This is currently one of the top selling ellipticals at NordicTrack. And with these features and this price it's no surprise why.ProForm Carbon EL – New Entry Level Elliptical
ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical Overview & Key Features
The ProForm Carbon EL is currently the only remaining model from the company’s Carbon Series. You can see how it fits within the full lineup on our ProForm elliptical reviews page.
For the price, it offers a solid mix of features aimed at light to moderate use. It’s not built to compete with higher-end machines, but it still provides enough functionality to keep workouts effective and engaging.
One of the main highlights is the inclusion of iFIT, which gives you access to a large library of trainer-led workouts, global routes and automatic resistance adjustments. The machine can adjust intensity for you during workouts, which helps create a more guided, hands-off experience.
You also get up to 20 levels of incline, which is not very common at this price point. This allows you to vary your workouts and target different muscle groups more effectively than a standard flat elliptical.
The Carbon EL includes 18 levels of SMR (silent magnetic resistance), giving you a good range of intensity for different fitness levels. Combined with the incline, it offers more variety than you might expect from an entry-level machine.
Other features include a 5” high-contrast display, a 15 lb flywheel, oversized pedals, upper body workout arms, built-in speakers, a tablet holder and transport wheels. While it doesn’t have a touchscreen like some higher-end models, it still covers the essentials well.
Overall, the Carbon EL is a simple, budget-friendly elliptical that still delivers a decent workout experience, especially if you plan to use iFIT and don’t need all the bells and whistles of a more advanced machine.
What Do Users Have To Say About the ProForm Carbon EL?
Overall, feedback on the ProForm Carbon EL is generally positive, especially for the price. Many users feel that it offers a good balance of features and affordability, particularly for beginners or those looking for a lighter-duty machine for home use.
One of the more commonly mentioned positives is the inclusion of incline and iFIT at this price point. Users like having access to guided workouts and the ability to vary intensity, which helps keep things more interesting compared to basic entry-level ellipticals.
That said, some of the feedback reflects its position as a budget-friendly model. A few users note that the machine is not as heavy-duty or as smooth as higher-end ellipticals, especially during more intense workouts. Others mention that assembly can take some time, which is fairly typical for machines in this category.
The iFIT subscription is another area that gets mixed reactions. While many users enjoy the workouts and automatic adjustments, others prefer not having to rely on a paid subscription to get the most out of the machine.
Overall, most users who understand what they’re getting — an affordable, feature-rich entry-level elliptical — tend to be satisfied with the Carbon EL, especially for light to moderate use.
ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical – Test Drive
As far as the workout goes, the Carbon EL feels very similar to some of the older ProForm models we’ve tested in the past, which is a good thing. The motion is smooth and comfortable for an entry-level machine, and it stays relatively quiet during use, which makes longer workouts more enjoyable.
The 19” stride works well for most users, and the overall movement feels natural for walking and light jogging. It’s not as fluid or heavy-duty as higher-end ellipticals, but for the price point it performs well and doesn’t feel overly restricted.
The incline adds a noticeable change to the workout. You can feel the difference right away when adjusting elevation, and it does a good job of helping you engage different muscle groups instead of just repeating the same motion.
The console is simple and easy to navigate, and making adjustments during a workout is quick and straightforward. Most users will likely use a tablet or phone for iFIT workouts, and the built-in holder works well without feeling awkward or unstable.
If you prefer a more basic workout, the machine is easy to hop on and use without overcomplicating things. Resistance and incline transitions are smooth, and nothing feels jerky or distracting during use.
Overall, the Carbon EL delivers a comfortable, low-impact workout that feels best suited for lighter use. It’s not designed for heavy training, but for casual or beginner users it holds up well and does what you need it to do.
ProForm Carbon EL Review – Conclusion
The ProForm Carbon EL is a solid entry-level elliptical that offers a comfortable and straightforward workout experience for most home users. It’s not trying to compete with higher-end machines, but it still delivers where it matters for lighter use.
If you’re looking for something simple to use a few times a week, with enough variety to keep workouts from getting boring, it’s a very reasonable option at this price point.
That said, it’s not built for heavy or high-intensity use. If you plan to use your elliptical daily or have multiple users in the household, you’ll likely want something more durable. But for beginners or lighter use, the Carbon EL fits the role well.
Check current pricing and see available deals on the ProForm Carbon EL here.
