ProForm Smart Strider 495 CSE Rear Drive Elliptical

Overview: The ProForm Smart Strider 495 CSE is one of three new rear drive ellipticals introduced in 2017, along with the 695 and 895 models. There are the company’s entry level machines, good for basic workouts and very affordable.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best features…

iFit Coach Technology

One of the most appealing features of ProForm ellipticals is iFit, one of the most comprehensive workout programs in the industry. For a small yearly fee, you get access to a huge library of professionally designed workout programs, tracking capability, personalized diet plans and Google maps to train anywhere in the world as if you are really there.

New Power Display

The 495 CSE features the new round watts LED display, as does the mid-range 695 CSE model, which shows your power level to keep you in your ideal zone. There are three different zones: Endurance – slow and steady, Tempo – ideal heart rate and Peak – max exertion.

Space Saver Design

The Smart Striders are some of the few ellipticals that actually fold up for easy storage. They feature Space Saver design, allowing you to quickly and easily fold the machine up when you are done and stow it away with the included transport wheels.

Workout Programs

On top of the ones that come with iFit Coach, you also get 18 workout apps built right into the machine itself. You also get 18 different resistance levels to choose from to change up your workout.

ProForm Smart Strider 495 CSE Test Drive

It’s important to know going in that the Smart Striders are ProForm’s entry level series. They are well designed and they offer good workouts, but they are not as solid as the higher end models. The 495 CSE is also the base model, so it has less features than the new 695 CSE and 895 CSE.

Still, if your budget is around $600, it’s one of the better choices on the market today, especially given the amount of features and capabilities.

We like the fact that you can literally set this thing up in a matter of minutes. It comes out of the box fully assembled, and you can be up and running (no pun intended) after a few very simple steps. This is a welcome change from older models that took an hour or two to get going.

SpaceSaver design is also key, as you can very easily fold and move the machine in case space is limited in your gym area.

iFit Coach is the latest version of the program, and it gives you a full suite of tools to use that really help motivate you to work out every day. You’ll need your tablet or phone to access iFit on the 495 CSE, where you can view your workout stats and see the map of your chosen destination unfold in front of you. If you want to view iFit on the elliptical itself, take a look at the new 895 CSE with a full color touch display.

You get 18 workouts to choose from and 18 resistance levels, a tablet holder, water bottle holder, iPod music compatibility and leveling feet.

Anything we didn’t like on the new 495 CSE? In a word yes. For starters, the Smart Striders are not for taller users. They all have 18″ strides which are OK for average size users but anyone 6′ or over will find the motion a bit awkward.

Also, the 495 CSE is missing features found on the higher end 895 CSE model such as incline, fan and wireless heart rate monitoring. It also has a very light 13 lb. flywheel and a not so great warranty comparatively.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for an entry level elliptical with a lot of good features for under $600, the new ProForm Smart Strider 495 CSE is a decent choice, as long as you are not very tall.

But for our money we’d opt for one of the higher end models, with heavier flywheels, incline capability, more workouts and better warranties.

Get more info and see special sale pricing on this new elliptical trainer here