ProForm 980 Audio Trainer Treadmill Review
ProForm always takes a hit from me for not properly guaranteeing any of their machines. But with the ProForm 980 Audio Trainer they’ve produced a budget-friendly machine that has lots of great features and could be a great addition to your home, assuming you can get an extended third-party warranty.
ProForm 980 Audio Treadmill Specifications
- Engine- 2.25HP
- Folding – Yes
- Top speed – 10mph
- Incline – 0%-10%
- Walking surface – 55″ x 20″
- Display: backlit dot matrix
- Programs – 16
- Dimensions- N/A
- Treadmill Weight- N/a
- Maximum user weight: 325 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on motor and frame
The Ifit personal trainer system is obviously the star here. With a sound system built for the purpose of using the Ifit system to receive audio signals during training from users and 16 Ifit programs built into the machine. This machine uses the Ifit cards which I think are available for around $20 last I checked and wash something like 30 workouts on each.
The sound system can also be used with your Ipod to play your favorite music while you work out. Another star feature of this machine is the adjustable damping. You can now choose how firm you want your foot to feel, a feature usually reserved for machines with much higher price tags.
Nice, despite some flaws.
Warranty is always a concern when it comes to any Icon brand. At least this machine has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The materials used in this machine are not the best, and the motor is underpowered when using this machine at high speeds. And of course, I always prefer a treadmill for being a runner, so a 55″ belt length is usually an automatic demerit.
Now that I’ve said that, the 980 Audio is actually very nice to use. It’s relatively quiet, fairly loud, and generally quite smooth. Its speakers deliver quality sound and help deliver the Ifit personal training system which, as always, is a value when included in an Icon machine. The inclusion of adjustable damping adds a luxurious feel to a machine that commonly sells for under $800.
Don’t expect the parts to last forever, but the features and price of this machine almost make me forget the fact that Icon is still considered an underperforming manufacturer after years of mounting quality concerns and a few key recalls. It’s a nice machine to use and is great for most types of exercises, but as always, a 55″ belt length isn’t long enough for most taller people to be comfortable running on this machine. overall this machine is well finished and looks planned.
The right features and the right price
With speakers, an OK motor, and the inclusion of the Ifit system, ProForm has produced a pretty good machine. It definitely carries the stigma of a company known for its quality issues, but it doesn’t have the worst track record yet.
The ProForm 980 Audio Trainer is a great machine to get fit, and when you use the Ifit system you can get a great workout without having to worry about all the details like time, speed, and incline, the machine will do those things for you. .