ProForm Carbon TLX Review: Less Money, More Running?

Dimensions/Storability

The ProForm Carbon TLX is a fairly compact treadmill for running. Its dimensions are 74.3” L x 35.1” W x 59.1” H. It’s on par in size with other treadmills in its class. The deck folds up, which saves space. To fold the deck, you just have to lift up the back end and push it up towards the console.

There is lift assistance on the deck to help you lift and lower the deck safely. You don’t have to lift or lower the entire weight of the deck. To unfold, you push your foot against the metal bar under the deck. There’s a yellow sticker with a footprint on it to show where to push it. Once unlocked, the deck lowers to the floor on its own.

When folded, you can move this treadmill around, too.

There are two transport wheels on the frame under the front part of the deck. You just have to tip back the treadmill when folded to engage these wheels to move it. This might not be possible for some people. However, most should be able to move around the TLX from time to time.

I recommend keeping the Carbon TLX near where you plan on using it. For floor space, we recommend factoring in the treadmill’s unfolded dimensions and adding a few feet surrounding the treadmill to ensure you can use it correctly, safely, and comfortably. We recommend factoring some space behind the deck while using, folding, and unfolding it.

We recommend at least an 8.5-foot high ceiling if you’re a 6’0” tall runner. The TLX has a low deck height of just 7.5” when the deck is flat. For those who are shorter or taller, you can refer to our proper ceiling heights for treadmills article to determine how tall of a ceiling you’ll need to use the ProForm Carbon TLX and all of its features, including the full 12% incline range

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Many home treadmills nowadays feature access to subscription training content. The ProForm Carbon TLX gives you the option to use iFIT on your device, or you can also just hop on the Carbon TLX and do your own thing. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the Carbon TLX.

iFIT

iFIT is a subscription training platform that’s compatible with ProForm Treadmills. To use it on the Carbon TLX, you have to stream it from the iFIT app on your phone. For new members, iFIT is included with a free 30-day trial.

The outdoor classes are extra special.

iFIT costs $39 per month. You can cut down on the monthly cost by purchasing a 1, 2, or 3-year subscription ahead of time, though. A 1-year membership is $396, which is $33 per month; a 2-year is $699, which is around $29 per month; and a 3-year membership is $899, which is around $25 per month.

Note: When you first turn on and use the ProForm Carbon TLX, it requires being unlocked by using iFIT on your device. This is even if you don’t want to subscribe to iFIT. This is a little frustrating, but it’s easy to do following the assembly prompt that’s included with the treadmill.

Now, let’s jump into what you can expect with iFIT before getting into what the TLX offers without iFIT. Even though iFIT isn’t integrated into Carbon TLX’s console, you still get a lot of the same functionality and features with iFIT by using the app.

First, the app includes access to thousands of trainer-led workouts. These are available in a variety of disciplines, including treadmill workouts like walking, jogging, hiking, and running, as well as workouts on other equipment like exercise bikes, ellipticals, and rowers.

There are also mat classes for yoga and strength training. The workouts are filmed indoors in professional studios. A camera points at the instructor, and sometimes, other in-person class participants are shown in the background.

If you already have a membership to iFIT, you can log into your phone and pair your device easily to the Carbon TLX to use iFIT.

iFIT offers workouts that are filmed all around the world, literally on every continent. A trainer guides you through trails, cities, up mountains, and across beaches all over. During each workout, the instructor guides you through providing motivation and often facts about the location where the class takes place.

Most of the classes are divided into different series and challenges. In each series and challenge, most of the workouts are filmed in the same location and feature the same instructor(s). Each series and challenge has a goal and/or theme to encourage you to take one workout after the other.

You can search for workouts pretty easily in the app. The “browse” tab allows you to search for specific workouts and utilize the filters to find a specific class. You can also see your previous workouts and schedule workouts ahead of time.

What’s cool about connecting the iFIT app to the ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill is that the treadmill will automatically adjust when you select to follow along with the trainer. So, through the app, the treadmill will adjust the speed and incline settings on its own to match the format of the iFIT workout. You can also see and track your metrics and adjust the treadmill with the app.

One feature that isn’t available is the Google Map feature. This is only available in iFIT on equipment where the platform is integrated directly into the equipment’s consoles on the touch screen.

Another missing aspect is Bluetooth audio connectivity. When I pair my iPhone to the TLX, the audio from iFIT which includes the instructor’s voice and music, plays through my phone’s speakers instead of the treadmill’s speakers. If you want to listen to iFIT or other content from your device through the treadmill’s speakers, you have to plug in an audio cable (not included).

Fortunately, my iPhone speakers are loud, so I can hear iFIT just fine, but it would be nice to be able to use the TLX speakers more easily.

Overall, though, it’s nice to have the option to use iFIT with the Carbon TLX.

Related: 10 Ways to Stay Motivated on the Treadmill and Avoid Workout Boredom

Onboard Workouts

If you don’t want to subscribe to iFIT, you don’t have to. The ProForm Carbon TLX doesn’t come with any onboard workouts, but it has a manual mode for you to hop on and adjust the treadmill yourself. This means that you can use this treadmill in pretty much any way you want. You can stream content from your device (outside of iFIT) or just place it in front of a TV.

Console

The Carbon TLX has a simple console without a touchscreen. It features a bright 7” digital screen that displays time, distance, speed, pace, incline, estimated calories, and heart rate. The TLX pairs with compatible Bluetooth heart rate monitors to track your heart rate on the console. You can also purchase a SmartBeat armband tracker from ProForm separately.

The display is really easy to see and read.

Adjusting the Carbon TLX is easy to do with the number-quick adjusting buttons, too. The incline and speed settings are numbered in two lines on top of each other with the speed buttons below the incline.

This isn’t my favorite layout. I prefer these adjustment buttons to be vertically placed on either side of the treadmill’s screen, but this layout works just fine. With the speed buttons, you can press two numbers back-to-back in order to change to specific speed settings.

For example, if you press 4 and 8, the treadmill will adjust to 4.8 mph.

There are also adjustment buttons below next to the start and stop buttons. The speed adjusts by 0.1 increments and the incline adjusts by 0.5%.

Although I wasn’t able to pair my phone with the speakers because I don’t have an audio cable compatible with my iPhone, other members of our team were able to connect their headphones and use the speakers. They said they’re clear and go plenty loud.

The treadmill beeps when you press the adjustment buttons, and the more you increase the treadmill’s volume, the louder the beeps get.

The fan has 3 airflow settings. The vents aren’t adjustable though. I’m about 5’1” and the air hits the very top of my head. If you are taller than me, the fan should work just fine, but if you are about my height or shorter, you’ll need to plug in your own fan.

For storage, there is a cupholder on either side of the console to hold your standard water bottle in place. There is also a device rack just below the 7” screen to place your phone or tablet on. A larger tablet will cover the screen where your metrics are displayed, so just keep this in mind.

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Build Quality

Diving into the overall construction of the ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill, we’re really pleased with the overall build quality. This treadmill is made with solid materials, and its overall construction makes it feel really solid and stable. Considering this is a budget treadmill that’s (currently) ProForm’s most affordable treadmill, the TLX has a great build.

For right around $1000, this is a solid treadmill for running.

The Carbon TLX is made for home use and rated to handle users up to 300 lbs. This is ProForm’s standard weight limit. It should handle folks up to this capacity.

Related: ProForm vs Horizon Treadmills: The Battle of Features, Durability, and Price

Frame

The Carbon TLX has a steel frame that supports the deck and steel uprights that extend up from the floor frame to hold the console in place. Like other folding treadmills, the floor frame sits under the deck under the motor hood and front part. The steel frame and materials make this treadmill feel really solid. We didn’t experience any shaking while running.

I like that the front handle is multi-functional.

The front handle reminds me of metal crossbars that we like to see on entry-level treadmills. These are usually a bit lower and sometimes have plastic storage trays overtop. This handle is higher, so you can reach it for balance, but it still provides extra support and stability to the treadmill like a crossbar does.

This horizontal handle and side handles are metal with a gritty texture so they don’t feel slippery even after you work up a sweat.

Motor

The ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill has a 3.0 CHP motor. With our several years of experience, we’ve found this motor size to be sufficient for light to moderate running. I would say 3-7 miles per day should be a great range for this treadmill to handle. If you want to do more extensive training of 10+ miles per day or so, I’d recommend checking out the ProForm Pro 9000.

The TLX has a comparable motor to the Sole F63 and Horizon 7.0 AT. It can handle a bit more use than the NordicTrack EXP 7i. The motor is pretty responsive on the Carbon TLX. It takes around 23.5 seconds to go from 1 mph up to 12 mph.

12 mph is the maximum speed range.

This is a 5-minute mile running pace and the maximum speed that’s offered on most treadmills. I like seeing this high of a speed range on a budget-friendly treadmill. The motor is pretty quiet.
The incline motor is a little noisy when it adjusts, but it isn’t excessive.

It doesn’t decline, but, for its price, we didn’t expect it to.

The incline adjusts up to 12%, which is a good range.

Deck

The deck size is another reason why we like the Carbon TLX for walking, jogging, and running. It is 20” wide and 60” long. This length is the longest for folding treadmills, and it accommodates all running stride lengths.

It provides enough room for pretty much all abilities while still being pretty compact. The deck is longer than the EXP 7i but the same size as the F63 and 7.0 AT. This means that the TLX is a good size for most people, yet space-conscious to fit better in more homes.

The width is a good size, too.

The deck cushioning reminds me of other ProForm Treadmills. The cushioning isn’t quite as absorbent underfoot as NordicTrack Treadmills like the NordicTrack EXP 10i and EXP 7i. It is softer underfoot than the Sole F63, though. It feels more comparable to the Horizon 7.0 AT. However, I think the Horizon is a little more cushioned.

I think if you don’t have a strong preference for soft or firm cushioning, the ProForm Carbon TLX is a good treadmill that’s somewhere in the middle.

We have found the cushioning to be comfortable when running.

Overall, we’re impressed with the build quality and capabilities of the Carbon TLX. When compiling this ProForm Carbon TLX review, it exceeded our expectations for a budget-friendly, entry-level running treadmill.

Warranty

ProForm includes its standard 10-year frame warranty with the purchase of the Carbon TLX Treadmill. This treadmill also comes with a 1-year parts and labor warranty. We suggest having at least two people for set-up due to this treadmill’s size and weight.

Should You Buy the ProForm Carbon TLX

We are really impressed with the ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill. It’s nice to see ProForm add a treadmill to their lineup that doesn’t have a touch screen but allows you to train with iFIT. With a subscription, you can stream iFIT on your phone. The TLX automatically adjusts the speed and incline settings when paired to your phone with iFIT, which is pretty cool and convenient.

iFIT is completely optional, though. You can just hop on the Carbon TLX and go. The console is easy to see and use, with plenty of adjustment buttons and metrics tracking. This treadmill also goes up to 12 mph and has a 12% incline to vary your workouts and intensity.

For a budget-friendly price of around $1000, which is comparable to treadmills in its class, the ProForm Carbon TLX is great for running. It has a 3.0 CHP motor, a 60” long deck to support most people, and light to moderate use. If you’re looking for a great-value treadmill that folds up and gives you different training and content options, check out the Carbon TLX.

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ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill Review FAQs / Q&As

Can I use the ProForm Carbon TLX without an iFIT subscription?

Yes! The ProForm Carbon TLX doesn’t require you to use a subscription to iFIT. The console doesn’t include a touch screen, so if you want to use iFIT, you’ll pair your phone with the app to the console.

With iFIT, you can stream thousands of workouts and utilize hands-free adjusting even when using the app on the Carbon TLX Treadmill. Without a subscription, manual mode is available, so you can hop on and do your own thing.

You do need your device to initially unlock and start using the Carbon TLX, but it’s easy to do this with a free 30-day trial to iFIT that you can cancel anytime.

Is ProForm or NordicTrack better?

NordicTrack and ProForm are very similar and owned by the same parent company: iFIT. NordicTrack has higher-end machines. Most are higher in price and offer more training options. ProForm allows for streaming from iFIT like NordicTrack and includes the same tech features with iFIT on treadmills and equipment that are a bit more budget-friendly overall.

Is the ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill worth it?

The ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill is worth it if you are looking for an entry-level treadmill for running that’s well-priced and of great quality. After testing and reviewing this treadmill, we’re impressed with the overall build. It has a good-sized motor and deck to support most runners and a simple, easy-to-use console that you can use with or without iFIT.

Is this ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill review a paid review?

We aren’t paid for our reviews. ProForm sent us the Carbon TLX. However, we weren’t paid to compile this Carbon TLX Treadmill review. All of the opinions expressed are our own and completely unbiased. We work with several different fitness brands to allow us to test and review all kinds of treadmills and fitness equipment.

We do have affiliate links from ProForm and other brands. This allows us to create reviews while still recommending the best treadmills and fitness equipment on the market to you at home.

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