The ProForm 720 E Endurance Elliptical Review - A Good Value Cardio Machine

The ProForm 720 E is a step up from the base 520 E elliptical in the company's value-priced Endurance series.  You get a lot of nice features and capabilities without having to spend a lot of money.

For those looking for a capable machine with a lot of built in workouts as well as incline training, this elliptical is a very good choice.

Let's get right into our review to see what this affordable cardio machine is all about...

ProForm 720E - What You Get

The 720 E features a 5" backlit display showing your workout stats such as calories burned, distance, time and speed.  

It features quiet SMR silent magnetic resistance and a 20 lb. flywheel for smooth motion.

Here are some of the important specs....

• 19" Adjustable Stride Length
• 0-10 Degrees Incline
• 20 Digital Resistance Levels
• 24 Workout Programs
• iFit Coach Ready
• Integrated adjustable tablet holder
• Compatible iPod® Music Port
• Dual-Grip EKG™ Heart rate monitoring
• Oversized, Adjustable Pedals
• 325-lb. User Capacity
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2 year parts and 1 year labor

What's the Word on the Street?

UPDATE: As of late 2020/early 2021 the ProForm 720E and the rest of the Endurance Series ellipticals have been discontinued. You can read about all of the latest ProForm ellipticals here.

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The ProForm 720 E is a nice upgrade to the previous 710 E model.  Expert reviews have been very positive, and they seem to appreciate the various upgrades that have been included, without raising the price to match.

You get a generous 19" stride that adjusts to fit any user.  You also get incline up to 20% in increments of 5 so you can target different muscle groups.

You can access the iFit Coach technology via your tablet, which allows you to choose any destination in the world via Google maps, and the elliptical will automatically adjust its incline to match the terrain...a very cool feature you don't find elsewhere.

iFit also gives you additional personal trainer designed workout programs on top of the 24 that are built into the machine.  You can also track your workouts to help you reach your goals and share your successes with family and friends.  So it's a very cool program, although it does require a nominal yearly membership free.

The 720E sits right in the middle of the front-drive Endurance series, offering more resistance levels and workouts than the 520 E.  It also has a higher weight capacity and a better warranty.

At the top of the series is the 920 E, which ups the ante with a 7" full color touch screen among other enhanced features.  There is definitely a difference when you use this technology, but it's not a deal breaker if you don't have it.  You can always use your tablet for a similar experience.

Other nice touches on the 720 E are oversized pedals, two-speed workout fan, transport wheels, water bottle holder and leveling feet for stability.

You get a nice array of features on this elliptical, all for a very affordable price.

How Does the Endurance 720E Compare to the Other ProForm Elliptical Trainers?

As we mentioned, the 720E sits in the middle of ProForm's Endurance Series, front drive ellipticals that bridge the gap between the rear drive Smart Striders and the more advanced Pro Series.

Let's take a brief look at all of the ProForm ellipticals so you can see how the 720E compares to the rest.

Hybrid Series

The least expensive ProForm models are the Hybrid Trainers, which are a combination of an elliptical and a recumbent exercise bike in one machine.  

So you can sit or stand and work out, but these are very basic machines and not as well made as the traditional ellipticals in the lineup.

CSE Series (Smart Striders)

A little more affordable than the 720E and other Endurance Series ellipticals, the Smart Striders (495 CSE, 695 CSE and 895 CSE) feature a folding, rear drive design rather than the non-folding, front drive design of the Endurance and Pro Series.  

However the stride length is 18" on all models, which may be a bit uncomfortable for taller users.

Endurance Series

These ellipticals are a step up from the Smart Striders, with a front drive design giving you longer strides and more incline capability.

Let's look at the 720E vs the 520E and 920E...

Endurance 520E

The base model gives you a 19" stride, 18 resistance levels, 18 workout programs, manual incline up to 20 degrees, a 5" LCD display, 15 lb. flywheel and a 300 lb. maximum user weight capacity.

Endurance 720E

As you read about above, the 720E improves upon the 520E with 20 resistance levels, 24 workouts, power incline up to 20 degrees, 20 lb. flywheel and a 325 lb. maximum user weight capacity.

Endurance 920E

The top of the line model gives you everything the 720E has, adding 24 resistance levels, 32 workouts, 25 lb. flywheel, a 325 lb. maximum user weight capacity, plus a 7" Smart HD touch screen with Bluetooth capability instead of the 5" basic LCD display on the 520E and 720E.

Pro Series

Sharing the front drive design with the 720E, the Pro 9.9, 12.9 and 16.9 are more durable than the Endurance Series ellipticals, with higher max user weights, longer strides, heavier flywheels and a free wireless heart rate monitor included.

So as you can see from the outline above, the ProForm 720E elliptical is going to be a more advanced model than the Hybrid Trainers and Smart Striders, and a step up from the base 520E.

However, it is not as advanced as the 720E, with its touch screen and additional features, or as the Pro Series, which takes it up another level for heavier usage.

Which ProForm Elliptical Trainer Should You Choose For Your Home Gym?

The Endurance Series is one of the best affordable lines of elliptical trainers on the market today, so if you are considering the 720E it's definitely a very good choice for the home gym.

You can't go wrong with any of the three models, so if you want to save the most money look at the 520E also.  

If you like the idea of a touch screen display with Bluetooth, which is a really nice upgrade, the 920E might be the right choice for you.

We don't recommend the Smart Striders due to their 18" strides, but if you need a folding elliptical and you are not on the taller side, you can save $100 or so with one of these models and have the ability to fold and store the machine post workout.

If your budget is a little more open, the Pro Series has the best ellipticals in the lineup, as they are more gym quality than all of the other ProForm trainers.  

You get stronger construction and the heavier flywheels mean smoother and quieter motion, which is always a plus.  You also get the best warranties here.

If you are considering one of the Pro Series ellipticals, look at the Pro 12.9 and 16.9, as they give you the touch screen displays and more incline than the base 9.9 model.

So to sum up, for lighter usage by one or two individuals, or those on a budget, the 720E or any of the Endurance models is a great choice.  If you can spend a little more, go for one of the Pro Series models as they can stand up to much heavier usage and will last longer.

ProForm 720 E Review - Bottom Line

The ProForm 720 E is a great choice at only $799-$999 on sale.  You get power incline, a nice amount of workouts, comfortable, adjustable pedals, 20 resistance levels, and the popular iFit technology, among other features and comforts that you don't find often.

Like the rest of the Endurance Series ellipticals, it is a very good option for those looking for a solid entry-level machine.

If you find the touch screen option appealing, take a look at the 920 E as well, as it gives you the ability to surf the web while you work out and see the iFit maps right on the screen in front of you.

Also, if you have a little more flexibility in your budget, check out the impressive Pro Series, which includes more advanced, more durable ellipticals that can handle more use than any of the other ProForm ellipticals.