ProForm Smart Strider 695 CSE

Overview: The Smart Strider 695 CSE sits right in the middle of the new for 2017 rear drive elliptical lineup from ProForm. It is a step up from the base 495 and a step down from the 895. It does have some nice features and is a decent choice in the price category.

Let’s look at some of the best features you’ll find on this one…

Diverse Workout Programs

You get 24 built in workouts, 6 more than found on the base 495 CSE model, that give you a lot of variety and ways to challenge yourself. You can easily access all of them from the console.

iFit Coach Technology

One of the most appealing features of ProForm ellipticals and treadmills these days is iFit Coach, which is an immersive workout and entertainment experience that is exclusive to ICON Health brands. You can tap into an endless library of additional workouts designed by personal trainers. You can track and share your results with family and friends, and set goals for yourself. You can choose any location worldwide via Google maps and it appears right on your tablet, which you can affix to the machine. You also get nutrition information, sleep recommendations and much more. There is a yearly fee, but it is nominal and well worth it for all you are getting.

Round Watts Display

Both the Smart Strider 695 CSE and base model have a Round Watts Display, showing you exactly what power zone you are in: Tempo, Endurance or Peak so you know exactly how much effort you are putting into your workouts. It keeps you in your ideal heart rate zone, which maximizes your results.

Other Nice Features

The 695 comes with space saving design for easy storage, soft grip workout arms, up to 10 degrees of power incline, 20 resistance levels, tablet holder, CoolAire fan, iPod compatibility and transport wheels.

ProForm Smart Strider 695 CSE Test Drive

The Smart Strider series is considered entry level, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good workout on it. It has plenty of features and capabilities that will keep you motivated and excited to work out each day.

It’s not the sturdiest elliptical we’ve ever been on, but it is built of commercial gauge solid steel, and is backed up by a pretty solid warranty. So you don’t have to worry about any issues, and it does feel quite capable.

The 695 CSE, as we mentioned, has a Round Watts LED display that gives you your workout stats as well as what power zone you are in. Tempo is slow and steady, Endurance is the ideal target zone and Peak is all out. It gives you a nice overview of how hard you are working. It’s OK to be in the peak zone, but not for extended periods of time to maximize your results.

You get a nice array of workouts, plus the ones you can access via iFit, so there’s certainly enough to choose from. There’s also the incline that you don’t get on the 495 CSE and 20 resistance levels, up from 18 on the base model.

As we mentioned iFit Coach is a very cool program, and they have been adding new features to it every year. It helps you keep on top of your progress, while keeping you fully entertained. The Google maps alone are worth the membership in our opinion…just pick a location anywhere and it is as if you are actually working out there. It’s very cool and certainly different.

Anything we didn’t like? Not much but we need to mention the fact that you are getting a fixed 18″ stride on all of the Smart Striders, including the top of the line 895 CSE model. This might not be ideal for taller users, who may find the stride a little uncomfortable. Other than that there isn’t much not to like here.

Final Thoughts

The Smart Striders are well-priced and have great features, making them a good choice in the sub $1000 price category. You get a lot of workouts, iFit technology, incline, 20 resistance levels, music, compact design and cushioned pedals. For an additional $200 you can get the 895 CSE, with a touch screen console and internet, free wireless chest strap and more workouts, so definitely take a look at that one as well.

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