less. That doesn't mean that Horizon can't compete with certain models. For example, the Horizon T1201 and the T901 will match up well with any ProForm treadmills at the $999 price range.

So which model should you buy? First, it depend on your fitness needs and goals. If you are a jogger, neither brand will have a sufficient model at the $599 price range. You need to determine how you will use the machine, and how many users there will be. You also have to factor your weight and height. Taller users, especially runners, will need a treadmill with a longer deck.

Once you have determined your needs you can start looking for the model that will suite your needs. Compare the features and the prices from both brands. If you plan to spend more than $1,000, also compare models from NordicTrack, Smooth, Sole, BowFlex, PaceMaster and Spirit. However, below $800 ProForm and Horizon are the major contenders. Avoid treadmills below $500, you start to get into what I consider the throw-away models.

You can check my ratings and recommendations for the latest prices and special offers.

To a Healthy Life,

Fred

An example is the NordicTrack Elite 7500 and the ProForm Perspective ES.  Both have 60" treadbelts, speakers, fans and a 7" digital TV.  If you look at the consoles, they are almost exactly the same.  The Elite 7500 has a 1/2 HP larger motor and iFit technology, although the Perspective ES had an extended warranty. 

As of 9/11/09 the ProForm Perspective ES was selling for $1,249 and the NordicTrack Elite 7500 was going for $2,499.  Almost the same machine, but the price is almost doubled on the Elite 7500.  Most likely the price on the Elite 7500 will drop $1,000 by next week. 

If you are considering either a NordicTrack or a ProForm treadmill you first want to determine what your fitness goals are and which features will accommodate those goals, i.e. motor, deck length , workout programs.  Then shop around.  See which models have the features you are looking for and at what price. You may find by shopping both brands you can save yourself several hundred dollars.

To help you get the best value I monitor the NordicTrack and ProForm sites regularly.  I'll alert you to some great buys as they come available.  (ycqsefka2p)

 Get $50 off. Use coupon code "PFCJ50OFF" at checkout! (Code is Case Sensitive)

Click here to see the latest ProForm treadmill reviews.  This offer also applies to ProForm elliptical trainers in this price range.

Horizon Compact Treadmill

I've gotten several inquiries about buying a compact treadmill.  Most are from individuals who live in apartments and have limited space.   The problem with compact treadmills is you make certain compromises in order to have a lite weight machine that does not take up much space.  In addition, compact treadmills usually fall in the budget treadmill category, meaning they are built with budget components. 

Icon Fitness through their Weslo, Image and ProForm brands have several models that are lite weight, fold and are easy to move.  I recommend these treadmills for walking and individuals who are not excessively heavy.  These treadmills usually have small treadbelts, so depending on your height you may feel like you are about to walk off the end. 

If you purchase one I also recommend that you get an extended warranty.  In general, these machines are not built to last.  However, if you have a limited budget and limited space the brands mentioned are worth considering.  I would stay away from models that are below $500. I get many negative reviews.

There is also the Horizon SG Evolve.  It is small and folds to 10".  The downside is it has a small motor, limited walking area and not much shock absorption. Once again I recommend this treadmill for walking and for someone not excessively overweight.  The programs are limited and you have to manually change the incline. You can check out my review at Horizon Evolve.

Been reading your site so much I am getting a headache   Great information, but I am driving myself crazy going back and forth over several models.  I am not sure if you answer advice questions so if you don't, I understand that reply.  I am a first time treadmill purchaser so I want to stay under $1000 in case it ends up collecting dust like many do.  It would only be used for walking and jogging by 2 individuals both 5'11" (210lbs being heaviest) 3-4 times a week.  I am not as concerned with ipod capable or someone having 24 workouts over 15.  I just want a good reliable machine.  I know the smooth 5.25 is very highly recommended, but a couple others I was looking at had larger motors or pads, which may be important for multiple users.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Here are the 3 I have narrowed:

Smooth 5.25

ProForm 11.5

Proform iLog 750

Thanks!

Hi Craig,

From a reliability and durability prospective I would have to go with the Smooth 5.25.  Also, you get three years parts coverage. My concern is with the 53" treadbelt.  It should be sufficient for jogging at your height.  You may want to check out a treadmill locally with a similar length deck and see if you feel comfortable.

The Proform treadmills are decent machines, however the 5.25 has been out for about 4 years and the service record has been very good.

Hope that helps. Please send a review once you made your decision and had time to use the treadmill. 

Fred
  

 I monitor treadmill prices regularly for a number of brands, and will alert readers of this blog when I feel a special deal warrants it.

Checking out the ProForm treadmill site, I noticed they are offering the ProForm 11.5 Competitor treadmill for $999, with shipping (As of 2/18/08).  What makes this treadmill appealing is the 3.0 continuous duty motor and the 60" long treadbelt.  Usually you will find a treadmill with those options costing in excess of $1,500. 

The 3.0 hp motor is powerful enough for sustained usuage and will not strain at higher speeds or steep inclines.  The 60" deck is suited for taller individuals and interval training.  You won't feel like you are falling off the end.

What I am not crazy about on this model is the console.  The display is rather basic, but what do you expect for $999.

I would recommend this treadmill for walking and jogging.  If you are a serious runner you will want to upgrade.  Go to the ProForm 11.5 Competitor Treadmill Review for more details. 

I was out to the Icon corporate headquarters not long ago.  In the past I was critical of most of Icon's products.  They had problems with the quality control.  In addition, their customer service was lacking.  However, this company has done a complete turnaround, and in general offers the best value for budget treadmills.  In addition, the mid-range treadmills are strong contenders. 

The ProForm brand is their biggest seller, and in addition to being available online, you will find ProForm treadmills at mass merchant retailers like Sears, Wal-Mart and Target.  You will also find their models at the large sporting goods stores like Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods.

So should you buy a ProForm treadmill?  If your budget is limited, than the answer is Yes.  However, there are two important points to consider.  First, if you buy a budget treadmill, it has it's limitations.  For example, a $600 treadmill is not adequate for joggers or runners.  Furthermore, regardless of what they state for the user weight limit, you probably want to subtract about 50 lbs. 

Second, many of the ProForm treadmills come with a 90-day parts and labor warranty.  It makes sense that budget treadmills come with budget components, and they are more likely to need service.  Protect your investment and buy the additional warranty coverage - it is not that expensive. 

So if you are planning to get back into shape and have a limited budget, ProForm can offer some of the best value available.