ProForm Carbon EL Review: compact, full-featured, and affordable

These guys are owned by iFit, who also own NordicTrack, so you’ll always see similar ellipticals from both companies. Still, ProForm likes to make a few more affordable options than NordicTrack, and the Proform Carbon EL Elliptical is one of them,

You basically save yourself around $300 by choosing a ProFrom elliptical without the touchscreen. And if you own a tablet, you won’t miss it. I call the Carbon EL a stripped-down version of their higher-end models. Yes, you’re missing out on some of the tech, but it still delivers on what really matters. And that’s the essentials.

And today, I want to look at everything this elliptical offers, including any drawbacks. At the end of the review, I’ll compare the Carbon EL with the Nautilus E616, another of my favs in this price bracket.

First, let’s check out the Carbon EL’s product specs!

Why Do We Like The ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical?

I already mentioned in the intro; for an affordable elliptical, the EL is heavy, and that weight is important because it keeps the machine planted to the floor. You dont want it to move around when you’re pedaling, which is a big issue with the budget machines that weigh under 100lb.

You need an elliptical machine that weighs at least 150lb if you want that study feel.

A commercial elliptical like the ones you use in your local gym will weigh 300lb +, so you need to get as close to that with your budget as possible.

Also, the weight of an elliptical is a good clue to the overall quality of the parts used in the build; the heavier, the better.

Impressive Incline For the Price Point

I can’t stress enough how important a decent incline feature is on a front-drive elliptical.

The reason it’s so important is that you stand on the front of your feet when pedaling a front-drive elliptical as you have to push the flywheel to get it spinning and because you’re pushing, you’re only working anterior legs muscles like your quads.

Build and Strengthen Your Glutes and Hamstrings

What you really want to work are the much larger posterior muscle, like your hamstrings and glutes; when these muscles contract, they have a much higher caloric output demand than the smaller anterior muscles. And the only way to work those large muscles on a front-drive elliptical is to use an inline.

When pedaling on an incline, you’ll shift the focus of your workout from the anterior to the posterior, and by doing this, you’ll burn at least twice as many calories and build and strengthen those hard-to-train muscles like your glutes and hamstrings.

And thankfully, the ProForm EL boasts one of the best inclines I’ve seen on an elliptical in this price range with a 0-20 degree power adjustable incline. This is excellent for an elliptical under $800.

To adjust the incline, simply press the one-touch buttons on the monitor.

Click here to check price of the Carbon EL at Walmart

Adjust to Fit 19″ Stride

Another feature I was surprised to see on a $700 elliptical is an adjustable stride length. Usually, adjustable strides are reserved for much higher-priced machines. And it’s a handy feature, especially if the elliptical is going to be used by different people in your home.

You can adjust the stride to the length suits you best, and with a max stride length of 19,” the EL can accommodate users up to 6’2″, again impressive for an affordable machine. Most commercial machines boast a 20″ stride, so you’re not far off a commercial length stride with the ProForm Carbon EL.

Monitor – Some Nice Features, but No Workout Programs

I was disappointed that this monitor has no built-in workout programs. Yes, there are thousands of workouts you can choose from with iFit their app, but for those of us who dont want to spend money on apps, they always should be the option to use the built-in workout programs, and this is what really lets the Carbon EL’s monitor down.

Apart from the lack of workout programs, it’s a fairly decent monitor. You have the one-touch buttons for incline and resistance, which save you from having to scroll through any menus.

You also have built-in speakers and BlueTooth, plus it tracks all your usual workout stats such as distance, time, calories, etc., which can be easily viewed from the 5″ screen.

But there’s nothing very advanced about the ELs monitor. There’s no HD touchscreen or wireless heart rate monitoring. I’d call it a basic monitor. Still, basic is good sometimes because it is so easy to use.

iFit can be pretty cheap if you buy for just one person because then its only 50c a day, and for that price, it’s worth it, as you get thousands of trainer-led workouts and the cool stuff like Global Routes, Google Maps, and Auto trainer control where you can allow the iFit trainers to adjust your speed and incline for you depending on the studio class you have chosen or the route you are running.

Is a 15lb Flywheel Heavy Enough

I wasn’t expecting a heavy flywheel with the ProForm Carbon Elliptical, and we didn’t get one. 15lb isn’t super light; there is just enough weight to keep the elliptical motion smooth, but it’s not heavy either.

You also have to remember the weight of the flywheel will determine how strong the resistance feels in those all-important upper levels. And at 15lb, you basically have an elliptical for beginners and intermediates. If you’re a seasoned athlete, this isn’t the elliptical for you.

However, nearly all ellipticals in this price bracket come with flywheel weights ranging from 12lb to 18lb, so 15lb isn’t bad.

An elliptical like the EL is designed to be used 4 or 5 times a week to burn calories, tone muscle, and increase overall fitness levels. It’s not an elliptical for athletes in training. It’s much better than your low-cost lightweight ellipticals, but it’s still a long way off commercial grade,

Magnetic Resistance and Belt Drive System

Magnetic resistance is always the best choice for ellipticals because it’s a frictionless resistance, which means it is quiet and when combined with a belt drive system, a system much quieter than a chain drive system, you’ll have a noise level of just 20DB. This means you can use this elliptical while watching TV or listening to music, and you won’t be disturbed by the sound of the machine.

Also, because magnetic resistance is frictionless, there’s very little wear and tear. It’s a low-maintenance resistance system which is exactly what you want.

The only maintenance you’ll really need to carry out with this elliptical is to lubricate the joints once a month or so, depending on how heavy the use is. This will prevent any annoying squeak from developing.

Moving and Stationary Handlebars

You might have noticed most ellipticals come with a moving pair of handlebars and a stationary pair. The stationary pair are perfect for beginners because you can hold on to these and get used to the elliptical motion, and after a few days, you can move on to the moving pair of handlebars for a full-body workout.

But even seasoned elliptical users love the stationary pair because they allow them to concentrate fully on the lower body. You can set the resistance to a high level, grab hold of the stationary handlebars, and give the legs a hard workout.

2 Hour Assembly

It’s always a good idea to set aside a few hours for assembling any elliptical. They’re a little more tricky than assembling an exercise bike or treadmill. And assembling an elliptical correctly is important, as most of the problems that arise with ellipticals is because they haven’t been assembled correctly.

This is a fairly heavy elliptical, so it is best to have a friend or family member there to help or, at the very least, help you unbox it and get the machine in place. ProForm provides all the tools and a detailed illustrated manual.

Alternative

Nautilus E616 Elliptical

Nautilus are another company that shines in this price bracket, these guys also own Schwinn, and their ellipticals are very similar. Still, for some unknown reason, Nautilus updates their line of ellipticals more often, which is why I’d always choose a Nautilus elliptical over a Schwinn.

The E616 elliptical weighs 173lb assembled, so it feels just as sturdy and well-built as the ProForm Carbon EL they also share the same magnetic resistance system and belt drive, so they are both quiet machines.

Still, there are a few important differences. The E616 has a slightly heavier flywheel, so resistance will feel a little stronger in the top levels. Also, the E616 has the desirable 20″ stride, but it’s not adjustable.

But the main difference is the monitor. The E616 boasts a much better monitor, it includes wireless heart rate monitoring, an essential feature for those who love to train in their chosen heart rate zone, and Nautilus provides you with the HR chest strap, saving you a few dollars. Plus, the E616 monitor has 29 built-in workout programs and access to their Around The World app, which includes some free global routes you can try on your tablet.

However, you dont get such an impressive power adjustable incline with the E616, just a 10 degree compared to the 20 degrees of the ProForm.

Check current price of Nautilus E616 on Amazon

It’s a tough choice between these two. Personally, I feel the E616 has a slight edge; I love that you get a ton of workout programs, Wireless heart rate monitoring, and a heavier flywheel.

With the ProForm EL you have the better incline and the adjustable stride, it’s a difficult decision, which ever one you choose I’m sure you won’t be disappointed as both offer a lot for the money.