ProForm 505 CST Treadmill Review

Item: ProForm 505 CST Treadmill Review
Rating: 2.8
Author: Treadmill Reviews

Reviewed by TreadmillReviews.com

The ProForm 505 CST Treadmill is no longer in stock, to see reviews for this year's best treadmills, click here

Features

6/10

Tech Specs

6/10

Build Quality

5/10

Treadmill Review

In many ways, the ProForm 505 CST is similar to the ProForm SMART Performance 400i treadmill, except the 505 CST has a slightly lesser build quality and fewer high-tech features. Some features we liked on the 5” backlit display, as the console controls layout for an easy jump on and go usability.

The 505 CST falls into our Between $500 - $700 treadmill category, and while it is a good machine, with the SMART upgrade to the Performance 400i treadmill, we found the SMART Performance 400i to still be the better treadmill than the 505 CST.

Price

The 505 CST retails for $999. While we wouldn’t recommend it at that price, it regularly goes on sale for $599, at which price we are comfortable recommending as a good budget treadmill. You can also use a promo code from ProformPromoCodes.com.

The 505 CST Is Built For Users who:

Have budget constraints - If you want a quality treadmill from a treadmill manufacturer known for producing long-lasting treadmills but have budget constraints, then the 505 CST is a good option.
Want a treadmill primarily for walking - When it comes to budget treadmills, their small motors and light frames aren’t up to much more than walking and occasional jogging. Users looking for just those activities would find the 505 CST a good fit.
Need a compact treadmill - The 505 is a light and compact treadmill with a spring-loaded pin to secure the deck when folded.

Why The 505 CST earned 2.8 stars

As a budget treadmill, the 505 CST is a good option for users to consider. However, it still is outmatched by the Horizon T101 and the SMART Performance 400i, which are in our Best Buy for the Between $500-$700 category.

Average treadmill belt area for its price range - With a 20” by 55” belt, the 505 CST has the same belt area as other treadmills in its price range.
Good weight capacity for a budget treadmill - Many budget treadmills can only accommodate users who weight up to 250-300 lbs. The 505 CST can hold a user who weighs up to 325 lbs.
Decent build quality overall - The 505 CST is of only decent build quality. It is not the most stable when you workout at any speed over a walking pace as the console wiggles a lot. However, it does have a higher weight rating than the 400i.

While we liked the 505 CST for what it was — a good budget treadmill — it has restricted appeal as a piece of exercise equipment.

Main Specs - 6/10

Specs “Quick Review”:

Motor Size: 2.5 CHP
Running Area: 20” x 55”
Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
Folding: Yes
Footprint In Use (W, L, H): 36.5” x 73.5” x 61”
Incline Range: 0% to 10%
Max Speed: 10 MPH
Treadmill Best For: Walkers
Electrical Requirements: 115-120v

Motor Size - For a budget treadmill, the 505 CST comes with a good 2.5 CHP motor. In this, the 505 CST outdoes the T101 as the T101 only has a 2.25 CHP motor.

Running Area - Standard among cheaper treadmills is the 505 CST running area which measures 20” by 50”. If you are taller than 6’, you may find that length restrictive even for just walking.

Weight Capacity - The 505 CST has a good weight capacity, being able to hold a user who weighs up to 325 lbs.

Folding - We aren’t crazy about the 505 CST folding mechanic. Unlike many modern treadmills which have hydraulic locking systems, including most ProForm treadmills, the 505 CST requires you to use a spring-loaded pin to secure the deck of the treadmill when in the folded position. It is the not biggest flaw, but it doesn’t compare well with even other budget treadmills.

Space / Footprint - One reason people may choose an affordable treadmill is that they are generally more small space-friendly. The 505 CST in particular measures 36.5” wide, 73.5” long, and 61” tall. It also is light and has wheels so you can easily move this treadmill around if you need to pull it in and out of a corner for your workouts.

Max Speed - The max speed of the 505 CST is 10 MPH. While most treadmills have a speed standard of 12 MPH, we don’t consider the lesser speed of the 505 CST to be much of a loss as it is meant primarily for walking.

Incline - The 505 CST has an okay incline range, being able to go from 0% to 10% incline.

Features - 6/10

Features “Quick Review”

Display: 5” backlit
PreInstalled Workout Apps: 18
Speakers: Yes
Fans: No
Heart Rate Monitoring: EKG handlebars
USB port: No
Audio Jack: Yes
Water bottle cubbies: Yes
Device holder: Yes

Workout Apps - A fairly basic amount of workout programs come with the 505 CST. With 18 programs to choose from, you can select a workout focused on either calorie burn, intensity, incline, or speed.

If you want more workout options, the 505 CST is also able to sync up with iFit Coach, once you purchase an iFit Coach membership. However, if you are looking for a similar treadmill, the Performance 400i comes with a free year membership to iFit Coach for you to use.

Display - A backlit, 5” display comes with the 505 CST. The 505 CST display shows workout information readily, though the SMART Performance 400i treadmill comes with a 7” touchscreen, which is easier to use than the 505 CST console.

Speakers - The two speakers are located on either side of the 505 CST console. Interestingly, the audio port is located in the upper device holder well at the top of the console. So there will be no trailing wires to get in the way of your access to the console controls as any device you plug in will be kept in the upper device holder well.

Fans - Like the 400i, the 505 CST has no fans. As a walking treadmill, this isn’t a huge issue, but it is certainly a downside to the 505 CST.

Heart Rate Monitoring - Like many cheap treadmills, the only kind of heart rate monitoring on the 505 CST is the EKG handlebar grips. They aren’t very accurate when it comes to monitoring your heart rate.

Other Tech Features

iFit Coach Ready
Console-mounted tablet holder
Audio port

Build Quality - 5/10

505 CST Review: Build Quality

Warranties - Lifetime frame, 25-year motor, 1-year parts
Belt - 2-ply
Roller Size - 1.9” front and back
Cushioning - ProShox™ Cushioning
Customer Support - Live chat, email, phone
Return Policy - 30-day free return

The build quality of the 505 CST is only of decent quality. Without a crossbar, the 505 CST console tends to wiggle quite a bit when you use it at a pace faster than a brisk walk. There are more plastic parts on this treadmill than other competitors’ treadmills, which means the 505 CST may not last as long.

You have several options if you need to contact ProForm concerning the 505 CST. ProForm has a live chat option on their website, a phone line, and a customer support email. Also, the 505 CST comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is a 10% restocking fee if you choose to return your 505 CST. If the product is damaged or defective on arrival, you can return the 505 CST without paying the restocking fee.

Bottom Line Review Of The ProForm 505 CST

When it comes to budget treadmills, we are very careful with our recommendations. We like several aspects of the 505 CST:

Good weight capacity of up to 325 lbs
Light and compact treadmill frame
Sturdy enough for daily walking

With these qualities, we feel comfortable recommending the 505 CST as a decent option for those looking for a good walking treadmill.

Best Place To Buy The ProForm 505 CST

Currently, the ProForm 505 CST limited time offer has ended. It may be brought back, but likely, ProForm has discontinued the 505 CST. So if you are looking for a decent budget treadmill at a great price, then we recommend you purchase the SMART Performance 400i treadmill directly from the ProForm website. It is almost exactly like the 505 CST treadmill, but with more features!