The ProForm XP 690T Treadmill – Nice Features, Programs

The new 2010 model ProForm XP 690T treadmill offers a variety of programming, decent cushioning, a roomy tread belt, and a fold up design, but is the retail price too much of a turn off?

The Machine

The ProForm XP 690T treadmill has a LCD Grafixx™ display showing speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories burned. Underneath the screen are individual control buttons so you can set your workout with just a single touch without having to scroll through levels of speed and incline.

The specs include:

• 2.5 HP Mach Z™ Motor
• 20" x 60" Tread Belt
• 0-10% Quick Incline™
• 1-12 mph QuickSpeed™
• 16 Workouts
• ProShox™ Cushioning
• Dual-grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor
• iFit® Workout Card Technology
• iPod® Compatible Music Port
• Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0
• 325 lb. Weight Capacity
• SpaceSaver® Design
• Warranty – lifetime frame & motor, 1-year parts & labor

The Buzz

UPDATE:  The ProForm XP 690T has been discontinued.  Check out our latest ProForm treadmill reviews to find a comparable machine.

While the ProForm XP 690T isn’t a serious treadmill for training, it does offer a walking user some nice features and programs to pass the time while getting in the daily indoor miles. The ProForm XP 690T treadmill comes with 10 pre-programmed performance workouts and 6 weight-loss workouts, as well as the option to use an iFit workout card (sold separately).

The 2.5 hp motor and weight capacity are solid enough for an average size person but treadmill pros don’t find much about the design, quality, or engineering of this one to recommend it.

ProForm releases a new treadmill model every 5 minutes so it’s difficult to keep them all straight. They take the same frame and components, change a color and the console design, and voila – they’ve produced a new treadmill. Since there aren’t many reviews posted on the XP 690T yet, you can get a general idea of ProForm quality – which has been lacking in the budget models recently. ProForm treadmill reviews indicate issues with assembly and quality control of these Chinese made machines, and the Icon Fitness customer service reputation is even worse.

What We Say

While most ProForms are made for the budget category falling between $400 to $1,000, about 20 percent of their machines are in the highly competitive $1,000-plus market. And that is the problem with the ProForm XP690t treadmill (MSRP $1,299).

There is almost no reason to buy this ProForm at this price when you can get a better treadmill with quality components and outstanding warranties from Sole, Smooth, Nordictrack, or the new line from Livestrong. Compared to other ProForms, you’ll find a better deal with the ProForm Power Series (models 690, 990, and 995) which have better motors, cushioning, console displays, and sale prices.