The Proform 790T Treadmill has a 2.5 HP motor and a 20” x 55” running surface. While the 55” length would most likely be adequate for all but the tallest runners, the 2.5 HP motor is quite a lot less powerful than the 3.0 CHP motors on the 1050T and the Epic view. Certainly at the sales prices, it would be worth the extra $100 for the 1050T for the motor alone.

The 790T and 1050T both have iFit Workout Card technology, an Interplay music port with Intermix acoustics. The Epic View does not include the iFit tercnology but does offer the tv, music port and speakers.

Deeply irritating as the chopping and changing of models at Proform is, the fancy monikers given for standard treadmill features are even worse. The 790T and the 1050T both offer ProTech Adjustable cushioning while the Epic View has ComfortStride Impact Reducing Cushioning. Can you guess by the names what the difference is? No? Well, according to the Proform website, the first reduces impact on joints by 15% while the second reduces impact by up to 20%. To further confuse matters, elsewhere on the Proform site it says that Proform 3” Adjustable cushioning reduces impact by up to 33%. Sigh.

I would buy shares in the company of any fitness machine trader who actually made the effort to be clear and concise about the features and benefits of each of their machines. Why not start with appending the impact reduction to each of the fancy cushioning system names: ProTech Adjustable 15%, ComfortStride Cushioning 20%.

Here is another example. All three machines have dual-grip heart rate monitors built into the hand rail. On the 790T and 1050T these are called Dual-Grip EKG Heart rate Monitors. On the Epic View they are called Dual-Grip PowerPulse Heart Rate Monitors. Ooohhh. Sounds fancier. Maybe that explains the extra $400 bucks?

Overall, and comparing the special sales prices, I would have to say that the 1050T is the best buy . Like the Epic View, it has a powerful motor and an extra 5 inches of running space. I can’t see why a small tv screen and fancy marketing terms justify the extra expense of the Epic View.

Each of the Proform Tech series treadmills comes with free shipping. It should be noted however, that the free shipping is for curbside delivery only. Also note the warranties of each machine. A lifetime warranty on frame and motor are not unusual and a one year warranty on parts and labor is on the low side.