ProForm Carbon TLS - Good Option For Your Home Gym?

The Carbon TLS joins the up-level TLX as the two options in ProForm's entry level series, an affordable treadmill with plenty of features and capabilities to satisfy most users.

It's not the most durable machine in the world, and not as advanced as the Pro Series, but for just about $1,000 on sale, you really can't beat it for the price.

Let's jump into our review to see what this new machine is all about...

Carbon TLS - The Machine

The ProForm Carbon TLS and TLX look identical, mostly black with red accents and a sleek, modern overall look.

Here are some of the most important specs...

• 2.6 CHP Motor
• 18" x 55" Tread Belt
• 5" LCD Display
• 0-12% Quick Incline™
• 0-10 mph QuickSpeed™
• ProShox Cushioning
• SpaceSaver Design with EasyLift Assist
• iFIT Workouts
• Audio Port With Dual 2" Speakers
• CoolAire™ Workout Fan
• 300 lb. Weight Capacity
• Warranty – 10 year frame, 1 year parts & labor

The Buzz

ProForm has really trimmed down their offerings in recent years, perhaps due to increased material prices, decreased demand or a combination of the two with other related factors.

This is good in a way, as it makes selecting one a lot easier than it was back in the day when they had 10 different models across 3-4 series.

The TLS is one of the newest releases from the company, along with the up-level ProForm Carbon TLX, which looks very similar but has a number of additional features.

There is a little confusion in the naming system at ProForm currently, because the Pro Series treadmills also have the Carbon name....so all of the treadmills from ProForm are called Carbon...we're not sure why.

At any rate, the TLS has been well received so far, as it is one of the few good home treadmills you can buy for around $1,000, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

However, for just a couple hundred more you can get the Carbon TLX, which has a larger screen, larger running deck, stronger motor and more speed options. Any one of those things would justify the higher price tag, but all of them together make the upgrade a no brainer.

If your space is very tight you might want to go with the TLS as it has a much smaller footprint...in most other cases the TLX is the better of the two.

Neither match the specs of the Pro Series, which includes the Carbon Pro 2000 and Carbon Pro 9000, both of which have made our best treadmill lists for many years. But those are more for intermediate and advanced runners. The Carbon Series is just fine for casual walking, jogging and running, with plenty of comfort features to make it an enjoyable workout.

Plus you get to tap into the iFIT workouts, with endless options for all levels of training on and off the machine. There's a subscription required but it's well worth it for all that is included.

How Does the Carbon TLS Compare to the Other ProForm Treadmills?

As we mentioned above there are only two series to choose from currently: the Carbon Series & the Pro Series.

The ProForm Carbon TLS is the base model in the series, with a 5" LCD display, 2.6 CHP motor, 18" x 55" running deck and 0-10 mph speed.

The up-level ProForm Carbon TLX gives you a larger 7" display, stronger 3.0 CHP motor, much bigger 20" x 60" running deck and up to 12mph speed.

Given the $200 price difference, you're getting a lot more machine with the TLX.

From here you move up to the Pro Series, which includes the Carbon Pro 2000 and Carbon Pro 9000, with even more capabilities and features.

The Pro 2000 has a 3.0 CHP motor, 10" Smart HD touch screen, a 20" x 60" deck, speeds up to 12 mph and 12% inclin.

The Pro 9000 is the top-of-the-line model and has everything the Pro 2000 has, plus a stronger 3.6 CHP motor and a larger 16" Smart HD touch screen.

So basically your current choices are the entry level Carbon Series treadmills or the more advanced Pro Series treadmills. For the casual walker, jogger, runner, the Carbon Series will be just fine. For the intermediate or more serious runner, the Pro Series is going to be the better option, if it fits within your budget of course.

ProForm Carbon TLS Review - Bottom Line

If you're in the market for an affordable treadmill that has the features and capabilities that you need for an enjoyable, yet effective workout, the ProForm Carbon TLS is definitely a good choice.

However, we would strongly consider the TLX instead as it gives you a lot more...motor, screen, deck, speed for just a few hundred dollars more. It is larger than the TLS so if space is limited then the upgrade might not be an option.

And for more serious runners, the Pro Series is a better option as you may find the Carbon Series limiting.

Whatever you choose, ProForm makes good treadmills that should last for many years without issues.